Professional Groups

Two professional groups I am part of on Facebook are:

Entrepreneurs, Startup & Business Association of New York: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYCESN/?notif_id=1589782338371301&notif_t=group_r2j_approved&ref=notif

Women Helping Women Entrepreneurs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenbizowners/?multi_permalinks=3315069328718484&notif_id=1589775298026040&notif_t=group_highlights&ref=notif

36 Hours in New York City

36 Hours in New York City
by Haydee Torres

The Empire State Building by Max Touhey 

New York City is known as the largest most populated city in the world with about more than 9 million people living within its five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. This megacity is the most diverse with as many as 800 languages spoken and more than 3.2 million residents born outside the United States. New York City has been described as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world, significantly influencing entertainment, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, art, fashion, and sports.  

Friday 3 p.m. Exploring the MoMa: 

For all the art enthusiast this is the first place to visit. Get consumed and influenced by beautiful modern and contemporary art in one of the largest museums in the world, the MoMa. Explore works of architectures, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, books and film. This huge building is consumed with over 300,000 books in its huge library where you can sit and relax and take in all the different pieces of art and its history. Admission is $25 but if you stick around a little longer you might be able to get in for free since the museum has free admission Fridays starting at 4pm. 

MoMa by Heidi Bohnenkamp 

6 p.m. Dinner at Harry’s 

Anybody hungry? After so much art, take a walk over to Rockefeller Center and have dinner at this delicious Italian restaurant called Harry’s Italian. Harry’s offers individual and family style Italian cuisine as well as round and old-fashioned square pies. With about 20 options of pastas and an extensive wine list this is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Italian meals. After dinner walk outside on Rockefeller Plaza and admire the flags surrounding the huge ice-skating rink (winter) or the garden (summer) of over 100 countries to represent diversity in such a huge city. 

8 p.m. The luck of the Irish 

Indulge on a cocktail or beer at this classic Irish Pub near times square, this unique sports bar called The Mean Fiddler is the perfect place to unwind and end the night. With live DJ’s, Karaoke, and 3 bars set for drinks and some fun. TVs surround the entire bar to not miss an inch of the sports games and stats as well as pictures and flags to represent the Irish culture, its history and many who have come to visit. If by any luck you’re in town during the month of march you’re in for a treat since its famous for its march madness, hosting events every day to celebrate in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Full menus and drink specials as well as live performances and late-night partying, you can definitely consider a night to remember.  


Saturday
 

10 a.m. The Highline 

This historic public park on the west side of Manhattan was once a rail line that used to transport goods to central and lower Manhattan, due to high pedestrian deaths of street crossings the city demanded for its demolition. With the help of local people in the community they proposed a preposition to reconstruct and make some purpose of the abandoned railway. Today The Highline is a 1.45-mile-long greenway featuring 500+ species of plants and trees. It exhibits numerous amounts of art works from artists of all over the world as well as pop up performances all for free. Besides the gorgeous gardens you can also admire the fascinating architect from the buildings surrounding the railway, it just gives it a unique perspective of New York City.

The Highline by Mike Tschappat 


12 p.m. Chelsea Market
 

Brunch at Chelsea Market is ideal for any tourist coming to NYC exploring culture, this two-floor market is home to one of the greatest indoor food halls of the world, with more than thirty-five vendors selling everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, cheese to cheesecake. It is mostly known for its diversity in foods, goods, and merchandise shopping. This massive market complex attracts about 6 million national and international visitors annually.  

2 p.m. Alvin Ailey 

After some grub make your way to see one exquisite show at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Dive into a lovely ballet performance enriching the American modern dance heritage. This theatre and company were founded by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African American modern dancers with the vision to preserve the African American culture, in doing so they changed the perception to American dance forever. Today, the company continues Alvin’s mission with over 235 works including past and present pieces and created by over 90 choreographers. Traveling over 48 states, 71 countries on 6 continents performing for an estimated 25 million people.


