Carissa Chesanek

There’s the Nutcracker and then there is the Nutcracker Rouge. While the traditional ballet is more formal and family-friendly, Nutcracker Rouge is anything but, making for an alluring adult-only spectacle of incredible talent mixed with naughty decadence and a bit of raunchy humor, too. Nutcracker Rouge is not only a ballet but part circus and burlesque, reconstructing everything that we once thought of the original Christmas performance and creating something new and sparkly.

Dumbo is a popular Brooklyn neighborhood not only for its picturesque water views and cobblestone streets. It’s bloomed into quite an impressive food haven with the likes of The River Café and Vinegar Hill House among others. Now, there is a newbie in town to add to the ever-growing list. Meet Kinjo, your new go-to for Omakase and Asian spirits.

If you’re looking for a hot new bar for cocktails, music, and dancing, Desert 5 Spot is the place to be. It’s a country-inspired bar with all the country-esque things: country music (live and with a DJ), line dancing, and a mechanical bull. But you don't have to be completely into the country scene to enjoy it here, as there is something for everyone—except for the music, which is all country tunes. 

The Limón Dance Company opened at the Joyce Theater in Chelsea on Wednesday, November 6th, celebrating its 78th season. We had the opportunity to see the performance last night, and the evening did not disappoint. The dance choreography was effortless, and the music, composed by Alex MacKinnon, was moving.

This fall, The Spirit's Speakeasy brought the East Village a fun and mystical immersive experience inside the trendy Sincerely, Ophelia space. Just in time for the spooky season, this world premiere produced by Broadway Murder Mysteries showcased a talented cast of mediums and magicians alongside live music.

Whiskey Washback NYC took place over the weekend at The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side. The Friday night event presented by Bottle Raiders kicked things off at 6 pm for VIP entry and 7 pm for general admission, drawing a vast crowd eager to enjoy more than 100 varieties of brown spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, rye, and scotch.

Step inside Grace by Nia and you’re instantly transported back to a time of pure glamour and soul. The new supper club is located in Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut on the lower level of the Grand Pequot Tower. It is from Nia Grace, former owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen in Boston.

City Winery New York City has you covered if you’re looking for a place with dinner and a show. Located along the Hudson River at Pier 57 in Chelsea, City Winery is a vast venue of 32,000 square feet that includes a restaurant with a bar and winery and a stage for musical and comedic performances.

Over the weekend, Shaggy took the stage at Foxwoods Premier Theater in Connecticut. The Jamaican-American reggae deejay delighted a packed room of fans with his all-time popular hits “Angel” and “Mr. Lover” among others. 

Amy Saunder, Jordan Miller, and Tiffany Mangulabnan are the three co-founding artistic directors of konverjdans (converge/dance), the women-led, Brooklyn-based contemporary ballet company that has been creating and presenting dance in NYC since 2016. The team recently presented its 8th season of their contemporary ballet HYPHA in Brooklyn, NY which showcased performances choreographed by each of the women. We spoke to the three artistic directors about this year’s HYPHA, their influences, and what we can look forward to next.

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is known for its rotating pop-up themes and this season it’s currently transformed its all-season space into Magic Hour Surf Club which runs until the fall. 

Nestled on the corner side of Watts Street, you’ll find Maison Close, a recent addition to Soho’s finest restaurants that won’t disappoint. Inside this chic venue, you’ll find uber-stylish decor with bold colors and sleek accents that make for a modern ambiance with a hint of old-school glamour. 

As the winner of the 2022 Woodford Reserve Master of the Manhattan who then went on to the National finals for the 2023 Mount Gay Taste of Home cocktail competition, Patty Dennison knows all about making a solid drink. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration. Dennison can now be found at Grand Army in Brooklyn where she is the Head Bartender. We spoke to Dennison about crafting cocktails, bartending, and what to expect when you check out Grand Army.

Housed in the former Cornelia Street Cafe, the once Greenwich Village hangout from 1977 with all-day dining live performances, now resides the latest cocktail bar Sip & Guzzle.

On the weekend of April 13th, Mohegan Sun held its 8th Annual Sun Whiskey Union in the Earth Expo & Convention Center. The spacious room was packed with whisky enthusiasts and distiller representatives showcasing some of the best top-shelf whisky, scotch, bourbon, and rye.

Off bustling Prince Street on the corner of Mulberry, you’ll find  Momoya SoHo, an uber-chic Japanese restaurant offering sushi specialties and a vast sake selection. 

Each month, The Flatiron Room Murray Hill hosts a fun and informative whiskey-tasting class held in a private event space with rotating expressions and taught by whiskey sommelier Sarah Valvo. 

The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel recently launched its brand new happy hour, giving guests deals on food and drinks while offering some of the best views of the city.

If you’re craving American steakhouse eats served in a relaxed setting, Cedars Steaks & Oysters at Foxwoods Resort Casino is a great choice. Whether you’re taking a break in between gaming or grabbing a bite before a big show at the Premier Theater, this timeless hotspot won’t disappoint. 

Over the weekend, Boyz II Men took the stage at the Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut and captured the crowd with their romantic hits and more.