NYC News

Meet the Nominees: Operation Mincemeat
May 15, 2025, 11:48.55 pm ET
Details

(L-R) Felix Hagen, Zoë Roberts, Natasha Hodgson, David Cumming
(Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

For Part 3 of our Tony Awards "Meet the Nominees" series, Cititour caught up with the creative minds behind Operation Mincemeat, nominated for both Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

In this lively roundtable discussion—conducted in New York City by Cititour's Brian Scott Lipton alongside fellow Broadway critics and journalists—the team behind the critically acclaimed British import shares insights on bringing this wildly original World War II spy tale to the Broadway stage, and what it's like to land two major Tony nominations for their Broadway debut.

Watch the conversation here:



Check out the Cititour YouTube channel for more.

Live Nation Offers $30 Summer Concert Tickets Nationwide
May 15, 2025, 1:37.12 pm ET
Details

Avril Lavigne (Photo: Shutterstock)

Live Nation’s popular “Ticket to Summer” promotion is back for 2025, giving fans access to tickets for over 1,000 concerts across the country for just $30. This limited-time offer includes a wide range of artists and genres, making it one of the most affordable ways to enjoy live music this summer.

The lineup features major acts like blink-182, Avril Lavigne, The Black Keys, Counting Crows, Halsey, Leon Bridges, Willie Nelson, Luke Bryan, Kesha, Pierce the Veil, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, James Taylor, Keith Urban, The Offspring, Goo Goo Dolls, Pantera, Hardy, Rod Stewart, Volbeat, Coheed and Cambria, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Simple Plan, Slightly Stoopid, Nelly, Cody Jinks, Glass Animals, and Dispatch, among many others.

How to Get Tickets
T-Mobile and Rakuten members get early access on May 20 at 10 a.m. ET.

General public tickets go on sale May 21 at 10 a.m. local time.

Tickets are available at livenation.com/tickettosummer.

Each $30 ticket includes service fees, though taxes will be added at checkout. Supplies are limited and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Go
While this is a nationwide promotion, select New York-area venues will also feature $30 concerts. Fans should check Live Nation’s website for updated lists of participating events and locations.

Pro Tip
If you’re a T-Mobile or Rakuten user, make sure to grab your early access passcode through your account or app to unlock tickets before the general sale.

For more details, visit livenation.com/tickettosummer.

FIND TICKETS TO YOUR FAVORITE SHOWS AT CITIMUSIC

Dominique Ansel & Kith Drop The Metropolitan Cronut®
May 15, 2025, 1:00.51 pm ET
Details

Photos: Kith Treats/Dominique Ansel

Two NYC icons—Dominique Ansel Bakery and Kith Treats—have joined forces for a sweet-and-salty celebration: The Metropolitan Cronut®, a limited-edition flavor created for the Cronut®’s 12th birthday and Kith’s 10th anniversary.

Revealed ahead of its release, The Metropolitan is inspired by New York City’s legendary late-night eats, combining Cookies & Cream Ganache with a hit of Salted Potato Chip Ganache. It’s a nod to the city that never sleeps, captured in Ansel’s signature croissant-doughnut hybrid.

The special-edition Cronut® will be available for just one weekend, from Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18, exclusively at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo NYC, starting at 8AM daily until sold out.

The collab doesn’t stop there. To coincide with the reopening of Kith Treats’ SoHo flagship, a limited-edition ice cream special—also called The Metropolitan—will be served at all U.S. Kith Treats locations. This frozen spin infuses the Cronut® flavor profile into a swirl, layered with complementary ingredients from Kith’s menu.

Both Ansel and Kith Founder & CEO Ronnie Fieg have long been inspired by Kith's mantra “New York to the World,” making this collaboration a fitting tribute to their shared roots in NYC creativity.

For more info, follow @dominiqueansel and @kithtreats.

Tiki Social Brings Island Cocktails to Midtown NYC
May 15, 2025, 12:30.36 pm ET
Details

Photos: Omni Berkshire Place

Looking for a summer escape without leaving the city? Omni Berkshire Place in Midtown is bringing the island vibes to Manhattan with Tiki Social, a tropical pop-up bar experience launching Memorial Day Weekend and running through Labor Day.

Created in collaboration with tiki historian, cocktail expert, and Latitude 29 owner Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Tiki Social transforms Omni Berkshire’s bar space into a breezy getaway, complete with an exclusive menu of eight original tropical cocktails and two zero-proof drinks designed to make every sip feel like a mini vacation.

Highlights from Berry’s menu include:

• Coconutty Islander, served in a fresh coconut with rum, passion fruit, and macadamia liqueur.

• Mai Tai Have Another, a bold take on the classic with gold and dark Jamaican rums.

• The Tropical Tease, a smoky mezcal cocktail with Raspberry Reàl, pineapple and Crème de Cacao.

For those skipping the booze, there are spirit-free options like the Dry Tai and Designated Diver.

“Tiki has always been about transporting people, if only for a moment, to someplace sunny, breezy, and far from the everyday,” says Berry. At Omni Berkshire Place, that means turning a Midtown bar into a tropical retreat every Friday and Saturday evening all summer long.

Tiki Social is open to hotel guests and the public. For more details, visit omnihotels.com/tiki-social.

NYC’s First Pizza Bagel Shop, Bagizza, Debuts in Midtown
May 15, 2025, 11:32.45 am ET
Details

Photos: Teddy Wolff

Meet Bagizza, the Midtown newcomer elevating your favorite college snack with hand-rolled, freshly baked bagels, prime rib-topped creations, and a full-fledged deli counter.

Pizza bagels might conjure memories of late-night freezer raids or after-school snacks, but Midtown’s newest opening, Bagizza (424 Madison Ave at 49th St), is rewriting the script. Opening today, May 15, this all-day bagel-pizza hybrid shop is anything but basic, blending New York and Montreal bagel styles with serious chef chops and house-cured deli meats.

The brainchild of restaurateur Michael Park, master bagel roller Alex Baka, and chef Steven Cho (Jams, Kappo Masa, Chef's Club), Bagizza starts with the foundation: bagels that undergo a three-stage cooking process—kettle, rack oven, wood stone oven—for the perfect chew and crisp. Baka, who estimates he’s hand-rolled over 25 million bagels (yes, million) with his sister, brings family-taught precision to every batch, whether it’s a cherry blossom swirl, coffee-infused, or classic sesame.

But these aren’t your standard rounds. For Bagizza’s namesake creations, bagels are flattened with a sheeter into a perfect pizza canvas. The menu riffs on global flavors with toppings like Shrimp Toast with curry mayo, Hawaiian with pink pineapple, cured ham and fleur de sel, and Broccolini Pesto with pecorino and chili flakes. And if you’re still craving more, house-made sauces and schmears—from Bacon Kimchi Jam to Olive Tapenade Cream Cheese—let you customize your slice.

Beyond the pizza bagels, Bagizza doubles as an elevated NYC bodega. Think prime rib lunches, a hot food buffet, and house-smoked meats. There’s also a specialty coffee bar brewing Colombian beans, fresh juices, smoothies, and acai bowls.

Designed with Midtown’s on-the-go crowd in mind, the sprawling space includes an open bagel-rolling station and high-end pizza oven, balancing grab-and-go efficiency with a chef-driven vibe. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick caffeine fix, a comfort food upgrade, or a build-your-own bagel pizza, Bagizza is staking its claim as NYC’s new bagel-pizza authority.

Bagizza is open 24/7, catering to locals, commuters, and food lovers alike. For more information, visit eatbagizza.com

NYC Bites: Pop-Ups, Hamptons Pizza and Llama San's Farewell
May 15, 2025, 10:25.54 am ET
Details

Llama San (Photo: Cititour.com)

On Wednesday, May 21, South Florida’s cult-favorite Only Doubles Smash Burgers (@onlydbls) pops up at Donna in the West Village for one night only to celebrate Donna’s two-year anniversary.

Croissant lovers, get ready. The Croissant Club is coming to Raf's with a full collab list dropping next week. Stay tuned.

Ends Meat is now serving breakfast at Industry City. From 8–11am, you can fuel up on a new morning menu packed with house-made meats and more.

Also in the breakfast game, Bill Durney of Hometown Bar-B-Que is offering his take on the breakfast-egg-and cheese, with Hometown’s thick-cut pastrami bacon on a Greenberg’s Bagel, available on Saturday, May 17 at Complex’s Family Style Fest in Sunset Park.

Crazy Pizza, the flashy SoHo spot known for thin-crust pies and tableside dough-spinning antics, is heading to East Hampton this June, according to Newsday Feed Me.

Wylie Dufresne’s Stretch Pizza is serving up a special ramps pie for spring... and a Korean BBQ pie all through May for AAPI Heritage Month.

And finally, Llama San is saying goodbye. It will close its Manhattan location on Saturday, June 7, after nearly six years. Papa San at Hudson Yards and Llama Inn in Brooklyn remain open.

New Concept by Eataly Opens at Rock Center
May 15, 2025, 10:05.55 am ET
Details

Photos: Cititour.com

Eataly is bringing a slice of Italy’s beloved coffee bar culture to Rockefeller Center with the debut of Eataly Caffè, a vibrant new concept designed for quick yet indulgent bites. The café offers a full menu of expertly crafted espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries, creamy gelato, and Roman-style pizza alla pala—crispy, airy slabs of pizza served by the slice.

Beyond the counter, a curated retail section invites guests to take home premium products from Eataly's exclusive Signature line, blending grab-and-go ease with gourmet Italian flair. Whether you're popping in for a morning cappuccino or a leisurely afternoon treat, Eataly Caffè promises a true taste of la dolce vita in the heart of NYC.

The Eataly Caffe is located at 1230 Ave of the Americas at Rockefeller Center. For more information, visit eataly.com

Rivareno Gelato Opens in SoHo with Italy’s Boldest Flavors
May 14, 2025, 10:37.41 pm ET
Details

Photo: Cititour.com

New York’s gelato scene just got a serious upgrade. Rivareno Gelato, the award-winning Bologna-based brand often hailed as Italy’s “best” gelato, has opened its first NYC shop at 195 Spring Street. Known for making gelato fresh daily on-site, Rivareno is celebrated for its rich textures, top-quality ingredients, and bold takes on Italian classics.

Signature flavors include Cremino RivaReno (hazelnut butter, white chocolate, and Gianduia sauce), Alice (mascarpone with Marsala wine), and Gran Torino (dark chocolate, Piedmont hazelnuts, and sea salt). Contessa, a standout with almond butter, hazelnut butter, and amaretti cookies, adds extra crunch.

For fruit lovers, Rivareno’s sorbets are dairy-free and made with up to 65% real fruit. Seasonal highlights include Lampone (raspberry), Limone (lemon), Arancia Rossa (blood orange), and Bergamotto (bergamot), offering bright, refreshing flavors to balance the creamy classics.

Beyond gelato, the shop features freshly made waffles, brownies, milkshakes, gelato cakes, and other Italian sweets, making it a year-round destination for dessert lovers.