Alvin Ailey

6 p.m. Tropical Sensation 

Hop in a cab uptown and have dinner at this delicious Latin American restaurant called Tropical Sensation. This Dominican style restaurant features anything from soups, salads, chicken, steak, pork, fish, to seafood and vegetables. Their drink menu is endless with options like natural juices, milkshakes, wines, beers or their top seller cocktail drinks. Served in fancy glasses and vibrant garnishes. Try the house favorite Paella Caribeña dish, golden yellow rice mixed with an assortment of seafood such as lobster, shrimp, crab, calamari, clams, and mussels this can serve two for $59. Listen to Spanish music and watch slideshows of pictures and highlights of the island of the Dominican Republic on the flat screen TVs behind the bar, it would honestly make you feel as if you were already in the Caribbean. 

9 p.m. The Best View of the City 

Take an exciting trip up the Empire State Building to either the 86th or 102nd floor observatory decks to see the most spectacular views of the city of New York. This thrilling adventure is one to remember because it’s the perfect place to capture the best photos of the city especially at night, when the city shines at its brightest. Note you can either do one or do both floors, the 86th floor is outside while the 102nd floor is inside with floor to ceiling windows. Both have a 360-degree view of the city and can be accessed with the fare of $30. Before leaving don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and purchase some souvenirs to take home in memory of coming to NYC with their famous I love New York gifts. 

11 p.m. Let’s Dance 

If you don’t want to end the night just yet and are in the mood for a tad bit more fun head on down to the Copacabana Night Club to show off your groves. This 80-year-old night club is best known for its Brazilian dĂ©cor and its famous list of artists that have come to perform one of their memorable shows of their careers. The club was also known for its chorus line, “The Copacabana Girls”, who had pink hair and elaborate sequenced costumes, mink panties and fruited turbans. Enjoy this 4-floor nightclub with a different DJ on every floor playing all different types of music. Its most popular being salsa, dance the night away or watch couples swing around the dance floor to this Cuban afro-beat sound.


Copacabana Girls by Louie Despres 

Sunday 

10 a.m. “Hello Brooklyn, how you doing” 

Start off your morning on a nice nature walk through this iconic Brooklyn park known as Prospect Park. With its 586 acres of green land you can enjoy anything involving outdoor activities. Whether you want to ride a bicycle, run, walk or play sports this is the perfect place. In the summer it is the most popular time of year, the park has its own zoo, concert series, festivals, and fun family activities. Admission to the park is free and welcomed to anyone wanting an outdoor escape. Get lost on a hike and explore thousands of trees, flowers, birds and simply nature at its best, once inside it almost feels like you are not in NYC anymore. Have a BBQ, lay on the grass and soak up some sun or even read a book by the pond, either one is exiting at this beautiful park, it just can’t be missed. 

12 p.m. Smorgasburg 

Join this amazing open-air food market with about 100 local vendors selling and advertising there up and coming businesses or expansion of their already fast-growing food spots in Brooklyn. Come on an empty stomach because you will want to try everything there is to eat. Serving all types of food and drinks from local businesses, this is the perfect spot for an afternoon lunch. The Smorgasburg market is considered the largest open-air market in America attracting 20,000 to 30,000 people every weekend. It is free to come on site but each vendor sells individually with their own menus and price lists.

Smorgasburg 

6 p.m. Sunset Finale 

End this beautiful trip at Domino Park for the perfect sunset. This 11-acre site was home to the famous Domino Sugar Factory which was once the largest and most productive sugar refinery in the world, refining 4 million pounds of sugar daily and producing 98 percent of the sugar consumed in the United States. It was central to the growth of the surrounding area of Williamsburg and the industrialization of the Brooklyn waterfront. It employed 4,500 workers with different backgrounds and ethnicity including European countries such as Germany, Poland and Ireland as well as Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and people of Caribbean descents as well as African Americans. Domino Park is a tribute to the story of this site and is dedicated to the diversity and resiliency of generations of Domino workers, their families, and their neighborhood. With the Williamsburg Bridge to the west and the Manhattan’s skyline to the east this waterfront is breathtaking and perfect for photographers. This site is the perfect finale to an incredible trip to remember. 

Lodging 

Stay at this historic landmark called Lotte New York Palace which has reigned as New York City’s iconic and instant recognizable hotel. Whether on a business trip, a family getaway or a glamorous wedding this palace is the perfect place. Also known for its glamorous dining halls and private bars with one of the oldest Whiskey collections known today. Starting at $472, this luxury hotel has 733 elegant guest rooms and suites both stylish and comfortable for an urban oasis. Located in the midtown region of Manhattan and steps away from Rockefeller Center this gorgeous palace is in the center of all the action but relaxing enough to keep the busyness of this huge city a hush. 

