Author Archives: Anahi

Shake Shack Site Visit Reflection

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How did you feel about the site visit?

After the site visit, I felt amazing. I learned a lot about how a food and beverage company works on new items before putting it on their official menu. I also felt really special since we got to try food items that are not officially out to the public and that are still being worked on. This site visit was unforgettable.

What is one aspect of the site visit that made you want to or not want to work in the food industry?

I have never really considered working within the food industry. That quickly changed after the site visit at Shake Shack. I became intrigued to work in the food industry after Chef Karangis explained the whole process of how they come up with a new menu item. Also, hearing how they make the same items over and over until they think it’s a perfect fit for what their company stands for. I really find the whole process of implementing a new food item fascinating and I wouldn’t mind doing that as a career

36 Hours in Queens, New York

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36 Hours in Queens, New York

By: Anahi Rodriguez

Founded in 1683, Queens is the nation’s fourth most populous and the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world. Queens is made up of cultures ranging from American, Hispanic, Greek, Asian and so much more, which makes it very unique. Despite its large size and cultural attributes, as travelers make their way to New York they quickly overflow Manhattan for it’s bright buildings and crowded streets, Queens remains nearly untouched. With it being so big, there are a variety of things to do and try, such as diverse cuisines and iconic attractions.

Friday

1. 2:30pm. Explore Main Street, Flushing

Street view of Roosevelt Ave and Main Street, after exiting the train station.

Street view of Roosevelt Ave and MainStreet Photo Credit: Anahi

As you exit the Flushing-Main Street train station, after sitting in the 7 train for about 20 minutes, the sound of Asian dialects increases. Main Street is surrounded by local vendors, stores, food and noise. In terms of food options, it’s practically endless here. Some of the best Pork Buns are just a two minute walk, located in The Good Fortune Supermarket. You can get three freshly made pork buns for $2.00 from Dumpling Galaxy. The market not only has Pork Buns but has bowls of Pho, Dumplings, Ramen, Sushi and more. There are also more food markets that offer much more food such as The New York Food Court and The Food Hall at Queens Crossing Then, about a five minute walk you end up at The Shops at Sky view Center, which has stores ranging from Target to Bed Bath & Beyond, in case you are in need of any important essentials. Aside from the mall, Main Street is surrounded by stores like Macy’s, Footlocker, Rainbow and Modell’s.

2. 4:30pm Flushing Meadow Park

A view of the Citified Stadium from the Flushing Meadows Park

Citi field Stadium from Flushing Meadows Park Photo Credit: Anahi

Just a 10 minute walk from Main Street, you reach one end of the Flushing Meadows Park, which is the fourth largest public park in New York City. This park holds the iconic Unisphere, which was initially built because the park was supposed to be a Disney amusement park. The park also has the Shea Stadium, Queens Zoo (Adults $8, Seniors $6, Children from ages 3-12 are $5 and Children under 3 years old enter free), New York Hall of Science (Adults $16, Seniors $13, Children $13), the Botanical Garden (Adults $23-$28, Seniors $20-$25 and Children $10-$12), tennis courts and a small golf course (Adults $18.75-$21, Seniors $12-$13 and Children $7-$8, for club rentals $2 each and 3 packs of balls for $6).

3. 5:30pm. Sing your heart out

The outside of the building of the karaoke place

Outside of K-show Karaoke place Photo Credit: Anahi

K-Show is a karaoke place that offers a private room for you and your group to sing along to a wide range of songs. The prices range depending on the size of the room that you want to rent out. For a small room $38, Medium $58, Large $78, VIP $98 and VVIP $138, they all include one or more food item. Aside from the free food item, you can order small food portions and drinks that you can enjoy as you watch your friends and family sing.

4. 7:00pm. Xiang Hot Pot

Located in the New World Mall, this hot pot restaurant has been serving high quality food since 2003. Some of the classic food items are sliced beef, pork, chicken, seafood, dumplings,tofu, mushrooms, eggs and more. For a two pot combo it cost $20 and the price increases depending on them more meats and spices you order.

5. 9:00pm. Never too late for Bubble Tea

Coco Bubble Tea

Coco Bubble Tea Photo Credit: Anahi

Flushing is surround by various of bubble tea shops but this one in particular always has a line. After eating a lovely meal and as your heading back to your hotel, you can stop by Coco to order some bubble tea that range from$5-$10 depending on what you order.