For more info, visit rivareno.com

Sasha Zabar Expands Glace with New Upper East Side Candy Shop
May 14, 2025, 9:56.53 pm ET
Details

Photos: Victoria Stevens

After the runaway success of his hot chocolate and ice cream shop, Glace, Sasha Zabar is sweetening the Upper East Side once more with Glace Candy, opening May 15. The new shop next door brings a curated selection of candies from around the world—think Swedish sour gummies, French fruit pastilles, and Japanese jellies—alongside housemade chocolates, marshmallows, and small-batch sweets.

The two storefronts are connected by an arched walkway, designed by Faber / Hughes in the same whimsical pastel palette. Guests can build custom sundaes by mixing candies into Glace’s signature ice creams—like Brown Butter Vanilla and Meyer Lemon—on a new chilled marble slab.

It’s a playful, modern candy shop rooted in Zabar’s childhood memories of Millionaire Deli, now brought back to life with an Upper East Side glow.

Glace Candy is located at 1266 Madison Avenue and is open 12–8 p.m. daily.

Quick Eternity Brings a Moby Dick-Inspired Cocktail Bar to Seaport
May 14, 2025, 2:16.36 pm ET
Details

Photos: Quick Eternity

Anchor's Away! Quick Eternity, a new cocktail-driven spot inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, is now open in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. Housed in a landmarked 19th-century building at 22 Peck Slip, the bar brings the world of whaling taverns, seafaring legends, and New England fare to life—without feeling like a theme park.

For owner and bartender Bryan Schneider, known for his work at Bad Roman, Don Angie, and Monkey Bar, Quick Eternity has been a decade-long obsession. After reading Moby Dick ten years ago, Schneider became fixated on the book’s vivid tavern scenes, imagining a bar built of whale bone, filled with nautical art and whaling tools. Now, he’s turned that vision into reality.

The space, designed in collaboration with artist Azikiwe Mohammed, feels like a modern-day sailor’s haunt: driftwood bar tops patinated to resemble weathered bone, hand-painted maritime murals, burgundy tabletops inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and a dramatic whale bone sculpture arching over the bar. Upstairs, a private room called The Gam offers Brooklyn Bridge views and literary programming, while an on-site bookstore, Idler Books, sells new and vintage copies of Moby Dick.

But this isn’t just a bar for bookworms. The cocktails are smart, balanced, and playful—many named after Moby Dick references with their literary origins noted on the menu. The signature Quick Eternity is a tropical riff on the Corpse Reviver #2, blending navy-strength gin with passionfruit and absinthe. Old Manhatto offers a bittersweet, cacao-kissed take on a Manhattan, while Statue Devil reimagines a Chilcano highball with Pisco, apricot eau-de-vie, ginger, and lime. There’s even a shareable mezcal and espresso drink, Perdition’s Flames, served in a carved black walnut Grolla.

Complementing the drinks is a menu of New England-inspired small plates by Chef Antonio Mora (Daniel, Morandi, Frankie’s Spuntino). Highlights include a chilled Manhattan clam chowder with a ceviche-like twist, vegetarian “Oyster” Chowder with douchi (fermented soybeans), and Captain’s Crunch, a playful Frito Pie-style snack made with prawn crisps and pork chili. There are nods to Mora’s Puerto Rican heritage too, like lump crab Bacalaitos fritters, and seafaring spins on comfort classics, including Lobster Pups (corndog-battered lobster tails with Old Bay tartar) and the indulgent Gam Burger with chaos sauce.

For dessert, the sticky toffee pudding drenched in navy-strength Jamaican rum caramel is reason enough to linger. Beyond food and drink, Quick Eternity also gives back, supporting the New Davonhaime Food Bank and NYC mutual aid efforts—ensuring its community impact goes far beyond the bar.

Quick Eternity is open Sunday through Thursday from 5PM to 12AM, and until 1AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar, with upstairs tables available via same-day reservations.

For more details, visit quicketernity.nyc and follow @quicketernity_nyc.

Edith’s Summer Sandwich Series Heats Up with Revelie Collab
May 14, 2025, 1:12.26 pm ET
Details

Photo: Cititour.com

Edith’s is making the West Village a destination for serious sandwich lovers this summer. After kicking things off in April with Philadelphia’s Middle Child, the Brooklyn-born Jewish comfort food favorite is teaming up this month with SoHo’s Revelie Luncheonette for a patty melt that offers instant gratification.

“For this second collaboration in the series, we partnered with our friends at Revelie in SoHo and we're doing a classic patty melt,” Elyssa Heller, founder and CEO of Edith's Eatery and Grocery tells Cititour. Paired with a Sour Cherry & Lime Rickey Slushie, it’s the kind of simple, craveable combo that makes a New York summer feel complete.

The series is part of a larger celebration at Edith's. “We're celebrating all of our favorite restaurants, chefs, sandwich shops in Chicago, Boston, LA, and New York,” says Heller. See our exclusive interview here:

Upcoming collaborations include Saltie Girl in June (seafood-centric sandwiches straight from Boston and LA), Chicago’s legendary Wieners Circle in July, and NYC’s own Ivan Ramen in August. Each month brings new sandwich-slushie duos, available for a limited time at both Edith’s Williamsburg and West Village outposts. Consider it your summer-long excuse to indulge.

Crawfish Boil Returns to The Fulton at The Seaport
May 14, 2025, 8:18.18 am ET
Details

Photos: The Fulton

The Fulton’s Crawfish Boil is back, and this year it’s bigger, bolder, and ready for its Instagram moment. On Monday, June 9th, Chef Jean-Georges' waterfront gem at the Seaport will transform its patio into a Southern-style feast with fresh crawfish, corn, potatoes, and all the spicy trimmings, served family-style for a communal dining experience. Expect seafood lovers donning playful crawfish hats for the perfect photo op, while unlimited chilled rosé flows and a live band sets the summer tone against the iconic backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The evening unfolds in four indulgent courses: a towering Seafood Plateau and sashimi with spicy white ponzu to start, followed by Fulton favorites like the Caesar, warm octopus with fresh mozzarella, and crispy soft shell crab. The main event—a heaping crawfish boil—arrives with classic sides like onion rings and cole slaw before finishing on a sweet note with summer peach and raspberry cobbler pie and pillowy beignets dipped in rich chocolate. At $228 per guest, it’s not just a meal—it’s a Seaport summer tradition in the making. Tickets via Resy.

Meet the Nominees: Andrew Durand in Dead Outlaw
May 13, 2025, 3:21.53 pm ET
Details

Andrew Durand (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Cititour spoke with Tony Award nominee Andrew Durand, nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical for his role in Dead Outlaw. In a roundtable interview conducted in New York City by Cititour’s Brian Scott Lipton and other Broadway journalists, Durand shared insights on bringing an outlaw whose mummified body became a celebrity figure in sideshows for decade to life on stage:

Check out the Cititour YouTube channel for more.

Andre De Shields, Jessica Hecht, Sarah Snook Win Big With Theater Awards
May 13, 2025, 2:58.31 pm ET
Details

John Proctor is the Villain (Photo: Julieta Cervantes)

Theater awards season continues, with some major announcements being made in the past few days.

OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE

The Outer Critics Circle has announced the winners of their awards, to be presented on May 22 at Lincoln Center. “Maybe Happy Ending” topped the pack with four awards, including Best New Broadway Musical. “Boop! The Musical” took home three awards, including Best Leading Performance in a Broadway Musical for Jasmine Amy Rogers, while “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” also won three awards. “John Proctor Is the Villain” was named Best New Broadway Play; “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” was named Best Revival; “Drag: The Musical” was named Best New Off-Broadway Musical; “Liberation” was named Best New Off-Broadway Play; and “Good Night, and Good Luck,” by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, won the John W. Gassner Award for Best New American Play. In addition to Rogers, performers who were honored also included Sarah Snook, Laura Donnelly, Jak Malone, Michael Rishawn, Francis Jue, Andre De Shields, and Nick Adams.

The Picture of Dorian Gray (Photo: Marc Brenner)

DORIAN THEATER AWARDS

GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics’ theater wing have announced the nominees for the third annual Dorian Theater Awards. Leading the Broadway categories with seven nominations is “Death Becomes Her,” followed by “John Proctor is the Villain,” “Purpose,” and “Sunset Blvd” with six. In the Off-Broadway categories, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” is the most nominated production, with a total of five.
Acting nominees include Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, Darren Criss, Jonathan Groff, Audra McDonald, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Kit Connor, Mia Farrow, Sarah Snook, Sadie Sink, Fina Strazza, Amalia Yoo, Jon Michael Hill, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Alana Arenas, Kara Young, Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Francis, David Thaxton, Michael Urie, Lea Salonga, Taylor Trensch, Jessica Hecht, Zachary Quinto, Bob Odenkirk, Paul Mescal, Andrew Scott, Brandon Flynn, Billy Crudup, Kyra Sedgwick, Andre De Shields, Sydney James Harcourt, “Tempress” Chastity Moore, Alaska Thunderfuck, Jujube, Jinkx Monsoon, Joanna Gleason and Jeanine Serralles.

Finally, the nominees for the group’s career achievement award, LGBTQ Theater Trailblazer, are performer Andre De Shields, playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, drag artist Jinkx Monsoon, actor Andrew Scott, costume designer Paul Tazewell, and director George C. Wolfe. Meanwhile, the LGBTQ Theater Artist of the Season nominees include Groff, Monsoon, Jacobs-Jenkins, actor Tommy Dorfman and director Michael Arden.

Sunset Blvd (Photo: Marc Brenner)

ACTORS EQUITY FOUNDATION

The Actors Equity Foundation has bestowed the annual Richard Seff Award for two veteran actors to Jessica Hecht (“Eureka Day”), and Francis Jue (“Yellow Face”); the Clarence Derwent Award for the two most promising performances of the season was given to Nicholas Barasch (“Pirates! The Penzance Musical”) and Julia Lester (“All Nighter”); while The Joe A. Callaway Award for the two best performances in a classical play were awarded to Steven Epp (“Henry IV”) and Kimber Elayne Sprawl (“Othello”).

OFF-BROADWAY ALLIANCE

Finally, the Off-Broadway Alliance announced nominees in five competitive categories: Best New Musical, Best New Play, Best Revival, Best Solo Performance, and Best Unique Theatrical Experience, including such shows as “All the World’s a Stage,” “Becoming Eve,” “Here There Are Blueberries,” “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now,” “Mindplay,” and “Vanya.”

In addition to the competitive awards, Legend of Off-Broadway Awards will be presented to David Greenspan and Scott Morfee for their extraordinary contributions to theater; William Finn, Morgan Jenness, and Linda Lavin will be posthumously inducted into the Off Broadway Hall of Fame; and the Friend of Off-Broadway Award will be presented to Helen Shaw, theatre critic and writer at The New Yorker.

SEE THE LATEST REVIEWS FOR BROADWAY AND OFF-BROADWAY SHOWS

Saint Urban Pairs Seasonal Dishes with World Class Wines in Flatiron
May 13, 2025, 1:59.24 pm ET
Details

Photos: Saint Urban

Chef Jared Ian Stafford-Hill has brought his acclaimed Syracuse restaurant, Saint Urban, to NYC’s Flatiron District, offering a refined dining experience inspired by the world’s top wine regions. The restaurant now occupies the former Veritas space, where Stafford-Hill once worked, marking a homecoming for the chef and his signature wine-focused approach.

