Plugging you in with each
IT LIST Newsletter
Outdoor Dining Is Here to Stay!
In the last week of September, Mayor de Blasio announced that the Open Streets: Restaurants program which most of us know just as outdoor dining will be a year-round addition. With over 10,000 restaurants currently a part of this initiative, there will be aspects to think about as we move into the colder months. Here’s looking forward to the safe winterized outdoor areas many restaurants and bars come up with. Here are some words from the city council and community members on the new permanent addition to NYC streets and sidewalks.
What’s the Deal with these Cluster Zones?
You might’ve heard of it by now, within the last week, there have been increases in COVID-19 cases within clusters of NYC neighborhoods (19 to be exact) namely in South Brooklyn, Middle Queens & Far Rockaway. Introduced by Governor Cuomo, these said clusters and their surrounding neighborhoods, are now under safety restrictions based on their zone: Red, Orange,or Yellow. Red zones represent the clusters with the highest percentage of cases, some as high as 8.7, and each zone/color moves outward from this. The initiative went into effect Thursday, and will last for a minimum of two weeks.
In the red zones (cluster zones), all non-essential businesses must close, including schools which must return to remote-only learning. Restaurants, bars, and cafes, and the like can provide takeout delivery, but cease all indoor and outdoor dining.
In orange zones (warning zones), all non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people for both indoor and outdoor settings. Anyone who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to $15,000/day.
Lastly, for the yellow zones (pre-cautionary areas), all New York City public schools, and nonpublic schools may remain open, and conduct weekly testing of students and staff.
The restrictions cover houses of worship, gatherings, businesses, dining, and schools. Not sure where you are located in all this? This map lays it all out.
The State of Broadway
Broadway fan? Unfortuneately, it looks like you will have a wait a bit longer to experience your favorite shows and stars in person. Yesterday is was announced that Broadway will not be returning until at least June 2021. A cultural institution that draws millions of fans from all over the world and brings in billions of dollars. This extension affects not only the city, as it’s a huge revenue maker, but also all of the people and jobs involved in the production and show. More on the announcement here.
Indoor Dining Returning
You might’ve heard by now, but last week Governor Cuomo officially announced that indoor dining is making its return to NYC at the end of this month, on September 30th. With plenty of new rules and regulations in place to protect staff and customers, here’s what you need to know. Restaurants must:
- Serve customers at a maximum of 25% capacity
- Conduct temperature checks for all patrons entering the establishment
- Require the wearing of masks when not at your table
- Collect Test & Trace data from at least one patron at each table
- Close bar tops for seating
- Space tables six feet apart
- Have an enhanced filtration system installed
- Close at midnight
- Have capacity numbers posted outside, in addition to a number to call for social distancing violations
The news couldn’t come soon enough for many in the hospitality industry, as we move into the colder months, and outdoor dining ceases to be (at least for this year) at the end of October. How are you feeling about the new guidelines?
Open Streets Extended to Weekdays
Mayor De Blasio announced earlier this week that Open Streets: Restaurants will expand to weekdays at 40 locations citywide. Usually only a weekend occurrence and operating on 87 streets across the five boroughs, these said 40 streets will now be car-free on the weekdays as well! More here, including the list of those extending to weekdays.
Markk App
Get paid to review places you already go to! With the Markk app you can get PAID to rate restaurants & bars (take out included), parks, and stores; pretty much anywhere! We’re not talking about those long time-consuming reviews, it simply takes the selection of an icon (nope, okay, dope) to rate a location. Get started here, by checking out previous places we have ‘markked’, and once you have set up your profile, swipe up GOING to start earning!
All in Flatiron
Want to support local while taking part in some cool deals? All in Flatiron might be right up your alley! Going down at businesses located in the Flatiron neighborhood, until September 30th (you have a little more than a week and a half left), you can take advantage of a complimentary glass of wine or dessert, a free scoop of sorbetto or gelato, 2 for 1 cocktails and coffee, or a complimentary Burrata with Grilled Peaches. JUST to name a new. View all the dining deals here.
Chelsea, BK Flea and Smorg to Go Prospect Park
Back in July Smorgburg returned as Smorg to Go Williamsburg with the same delicious offerings as before, but with a different concept; online orders which you pick up from a rotating roster of vendors. Even more good news comes to Brooklyn; Smorgasburg Prospect Park has also made its comeback, as Smorg to Go concept as well! You can catch them weekends in September, 9/19, 9/20, 9/26, and 9/27, 11:30am-8pm, at the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park. All things Smorgasburg/Smorg to Go can be found here. Looking to shop some great local finds, while noshing on some equally good bites? Chelsea Flea is back, Saturdays and Sundays, featuring 40+ vendors and a few Smorgasburg vendors. Following a similar concept, the BK Flea also returns this weekend, Saturdays through the fall.