Saturday

6. 10:00am. Astoria Park

A great way to kick start your morning is simply walk around Astoria park and enjoy the tall green trees, the sound of birds chirping, the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks and looking out to the view of Manhattan. If your feeling more in the active spirit, you can go on a jog/run around the track, play soccer on the newly developed soccer filed or walk around the outer area of the track and try out the exercise equipment. No matter what you do, you will enjoy the scenery and openness that Astoria Park has to offer.

7. 12:00pm. Time for Lunch

Across the street view of Crescent Kitchen

Crescent Kitchen diner Photo Credit: Anahi

After enjoying a wonderful walk around Astoria Park, head towards Crescent Street to eat at the iconic Crescent Kitchen for lunch. This mini diner offers various types of diner foods that anyone can enjoy for reasonable prices. For instance, the burgers served with fries, coleslaw and pickles is only about $5-$10. Their signature Philly Cheese Steak with sliced steak, melted mozzarella cheese and rich caramelized onions in only $7

8. 2:00pm. Chip

Across the street view of Chip

Chip, cookie shop Photo Credit: Anahi

Chip offers some of the softest and most delicious cookies that keeps you wanting more, which explains why they constantly have a long line that can wrap around the corner! You can enjoy a variety of cookies ranging from chocolate chip, white chocolate with raisins, funfetti and more but some flavors are only available on specific days so visit https://www.chipnewyorkcity.com/ to make sure you go on a day that offers your favorite flavor. The cookies can range from $3 to $4. Chip also sells some warm delicious drinks such as coffee and hot chocolate.

9. 3:30pm. Steinway

View of Steinway street

Steinway Photo Credit: Anahi

In the mood for more shopping? Steinway is the place to go. As you walk down the long streets of Steinway, you can stumble upon stores you know and may not know. There are stores that range from Footlocker, antique shops, pet stores, Gap, Express, Bath and Body Works, Payless and much more. You will find yourself going into every store and finding something new in each one of them. Aside from the clothing shops, Steinway also has shops that offer a wide range of food options such as pizza, sandwiches, chicken, bagels, Hispanic food and many more. Walking around Steinway is also very relaxing and entertaining.

10. 6:00pm. Gyro World

View of Gyro World

Gyro World Photo Credit: Anahi

After you have done all that walking and shopping through Steinway, you can make a stop at Gyro World. Gyro World offers some of the best Gyros you can find in New York City, you will never find this shop empty or not upbeat. The welcoming employees make you feel right at home and are willing to always help if you have any question or concerned about the food. The delicious gyros, range from $6-$10. The gyros are reasonable prices and are a pretty decent price. The rich and yummy spices that seep through, are to die for.

11. 8:30pm. Viva Viva

What a long and eventful day, it’s time to wind down and enjoy the company of friends and family, Viva Viva is a newly opened but popular taqueria cantina (taco place). This cantina has such a lively ambiance that brings everyone together. If you don’t want or are not at the legal age to drink, you can enjoy their non alcoholic beverages that are all infused by fruits of your liking, which makes them very yummy. For the alcoholic drinks, there are a range of cocktails, sangrias, margaritas and wines. Overall, the drinks range from $8 to $15. Then food wise, the cantina offers delicious tacos with roasted pork and pineapple, grilled steak, fish and chicken that range from $3.74 to $4 each.

Sunday

12. 10:00pm. Socrates Sculpture Park

View of the entrance of Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park Photo Credit: Anahi

As you walk through the park, you feel the cool breeze from the river. People are laying on the grass, walking their dogs or dancing to music. There’s various of art pieces scattered around the park. Socrates Sculpture Park offers land for local artist to display their artwork. The art pieces range in size, color and meaning. Sometimes there are some art pieces that can seem kinda funny or odd but once you actually analyze them and read the description, you realize the deeper meaning of each sculpture.

13. 12:20pm. MoMA PS1

While in the spirit of looking and critically analyzing art, you can make your way to the MoMA. This art museum has various exhibitions that has colorful, dark, odd, fascinating art pieces that you can find just anywhere. The MoMA really creates a space for true artist to showcase their unique artistic expressions. The MoMA also has different events and festivals that are open to the public but cost $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. This art museum is very intriguing and such a hotspot for tourist and locals.