At Saint Urban, guests can choose their own culinary journey with a seven-course tasting menu and optional tiered wine pairings, or a curated four-course dinner menu. Both are designed to spotlight the flavors and traditions of a different winemaking region each month, using peak-season ingredients.

The opening menu highlights spring in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Dinner begins with a glass of Meursault, paired with Meyer Lemon-Cured Danish Hiramasa, finished tableside with a caper and almond broth. A rich Chassagne-Montrachet follows, served with a 4-Year Aged Parmigiano Custard with Morels and Green Garlic. The main courses include Heritage Chicken on a Spit with Chioggia Beets and Rhubarb, complemented by a floral Volnay, and a Beef Duo Bourguignon of short rib and ribeye, paired with a bold Pommard. For dessert, an apricot Eau de Vie accompanies a Chocolate-Apricot Financier.

Saint Urban’s wine program features more than 3,000 bottles, with a rotating pairing menu that changes monthly. This May, guests can enjoy a special tasting of three generations of Domaine de Montille wines.

Designed by Bentel & Bentel, the restaurant’s interiors reflect the world of winemaking, with natural wood, earth tones, and subtle vineyard-inspired details.

Saint Urban is now open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday at 43 E 20th St. Reservations are available on Resy.

Marquee Skydeck Pop-Up Takes Nightlife to the Edge in NYC
May 13, 2025, 12:37.06 am ET
Details

Photo: Related-Oxford

Tao Group Hospitality has launched Marquee Skydeck, an exclusive summer pop-up nightclub at Edge, Hudson Yards’ iconic sky-high attraction. Every Friday and Saturday through September 2025, partygoers can experience world-class DJs and the signature Marquee vibe — all 1,100 feet above New York City.

This 21+ event series offers a bold new chapter for the Marquee brand while its original Chelsea location undergoes renovations, slated to reopen this fall. With breathtaking views and high-energy music, Marquee Skydeck turns Edge into NYC’s hottest nightlife destination for the season.

Tickets start at $54 with a VIP Fast Pass also available.

Carinito Brings Mexico City Tacos to Greenwich Village
May 13, 2025, 12:07.34 am ET
Details

Photos: Kathryn Sheldon

Cariñito, the Michelin-recognized Mexico City taqueria known for its Southeast Asian-inspired tacos and irreverent charm, has officially landed in New York City. Tucked a few steps below street level at 86 University Place, this six-month Greenwich Village pop-up marks Cariñito’s first-ever foray into NYC, following buzzed-about appearances in Paris, London, Singapore, and Melbourne.

Since opening in CDMX four years ago, Cariñito has built a cult following for its punchy flavors and unexpected mashups. The NYC menu stays true to form, offering playful spins on iconic bites. There’s the Cariñito Crunchywrap, a szechuan-spiced ground beef brisket and pork creation wrapped in Oaxacan cheese and avocado cabbage slaw, then griddled to crispy perfection — a cheeky nod to Taco Bell’s beloved Crunchwrap Supreme. The What She’s Having Taco, featuring smoked pastrami-spiced brisket and spicy Chinese mustard, pays homage to Katz’s Deli and the scene from When Harry Met Sally.

Other standouts dive deep into Cariñito’s signature fusion: the Issan Taco with northeastern Thai shredded pork belly, toasted rice powder, chicharrón and mint, or the Cantones Taco, a crispy pork belly number layered with hoisin, sriracha, and pickles. Veggie lovers can get their fix with the Cauliflower Pibil Taco, while small plates like Corn Ribs with madras butter and Guacathai (think guacamole meets fish sauce and herbs) round out the menu.

Drinks keep it fun and unfussy — think glou glou wines, Coronitas, Mexican Coke, and plenty of Topo Chico — with regular guest collaborations from visiting winemakers.

Designed by Mexican architect Sofia Betancur with creative direction from CDMX-based Agrio, the space embraces a raw, lived-in aesthetic, channeling the energy of a Mexico City street taqueria while giving a subtle nod to the space’s former life as El Cantinero, a Greenwich Village staple immortalized in Sex and the City lore.

Meet the Nominees: Jasmine Amy Rogers Brings Betty Boop to Life
May 12, 2025, 2:54.29 pm ET
Details

Jasmine Amy Rogers (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

As part of Cititour’s Meet the Nominees series, we sat down with Jasmine Amy Rogers, Tony nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, to talk about her star-making turn as Betty Boop in BOOP! The Musical. In a roundtable discussion with Broadway journalists, including Cititour’s Brian Scott Lipton, Rogers shared insights on bringing the iconic cartoon character to the Broadway stage and what the nomination means to her.

Watch the full interview now as we kick off our five-part series spotlighting some of this year’s most celebrated Tony Award nominees.

Check out the Cititour YouTube channel for more.

Fast 10: Ten New Restaurants to Try in NYC Right Now
May 12, 2025, 12:31.31 am ET
Details

Photo: Arom Dee/Cititour.com

Arom Dee
6735 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, aromdeethai.com

At Arom Dee, traditional Thai comfort food meets Brooklyn charm, with dishes like tamarind-glazed crispy duck and papaya salad bursting with fresh chili-lime zest. Cool down with a Thai iced tea and finish with the classic mango sticky rice, all in a mural-lined space designed to lift your mood.

Next Door
Wegmans, 770 Broadway (Eighth Street), wegmansnextdoor.com

At Next Door, Wegmans' sleek new Japanese concept, pristine seafood is the star—from signature nigiri and robata-grilled delicacies to a luxurious caviar program featuring golden osetra with buckwheat blini and yuzu crème fraîche. Cocktails lean bright and refreshing, like the Shiso Spritz.

Bar Bianchi
5 Avenue A (East Houston Street), barbianchinyc.com

Bar Bianchi breathes new life into the former Boulton & Watt space with a laid-back, Italian-inspired wine bar vibe. Expect natural wines, plenty of spritzes, and a menu built for aperitivo hour, all from the team behind Le Dive and Monsieur.

Quick Eternity
22 Peck Slip (Water Street), quicketernity.nyc

A Moby Dick-themed seafood haven in the Seaport, Quick Eternity serves up playful bites like Lobster Pups and Crab Bacalaitos. Pair it with the namesake cocktail—a bold blend of Navy Strength Gin, passion fruit, and absinthe—and finish with sticky toffee pudding drenched in rum caramel.

Carinito Tacos
86 University Place, between East 11th and 12th streets, @carinito.tacos

An authentic taqueria from Mexico City now calling the East Village home, Carinito Tacos serves up a bold fusion of global flavors. Signature dishes include Issan-style shredded pork belly, Cantonese-Yucatan achiote tacos with pickled onions, and the crowd-favorite Corn Ribs slathered in madras butter and citrus mayo.

JaBä
230 East 58th Street, jabanyc.com

Chef Tony Inn’s JaBä is a love letter to Taiwanese cuisine, reimagined with modern finesse. From Three Cup Chicken to silky Crab Roe Egg Custard, the menu is packed with bold flavors. For dessert, the Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée is a must-try surprise.

Disco Birdies
355 Franklin Ave, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn discobirdies.com

What started as a pop-up is now a disco fueled brick-and-mortar counter spot in Bed-Stuy, serving up crispy fried chicken and glasses of bubbly—because fried chicken and Champagne really are a perfect match. Grab a Bistro Smash double burger while you're at it, but we hear the chicken sandwiches are killa.

Café Brume
80 Montague Street (Hicks Street), Brooklyn Heights, brume.nyc

Café Brume brings Alpine flavors to Brooklyn Heights with dishes like a crab tart topped with asparagus and tarragon mayo. A standout wienerschnitzel is served with mache & potatoes and lingonberry. For drinks, The Gondolier—a mix of vermouth, prosecco, club soda, and lime—completes the après-ski vibe.

Massi Sandwich Shop
29-09 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106, massisnyc.com

Massi Sandwich Shop in Astoria serves up Italian-American classics like vodka chicken parm and meatball parm, a mouthwatering Cheesesteak and don't miss the Italian Combo lpiled high with sliced meats and provolone, all on house-baked sourdough bread. Add some house-cut fries or Massi's loaded "dirty fries."

Nerolab
40 Wall St, New York, NY 10005, nerolab.us

Nerolab offers an all-day Italian experience in the heart of Wall Street, with dishes like Calamarata with vodka sauce and Stracciatella, Gnocco Fritto with cured meats, and Roman-style pinsa topped with mortadella and pistachio. For dessert, tiramisù comes in classic, Nutella, or salted caramel varieties.

Bandits Burger + Dive Brings Big Flavors (and a $25 Happy Meal) to the West Village
May 12, 2025, 12:04.31 am ET
Details

Photos: Andrew Sokolow

On Tuesday, May 13th, West Village favorite Bandits (44 Bedford Street) is officially relaunching as Bandits Burger + Dive, a reimagined throwback-burger-joint-meets-cheeky-cocktail-bar from the team at The Garret Group. Since its opening in May 2021, Bandits has been a go-to for drinks and good vibes, but this next chapter places the spotlight firmly on the food, with a bold, no-filler menu crafted by Chef Rob Sieber.

At the heart of the new lineup are two burgers: the Tavern Burger, an 8 oz. dry-aged Wagyu patty with B-1 sauce and white cheddar, and a brisket blend Double Smash Burger with special sauce and pickles. Other highlights include the Filet O’Bedford fish sandwich with housemade smoked roe tartar, a lemon pepper chicken sandwich piled high with slaw, and possibly the best onion rings in town. Handhelds like the veggie-packed Veggie Delight and snacks like French onion dip with ruffle chips round out the menu, complemented by crinkle-cut fries and an expanded cocktail list.

One of the best deals in the city might just be Bandits’ Martini Monday Happy Meal: a $25 combo that gets you a smashburger, crinkle fries, and a martini—available all night on Mondays. For those keeping late hours, the kitchen will be open until midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a prime destination for post-shift bites and late-night hangs.

With refreshed interiors, playful fast-food nostalgia, and a focus on full-service dining, Bandits Burger + Dive is set to become a new neighborhood classic. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or settling in for a burger feast, the Garret Group’s signature mix of flavor, fun, and hospitality ensures it’s a spot worth returning to again and again.

6 Restaurant’s Surf & Turf Bar Bite Is a Summer Dream in Carroll Gardens
May 11, 2025, 11:13.48 pm ET
Details

Photo: Heather Willensky

Fresh off its debut in Carroll Gardens, 6 Restaurant (481 Carroll St, Brooklyn) is ushering in warmer weather with a playful new Surf & Turf dish, available exclusively on the bar menu this May. Priced at $36, this duo of buckwheat milk buns offers a bite-sized preview of summer: one bun features rich wagyu steak with a creamy cheese custard, a nod to owner Kirk Love’s Philly roots, while the second layers lobster with green herb crème and decadent brown butter. It’s an indulgent take on classic flavors, designed for casual snacking with a drink in hand.

6 Restaurant is ta New-American driven spot by Love, alongside Executive Chef Nico Bouter (Flora Bar, Eleven Madison Park) and Beverage Director Eric Torres (Agern, Other Half, Claro). Together, the team has created a dining destination that emphasizes community, gratitude, and personal connection. The intimate space is anchored by a six-seat tasting table—hence the name—designed to foster conversation and shared experiences, with an eight-course tasting menu ($165) and à la carte seating for walk-ins and locals alike.