Another historic landmark to consider would be The Roosevelt Hotel. This 90-year-old luxurious hotel has remained a true icon of the New York City skyline since it opened in 1924. It is synonymous for the orchestra performance of Guy Lombardo for over 30 years as well as having its appearance in several major motion pictures such as The Boiler Room, Wall Street, Malcom X, Maid in Manhattan, Men in Black 3 and The Dictator to name a few. Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, this iconic hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a long day touring the city with its convenience to nearby attractions as well as the Grand Central Terminal. Starting at $105 a night for 2. 

 

 

36 Hours in New York City

 

This city, composed of five boroughs, has something to offer everyone. Possibilities for adventures are endless and are waiting to be explored. 

By Omneyah Hassan

May 12th, 2020 

Friday 

8 p.m.

1) Paddle Around The Skyline

 

Carry out an incredible adventure and join Manhattan Kayak at the Pier 84 Boathouse in Midtown Manhattan from sunset into the dark for NY After Dark kayaking and watch the midtown skyline light up. For a worth-it price of $65, experience the beautiful city on the water for one hour. No swim or kayak experience necessary. The staff demonstrates basic strokes and safety protocols before heading into the water. 

Photo by MIKEY BOYLE

 

10 p.m

2) Games in The West Village

 

Hop on the A, C, or E subway lines from 42 St-Port Authority to the West 4 st-Washington sq Station and make your way to 75 Christopher Street. Enjoy the rest of your evening with live music, drinks, ping pong, pool, shuffleboard, foosball, checkers, chess, and a various selection of other games offered by Fat Cat. $26 pool tables for the hour, and fair prices for drinks available every night until 5 a.m.

 

Photo by  Jeff Weston via Flickr Creative Commons

 

Saturday

 

11 a.m.

3) Bike Tour

 

Start an exciting day by biking the NYC streets, a fundamental part of life in New York. Cover more ground while taking in the cities sceneries. For just $10 ride from manhattan to Williamsburg on a two-hour bike tour, Your rental includes the bicycle, a helmet, a bike lock, and optional front and rear lights if you will be riding at night. You can also add bike baskets and water at the rental store. The meeting point is 105 Clinton St, located one block from the Williamsburg Bridge, in a location that makes it very easy and convenient for you to pick up and drop off your bike. A beautiful way. As cycling is an essential form of transportation and one of your best bets to beat traffic, it is necessary that all cyclists practice safety. Be sure to read through the NYC bicycle rules before enjoying a fantastic ride across the bridge to ensure your safety and those around you. (https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bicyclerules-english.pdf).

 

Photo by NOAH DEVEREAUX

 

1 p.m.

4)  A Taste of Williamsburg

 

On a corner right under the Williamsburg Bridge is a 90-year-old Pullman dining car, on 85 Broadway, Brooklyn, Diner is a great restaurant to dive into Williamsburg’s eclectic dining scene. This perfect brunch spot has a  menu committed to local, seasonal, sustainable foods, and have relationships with farmers in upstate New York and surrounding regions. Their expansive bar offers both domestic and nonlocal beers, cocktails, and an extensive wine list. For $23, you can have a grass-fed burger served Medium, with pickles and lettuce on a potato bun served with fries.

 

Photo by Hudson Yards NYC

 

3p.m. 

5) Climb The Vessel

 

Take the subway from Williamsburg to one of the city’s newest attractions created by Thomas Heatherwick to create a unique interactive outdoor experience meant to be climbed and explored. This Hudson yards centerpiece contains 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and 2,500 individual steps. Tickets are free though you must get them online to ensure your entrance since they operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are also available at all kiosks and shops at 20 Hudson Yards. Arrive from Penn Station or seven train Hudson Yards Station. 

 

Photo by Iwan Baan

 

7 p.m.

5) Walk The Highline

 

Exit the Hudson Yards after exploring The Vessel and enter the 30th street entrance to walk manhattans transformed the freight rail line. The Highline overlooks manhattans westside and features gardens of 500 different plant species and a long list of some of the world’s most exciting contemporary art. The entrances connect 11th avenue from 34th to 14th street. Stroll through the park and enjoy its beautiful sightings, the Highline you right into Chelsea market between 15th and 16th street. 