Indoor Pools are Coming Back
Earlier today Mayor De Blasio announced the reopening of the city’s indoor pools at the end of the month. Indoor pools will be allowed to reopen on September 30th and subject to strict occupancy limits at 33 percent of capacity. This will apply to public and private pools, like gyms and apartment buildings, but not pools located in NYC Parks Department Recreation Centers. Many use the pool as a form of exercise or relaxation, both of which are needed more than ever these days. Time to get those ‘happy hormones’ swimming as well.
Reopening of Bowling Alleys, Gyms and Museums
New York City has maintained daily positive test rates for COVID-19 below 1 percent for a few weeks now (keep it up!). With that said, many spaces dedicated to cultural, entertainment, and fitness activities are reopening as well.
Bowling alleys were given the go by Governor Cuomo to reopen this past Monday. Operating at 50% capacity, face coverings, and social distancing guidelines will have to be followed. With every other lane closed, all patrons must stay with their party and in their lane. You can also look forward to regular cleaning and disinfection between lane and equipment use. Lastly, since indoor dining has yet to be not allowed within NYC, unfortunately, you won’t be able to indulge in happy hour bowling paired with your favorite appetizer platter.
The reopening of gyms was the talk of the city even before we were in Phase 3 of reopening. Hey, for some the gym is their safe haven or the only place they can really achieve that summer bawdy and stay fit. Essentially gyms and fitness centers are subject to strict health and safety standards, including the wearing of masks, and those who pass will be allowed to reopen on September 2nd, at 33% capacity. More specific guidelines here.
Art is making a comeback! IRL anyway. Museums and other low-risk cultural institutions like aquariums and escape rooms were also given the green light to start reopening their doors this past Monday. Safety precautions will have to be put in place in addition to operating at 25% capacity. Other guidelines include timed ticketing required with staggered entry, enforcement of face coverings, social distancing, controlled traffic flow to avoid crowding and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols. We updated our ‘Art on View‘ blog post with all the deets for our favorite museums.
August 14th, 2020
Hester Street Fair
The Hester Street Fair is back! The LES favorite, which usually kicks off in the spring, will begin its 11th season this weekend and run until October 31st, Saturdays, and Sundays, 11am-6pm. In years past they featured 60+ “local and artisanal vendors, creative entrepreneurs, and small businesses”, but with social distancing in effect that number will change for the 2020 season, but alas the food, drink, art, events, and fun themes are here to stay! You can look forward to ‘Lobster & Beer’ and ‘Girl Power’ themed weekends, and a CBD Festival. Stay up to date week to week here. They are also accepting Vendor Applications. Is this you? Apply here!
VMA’s 2020
You either love it, like it or hate it once you hear the words, but the VMA’s or the MTV Video Music Awards as some may call it, is still going down this year, on Sunday, August 30th at 8 pm to be exact, but with a twist! Instead of taking over the Barclays Center like it was scheduled to, the 2020 awards show will “pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the city with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines”. Rightfully so! Hosted by Keke Palmer, you can still look forward to performances from BTS, Doja Cat, Maluma, Lady Gaga, The Weekend, in addition to others. You can also vote here, if you please for Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and new category: Best Quarantine Performance, here’s looking at you DJ D-Nice.
July 31st, 2020
Netflix Street Food Series
Two things most of us look forward to when traveling, internationally anyway, are the food and culture. There’s nothing better than sipping on some authentic Tom Yum Soup from Bangkok, Thailand, taking a bite into streamy Takoyaki from Osaka, Japan, or sapping up Chole Bhature from Dehli, India. So what am I getting at here? Netflix has recently released the newest addition of their Street Food Series, Street Food: Latin America, spanning Buenos Aires, Argentina to La Paz, Bolivia. Since international travel, especially from the US, isn’t in our immediate plans, there are still ways to get a fix for the foodie and globetrotter in many of us.
After binging the first half of the preceding Asia series (some of the foods featured are mentioned above) I can say these 30-minute episodes might just be the answer, for now. You will find yourself learning about food you never heard of or dishes you thought you knew everything about. The good thing is that we live in NYC, where we can get our hands and mouths pretty close to the authentic version of these mouthwatering bites, all the while supporting local! One thing is for sure, future sweet, salty, and savory moments have been added to the itinerary, should any of these beautiful destinations be in the books. You can catch the trailers here: Asia, Latin America.