Cititour Meets the Tony Award Nominees
May 9, 2025, 6:40.27 pm ET
Details

Tom Francis (Photo: Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

On Thursday, May 8, Cititour attended the annual “Meet the Tony Nominees” event and spoke with over 30 people who are vying for the theater world’s top honor.

(L-R) Felix Hagan, Zoë Roberts, Natasha Hodgson, and David Cumming
(Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Among the luminaries Cititour spoke with were “Sunset Blvd.” star Tom Francis and director Jamie Lloyd; “Purpose” stars Harry Lennix, Kara Young, and Glenn Davis; “Operation Mincemeat” stars David Cummings, Natasha Hodgson, Zoe Roberts, and Jak Malone; “Dead Outlaw” stars Andrew Durand and Julia Knitel, as well as co-authors David Yazbek, Erik Della Penna, and Itamar Moses; “Boop!” star Jasmine Amy Rogers, director-choreographer Jerry Mitchell, and costume designer Gregg Barnes; “John Proctor is the Villain” playwright Kimberly Bellflower and star Fina Strazza;” actor James Monroe Igleheart from “A Wonderful World”; and many more.

The Tony Awards will be presented on Sunday, June 8 at 8pm at Radio City Music Hall and be broadcast live on CBS TV and Paramount +

Select interviews will be posted on Cititour’s YouTube channel.

NYC Bites: Dominique Ansel’s New Bakery, a Michelin-Starred Birthday Bash & a Cult-Favorite Pop-Up Returns
May 9, 2025, 6:37.42 pm ET
Details

Dominique Ansel (Photo: Palm + Ocean Digital)

Opening May 22 at 64 University Place, papa d’amour is the newest project from pastry icon Dominique Ansel. Inspired by the pillowy shokupans and milk breads of Asian bakeries, the shop pays tribute to Ansel’s family and their cultural travels. Expect soft, nostalgic loaves with the chef’s signature twist—and a name borrowed lovingly from what his kids call him when they want a treat.

Caffe Napoletana returns for a one-day pop-up at Una Pizza Napoletana on Sunday, May 18, with a special collab from chef Eunji Lee of Lysée. From 10am–3pm, the pizzeria transforms into a daytime café offering coffee, tea, and inventive pastries at the bar. Highlights include a Spring Focaccia with asparagus, dongchimi, and miso-sabayon, and a Sweet Corn-Pita with corn cremeux and caramelized corn. Lysée favorites like Teddy Bear Madeleines and Matcha-Strawberry Cookies will also be available.

Photo: Lysee

On Tuesday, May 13, the Tin Building’s Tasting Studio hosts an evening of next-level mixology with House of Suntory Brand Ambassador Keli Rivers. From 6:00–7:45pm, guests will get a hands-on lesson in shaking, stirring, and sipping their way through cocktails like the Tropical Popsicle Highball, Sakura Spark, Grapefruit Moon, and a bold Espresso Martini. It’s your chance to master bar-worthy drinks—no bartending experience required.

At Marc Forgione’s Peasant in NoLita, whole animal dining gets the spotlight with the new Animal House experience—an indulgent, protein-packed program perfect for group feasts and meat lovers on the “protein maxxing” trend. Offered nightly, the rotating menu features cuts like rabbit, duck, and prime rib, alongside shareable plates like wood-roasted oysters with nduja-bone marrow butter. For larger gatherings, the Animal House prix fixe ($145pp, 8+ guests) is a full-on feast of whole birds, shanks, and seasonal sides.

Celebrate the season at Becco on Tuesday, May 20th. Enjoy a five-course, family-style dinner featuring prized recipes from Lidia Bastianich, paired with wines from the Bastianich Vineyard. Hosted by Lidia herself and Executive Chef William Gallagher. $175 all-inclusive. Reservations via OpenTable.

Chef Yuu Shimano (Photo: Dariia Neshama)

Restaurant Yuu is turning two—and throwing a party worth dressing up for. On Saturday, May 17th, the Michelin-starred French-Japanese spot in Greenpoint will host two intimate cocktail receptions featuring an unlimited buffet of Chef Yuu Shimano and Shuji Furukawa’s seasonal creations. Expect luxe bites like risotto, signature pastas, and tender roast beef, plus free-flowing drinks. Two seatings, $100 via Tock.

Around Town: Raymond Reunion, Y2K Nostalgia, Dance Parties & More
May 9, 2025, 6:06.22 pm ET
Details

Photo: Paley Center

The Paley Center for Media is marking 30 years of Everybody Loves Raymond with a nostalgic exhibit opening June 13, featuring original props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes footage from the beloved sitcom. Visitors can step into recreated sets and explore rare memorabilia. On June 16 at 7pm, join Ray Romano, Phil Rosenthal, and the creative team for an in-person reunion event filled with laughs and stories from the show’s iconic run. Tickets are on sale now, with perks for Paley Members.

Image: Pearl River Mart/Chelsea Market

Pearl River Mart celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month with a bold new group exhibition at Chelsea Market, on view through May 31. The Monkey King in Chinatown reimagines the legendary trickster in vibrant NYC settings—from dim sum parlors to the Canal Street subway—through the eyes of eight acclaimed AAPI comic and graphic novel artists. Curated by Jerry Ma, the show offers playful, powerful takes on the beloved folk hero, blending tradition with modern-day Chinatown grit.

Image: So & So's

Broadway star Erika Henningsen takes the mic at So & So’s Piano Bar on Wednesday, May 29th for Tis The (Broadway) Season, a one-night-only cabaret kicking off at 10PM. Fresh from the stage of Just In Time, she’ll belt favorites from Wicked, Gypsy, SMASH, and more. Expect surprise guests and a night of pure theatrical joy in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen.

Image: Vita Coco

Vita Coco is throwing it back to the early 2000s with a weekend pop-up that brings mall culture back in full force. On May 9–10 from 12-6pm, the Nostalgia Mall takes over Union Square, where guests can sip the new Orange & Creme Treats while browsing a limited-edition collab with Limited Too. Expect throwback fun like beaded bracelets, lip balm, and a full-on Y2K accessory shop—because no mall trip was complete without a little sparkle.

Photo: Race of Hope

The Third Annual Teen Race of Hope returns on Sunday, May 18, with a 5K run along the Hudson River to raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month. Created by the Hope For Depression Research Foundation, the race offers a screen-free, community-focused way for teens and families to connect and fight the stigma around mental health. SoulCycle’s Stacey Griffith will emcee and DJ with 24 NYC student ambassadors leading the way. All proceeds go directly to depression research.

Photo: Shutterstock

Governors Island Arts kicks off its 2025 season with a free, all-ages launch party on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect large-scale outdoor art, live DJs, food vendors, hands-on activities, and a powerful performance of How the Land Lies at 2:15 p.m. Don’t miss the debut of Rest/Play, featuring work by Nina Chanel Abney, Hank Willis Thomas, and more. No RSVP required—just hop the ferry to Nolan Park.

Photo: Beyond the Black Box

Beyond the Black Box in partnership with KEIGWIN + COMPANY, and Triskelion Arts are throwing the ultimate block party in Greenpoint on Saturday, May 17, and everyone’s invited. From 1–7:30PM, Banker Street transforms into a celebration of Black artistry with live performances, DJs, food vendors, free dance classes, and a sunset showcase. Expect bold moves, powerful moments, and serious community vibes—all for free.

Keep up with New York at Cititour.com

Review: Hugh Jackman Seduces Us Into Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes
May 8, 2025, 9:08.27 pm ET
Details

Photo: Emilio Madrid

By Brian Scott Lipton

Forget the knife-like talons that have helped make Hugh Jackman an international film superstar; the actor’s strongest “weapon” is his natural charm, which is on display throughout all 85 minutes of Hannah Moscovitch’s absorbing “Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes,” now at the Minetta Lane Theatre as the initial offering of the Audible & Together production team.

Here, far from the “X-Men” universe, Jackman plays recently separated college professor and celebrated author Jon Macklem, who uses his everyman appeal (not to mention his handsome face and fit figure) to slyly seduce both the audience as well as his 19-year-old student Annie (an extremely good Ella Beatty, smartly navigating what appears to be the character’s initially passive nature).

Annie, a standout from the crowd in her bright red coat (provided by costume designer Asta Bennie Hostetter) not only sits adoringly in the first row of his classroom but lives alone across the street from Macklem. That proximity makes it easy for her to deliberately get more of Macklem’s attention, whether by walking over while he’s mowing his lawn (supposedly to compliment him on his writing) or to display her scratched arm after she breaks a window trying to get into her home after locking herself out, allowing Macklem to come to her (first) aid.

Or at least that Macklem’s story, Moscovitch has the entire play narrated by Macklem, who presents his life – or his version of his life – directly to the audience, deliberately breaking the so-called fourth wall repeatedly (and sometimes spontaneously) and thereby further endearing us to him.

Moreover, Macklem appears to be super-honest about his personal failings, such as his three failed marriages, as well as his professional doubts, specifically about his newest novel-in progress about lumberjacks at the turn of the century. He is even upfront with his misgivings that sleeping with a 19-year-old student, no matter how eager she seems for this physical connection, is unethical and unprofessional. There’s even something unusually human about how Macklem liberally uses four-letter words without censoring himself.

Further, Jackman is so disarming that it even makes sense when Macklem suddenly takes Annie to a sleazy hotel – and that Macklem is so willing to leave it the minute Annie objects to the less-than-ideal surroundings. (The Minetta Lane’s wide stage, cleverly dotted with furniture here and there, provided by set designers Christine Jones and Brett J. Banakis, is very well utilized by director Ian Rickson.)

Given everything Moscovitch presents, is there really any reason for us to think Macklem isn’t recounting his and Annie’s history exactly as it happened? One’s skepticism, of course, may be aroused by personal experience, or the fact that Macklem and Annie’s affair happens in 2014, long before the specter of the #MeToo movement led women to tell their side of the often-sordid stories that are part of their past. (The show actually ends close to the present day,)

Despite its title, I’m not convinced Moscovitch has much to say about the “middle class” or its specific morality, but she has definitely provided audiences with a more than middlebrow play and an above-average vehicle for two very talented actors.

SEE DETAILS/TICKETS

Coffee Project Celebrates Re-opening with Free Coffee
May 8, 2025, 2:54.20 am ET
Details

Photo: Coffee Project

Coffee Project NY is celebrating the grand re-opening of its Downtown Brooklyn café this Thursday, May 8th, with free coffee for all from 8am to 12pm. Located at 78 Rockwell Place, the refreshed space near BAM and Atlantic Terminal will continue to serve fan favorites like the Deconstructed Latte, Pandan Latte, and Kickass London Fog. Founded by Chi Sum Ngai and Kaleena Teoh, this AAPI- and women-owned brand is known for pushing boundaries in the coffee world while keeping sustainability at its core.