 

8p.m.

6) Chelsea Market

 

Explore the 40 restaurants and vendors. Chelsea market considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world today. Los Tacos No. 1 has some of the best tacos, ever, for a fair price. 

Photo by EVAN JOSEPH IMAGES

 

10 p.m.

7) Empire State building

 

From Chelsea Market, you can take the A train to the D, F, or M train to 34th St. Harald Square Station to The Empire State Building 350 5th Avenue. The 86th and 102nd-floor observatories provide unforgettable 360° views of New York City, New Jersey, and even Connecticut. Tickets are $72 for adults, $66 for children, and seniors for $70. The observatory is opened until 2 a.m., and the last admissions are at 1:15 a.m. 

Photograph: Courtesy Engin Beri

Lodging 

 

Stay at The Paper Factory, a 100-year-old paper factory, the boutique hotel is located in 3706 36th St, Long Island City, A short trip from Midtown Manhattan. For a Standard King room rates start around $109 per night. The modern 4-star hotel offers cozy accommodations and a great view of the city.

 

Works cited

 

Learn and Go Far in NYC. (2019, August 31). Retrieved from https://manhattankayak.com/

 

Park Features. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thehighline.org/park-features/

 

Kim, B. (2017, July 20). Fat Cat – West Village – New York. Retrieved from https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/fat-cat

 

Find a ride to rent. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.spinlister.com/about

 

About: Diner in Brooklyn, NY. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dinernyc.com/about/

 

Our Story. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.chelseamarket.com/our-story

 

Vessel. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel

 

36 hours in New York City

36 hours in New York City

By: Kelvin Caba

5/12/2020

A lot of people refer to New York City as a huge melting pot of different cultures and people and that could not be truer especially considering how many different options and amazing places you can go to as a food and drink tourist. From street food to fine dining and amusement parks to clubs or bars New York has it all.

Retrieved from: Ozzmovies, Pinterest. https://id.pinterest.com/pin/764063893001082493/

Friday

1)5-pm Fine Dinning

A great way to start your New York culinary experience is with some fine dining. One of the most elegant and luxury restaurants in New York is Daniel. Opened in 1993 by Daniel Boulud, the owner and chef. Located at 60 E 65th street. All the courses have a prix-fixe, meaning fixed price, depending on what type of course you would prefer. Daniel has a strict dress code, Jackets required for gentlemen, elegant or business attire, no jeans, sneakers, shorts, sandals or T shirts. A four-course meal will cost $158, and with a wine paring it will cost an additional $82 or $142. For a seven-course tasting menu it is $250, and $135 or $225 with wine parings. Daniel also has many tasty and lovely looking desserts made by Ghaya Oliveira, the executive pastry chef. You can even fromage with a variety of artisanal cheeses. some courses can be fully vegetarian, a three course is $135, four courses are $158, and a vegetarian seven course tasting menu is $250, and all come with $82 or $142 wine paring. With it’s amazing food and excellent service Daniel is the perfect way to start you New York culinary journey.

Retrieved from: https://psdnyc.com/work/daniel-restaurant/psd-daniel-restaurant-entrance/

2) 7-pm Don’t get too tipsy

It’s time to leave Manhattan in go to somewhere a little less crowded ang get something good to drink while having a great time, you should head straight to Ridgewood at 1616 George Street to find Evil Twin Brewing. Founded by in 2010 by Jeppe Jarnit- Bjergso, they create delicious and cleverly named beers, they break away from the traditional styles of brewing beer by having some unique recipes for some of their most iconic beers. They have beers like 32 ounce crowler “greenhouse Vienna larger conditioned on American Oak”, 32 ounce crowler “not your typical spiced pear cobbler”, 32 ounce crowler “this must be on top ten of our most ridiculous beers maybe- top five”, and 32 ounce crowler “what’s up with blueberry pancakes” prices ranging from $10 to $16.

Retrieved from: https://brewyorknewyork.com/post/188087826033/evil-twin-opens-nyc-brewery-in-ridgewood-queens

3) 8-pm The city is even more beautiful at night

            Go see one of the Greatest attractions that New York has to offer, The Brooklyn bridge. You can see the skyline as you walk the bridge or walk around through Brooklyn Bridge park. Head to the shore and watch the city light reflect on the water.