Lodging

  1. The Z New York City Hotel is located in 11-01 43rd Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101. This hotel has a very simplistic and elegant feel through its white, black, red color scheme. This hotel has a large lobby that has a sitting area that consists of leather couches and has a rustic vibe. This hotel offers free breakfast and a spa. A typical night this hotel with a queen bed cost about $330 and for king sized bed, it costs about $395.
  2. The Collective Paper Factory is located 37-06 36th St, Long Island City, NY 11101. This hotel has pops of color through their decor and structure. The hotel incorporates wood and metals to create a rustic but modern vibe throughout the hotel, A lot of the rooms are really big and has their own color scheme but they seem to sick with darker and neutral colors. This hotel offers a business center and a spa for their guests. Each night, at this hotel with a superior queen bed is about $193 and for a king sized bed, it cost about $202 each night,

Sources:

  1. Queens. (2019, December 6). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queens.
  1. Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. (2019, November 14). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flushing_Meadows–Corona_Park.
  1. Sing Karaoke @Kshow KTV™: Enjoy a Private Karaoke‎ in Flushing NYC. (2019, September 5). Retrieved from https://www.kshowktv.com/.
  1. America’s Finest Hotpot Dining Experience. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://xianghotpot.com/.
  1. Our Menu – CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice New York. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cocobubbletea.com/menu/.
  1. Astoria Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park.
  1. Chip New York City: Cookie Menu: Bakery Locations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.chipnewyorkcity.com/.
  1. Viva Viva: Taqueria & Cantina. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.vivavivanyc.com/.
  1. Socrates Sculpture Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://socratessculpturepark.org/.
  1. MoMA PS1. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.moma.org/ps1.
  1. Z NYC Hotel in Long Island City. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.zhotelny.com/.
  1. the collective paper factory. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thecollective.com/locations/paper-factory

Knickerbocker Hotel Reflection

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  • What did you like/dislike about the site visit to the 1 Hotel?

Visiting the Knickerbocker hotel was hands down one of the best hotels I have had the pleasure of touring. I really liked the format of the rooms. When I entered the different guest rooms, I really enjoyed looking at the bathrooms, since they looked so bright and aesthetically pleasing. The rooms were also soundproof, all the car hocking and other loud noises all disappeared when we were in those rooms. Another thing I really liked was going on the rooftop and having such a close view to where the ball drops during the new year. The rooftop had so many plants and lights that I know look amazing at night.

 

  • What is one aspect of the site visit that made you want to or not want to work in the lodging industry

One aspect of the site visit that made me want to work in the lodging industry is how welcoming and close every single one of the employees were. I truly felt very comfortable as we were given a tour and had that mini panel discussion with some of the staff members. I really love how the hotel has created a family within the workers and that’s something I would really love to be a part of one day.

Brooklyn Bridge Reflection

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Monae and I (Anahi) focused on cultural tourism within Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo. Cultural tourism is tied to the lifestyle, history, art and religion of people that has shaped Brooklyn. In Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo, activities that relates to cultural tourism are, art auctions that brings local artists together to sell their art, which allows them to show other locals and tourists their talent. As we walked around, we observed many places that people can sit and relax. One in particular are the steps that were constructed with recycled material from destroyed buildings and structures. These steps overlooks a beautiful scenery of the river and manhattan, which creates an overall calming feeling. I also observed lots of plaques on the ground of the docks that symbolized and marked the history of Brooklyn which relates to both historic and cultural tourism.

Concierge Choice

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State location: Central Park

In 1853, NYC legislators were introduced to the plan of Central Park and in order to execute it, they had to acquire 700-800 acres of land through the use of eminent domain. Despite the on going debates and controversies, eventually people got on board with the construction of Central Park because of the positive impacts. Some of those impacts were 20,000 job openings and over 270,000 plantation of trees and shrubs which impacted both the economy and environment greatly. Central Park also established New York’s remarkable reputation which then lead many tourists to visit and locals to adventure through their city.

Blackmar, B & Rosenzweig, R (1992). The Park and the People. Retrieved from https://www.centralpark.com/visitor-info/park-history/overview/

 

Anahi

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I would actually love to visit Rennes and St. Malo. These places have a variety of attractions to offer that truly emphasizes the ancient times. I would like to go to Place Du Champ-Jacquet because I have always been fascinated with architecture. I would love to observe the differences between architecture here to there. Musée des Beaux-Arts seems like a very interesting and inexpensive place to go because it has so many art pieces, which I love looking at. Also, there is a female mummy on display that is from the Roman-era. It would be extremely interesting to see the mummy’s worn out warps that covers it. Rennes and St. Malo also offers so many different types of foods. I find the light sauce and wine infusions on the meat intriguing, I would really like to try it. The dessert offered at Restaurant Gilles sounds yummy, also the price for a full course meal is not that pricey.