Mustard Indian Eatery Opens in Harlem
May 8, 2025, 2:38.19 am ET
Details

Photos: Mustard

A new wave of Indian flavor has arrived on Frederick Douglass Boulevard with the debut of Mustard Indian Eatery, a cheerful neighborhood spot from restaurateur Ruhel Amin (of Masti and Oh! Calcutta). Now open in Harlem, the intimate 28-seat restaurant brings a deeply personal, homestyle take on regional Indian cooking.

Chefs Sharmeen Rahman and Lisha Khondokar lead the kitchen, dishing out soulful plates like a classic chicken curry with mango and mint sauce, and a rich lamb stew infused with cashew, bay leaf, and cardamom. Vegetarians will find comfort in a creamy paneer dish laced with fenugreek and green peas, or smoky roasted eggplant dressed in a tangy blend of peanut, sesame, and tamarind.

Other standouts include crisp golden fish cakes, skewers of creamy, peppery tandoor-grilled shrimp, and saffron-laced biryani layered with vegetables, chicken, lamb or bone-in goat. For dessert, don’t miss the housemade mishti dhoi, a silky sweet yogurt, or the delicate sandesh—a Calcutta sweet made from fresh paneer and sweetened with jaggery, a caramel-like sweetener made from unrefined sugar.

The BYOB space blends casual warmth with thoughtful design—mint green walls, spice murals, and an open kitchen where the tandoor oven is always at work. Mustard is located at 2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd. For more information, visit mustardnyc.com

The Great Nosh Brings Cross-Cultural Flavor to Governors Island
May 8, 2025, 2:18.30 am ET
Details

Photo: The Great Nosh

A new kind of Jewish food festival is hitting New York this summer—and it's not your bubbe’s brisket bash. The Great Nosh, launching June 22 on Governors Island from 11am-4pm, is a vibrant, open-air celebration of Jewish food, culture, and community hosted by the Jewish Food Society.

The inaugural event leans into culinary creativity with a slate of exclusive dish collaborations built around the theme of “friendship.” Festival-goers can expect one-of-a-kind creations from top names in New York’s food scene, including:

• Thai Diner x Katz’s Deli
• Caroline Schiff x Junior’s Restaurant
• Atoboy x Apollo Bagels
• Hani's x Breads Bakery
• Gertrude’s x Dhamaka
• Elbow Bread x Sunn’s
• Morgenstern’s x Russ & Daughters
• Zahav x Dame
• Tatiana x Dickson’s Farmstead Meats

The menu will range from "schnitz and chips" to black-and-white cookie cheesecake sandwiches and Middle Eastern wood-fired pizzas.

Tickets are $36 per person. For ore information, visit thegreatnosh.com

Salt & Straw and Kellogg’s Diner Team Up for an Apple Pie Mashup
May 8, 2025, 2:08.47 am ET
Details

Image: Kellogg's Diner

The Sweet Friends dessert series at Brooklyn’s iconic Kellogg’s Diner is back—and this month’s collab might be its most craveable yet. For May, Executive Chef Jackie Carnesi joins forces with Tyler Malek, head ice cream maker at Portland's Salt & Straw, to dream up a dessert that mixes nostalgia with bold flavors.

Their twist on apple pie swaps tradition for a wink: candied green apples nestled in a buttery Ritz cracker crust, crowned with a generous scoop of Beecher’s cheddar ice cream. It's salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy—the kind of comforting diner dessert that surprises you in all the right ways.

The collaboration also celebrates the release of Malek’s new cookbook, America’s Most Iconic Ice Creams, available for purchase on-site. Past Sweet Friends guests have included pastry heavy-hitters like Caroline Schiff and Natasha Pickowicz, and the series continues to build momentum, with upcoming collabs from Cait’s Key Lime, Fluff Bake Bar’s Rebecca Masson, and Solah El-Waylly dropping later this year.

The dessert is available through May at Kellogg’s Diner, 518 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn.

First Look at Hudson VU, NYC’s New Rooftop Hotspot
May 7, 2025, 2:49.56 pm ET
Details

Photos: Michael Tulipan

Opening May 8, Hudson VU is set to bring a more refined rooftop experience to Manhattan’s West Side. Perched on the 16th floor of the Ink 48 Hotel, this sprawling 10,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor lounge delivers jaw-dropping 360-degree views—from sunset over the Hudson River to the neon buzz of Times Square—and a serious culinary upgrade from the usual rooftop suspects.

At the helm is Executive Chef Samuel-Drake Jones, whose pedigree includes stints at Kissaki Omakase, Bobby Flay’s Gato, and Michelin-recognized Sweetbriar. His New American menu is seasonal and chef-driven, balancing familiar comforts with playful finesse. Early standouts include corn ribs with lime zest and chili, steak tartare with tallow aioli, and Birdcage Fried Chicken served with housemade harissa hot sauce and corn-shaped cornbread. The 11th Avenue Hanger Steak, paired with house kimchi and tamari caramel, is a bold, umami-packed main course.

The cocktail program doesn’t play it safe either. Signature sips include the Intrepid Lady (mezcal, strawberry-mint, lambrusco), a Matchatini (gin, coconut, yuzu liqueur, matcha), and a shareable showstopper called Hello, Handsome, with 14K gold and meant to be shared.

The space itself is a study in elevated rooftop design: indoors, plush chocolate suede banquettes and golden marble accents evoke retro luxury; outdoors, there’s sofa-style seating around a sleek reflecting pool and a teak terrace made for watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Hudson VU opens at 653 11th Avenue (at W. 48th Street) on the 16th floor of Ink 48 Hotel, with a private entrance and dedicated elevator. Hours: 3pm to midnight daily. Smart casual attire required—leave the flip-flops at home.

Artech Space Debuts in NYC with Tech-Driven Art Exhibition
May 7, 2025, 2:21.37 pm ET
Details

Photo: Artech Space

A bold new addition to New York’s cultural scene launches May 9 with the opening of Artech Space, a 4,000-square-foot exhibition venue at 445 Park Avenue dedicated to showcasing innovative work at the intersection of art, technology, and civilization.

The inaugural show, "Becoming Things, Becoming Time: Bolmahanat Delight Garden," marks the beginning of Artech(ism): A Manifesto—a yearlong series featuring cutting-edge global creatives. Curated by Artistic Director Yanhan Peng, the first installation brings together Chinese mixed-media artist Miao Jing and Kazakh novelist Aidos Amantai. Jing’s data-driven sculptures and "digital relics" merge Taoist imagery and internet culture, while Amantai’s poetic narrative from his novel Bolmahan evokes the voice of a nomadic people and their digital future.

Artech Space is operated by the newly founded Artech Foundation, led by Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur and collector Edward Q. Zeng, and aims to foster international artistic and technological exchange.

The exhibition runs through July 10, 2025, and admission is free. For more information, visit https://artech.org/

The Dead Rabbit Revives Its Chef Series with Mark Moriarty
May 7, 2025, 2:10.36 pm ET
Details

Chef Mark Moriarity (Photo: The Dead Rabbit)

This June, acclaimed Irish pub The Dead Rabbit brings back its “Tradition, Meet Tomorrow” Chef Series with a fresh culinary perspective from chef, author, and TV host Mark Moriarty. Running June 5–8 at the pub’s historic 30 Water Street home, this year’s edition offers an intimate five-course tasting menu spotlighting the evolution of Irish cuisine.

Photo: The Dead Rabbit

Each dish will be paired with custom cocktails crafted by The Dead Rabbit’s award-winning bar team, in collaboration with Glendalough Distillery. With only 30 seats available per night, the experience is priced at $200 per person (excluding tax, gratuity included), and reservations are now open via Resy.

Photo: The Dead Rabbit

Moriarty, known for his bestselling cookbooks Flavour and Season, trained at top Michelin-starred restaurants and is widely recognized for his engaging TV series exploring Irish food culture. Later this year, The Dead Rabbit team will join Moriarty in Dublin for a special international edition of the Chef Series.

Amanda Reid Steps Into Lead Role in Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen
May 7, 2025, 1:51.05 pm ET
Details

Photo: Amanda Reid

Newcomer Amanda Reid will take over the leading role of Ali in Broadway’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” now at the Shubert Theatre, beginning on May 27. She will replace Jade Milan.

Reid will also be heard on two bonus tracks of a new deluxe edition of the show’s cast album -- “The River” and “If I Ain’t Got You” -- which will be fully released on May 19.

The musical, which is loosely based on the life of its composer-lyricist, 17-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, growing up as a teenager in New York City, is directed by Michael Greif, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz, and choreography by Camille A. Brown,

The current cast is led by Jessica Vosk, Durrell “Tank” Babbs, Kecia Lewis, and Phillip Johnson Richardson.

Black Tap x Carnegie Deli Go Full New York for Burger Month
May 6, 2025, 3:39.16 pm ET
Details

Photo: Patrick Dolande

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is getting a pastrami-powered upgrade this May thanks to a bold new collab with NYC legend Carnegie Deli. Just in time for National Burger Month—and rooftop season—the two culinary icons are teaming up to deliver a menu that fuses Black Tap’s burger swagger with Carnegie’s old-school deli classics.

The limited-time lineup is available throughout May at Black Tap’s SoHo and Midtown locations, where diners can dig into items like the Pastrami Burger—a Black Angus patty stacked with sizzling Carnegie pastrami, Swiss, sour pickles, and spicy mustard aioli on a Martin’s Potato Bun. There’s also the Pastrami Hot Pocket, a crispy, golden throwback stuffed with pastrami and gooey cheese, and the Pastrami Fries, loaded with all the deli fixings.

And then there’s the Pickle Shake—yes, really. It’s a sweet-salty vanilla ice cream shake infused with Carnegie’s signature pickle brine (including seeds and seasoning), finished with a drizzle of hot honey and a crunchy fried pickle (frickle) garnish. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s very New York.

"Collaborating with Carnegie Deli was a fantastic chance to push creative boundaries,” said Black Tap co-founder and CEO Julie Mulligan. Working with Carnegie Deli gave us the chance to reimagine iconic flavors in a completely new way.

Carnegie Deli CEO Sarri Harper calls the partnership a way to bring the deli’s legacy to a new generation, adding, "We're eager for everyone to experience it."

With Black Tap’s global rep for award-winning burgers and CrazyShake® milkshakes—and Carnegie Deli’s decades-long status as pastrami royalty—it’s a collaboration that feels both unexpected and inevitable. It’s not just a burger collab. It’s a full-on New York mash-up.

Rachel Simons Dishes on Her Debut Cookbook at Chelsea Market
May 6, 2025, 2:56.07 pm ET
Details

Rachel Simons, co-founder of cult-favorite Seed + Mill, has officially added author to her résumé with the release of Sesame: Global Recipes & Stories of an Ancient Seed (Ten Speed Press). The cookbook is a vibrant celebration of the sesame seed in all its forms—tahini, oil, halva, and more—featuring over 80 globally inspired recipes and guest contributions from chefs like David Lebovitz and Molly Yeh.

We caught up with Simons at a recent book signing at Chelsea Market, where fans lined up for signed copies and a taste of her signature tahini magic.

Sesame is available now at bookstores and online retailers like Amazon.

