The fragrance launch was nothing short of a grandiose New York social affair.
nyc
When considering what makes up NYC culture, there’s various elements you can think of. The bright lights, the skyscrapers, the hustle culture, the one-of-a-kind pizza, shows on Broadway. Yet, for me the heart beat of the city will always be rooted in the origin of hip hop. Regardless of your demographic or your music taste, everyone is usually able to connect and feel the rhythmic beats and powerful lyrics in hip hop, in a way that connects us all together.
Last Wednesday evening, The Knockturnal joined Gotham NY and Landmark at the House of Cannabis to celebrate artists paying homage to New York’s most iconic hip-hop landmarks. This evening was exactly what you would consider to be a GRAND opening. Between the empowering art exhibit, upbeat DJ lineups, and special performance by the legend Pharoahe Monch, it was an opportunity to immerse in the NYC hip hop culture with a hint of green.
Being a younger generation I didn’t have as much knowledge of old school hip hop as those next to me who grew up on it, but I still found myself feeling connected to the music, the art pieces, and the strangers around me. There was so much power in art Wednesday evening. Every form of art in the building told a story, a story of the realities of growing up in NYC during an era that shaped the roots of hip hop. The vibrant beats and rhythmic flow of the music, the graffiti-laden art pieces that covered the walls, and the diverse crowd sharing the space all became threads weaving together a narrative. It wasn’t just about the past; it was a collective expression of resilience, creativity, and the shared experiences of navigating the dynamic streets of New York City.
Pharoahe Monch is the perfect example of a storyteller through both audio and visual. His immersive art piece “Framing my Own Narrative” was on display and represented a story that required no verbal articulation because the piece spoke for itself. Luckily for us, we had the best of both worlds. Between his live performance at the center of his art piece, he told the story of key events of his teen years that played a huge part to the trajectory of his life and how he was molded into the man he is today. There was not a single person in the room who did not feel empowered and connected to those who filled the space through this art.
If you find yourself in the NYC area and a lover of all things hip-hop and Mary Jane, check out the month-long exhibit at the House of Cannabis to immerse yourself into NYC culture through art.
Picture this: you walk into a family restaurant with four of your closest buddies. The individual that greets you is immediately at attention, and politely says, “We’ve been waiting for you.” You follow him to a secluded upstairs table, as he gently picks up and removes the placard that says, “Reserved.” As you take a seat, he announces, “There will be a special menu for you all tonight.”
This scenario seems to be straight out of an episode of The Sopranos, and yet there I was, living it in real life. I had been invited to Da Nico Ristorante in downtown Manhattan, which possessed “Tony’s Table”, a special table used as a shrine to The Sopranos and surrounded by The Sopranos memorabilia. Here, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the show, we received a special menu that contained items named with references to the show, such as the Vesuvius Scrapiello or the Not For Tony. A cocktail menu with a similar naming system was provided as well. I felt like I had the power and luxury of a gangster, and for once could understand what it felt like to be in Tony’s shoes.
The waiter started us off with a bottle of wine and several appetizers, including a bruschetta pizza, a plate of cold cuts and cheeses, and a plate of hot antipasti that included samples of chicken or cheese finger food. Everyone was extremely attentive and constantly brought new and exciting things for us to try, and we loved every bite of it.
When it came time for the entrees, I know I had to get the Not For Tony, a Sopranos-spin on the classic Eggplant Parmesan. My friends ordered Carmela’s Baked Ziti and an Agent Harris Marsala, and like family, we shared it all.
After that terrific meal, the waiters brought over some desserts, which included a plate of fresh fruit and a plate of zeppole, an italian pastry covered in powdered sugar. We also each were given a shot of a green sweet liquor, which we cheersed and downed simultaneously. As I sat back, I reflected upon the parallels between where I was now and Tony’s restaurant frequents with his friends. Sure, I did not have a criminal empire, but I had friends that I treated like family, laughs, and good food, all of which Tony was very familiar with.
Visit Da Nico Ristorante to see Tony’s Table for yourself, and try some of the best food I have had in recent memory for yourself.
As the first few weeks of the new year settle in, it can be difficult to find the kind of fun activities that you’ve enjoyed the past few months, even in the liveliest of cities. In New York, the exiting of holiday fun to make way for what awaits in January can not only be sad, but can make it seem like there’s not much to do in your free time, especially with our recent icy temperatures.
But Bryant Park is always a staple of year round fun, no matter the season or the weather. Thankfully for anyone looking for a little bit of winter cheer, one of the most anticipated NYC activities, Bumper Cars on Ice, recently made its return to the Bank of America Winter Village. It’s an ideal time to check out the cars, as the holiday shops, and other various attractions have come down for the season, making crowds at a minimum and fun at a maximum.
Even though it may be a little cold to head to Coney Island right now, you can still experience a carnival classic in a whole new way. Now through March 2nd, participants can experience classic bumper cars on new terrain, making for a slippery good time. This unique experience allows individuals to glide and bump into each other on the ice, ensuring greater speeds than the typical ride, and some gorgeous views as well.
One of the best things about Bryant Park is how much there is to do, even after the holiday season. After enjoying the bumper cars or a whirl around the park’s free admission ice skating rink, guests have the perfect opportunity to continue their winter escapade at The Lodge. Situated rinkside, The Lodge is a cozy après-skate escape that beckons visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. It’s an open-air environment, creating the perfect setting to savor a delightful cocktail and relish delicious food. The Lodge stands out as the ultimate winter destination, offering both outdoor and indoor bars, providing a comfortable retreat for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
The bumper cars will be open from 1 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Thursday, and from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday through Sunday.For those eagerly awaiting this winter treat, tickets are now officially available for purchase. To secure your spot on the ice and partake in the joyous escapade of Bumper Cars on Ice, check out their website here!
The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village is located between 40th Street and 42nd Street on 6th Avenue. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-time participant, Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers a delightful blend of winter activities to create lasting memories.
Glass Ceiling Nomad in NYC Hosting Upcoming Holiday Event called ‘New Years Around The World’
The Knockturnal was recently invited to experience an evening at Glass Ceiling Nomad, a trendy restaurant located in the heart of New York City.