Anahi Rodriguez eprofile edit

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Throughout my lifetime, my home has always been filled with the joy and laughter of people during small gatherings or parties. I watched my mom go out of her way to make our guests feel welcomed and comfortable. At a young age, I quickly mirrored her and I would try my best to accommodate our guests by offering and giving them drinks and food. This sparked my passion for providing care and help to others.

I was able to exhibit my passion when I attended Long Island City High School as part of the hospitality small learning community. Not only did I learn about lodging, tourism, event planning but I was able to showcase my basic hospitality skills in school events. I always made sure to help set up and prepare for events like, school dances, parent teacher conferences, award ceremonies and talent shows. I plan on continuing my academic success and volunteer work through my years at City Tech.

Through my volunteering, I was then given a paid internship with Zone 126, a community partner with my school. I created events, designed bulletin boards, translated for teachers and parents, served food to students after school and completed basic office work. Then, I was given a paid summer Internship at the Hyatt Centric Times Square Hotel as a Human Resources intern. I worked alongside, Human Resources and took charge of my own project called Operation Backpack, completed office work and distributed food vouchers to all the employees when the kitchen was closed. I was also able to work alongside Guest Services where I created gift bags for guests and dropped them off to their rooms, inspected the guest rooms and during special occasions, I decorated guest rooms

After this internship, my love for the hospitality industry became so much clearer. It influenced me to attend City Tech, want to become a General Manager and to possibly open up my own hotels around the world. With having all these big dreams, I hope to maintain good grades, put all my effort into my school work and to enrich my hospitality knowledge.

For years now, I have developed many strengths. For instance, I am creative, a problem solver, a leader and a team player, hard working and empathetic. All of those personal strengths have helped me succeed through high school and my job experiences with zone 126 and Hyatt Centric. I plan to continue to use them and develop them thoroughly in order to grow as a professional and to strengthen my work ethic.

 

Throughout my lifetime, people have always been in and out of my house during small gatherings or parties. I always watched my mom go out of her way to make our guests feel welcomed and comfortable. I quickly developed this trait and from a young age, I would do simple things, such as, offering and giving our guests something to drink or something to eat. This sparked my passion for providing care and help to others. I was able to exhibit my passion when I attended Long Island City High School. Being apart of the hospitality small learning community, allowed me to learn about lodging, tourism, event planning, sustainability and so much more. I quickly became fascinated with the industry and made sure to be involved in any way I could. I did live the lifestyle of a student athlete, who was on the honor roll and had a job but I always managed to volunteer during school events. I also made sure to put in all my effort in my school work and I hope to continue that in college. During my time at City Tech, I hope to enrich my knowledge of hospitality and to become involved in the hospitality community, as I maintain good grades.

During my high school experience, I did volunteer to set up and prepare for events like, school dances, parent teacher conferences, award ceremonies and talent shows. Initially, I did all that as a volunteer who enjoyed helping out but then I was given the opportunity to work with Zone 126. This organization is a partner with my school and they are in charge of creating events, designing bulletin boards and providing free SAT Prep. As I worked with them, I would create bulletin boards, be a translator for parents and teachers, served food for the students when they attended SAT prep and completed office work. Later on, through my school, I was given a paid summer Internship the Hyatt Centric Times Square Hotel as a Human Resources intern. I worked alongside, Human Resources and was in charge of my own project called Operation Backpack. I was given a budget and I had to buy as many school supplies within that budget for as many students. I completed that task and gathered about 70 backpacks with supplies for children in need. I did a lot of organizing, office work and I distributed food vouchers to all the employees when the kitchen was closed. I was also able to work alongside Guest Services. With Guest Services, I was able to create gift bags for new guest and dropped them off in there room. I also had to inspect the rooms before the guest came to make sure it was clean for them. Additionally, during special occasions, I decorated guest rooms. After this internship, my love for the hospitality industry became so much clearer. My goal is to one day be the General Manager of my own hotel. Also, to possibly one day open up my own hotels around the world.

Throughout my life, I have developed many strengths. For instance, I am creative, a problem solver, a leader and a team player, hard working and empathetic. All of those personal strengths have helped me succeed through high school and through my job experiences with zone 126 and Hyatt Centric. I plan to continue to use them and develop them thoroughly to grow as a professional.