The Met’s Bold New Exhibit Tailors Black Style Into Art
May 6, 2025, 1:43.32 pm ET
Details

Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is putting Black style in the spotlight. Opening May 10, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style is The Costume Institute’s newest exhibition—and a powerful exploration of how fashion has shaped Black identity from the 18th century to today. On view through October 26, the show dives into the history of Black dandyism, self-expression, and suiting as strategy, style, and social commentary.

Photo: Presence Gallery/The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Organized by guest curator Monica L. Miller, the exhibit is inspired by her acclaimed book Slaves to Fashion and features 12 striking sections—from “Disguise” to “Cool”—that reflect how fashion has been used as both resistance and radiance across centuries.

The show breaks new ground for The Met—it’s the Costume Institute’s first major menswear exhibition in more than 20 years, and one of its most thematically ambitious. “Dandyism can seem frivolous,” says Miller, but it often poses a challenge to social and cultural hierarchies. The title itself nods not only to “superfine wool,” but to feeling especially good in one’s own body, in clothes that express the self.

Photo: Cool Gallery/The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Expect more than just garments. Artist Torkwase Dyson contributes monumental “hypershape” sculptures, while Tanda Francis designed bronze-inspired mannequin heads evoking collective identity. Special consultant Iké Udé curates a section spotlighting the revolutionary flair of Julius Soubise whose style and behavior challenged societal norms in 18th-century London, while Tyler Mitchell captures camaraderie across generations of stylish Black men in a stunning photo essay.

Photo: Champion Gallery/The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Standout pieces include Frederick Douglass’s personal clothing as points of power and distinction, 19th-century jockey silks to a 1974 issue of Jet magazine featuring Walt Fraizer on the cover. The exhibit also features a suit owned by André Leon Talley, and an ensemble from the 2022 Polo Ralph Lauren Exclusively for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges collection.

Photo: Ownership Gallery/The Metrpolitan Museum of Art

The exhibition isn’t just about fashion—it’s a cultural reckoning in fabric, thread, and style.

George Clooney, Cole Escola, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Andrew Scott Win Major Theater Awards
May 5, 2025, 10:50.02 pm ET
Details

Purpose (Photo: Marc J. Franklin)

Theater awards season is in full swing, with a host of prestigious honors being announced over the past few days. Here’s a breakdown of who is taking home these coveted prizes.

PULITZER PRIZE

“Purpose” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins was awarded the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The finalists were “Oh, Mary!” by Cole Escola and “The Ally” by Itamar Moses

NEW YORK DRAMA CRITICS CIRCLE

The New York Drama Critics' Circle also named Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s “Purpose” as Best Play of the 2024-25 season, while the award for Best Musical went to “Maybe Happy Ending.” New awards for Best Individual Performance went to Andrew Scott for “Vanya,” while Best Ensemble Performance went to the cast of “Liberation.” Finally, Special Citations were awarded to Cole Escola for his work as writer and star of “Oh, Mary!,” the recent production of “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” and actor/playwright David Greenspan for lifetime achievement.

Good Night and Good Luck (Photo: Emilio Madrid)

THEATRE WORLD AWARDS

Winners for the historic 79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony, which will be held June 2 at 7pm at the Hard Rock Café Times Square, have been announced. The evening, which honors the 2024-2025 season’s outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance, will be hosted by theater journalist Peter Filichia.

This year’s winners are Alana Arenas, “Purpose”; Kit Connor, “Romeo & Juliet”; Patsy Ferran, “A Streetcar Named Desire”; Tom Francis, “Sunset Boulevard”; Jak Malone, “Operation Mincemeat”; Paul Mescal, “A Streetcar Named Desire”; Louis McCartney, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”; Marjan Neshat, “English”; Jasmine Amy Rogers, “Boop!”; “Nicole Scherzinger, “Sunset Boulevard”; Helen J. Shen, “Maybe Happy Ending”; and Sarah Snook, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

In addition, the 16th Annual Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in The Theater will go to Shailene Woodley for “Cult of Love”; the 12th Annual John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre will be presented to Leslie Uggams; and George Clooney will receive a 2025 Special Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut Performer/ Playwright for “Good Night and Good Luck.”

STEINBERG AWARDS

The 25 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award was given to Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins for “Purpose,” while two other 2025 Steinberg/ATCA citations were presented to “The Janeiad” by Anna Ziegler and “Little Bear Ridge Road” by Samuel D. Hunter.

Table 17 (Photo: Daniel J. Vasquez)

LUCILLE LORTEL AWARDS

The Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring the best of Off-Broadway in the 2024-2025 season, were handed out on May 4. “Our Class” led the field with four awards, including Outstanding Revival, Outstanding Director and Outstanding Ensemble. “Here There Are Blueberries” received two awards including Outstanding Play. “Three Houses” was named Outstanding Musical, while “Vanya,” starring Andrew Scott, was awarded Outstanding Solo Show. Finally, actors Kara Young and Michael Rishawn took home Outstanding Performance awards for their work in Douglas Lyons’ “Table 17.”

SEE THE LATEST REVIEWS FOR BROADWAY AND OFF-BROADWAY SHOWS

Review: Five Models in Ruins, 1981 Takes Its Best Shot
May 5, 2025, 10:38.42 pm ET
Details

Photo: Marc J. Franklin

By Brian Scott Lipton

While it might take some viewers a little time to realize the double meaning of the title of Caitlin Saylor Stephens’ new play, “Five Models in Ruins, 1981,” now premiering at Lincoln Center Theater under the focused direction of Morgan Green, other audience members may need to ruminate on this sharply funny and deeply disturbing play to understand it’s designed as both an over-the-top satire of the fashion industry and a damning exploration of a male-dominated culture (that still exists five decades later) that treats women as objects rather than people.

The show’s setting (cleverly created by Afsoon Pajoufar) is a run-down castle in the English countryside that has been chosen by veteran photographer Roberta (the aptly named Elizabeth Marvel) for a photoshoot for a potential “Vogue” cover. The conditions are a bit rough – poor electricity, no running water – but the concept is clever: each model will don a wedding dress designed for –but rejected by – the recently wed Princess Diana, including gowns created by such top-tier names as Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, and John Galliano. (The costumes are by Vasilja Zivanic).

While Roberta spends most of her time getting her set ready, the models are left to their own devices in the waiting area. There, frenemies Chrissy (the excellent Stella Everett), an All-American blonde beauty; Alex (a fine Britne Oldford), striking, smarter and perhaps more damaged than the rest; and Tatiana (a memorable Maia Novi), a feisty, surprisingly short, hot-tempered Eastern European, alternately bicker, physically fight, and reminisce.

Photo: Marc J. Franklin

Their compare-and-contrast conversations of who they slept with (a lot of men – with artist Jean-Paul Basquiat being on all their scorecards) may initially feel amusing, but one quickly realizes these women believe – or is it know – that their bodies are their main source of currency. Ditto their parlor game of “the worst shoot of my life,” in which each woman details the exploitative conditions under which she was made to – and agreed to -- work, and the disregard they felt from the (presumably male) photographer. As exaggerated these stories may sound, they are very likely true – or close to the truth – for many women who worked in this industry.

Further, the toll that all of these experiences – including surviving war and famine (for Tatiana), being deprived of food, and beginning to lose friends to the AIDS epidemic -- have taken on the young women’s psyches cannot be overlooked, no matter who many defensive walls they put up. Not yet 30, each woman already has a lifetime of trauma to overcome.

Perhaps sensing that these conversations are too much for fourth model Grace (the lovely Sarah Marie Rodriguez), who has never done a professional photo-shoot before, Roberta takes her onto the set and calmly teaches her about lighting and posing. Their “alone time” also provides (perhaps too conveniently) a chance for Roberta to unburden herself of one major truth: the assignment was given to her by her boss and soon-to-be ex-lover Ed as a weird sort of parting gift.

Indeed, as we learn once Roberta’s bestie, former model-turned cosmetician Sandy (a delightful Madelyn Wise) finally arrives, getting the perfect shot is not just a chance for Roberta to earn her first cover after 25 years in the business, it’s perhaps Roberta’s final chance to win back Ed’s heart, which she sees as even the bigger prize, her professional success being less important than her personal life.

Indeed, that revelation may lead audiences to see the show’s almost unforgettable final moments – which won’t be revealed here – in two possible lights. Believe me though (since I’ve spent 25 years writing about men’s fashion), even before the frequent use of AI, things have never been exactly what they look like in the fashion world.

DETAILS/TICKETS

Pinky Cole Gifts Equity to Loyal Slutty Vegan Team
May 5, 2025, 9:51.00 pm ET
Details

Photo: Pinky Cole/Sterling Pics

In a moving appearance on The Tamron Hall Show, Slutty Vegan founder and CEO Pinky Cole made headlines once again—this time for gifting 1% equity each to two of her longest-serving employees, Taaj Parks and Angel Barnwell. The emotional moment played out live on national television, as Cole publicly honored the women who stood by her through the brand’s most difficult days.

“When the lights were off, they stayed. When the doors closed, they showed up anyway,” said Cole. “Taaj and Angel were there when I had nothing left. And now that I’ve bought my company back, they deserve to own a piece of what they helped save.”

Both women remained by Cole’s side during a turbulent period that saw the company temporarily shuttered and Cole fighting to reclaim ownership. Their loyalty and resilience were not only recognized but rewarded, as Cole ushers in a new era for Slutty Vegan—one built on shared ownership, legacy, and community.

The equity gift is part of the brand’s comeback campaign, #BackLikeINeverLeft, which includes limited-time menu items, surprise giveaways, and a renewed focus on empowering the people behind the brand. It's also not the first time Cole has changed lives—last year, she gifted a longtime team member her own Slutty Vegan location.

“This is what it means to build something bigger than yourself,” said Cole. “If I win, we all win.”

Contemporary African Art Fair to Be Held at Fosun Plaza
May 5, 2025, 8:16.35 pm ET
Details

Image: Rachel Malaika, Ntangu, 2024, Gallery Article 15

The 2025 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair will be held at Halo at 28 Liberty’s Fosun Plaza from May 9-11. A VIP preview will also be held on Thursday, May 8, from 11am to 7pm.

The 1-54 is held annually across three continents in London, New York, and Marrakech, and is the first and only fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, striving to show a community of unique perspectives and evolving interpretations of the diasporic experience.

The exhibit at Halo will feature more than 30 exhibitors and over 70 artists from around the world, including historic appearances from KUB’ART Gallery, the fair’s first exhibitor based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and TERN Gallery, the first Bahamas-based gallery featured at a 1-54 exhibit.

Image: Taiye Idahor, Peace Like A River, 2024, O DA Art

“We’re eager to make our return to New York as we continue to grow our annual edition,” said Touria El Glaoui, Founding Director of 1-54. “It’s been wonderful to see the positive response from our U.S. audience over the last decade, as well as a shared passion for expanding visibility for contemporary African art. We’re excited for visitors to see the incredible artwork and programming from this year’s gallerists and fair partners.”

Whitney Museum Announces Pride Month Events
May 5, 2025, 7:56.44 pm ET
Details

Photo: Filip Wolak

The Whitney Museum of American Art is going all out for Pride 2025 with a month-long series of free public programs designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities through art, music, and collective joy. Kicking off June 1, “Pride at the Whitney” honors not just queer history, but the Museum’s own 10-year anniversary in the Meatpacking District, part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to support LGBTQ+ artists and communities and offer an inclusive space for all to gather and enjoy American art.