VMA’s 2020
You either love it, like it or hate it once you hear the words, but the VMA’s or the MTV Video Music Awards as some may call it, is still going down this year, on Sunday, August 30th at 8 pm to be exact, but with a twist! Instead of taking over the Barclays Center like it was scheduled to, the 2020 awards show will “pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the city with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines”. Rightfully so! Hosted by Keke Palmer, you can still look forward to performances from BTS, Doja Cat, Maluma, Lady Gaga, The Weekend, in addition to others. You can also vote here, if you please for Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and new category: Best Quarantine Performance, here’s looking at you DJ D-Nice.
July 17th, 2020
Smorg to Go
Back at it, you’ll find 10 of your favorite Smorgasburg vendors seven days a week doing takeout/pickup only at 51 N. 6th St (at Kent Ave.), where they were set up last summer for BK Flea. Vendors will change every week and Smorg to Go will be open from 11:30am to 8pm every day.
Here’s how it works: Place your order online at smorgtogo.com, their new web-ordering platform which launches July 20th, then pop over to the site on N. 6 St. to pick up your food. If you’re looking to have a socially distanced picnic, Marsha P. Johnson State Park (formerly East River State Park) is right across the street for that familiar Smorg vibe! Check out their IG Highlights for a list of Week 1 Vendors.
10,000 Free Headshots
Headshot Booker is coordinating the largest, single-day photo initiative which will provide 10,000 unemployed Americans nationwide with a complimentary, professional headshot to include with their resumes and post to job sites such as LinkedIn and other social media.
10,000 Headshots will take place at locations across the US on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, and are open to anyone who is currently unemployed. More than 200 Headshot Booker photographers will participate across all 50 states, creating pop-up studios at Brookfield Properties retail locations. Taken with social distancing and safety measures observed, photo sessions are limited to 50 appointments per location and participants must pre-register to reserve their 10-minute one-on-one headshot session. There is a waitlist for NYC, NJ, and CT here.
Phase 4 Reopening
Phase 4 Reopening for New York City begins on Monday, July 20th. Just this afternoon, Governor Cuomo made his final decision on which industries will be included. Phase 4 will include professional sports, but without fans, the reopening of zoos and botanical gardens, and outdoor movie production will be able to resume. Additional indoor arts and entertainment attractions like malls, museums, and movie theaters will remain closed, even though they were originally part of the forthcoming phase. Higher Education can also resume. More on that here.
I’ll Take Food With That!
On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo announced that all alcohol ordered from bars and restaurants must be served with food. This applies to dine-in and to-go orders. Walk up bars are also banned, and you must sit at a tabletop socially distanced from others. All of this is being done in an effort to deter crowds of patrons from forming outside of these establishments. If the businesses in question are caught breaking the rules, they will be shut down after their third offense under the new “Three Strikes and You’re Closed” initiative. Those who do this blatantly will lose their liquor license and be publicly called out by the State Liquor Authority. Read all the deets here.
July 10th, 2020
Phase 3 NYC Reopening
ICYMI, this past Monday marked the beginning of Phase 3 NYC Reopening. Even though the long-awaited indoor dining did not make it into the list as originally planned. There is plenty more to welcome with the opening of personal care businesses aka nail salons, tattoo shops, spas, and tanning salons. We know, it’s been a while. More deets here! Phase 4 is slated to begin on July 20th.
Manhattanhenge
Quite the sight in person, this Saturday and Sunday you can catch Manhattanhenge, where the sun aligns perfectly with the Manhattan street grid when it sets, shining its rays across the city’s cross streets. The best time to view it is at 8:20 pm on both days (half the sun on Saturday and the full sun on Sunday). If you do go out, wear a mask, pick a less crowded street, and practice social distancing. The most popular streets are in Midtown, but how the Manhattan street grid is set up if you can see west across the Hudson to New Jersey, you won’t miss it, from 14th Street all the up to Washington Heights. Don’t forget to charge your phone or camera! This phenomenon also occurs twice a year. More on it here.
The Highline
The Highline is coming back! With reduced operating hours and amenities, and limited capacity in order to allow for social distancing. You will have to wear a mask or face covering and maintain a 6-foot distance from others not in your group. The park will also only be open from Gansevoort Street to 23rd Street, closed north of that. Free timed-entry passes, which will be limited to 4 persons and available in batches, are now released for visits through July 26th. Book yours here.
