Tom Viertel’s career as a theatrical producer spans three decades, and the O’Neill Theater Center awarded the talented visionary with a Monte Cristo Award at the Edison Ballroom, fittingly located in Times Square – the heart of New York City’s Broadway scene.
The buzz in the air was palpable this past Saturday, August 10th, as The Knockturnal had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Louis Stancil Acting Studios in the heart of Times Square.
I was extremely excited to experience Magic Hour Rooftop’s Surf Club pop-up, and was deflated once I heard the event had been moved three weeks later, to the end of July.
We were ready to rumble in the most delicious way. Hunt & Fish Club in Manhattan this week hosted a gathering!
As the chill of the winter months begins to swirl the air, Anita La Mamma del Gelato has proven to be a top placeholder in the sweet treat wish list this holiday season. With storefronts already in Nomad and the Upper East Side, Anita Gelato opened its third Manhattan location in Times Square last Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Known for their decadent and extravagant flavors like the Cookieman or Hazelnut Crunch, Anita’s is no stranger to the fan-favorite notoriety.
Mama Anita and son Nir developed the first recipes in 1998 in their cozy Mediterranean kitchen much to the delight of their neighbors and friends. Although the ice cream shop has come a long way from its modest beginnings, the warmth and distinctiveness of Anita’s remains well-established. Morning Supervisor, Nicole Ramos, reveals that the secret to the charm is their daily affirmations with the team members, ensuring that each customer leaves not only with magnificent ice cream but a feeling of being a part of the Anita Gelato Family.
The store itself takes on the vibrance and whimsical spirit of the neighborhood as pink and green decorate the room. Each wall is accented with bold, almost tattoo-like inspired artistry which complements their equally one-of-a-kind flavors!
With over 150 rotating flavors of gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream, Anita’s champions the “something for everyone” objective. Their ability to capture the decadence of classic desserts like the Pavlova and Berries, or the Creme Brûlée Pistachio Crumble into the perfect scoop is remarkable. Ms. Ramos reveals that combining two flavors like their Salted Chocolate and White Chocolate Coconut Almond just adds to the magic of Anita’s.
Between homemade recipes and the inclusion of sugar-free and vegan flavors, Times Square’s Anita La Mama del Gelato will undoubtedly be the new go-to spot for a sweet treat!
Empire Steak House welcomed Mayor Eric Adams, long time supporters, Fox 5 and more to celebrate the opening of their newest location on October 25th.
Snuggled between Times Square and Rockefeller on West 49th Street, at the Pearl Hotel, the family owned restaurant was filled with a sentimental crowd, many of who supported the Sinanaj brothers since the beginning of their journey; or the part most were able to witness.
A 40 year labor of love, Jack, Russ and Jeff made their way from Montenegro to Brooklyn’s Peter Luger where they were able learn the restaurant business before opening their own: NYC’s Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant and Empire Steak House, which also has a location in Tokyo.
Over cocktails and bite size servings of the restaurant’s chops, steaks and skewers New Yorkers celebrated the restaurant alongside Broadway stars, including Purlie Victorious cast members, New York City Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie, and more. Commemorating Broadway, resilience and good food, Mayor Adams, a plant based eater, came out to support the restaurant for what it symbolizes. “Their story is our story,” the Mayor said in a speech prior to the ribbon cutting.
On the rooftop of the M Social Hotel located at Times Square you can find the Beast and Butterflies bar. Overlooking New York City’s skyscrapers the rooftop oasis exudes an undeniable aura of vibrant positivity, relaxation, and community. Whether you head over with friends or family, you have a good time awaiting you!
Recently, the rooftop bar has welcomed a newest addition to their space, a pickleball court in partnership with Grey Goose Vodka. Even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel and are just looking for a fun afternoon in New York City, this is the perfect spot for you. Their menu offers a variety of American Cuisine, the Grey Goose signature cocktail is a guest favorite, and you can challenge yourself and your peers to a friendly game of pickleball on their newly designed court! For only $40 per person, you can get treated to the Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktail and a 45-minute slot to showcase your skills on the court.
After my own visit to the bar, I found myself leaving the premises feeling overjoyed by my experience. Not being quite sure what to expect upon arrival, I walked away with my expectations being exceeded. I showed up on a solo date and found comfort in the energy of the staff and the other customers on the rooftop. In the midst of taking in the breathtaking views of New York City, I was approached by a kind woman who offered to participate in a game of pickleball, considering I didn’t have a partner to play with. After 2 long hours of a friendly game of pickleball I instantly reflected on the sense of community that I was able to find over at Beast and Butterflies rooftop bar. I had the opportunity to speak with the manager, Devon Tikku, and he mentioned something that has yet to leave my mind. When asked what value adding the pickleball court to their mini rooftop adds to the M Social Hotel, he stated “it represents being of one community of New York City while emphasizing the rise of pickleball as a sport”. It’s safe to say, adding the court to their rooftop did just that for attendees like myself. For someone who had never played a game of pickleball prior to this, I walked away with a sense of belonging and I know the environment and the people in the environment played a huge role in that.
If you’re looking to sip on a thoughtfully crafted drink, find a space to share stories with friends or family, gaze out at the New York City views, or practice your pickleball skills, this rooftop is a sanctuary of good vibes.
Make your way over to 226 W 52nd St, New York, NY! To reserve a table please call (646) 459-5820 or go online to opentable.com.
If you’re looking for delicious Mexican food at the heart of NYC, look no further
We were at the launch of Pink Taco‘s newest location located in the bustling Time Square. Tourists and locals will have a new spot to enjoy the coined “damn good tacos” and tasty cocktails.
Last month, we were on the scene for the cocktail celebration at The Knickerbocker Hotel to see firsthand their commitment to diversity and the celebration of Black artists. This series was in honor of Black History Month, Brooklyn’s Bishop Gallery has curated the hotel’s inaugural exhibition, Young, Gifted, and IcoKnick.