The festivities begin with Queer History Walks, a guided outdoor series running throughout the month, tracing LGBTQ+ legacies from the nearby Hudson River piers to iconic clubs of decades past. On June 8, the museum’s Free Second Sunday will spotlight family-friendly programming, hands-on artmaking, and the collaborative Whitney Community Pride Mural, inviting visitors to reflect on their personal connections to Pride.

Teens take center stage on June 13 during Queer Teen Night, hosted by artist Dalton Gata in collaboration with The Door, featuring performances, workshops, and exhibition tours. On June 18, the Radical Joy Ball brings music, dance, and runway performances to the Whitney’s theater, in partnership with ADAPT Community Network, creating a celebratory space for LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.

The month culminates in a powerful performance by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus on June 27 during Free Friday Night, with soaring vocals echoing through the galleries in one of the city’s most beloved Pride traditions.

Admission is free for all featured events, but advance booking is recommended. Full details and registration links are available at whitney.org/pride-2025.

Whitney Museum of American Art
99 Gansevoort Street, NYC
whitney.org | (212) 570-3600

Tituss Burgess to Return to Oh, Mary!
May 5, 2025, 12:59.42 pm ET
Details

Titus Burgess (Photo: Nina Duncan)

The producers of “Oh, Mary!,” the Tony-nominated hit comedy at the Lyceum Theatre, will extend again through September 28. Moreover, playwright and original star Cole Escola will play their final performance as ‘Mary Todd Lincoln’ on Saturday, June 21, with six-time Emmy Award nominee Tituss Burgess returning to that role for an encore 6-week engagement from June 23 through August 22. Burgess previously played Mary for a three-week run earlier this year.

Directed by Tony Award nominee Sam Pinkleton, “Oh, Mary” recounts the final days in the life of President Abraham Lincoln, who must deal with his alcohol-addicted, cabaret-crazed and otherwise unruly wife Mary, while also trying to end the Civil War, among other issues.

In addition to Escola, the current cast includes Conrad Ricamora as Mary’s Husband, James Scully as Mary’s Teacher, Bianca Leigh as Mary’s Chaperone, and Tony Macht as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant, with Hannah Solow, Martin Landry, and Julian Manjerico completing the company.

Met Gala 2025 to Celebrate Black Style with a Custom-Fitted Twist
May 5, 2025, 12:53.28 am ET
Details

Photo: Cititour.com

Get ready for a red carpet like no other.

The 2025 Met Gala will strut into The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday, May 5, with a star-studded lineup of co-chairs—Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour—joined by honorary chair LeBron James and an electric host committee spanning Hollywood, fashion, music, and sports.

The theme? Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, an exhibition spotlighting the rich legacy and radical edge of Black dandyism and menswear from the 18th century to today. And the official dress code—"Tailored for You"—calls on attendees to bring their sharpest cuts and most personal interpretations of power suiting to the steps of the Met.

This year's gala is once again bankrolled by Louis Vuitton, with backing from Instagram, the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, and other major players in culture and style.

On the culinary side, Bronx-raised chef and James Beard winner Kwame Onwuachi will design the night’s menu, while artist Cy Gavin leads creative direction for the red carpet, with Tony winner Derek McLane and longtime Met Gala designer Raúl Àvila setting the tone inside.

The Costume Institute’s accompanying exhibition—opening to the public on May 10—dives deep into how Black communities across the Atlantic diaspora have used tailoring as a tool of resistance, identity, and celebration. Guest curated by Monica L. Miller, the show features everything from 19th-century jockey silks and Frederick Douglass’ tailoring tools to modern looks by LaQuan Smith, Wales Bonner, and Denim Tears. It spans twelve thematic zones with titles like Champion, Disguise, Cool, and Beauty, each unpacking the political and personal power of looking good.

Exhibition design comes courtesy of Torkwase Dyson, while artists Tanda Francis and Iké Udé add sculptural and photographic flourishes that ground the show in both community and individuality.

Expect a lineup of public programs—from walking tours to talks at The Apollo and Bed-Stuy’s Billie Holiday Theater—and a film series with Metrograph that digs further into the stories behind the styles.

As for the Gala? Expect custom looks, cultural statements, and maybe a few unexpected tailoring tricks. As Sha’Carri Richardson put it: “Our style isn’t just what we wear—it’s how we move, how we own our space.”

The exhibition “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” opens May 10 and runs through October 26, 2025, at The Met Fifth Avenue (Gallery 999, Floor 2). Member previews begin May 6.

Where to See and Be Seen for The Met Gala and Beyond
May 5, 2025, 12:04.25 am ET
Details

Photo: The Dominick/Law Roach

The Dominick (SoHo)
Law Roach’s signature flair takes center stage at this luxe SoHo hotel with a bold cocktail collab throughout May and plenty of celeb energy. Bonus: it's Law’s go-to for Met Gala downtime—think Ruffles, caviar, and serious style.

Photo: Park Lane Hotel

Park Lane New York (Midtown)
Overlooking Central Park, this fashion-forward hotel is spotlighting LaQuan Smith with a Gala fashion activation and immersive designer moments throughout the property. Don’t miss a glam cocktail at Darling Rooftop.

Photo: The Ned Nomad

The Ned NoMad (NoMad)
A-listers from Taylor Swift to DiCaprio have checked into this 1920s-glam hideaway. With Italian fare at Cecconi’s and cocktails at Little Ned, it’s the ultimate insider’s hub for Met Gala festivities.

Photo: Four Seasons TY Bar

Four Seasons Hotel New York (Midtown)
Watch the red carpet unfold in plush style at TY Bar, where Art Deco vibes meet Met Gala-themed cocktails, and luxe dining. Experience the glamour of the Met Gala without the exclusive invitation.

Photo: The Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker (Midtown)
Soak up old-school glamour in the Tribute Suites before heading to the rooftop at St. Cloud for sweeping Times Square views and post-Gala revelry.

Photo: Hard Rock New York

Hard Rock Hotel New York (Midtown)
With skyline views at RT60 Rooftop Bar and rockstar-level amenities like in-room turntables and Fender rentals, this Midtown hotspot blends high energy with high style.

Photo: Dream Downtown

Dream Downtown (Meatpacking District)
Steps from fashion’s core, Dream Downtown brings Met Gala flair to life with sleek design, rooftop cocktails at PHD Lounge, and a prime perch for post-party celeb sightings.

Farzi Brings Modern Indian Magic to Tribeca
May 4, 2025, 11:31.56 pm ET
Details

Renderings: Farzi

A new chapter in modern Indian cuisine is set to unfold in Tribeca with the arrival of Farzi, opening May 15 at 78 Leonard Street. The brainchild of Zorawar Kalra—dubbed “The Prince of Indian Cuisine”—Farzi reimagines traditional Indian flavors through a global lens, blending bold regional ingredients with avant-garde technique.

At the helm is Chef Gaurav Chawla, whose refined takes on street-style snacks and comfort dishes—like Dal Chawal Arancini and Avocado & Raw Mango Chaat—offer both nostalgia and surprise. With its New York debut, Farzi will introduce exclusive dishes crafted just for the city, pairing modern plating with the warmth of homegrown spice.

Sleek renderings suggest a chic yet grounded interior, reflecting the brand’s ethos: high-concept, deeply rooted, and unapologetically flavorful.

NYC Bites: Broadway Bites, Lunch Debuts & Cronut Comebacks
May 4, 2025, 10:33.56 pm ET
Details

Photo: Confidant/Lucas Goldman

Confidant Rolls Out Weekday Lunch in Industry City
Chef duo Brendan Kelley and Daniel Grossman now offer lunch at Confidant with house-made breads, a Juicy Lucy burger, and a mushroom chopped cheese. Pastry Chef Mariah Neston adds a rotating cake and pie selection—starting with banana pudding pie and strawberry mascarpone chiffon.

Photo: Grand Brasserie

Grand Brasserie Debuts Pre-Theatre Menu
Just steps from the Theater District, Grand Brasserie inside Grand Central is now offering a three-course prix fixe from 4–6 PM daily for $60 pp. Guests can expect French classics like steak frites and crème brûlée, plus “The Proud Daisy,” a limited-edition Pride Month cocktail with 20% of proceeds from each supporting Broadway Inspirational Voices.

Joomak’s R&D Bar Menu Keeps Evolving
At the five-seat bar inside Joomak, Chef Jiho Kim is experimenting nightly with a new five-course tasting menu ($150). Recent standouts include kampachi with razor clams and ramp ponzu and Sichuan au poivre Wagyu Hanger—creative, seasonal, and never the same twice.

Gramercy Tavern Revives Greenmarket Lunch
Gramercy Tavern is bringing back its Greenmarket Lunch Series starting May 30 with a chef-led market tour and four-course asparagus lunch. Upcoming dates spotlight tomatoes (July 18) and corn (August 22). $125 per guest.

Dominique Ansel Launches Cronut Holes for Shipping
To celebrate 12 years of the Cronut®, Dominique Ansel is shipping five-piece boxes of limited-edition Cronut® Holes nationwide. Flavors include Ube & Coconut, Raspberry Lychee, and Summer Berry Crème Brûlée—available online starting April 29 while supplies last.

Bay Ridge Hosts First-Ever Pizza Wars on Star Wars Day
May 4, 2025, 9:44.47 pm ET
Details

Photos: Cititour.com

A little rain couldn’t stop the neighborhood from uniting for a slice-fueled showdown.

Not even gray skies could dampen spirits in Bay Ridge on May 4th, when locals turned out in force—many in Jedi and Sith robes—for the first-ever Pizza Wars. Timed to Star Wars Day, the event brought together 12 neighborhood pizzerias in a delicious battle for the best slice.

Fan-favorite spots like Firefly, Gino’s, Pizza Wagon, Elegante, Nonna's and Vesuvio's were among the contenders along 3rd and 5th Avenues, each slinging their signature cheese slices to hungry fans. For $36, guests got a slice from every participating shop—equaling a full pie by day’s end—plus a branded tote for the first 300 attendees.

Chrisie Canny of the Merchants of 3rd Avenue summed up the spirit of the day: “My job is to bring attention to our beautiful neighborhood and see how great Bay Ridge is,” she said. “What’s been great about the pizzerias is they saw it as a community event, not about winning.”

This was more than a food crawl. It was a celebration of one of New York’s most beloved pizza neighborhoods.

May the Slice Be With You as Bay Ridge Hosts First-Ever Pizza Wars
May 2, 2025, 6:15.22 pm ET
Details

Photo: Cititour.com

Get ready for a galaxy-sized showdown in Bay Ridge as Pizza Wars launches on Star Wars Day, May 4th. In a delicious collaboration with Fifth Avenue BID, Merchants of 3rd Avenue, and 86th Street BID, 12 neighborhood pizzerias will go head-to-head in a battle for the best slice.

Fan-favorite spots like Firefly, Gino’s, Pizza Wagon and Vesuvio's are among the contenders slinging their best cheese slices. For $36, guests receive a branded tote (for the first 300 attendees) and a slice from every participating shop—equaling a full pie by day’s end. Come dressed in your Jedi or Sith finest for a chance to win a free pie from each pizzeria.