Governors Island
Governors Island reopens on July 16th. We aren’t mad at the opportunity of even more green spaces to relax in! For the rest of this year at least, ferry tickets which are $3 for adults and free for those 12 and younger, must now be reserved in advance to allow for social distancing. For those who usually take the ferry from Brooklyn, the departing location will now be the Red Hook/Atlantic Basin ferry terminal, as no ferries will leave from Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2020. You will also be required to wear face coverings at all times while traveling on Governors Island ferries. Find more info, and book your tickets here!
July 3rd, 2020
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Reimagined
Catch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks displays (we know…you’ve had enough) which will launch unannounced, to deter crowds. On select evenings across the boroughs of New York City through tomorrow, each 5-minute display will feature Macy’s signature pyrotechnic show with thousands of shells reaching heights up to 1,000 feet. As always, continue to follow social distancing guidelines if you happen to catch the show.
Also, this year’s week-long show will conclude with special musical performances from the nation’s best acts, choreographed to an epic musical score! Tune in to NBC Saturday, July 4th, from 8-10pm to watch along! Can you guess who will be performing?
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest LIVE
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, another 4th of July favorite gives the world’s top competitive eaters the “glory” of scarfing down as many Nathan’s hot dogs as they can in ten minutes. Usually taking place in Coney Island, at the corner of Surf and Stillwell, it’s back this 4th of July with live coverage, kicking off Saturday, July 4th at 12 pm on ESPN.
Juneteenth
There is also a petition on change.org started by 93-year-old Opal Lee from Fort Worth, TX to Make Juneteenth a National Holiday in 2020. You can sign the petition HERE!
We have a lot for you this week!
First off did you know today is Loving Day? It marks the landmark Supreme Court decision of 1967 for state bans against interracial marriage.
8:46 – Dave Chappelle
The surprise 27-minute Netflix special was posted to YouTube early this morning. In it, Dave Chappelle speaks on George Floyd’s death, racism, and racial injustice. The numbers etched in many of our minds, 8:46 represents the amount of time former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck leading to his death, which sparked law changing protests across the globe. With a little classic Dave Chappelle thrown in, we recommend watching this one!
Harper’s BAZAAR US New Editor in Chief
This week it was announced that Samira Nasr will become Harper’s BAZAAR US new editor in chief. She will be the first Black EIC in the publication’s 153-year-old history. Most recently, Samira was Vanity Fair’s Executive Fashion Director. She will begin her new role on July 6th. You can hear her speak on her vision here. Kudos to that!
Sephora’s 15% Pledge
Sephora announced this week that they will be taking Aurora James’ 15% Pledge, and dedicating 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned companies. Their caption reads “We recognize how important it is to represent Black businesses and communities, and we must do better. So, we’re starting now.” We can’t wait to see who hits the shelves, and hoping this includes their birthday gifts and samples!
Hanifa 3D Fashion Show
“For women without limits.” Last month the luxury fashion label Hanifa, lead by Designer and Creative Director Anifa Mvuemba debuted their Pink Label Congo capsule collection with a spectacular, 3D show, adapting quickly to COVID-19 regulations. The first of its kind, the collection and show pay homage to the beauty of the often overlooked Congo. In recent news, the label was signed to PR Company, The Hinton Group (who also represents Pyer Moss) this week! See Anifa’s vision behind the collection and show here! Pink Label Congo which sold out in one week, can be pre-ordered.
Remembering Breonna Taylor and George Floyd
In honor of Breonna Taylor’s birthday today, Friday, June 5th (she would have been 27), freelance writer and culture critic Cate Young (@battymamzelle) has created some concrete action items people can do to commemorate her life, and fight to get her justice. You can view those here.
Yesterday, George Floyd’s memorial was held at the Linquist Sanctuary at North Central University in Minneapolis to honor his life. Filled with beautiful song and hymns throughout, those who spoke included Rev. Al Sharpton, Benjamin Crump, the family’s lawyer, and several members of Floyd’s family. You can view that here.
Sole Collector app
No, it’s not an app for lost spirits, the recently launched Sole Collector app, by Sole Collector, an already established online sneaker culture publication, connects you to the best deals on you guessed it, sneakers. We think it’s a perfect resource for our sneakerheads or folks who just love a pair of great looking kicks.
Their database of 40,000 sneakers lets you compare and shop at the most competitive prices for the shoes and sizes you want across some of the biggest sneaker marketplaces like Stadium Goods, GOAT, adidas, and Converse.
