From the high energy Knicks playoff fever to the classic laid back boys club of Club Macanudo. From the fresh art exhibits stirring conversation, a fun book launch over some tacos and the and culinary creativity at Platform by James Beard. Whether you’re here for the buzz, the bites, or the brilliance, here’s what’s been lighting up NYC right now.
Knicks NBA Playoffs
The energy in NYC has been EUPHORIC this month to say the very least. For the first time in 25 years, the Knicks advanced to the NBA Conference finals and New Yorkers have been in full celebration mode. Watching the game next to MSG as the Knicks took the win in Game 6 against the Celtics was one of the most memorable moments I was lucky to witness and the series now continues against the Indiana Pacers. If you haven’t already checked it out visit my guide to Knicks watch parties here. Here is hoping for some more big Wins for New York!
Club Macanudo
Who said cigar lounges were only a boys club. This month I checked out Club Macanudo for an event and we were treated like VVIPs. This months weather has been pretty miserable but a good scotch and a cigar in this cozy environment made for a lovely evening out. In case you didn’t know Club Macanudo is the only location in all of NYC where you can have cigars AND a full menu at all times. Their menu for food and beverages is quite extensive.
“The Last Ferry Out” by Andrea Bartz Book Launch
It was such a fun night out to celebrate the newest launch by bestselling author Andrea Bartz entiteled “The Last Ferry Out” The celebration was held in the intimate space at La Esquina with some of my favorite Mexican bites and cocktails and some conversation and photo opps with fellow book worms. While I am so excited for the read, the jist seems to be how the main character’s fiance was killed on a now pretty desolate island and what turned into a trip to gain closure, she finds herself uncovering the real mystery of her death. Update you with all the details soon 😉
Platform By James Beard
Tucked inside Pier 57, Platform by James Beard continues to be a dynamic hub for culinary innovation and cultural conversation. With rotating chefs, pop-up events, and a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, it’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to experience the future of food. During this open house, I got to experience the delicious bites by Chef Christine Lau, and Chef Letitia Skye Lounge as well as getting to know about and your their event space.
Art:
Garo Hakimian & Vicky Barranguet
In the art space this month I checked out the newest exhibits but Garo Hakimian at Gallery 776, a gallery in LES, and Vicky Barranguet in Arlo Midtown Living Room Gallery. For Canadian Armenian artist Garo, this was an exciting debut as it was his first solo international exhibit. His body of work explores themes of identity, healing, and the human experience, reflecting a deep engagement with personal and collective narratives that draw upon his Armenian heritage and the complexities of modern life. He uses a mix of mediums, including spray paint, oil sticks, and charcoal, creating a fluidity that mirrors the essence of freedom and healing often citing that his work is never finished. The exhibit is entitled Layers of Transformative Journeys.
Vicky Barranguet is an New York-based Uruguayan artist known for her dynamic and vibrant abstract paintings. Since relocating to New York in 1997, Barranguet has developed a distinctive style within the field of abstract expressionism, characterized by intense color, gestural energy, and a deep connection to music, particularly jazz. Her work embodies a fusion of spontaneous gestures and structured systems, reflecting her unique approach to improvisation and pictorial investigation. Upon meeting her at the gallery she said she drew inspiration from Spring, the colors and freedom evokes by the new season.