Image: 5th Avenue BID

A complimentary shuttle, courtesy of Bay Ridge Center, will loop the neighborhood to help you hit every stop with ease. Taste, vote, and let the Force (and flavor) guide you. Tickets at zeffy.com.

Around Town: 5 Boro Bike Tour, Grand Army Turns 10, Jewelry Pop-Up and more
May 2, 2025, 12:23.01 pm ET
Details

Where to Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in NYC This Saturday
May 2, 2025, 11:23.58 am ET
Details

Photo: Kentucky Derby/Red Rooster

You don’t have to travel to Churchill Downs to experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby—New York City is going full Southern charm with a slew of stylish celebrations this Saturday, May 3, 2025. Whether you’re in it for the horses, the hats, or just an excuse to sip mint juleps in the spring sun, these Derby Day parties deliver high fashion and high spirits in equal measure.

In Brooklyn, Greenwood Park becomes Bourbon Street North for the 20th Annual Brooklyn Derby, the city’s biggest celebration of the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” With $2 bets, live music, a DIY hat table, and a promenade of seersucker suits and fascinators, this $40 event (ticket includes a Maker’s Mark cocktail) promises all the pageantry of the real thing—plus kids’ games and Derby-themed crafts.

In Midtown, City Tavern & Table is using the Derby to break out the ribbon on its official grand opening. Expect Southern-style bites, Derby-themed cocktails, a live DJ, and a best-dressed contest with prizes including a happy hour for 20.

For pure glam, Everdene at Virgin Hotels NYC is going vintage. A live swing band and terrace views set the tone, with fancy cocktails and a best-dressed contest to match.

On the rooftop circuit, Magic Hour brings the race to the sky. With eight big-screen TVs, a live DJ, and chilled rosé flowing, this $29 party is part Derby celebration, part spring rooftop bash. Guests get a julep or spritz with entry—and maybe a surprise or two before the finish line.

Downtown at the Seaport, Tin Building’s outdoor bar is going all in on Maker’s Mark. Their free-with-RSVP viewing party promises bold bourbon cocktails, live music, and Tin Building snacks, with a screen printing station where you can create a Derby keepsake while sipping an Oak Lily or Kentucky Flyer.

Uptown, Red Rooster Harlem puts a community spin on Derby Day. With live music from Michael Cruse, a buffet of signature Southern dishes, and classic Mint Juleps Tiered tickets include food and drinks—and the chance to win big in a best-dressed contest.

And for those who prefer their juleps with duckpin bowling, T-Squared Social near Grand Central is throwing a high-roller-style Derby bash. Think unlimited cocktails, a seafood bar, games, and a fashion contest under one very polished roof.

No matter where you land, one thing’s for sure: New Yorkers will be raising their glasses—mint leaves and all—to the most fashionable sporting event of the season.

Glitz, Glam, and Giving Back as Stars Turn Out to Fight Food Insecurity in NYC
May 2, 2025, 8:54.57 am ET
Details

Photos: Katie Lee Biegel (Cititour.com)

It was a night of high style and higher purpose as New York’s culinary elite and celebrity crowd packed into The Pool for the third annual Gotham Ball, hosted by Food Bank For New York City. Held at the iconic Major Food Group venue, the glitzy gala raised funds and awareness for food insecurity across the five boroughs.

Katie Lee Biegel, Food Network star and the night’s honoree, didn’t mince words: “One in three children in the Bronx are food insecure,” she said. “So it’s really important that we’re out here tonight raising awareness and funds for them.”

Photo: Leslie Gordon, Gretta Monahan (Cititour.com)

Guests dined and dug deep into their wallets. The goal? To raise millions—and fast. “It would be great if we came out of this raising more than a couple of million dollars this evening,” said Leslie Gordon, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City. “What’s cool about Food Bank is, you give us a dollar today and I could take you within a matter of hours to show you our impact at work.”

The crowd was stacked with familiar faces. “Good Day New York” co-anchors Rosanna Scotto and Curt Menefee brought the heart.

“We have to take care of our neighbors. It’s not easy to live in New York City,” said Scotto. “Whatever we can do to give back, it would just make such a difference.” Menefee echoed the sentiment. “We have a moral obligation—particularly those of us fortunate enough to have food on the table—to help those less fortunate. I was one of those kids who didn’t.”

Photo: Jeremy O'Brecht, Hilaria Baldwin, Leslie Gordon, Isaac Boots (Cititour.com)

Hilaria Baldwin, in a sleek black and white gown, said it was time to roll up our sleeves: “New York has gone through some exceptionally difficult years, so I think there’s a lot of work we can do tonight and fundraising.” When asked if hunger in the city could ever be eradicated, she added, “I hope so. I think we can always hope.”

The Gotham Ball, now in its third year, has already helped provide over 11 million meals to hungry New Yorkers. With last night’s turnout of stars, chefs, and supporters—it’s safe to say that number’s about to grow.

For more information, visit www.foodbanknyc.org

See more red carpet on Instagram here:

JR & Son Returns to Williamsburg With Italian Tavern Flair
May 1, 2025, 5:11.14 pm ET
Details

Photos: Nick Johnson

A beloved Williamsburg institution is getting a second life. JR & Son (575 Lorimer St, Brooklyn), the storied bar and restaurant that’s been part of the neighborhood since 1936, is officially back—reborn by a standout team of chefs and designers paying tribute to its past while cooking up a bold new future.

Executive Chef Patricia Vega (Thai Diner) leads the charge with a menu rooted in tavern classics and Italian-American comfort. The kind of dishes that make you want to stay all night: stuffed clams a la vongole, paccheri with lobster fra diavolo sauce, and a deeply satisfying spaghetti and meatballs that hits just right. Bread service includes garlic-herb Parker House rolls and green olive focaccia, while the "The Big Ice" offers shrimp, lobster, oysters, and clams served on a bed of ice.

Photos: Nick Johnson

Pastry Chef Amanda Perdomo (Wildair, Contra) brings a sweet finish with modern takes on nostalgic favorites. Her vegan rainbow cookie layer cake—made with coconut milk and toasted coconut—is already a fan favorite. Meanwhile, an orange amaro tiramisu with mascarpone and Cynar keeps things playful and just boozy enough.

Behind the bar, a lineup of amaro-forward cocktails includes the Strawberry Letter 23 (gin, strawberry amaro, campari, lemon), the Godfather Part IV (bourbon, scotch, amaretto), and The Nifty Fifty—a dirty martini with gin, olive, and manzanilla that’s destined to become a signature.

Designed by Nico Arze and Matthew Maddy (Kellogg’s Diner, Lilia), the 50-seat space nods to JR & Son's roots with restored black-and-white tile floors, decorative ceilings, and layers of vintage memorabilia. It’s old-school Brooklyn with a new-school polish—and quite possibly the city's best revival story of the year.

The $1 Skewer Craze Hits Midtown at Chubby Skewers
May 1, 2025, 4:36.58 pm ET
Details

Photos: Cititour.com

There’s a new sizzle on West 37th Street—and it’s coming from the city’s hottest new spot for DIY grilling. Chubby Skewers, the first U.S. outpost of China’s wildly popular 幸福小串 (which translates to “Happiness Skewers”), has landed in Midtown Manhattan, transforming a once-quiet block into a full-blown flavor destination.

Skewers start at just $1, drawing curious passersby and savvy foodies alike into the lively, neon-lit space where Northeastern Chinese barbecue takes center stage. The menu is a choose-your-own-adventure: diners grab their own skewers—from tiny grilled fish and marinated shrimp to chicken claws, pork belly, and Wagyu beef—then fire them up at tabletop grills. Prefer a bit of pampering? Snag a seat at the bar, where a chef cooks the skewers and delivers them to your personal grill, hot and ready.

It’s smoky, festive, and unmistakably fun. But this isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a love letter to Dongbei street food culture. With over 100 locations across China, Chubby Skewers blends authenticity with a cheeky, youth-driven vibe and the brand’s signature motto: “Toast to Happiness, Look Forward to a Beautiful Life.” For New Yorkers, that starts at $1 a stick—and a table full of friends ready to feast.

See more on Instagram here

Behind the Scenes at This Year's Salsa Night in Bryant Park
May 1, 2025, 3:02.27 pm ET
Details

Photos: Cititour.com

Thousands of people turned out for Salsa Night at Bryant Park, part of the park's Dance Party series kicking off this spring. This year, dancers were entertained by the amazing Alfredo de la Fe All Star Band. Here are some images from last night's dance party.

See more on our exclusive Instagram video here:

For more information on Bryant Park's Dance Parties click here

Call Me Izzy Box Office Opens May 5 With Special Promotion
May 1, 2025, 12:26.59 pm ET
Details

Image: Call Me Izzy

A special box office event will be held at Studio 54 on Monday, May 5 at 10am for the upcoming Broadway premiere of “Call Me Izzy,” starring six-time Emmy Award winner Jean Smart, which will run from May 24-August 17. A special ticket price of $25 will be offered for the first 100 tickets purchased in-person at the Studio 54 box office for the first two preview performances. (There is a maximum of two tickets per person.)

This new play by Jamie Wax, and directed by Sarna Lapine, is a darkly comedic story about one woman in rural Louisiana who has a secret that is both her greatest gift and her only way out.

Smart last appeared on Broadway in “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” She is best known for her current role of Deborah Vance on the acclaimed comedy “Hacks,” and her other TV credits include “Designing Women,” “Mare of Easttown,” and “Watchmen.”

For tickets and information, CallMeIzzyPlay.com

78th Annual Tony Award Nominations Are Announced
May 1, 2025, 11:51.40 am ET
Details

Photo: Death Becomes Her (Murphy/Zimmerman)

Nominations have been announced for the 78th Annual Tony Awards, which will take place at Radio City Music Hall at 8pm on Sunday, June 8 and which will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount. Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo will host the broadcast.

On the musical side, “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Death Becomes Her,” and “Maybe Happy Ending” led the pack with 10 Tony Award nominations. Top play nominees included “John Proctor is the Villain” and “The Hills of California” with seven nominations, followed by “Purpose” with six nominations.

Photo: Maybe Happy Ending (Murphy/Zimmerman)

Nearly 50 actors were nominated in a variety of categories including Natalia Venetia Belcon, Danny Burstein, George Clooney, Darren Criss, Laura Donnelly, Andrew Durand, Cole Escola, Mia Farrow, Tom Francis, Jonathan Groff, Jessica Hecht, Jon Michael Hill, Megan Hilty, James Monroe Iglehart, Jeremy Jordan, Daniel Dae Kim, Harry Lennix, Louis McCartney, Audra McDonald, Bob Odenkirk, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Nicole Scherzinger, Sarah Snook, Jennifer Simard, Joy Woods, and Kara Young.

Photo: Cole Escola in Oh, Mary! (Emilio Madrid)

In addition, special awards will go to the musicians of “Buena Vista Social Club” and the illusion and technical effects team of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” Finaly, Harvey Fierstein will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, Celia Keenan-Bolger will receive the Isabelle Stevenson Award, and the 2025 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will be presented to Great Performances, Michael Price, New 42, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Go to www.TonyAwards.com for a full list of nominees.