You can also stay on top of release dates, breaking news and videos in the sneaker world, and build and shop curated collections. Only available on iOS for now, with 4.9 stars.
Recreate Jeff Koons’ Puppy
The Brant Foundation (they did the very popularJean-Michel Basquiat exhibition earlier last year) has just announced a contest to recreate Jeff Koons’ famous ‘Puppy’ for a chance to win a limited edition Puppy beach towel and $25 gift certificate to The Brant Foundation Shop!
To enter, the Foundation is inviting participants to create their own version of Puppy with materials of their choosing. Koons’ Puppy sculpture rises over 40 feet and is covered in 70,000 vibrant flowering plants. It’s a great way to get creative while at home!
You can post a photo of your recreation on Instagram using the hashtag #KoonsPuppyContest. Submissions are due June 1st and can be submitted here.
Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society Productions w/ brunchwork
On Saturday, May 30th, connect with Alana Mayo, President of Outlier Society Productions, the production, and media company (led by actor Michael B. Jordan) behind Fahrenheit 451, Raising Dion, Just Mercy, and more. “brunchwork at home” events are intimate, interactive, and virtual, featuring cutting-edge advice from top business leaders, meaningful connections with smart peers, and more. Use code PLUGGED30 for 30% off!
Verzuz
ICYMI, Verzuz has become one of the hottest quarantine entertainment options when it comes to music. Pitting the GOATs (producers, songwriters, and artists) of the hip-hop and R&B world against each other, hundreds of thousands tune in on IG Live every Saturday for the next DJ battle of catalog hits. Created by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz back in mid-April, week after week we are graced with some of the charts most significant music from the last three decades.
For Memorial Day Weekend they’ve got one for our Dancehall Lovers, with Bennie Man vs. Bounty Killer, TOMORROW 5/23, at 8pm. Then 112 vs. Jagged Edge for our 90s babies on Monday, 5/25 or “Something For the Ladies” as they bill it, also at 8pm. Stay up to date on their IG.
Fields Good Chicken
Fields Good Chicken is a healthy, chicken-centric fast-casual restaurant group with six locations in Manhattan. Here is how they’ve been giving back:
- CEO and founder Field Failing, launched a donation platform, Birds for Good, which has helped the team donate over 4,500 meals to hospitals to-date. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!
- Field and FGC’s director of culinary, Dan Jackson, have adapted the restaurant’s menu to accommodate new ordering habits – they launched a Family Meal mini-catering package that feeds 5 or perfect to order solo and enjoy as leftovers for a few days… CAN WE SAY YUM??!
- FGC is actively planning its first national, direct to consumer product launch. They’re looking into a few potential distribution partners, and are hoping to launch this new arm of the business this summer. IS THIS YOU? REACH OUT!
Birch Loves You!
Birch Coffee has launched ‘Birch Loves You’, an initiative where you can give back, in line with their efforts. This past April, they donated 849 pounds of coffee to local hospitals, and created a Mobile Coffee Shop serving free lattes and cappuccinos at 4-5 hospitals every week!
If you would like to donate, you can purchase anything from 5 lattes to a keg of cold brew for 60 people, through Birch’s site. Founders, Jeremy, and Paul will be delivering the donations to healthcare workers, as they continue to visit hospitals throughout the city.
They’re also offering virtual home brewing classes, meditations, and more on here!
brunchwork
There’s no better time than now, to work on your professional development skills. brunchwork at home, offers you interactive, and intimate virtual business events!
You can expect cutting-edge advice from top leaders, feedback on your own ideas in curated breakout groups, and meaningful professional connections.
They host big names like Google, Peloton, First Round Capital, and more. Use code PLUGGED30 to get 30% off any of their upcoming events!
Having Skincare Woes?
The next two are THIS WEEKEND (tomorrow) with Techstars and Spotify and Ty Stiklorius on Sunday. Don’t miss out!
Our very own in-house Licensed Esthetician is now offering FREE 15 MINUTE Virtual Skincare Consultations.
He will answer any questions about your skin type and current routine. You’ll also have the option to create a customized regimen to achieve your ultimate skin goals!
ALL IN Challenge
To help those affected by COVID-19’s unprecedented shortage of food resources, the world’s preeminent sports, music, and entertainment figures will donate prizes for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Sweepstakes start at $10 and include joining the Friends cast for their HBO reunion special. Auction items include a trip to the Olympic Games in Tokyo Courtesy of Intel. These are just a few, there are over 200 experiences to choose from!
