Only In New York by Culture Trip

A special episode about amazing experiences New Yorkers can do now, even during lock-down and with social distancing in mind. Come try a mousse making class with the former chef to the UN Belgian Ambassador, a deep dive into the street art of the city and take the sweetest tour in all of the city as you try the best desserts in New York. Throw on some headphones, take a safe walk and enjoy these tales of the city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop. This isn't just a fact; it's a city-ordained proclamation. Famed hip-hop artists and Bronx residents Johnny Famous and Rayza take listeners through the history of hip-hop in the Boogie Down, everything from 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, the official birthplace of hip-hop, to Casa Amadeo, New York's oldest record shop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, is pop-culture heaven for everyone from the cinema-obsessed to casual Netflixers. Curator Barbara Miller shows how this museum has embraced everything from video games to Star Wars toys to the Muppets. This hidden NYC gem delights young and old alike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry over to Enoteca Maria, a small restaurant where grandmothers rule the kitchen. Owner Jody Scaravella put an ad out for Italian grandmothers who wanted to share their native cooking with others years later, the Nonnas of the World include chefs originally from Puerto Rico, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and many other parts of the world. We share a delicious meal from on-duty Italian grandmother Maria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot more to Grand Central Terminal than just its famous astrological ceiling. Director of Grand Central George Monasterio and architect Frank Prial tell us about the restoration of Grand Central Terminal in the ’90s, which they both worked on, and the many small details visitors may overlook. And Municipal Art Society docent tour guide Curtis Wayne shares Grand Central’s secrets, from underground parties thrown by Andy Warhol to the real value of that opal clock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We started working on this project last year as a way to support local businesses and show off a local side of New York, which, no surprise, is what we do at Culture Trip. Then, the pandemic hit and the city shut down.  However, now things are starting to turn around in New York, we felt it was the right time to celebrate this amazing city. The destinations we are going to talk about here are in various stages of reopening, as is all of NYC. We hope this will encourage you to check them out and support them, either now, or by adding them to your bucket list for the future for when you feel like you too can travel safely, as well as explore all the incredible boroughs of New York.  Have fun listening and have fun traveling, whenever and wherever that may be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House of Yes in Bushwick, Brooklyn is a nightlife institution. With daily, constantly changing events including wild dance parties, daring aerialist performances and risque burlesque shows, everyone (and we mean everyone) is invited to chase their bliss here. House of Yes cofounders Kae Burke and Anya Sapozhnikova tell us how they turned House of Yes from an illegal DIY arts space into the borough's go-to spot to have your best night ever. Photo credit:  Kenny Rodriguez

Explore New York City with the travel experts at Culture Trip. New Yorkers Jillian Anthony and Alex Shebar offer a look ahead at bringing you an insider's guide to one must-visit place in each of New York City's five boroughs, including a look behind the scenes of some of the city's most famous tourist attractions as well as its hidden gems. Presented by Culture Trip.