Retrieved from: https://www.nycgo.com/attractions/brooklyn-bridge-park

4) 9-pm At an eagle point of view   

Head straight up to the top of the Empire State building. if you thought the view of the skyline through Brooklyn Bridge park was good, a view on one of the tallest building in New York City is even better. The building is open till 2am, last admission at 1:15. You can go to the 82nd and 102nd floor, where the view is best. From there you can see all the city land marks.

Retrieved from: https://www.esbnyc.com/

Saturday

5) 10-am Brunch

            Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but you were out late, so you slept through breakfast. Luckily, there’s brunch and a great place to have cheap, affordable and tasty brunch items is IHOP. Get in, find a table and order some eggs, bacon, pancakes or omelets with super reasonable pricing and there’s spread all over the city this meal will be an amazing start to an amazing day.

Retrieved from: https://www.usmagazine.com/food/news/the-p-in-ihop-now-stands-for-pancakes-but-theres-a-twist/

6) 12-pm SHOPPING!!

New York City has many shopping areas like 5th Ave or Fulton but another good place to find a ton of fashion boutiques restaurants and even art is Madison Ave. In the Upper East Side Madison Ave is home to five world class hotels, 50 Places to dine, 14 different sweetshops, 112 art galleries, 60 boutiques.

Retrieved from: https://www.vno.com/street-retail/property/595-madison-avenue/3311672/landing

7) 3-pm Street food

There are many places to eat in Manhattan and a ton of different restaurants to choose from but here in Chinatown the street food comes in huge variety. from fried foods to steam foods 2 hot dogs and more traditional Chinese food, the Chinatown street food area is a huge melting pot of different foods and eateries to have a good meal at. You can come out spending less than $20 just buy going through the food carts because everything is relatively cheap.

Retrieved from: https://www.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/things-to-do-in-chinatown-manhattan/

 

8) 5-pm Never too old to be a kid

            Luna park is an amazing place to have a good time, from the cyclone to the tea party Luna park has rides for people of all ages. There’s so many things to do at Luna park like playing arcade games to win adorable stuffed prizes, you can get Nathan’s hot dogs, ice cream cones, and pretzels, and my favorite thing to do while I’m at Luna park is the Coney Island Raceway, no matter how old you are riding around in that track is extremely fun and somewhat competitive.

9) 7-pm Sunset walks on the beach/boardwalk

            After a long day of trying out new foods shopping and going on thrilling rides the perfect way to end the day is at the beach. Walk along the boardwalk with a hot dog as you look up on the sunset. a nice roll next to the shore as you see the some disappearing in the horizon is a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Retrieved from: https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/new-york/things-to-do-in-coney-island

 

Lodging

A four-star hotel located at 1535 Broadway; The New York Marriott Marquis is an amazing hotel to stay at. with prices around $185 it’s not as expensive as other hotels in Manhattan. Also, it’s located in times square which mean it’s towards the lower middle of The Manhattan island, so you won’t be too far from any one place.

Retrieved from: https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/new-york-marriott-marquis.html

 

References

 

“About Daniel”. Retrieved from https://www.danielnyc.com/about

Menu, “Cuisine/Dinner”. Retrieved from https://www.danielnyc.com/cuisine/dinner

“About”, Evil twin brewing, https://eviltwin.nyc/about/

Sabrina, (October 28, 2019), “Fun things to do in New York city at night: My top six fun night activities”. Retrieved from loving-newyork.com. https://loving-newyork.com/fun-things-to-do-in-nyc-at-night/

Madisonavenuebid.org. https://madisonavenuebid.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwkun1BRAIEiwA2mJRWbPxZNFRlaNkAoYIZ5VTIpMV8E3_Mxgkh7zs7wKE6QpuSnrkm_IKMhoC14QQAvD_BwE

Gordan Mark, (August 5, 2008). “A guide to cheap snacks in Manhattan’s Chinatown”. Retrieved from newyork.seriousets.com https://newyork.seriouseats.com/2008/08/guide-to-cheap-eats-snacks-in-manhattans-chinatown-chinese-food-nyc.html

Luna park https://lunaparknyc.com/