MAGENTAVERSE
Hello fellow adventurers,
Happy (late) lunar new year! It’s the year of the Rabbit, which for me as a bun mom is a particularly exciting year. The year of the Rabbit embodies a different energy than the year of the Tiger in 2022. Rather than courage, bravery, and strength the year of the Rabbit focuses on relaxation, quietness, and contemplation; something I think all of us could use a little of right now.
In addition, the lunar new year falls right after a new moon, a time of reflection and goal setting which falls in line with the symbolism of the year of the Rabbit perfectly. The new moon is the time to set intentions for the month, start new projects, and work towards a goal. It is the time to plant seeds of growth that you will nurture over time until the full moon when it is time for transformation and celebration. As the moon waxes we gradually gain energy and as it reveals itself. It sheds light on our intentions so that we can see where we are going and what we need to do to reach our goals over the next month.
I bring these topics up for a few reasons. First, because I was able to attend the Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. Second, because the new moon is an important time for us to contemplate and begin to grow. And finally, because my witchy self just enjoys talking about it. This new moon I have decided to put my intention towards this blog. This blog is my baby; something I intend to nurture and watch grow over time. My hope is that this becomes a supportive community of solo adventurers who fearlessly take on the world.
This week was a combination of uniquely fun escapades, that culminated in a stunning art exhibit in Chelsea. We begin our quest in Chinatown.
The year of the Rabbit was rung in with fireworks, poppers, and beautiful cultural regalia. Dragons and lions roamed the streets of Chinatown bringing luck and prosperity to the community. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the lunar new year celebration drew quite a crowd, and, though unfortunately, I was unable to see much of the celebration, the feeling in the air was electric. Firecrackers lit up Sara D. Roosevelt park while traditional drum music beat created a pulse in the city.
Fun Fact: Manhattan’s Chinatown alone is home to over 100,000 residents and signifies the largest concentrated Chinese population in the Western Hemisphere
As I walked through the crowded streets there was a feeling of community and celebration. We had all gathered to welcome the new year, welcome a fresh start. The festival wove its way through the streets of Chinatown and as I made my way toward the train, drums and lions met me with jubilant dancing and rhythmic music. It was a beautiful way to start the day, being surrounded with positivity and joy for a new year.
Throughout Manhattan, there are four Urbanspace’s that offer up delicious eats and treats. The newest addition to the Urbanspace family is the location at Union Square. The location is very easy to find; right off of the 4/5/6 train at Union Square located on the ground floor of Zero Irving. The 10,000 square-foot food hall features 13 “food entrepreneurs” ranging from sushi to pizza to gyros. While everything was extremely tempting, I opted for the 100% plant-based spot called Plant Junkie. Ok, when I tell you that this place has amazing food, I really mean this place has amazing food. I ordered the “Wicked” Meatball Ginder ($13), and what I received was a large portion of deliciousness. With homemade marinara sauce, onions, peppers, and crispy shallots, this sandwich was simply incredible; and the side of fries was GIGANTIC! Plant Junkie has four locations across Manhattan; on the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, the Financial District, and of course Union Square.
Having some time to kill after lunch, I decided to grab a quick beer at Top Hops Beer, located almost directly behind Plant Junkie in Urbanspace. The bartender was super friendly and was able to make a great recommendation, even offering me a taste to see if I liked the beer before pouring me a whole glass. The Marlow, an ESB (extra special bitter) beer ($10), was delicious. Not super hoppy, with a nice smooth finish. Top Hops Beer has three locations in the city; Union Square, Essex Market, and the Urbanspace on Pearl St. They also have an adorable vintage-inspired tap truck that is available for private events!
After catching up on some work, it was time to head out to the main event of the day. It was about a 20-minute walk down 14th St. to get to Artechouse which is way over on the west side. Artechouse has three permanent locations around the country with one in Washington DC, Miami, and one in NYC’s historic Chelsea Market. It’s a space dedicated to supporting the creation of groundbreaking experiential art, and for the last four years has partnered with Pantone to create a breathtaking technological masterpiece celebrating the color of the year. This year’s color is Viva Magenta.The color is a hybrid which descends from the red family and is one of fearlessness and empowerment. “A pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative”.
It is difficult to put into words the experience of MAGENTAVERSE but for you dear readers, I shall try. It was a symphony of color. With flowing, pulsating digital designs that covered the walls and the floor it was complete immersion into Viva Magenta. The installation consisted of six or seven digital renderings that created the incredible illusion of movement through the space. Set to a dramatic score, it felt as though you were flying through space and time, existing in a whole new world of a single color. It was outstanding. I sat in awe of the artistry that was presented. Artechouse’s artists and technicians create harmony between art and technology.
On the mezzanine level are some other pieces of art, an interactive digital music room, and a modern bar. The bar serves up themed cocktails that feature naturally infused liquor. I chose a lychee and blackberry infused vodka drink that was so smooth it was dangerous. While the drinks were a little pricy, it wasn’t anything I wasn’t expecting for an art installation in NYC. These types of events are great to go to solo! You can relax as you view the art, taking it all in on your own time. Theres no pressure with art, it’s all about the experience between you and the piece you are viewing. I’d highly recommend MAGENTAVERSE to anyone looking for something unique to do on a weekend. The whole experience (including the drink) took me about an hour total, so it’s definitely not a time suck!
After leaving my magenta world, I decided to wander around Chelsea Market. I hadn’t been there in a while, so it was nice getting reacquainted with the space. Chelsea Market is a gem in NYC. A giant food court/shopping center, “Chelsea Market has become an internationally-renowned brand and is considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world today.” Originally the building was the National Biscut Comapany factory built in the 1890’s, but has since been reclaimed into the Chelsea Market we know today. It lies in the historic “Gansevoort Market Historic District”, which is recognized by New York State and National Register of Historic Places. If you’re in Chelsea I’d recommend swinging by this NYC treasure. With dozens of food options there is something for everyone here, and you might even find something cute to take home with you!
As I meandered through the market I came across an oyster bar called Cull & Pistol. I couldn’t resist the pull of delicious fresh oysters, so I grabbed a spot at the bar. On weekends from 4:00-4:30 the restaurant only offers raw bar options, which was fine by me (though I will definitely be back to try their regular menu- particularly their lobster roll!). Each oyster was $3.75, which is pretty typical for good oysters in the city. I ordered myself a dozen, and a glass of sparkling rose that was recommended to me by my waiter. Friends, I have eaten my fair share of oysters both domestically and abroad, and when I say these were some of the best oysters I had ever eaten I am not exaggerating. Not only was the description of each oyster spot on, but they were shuked impeccably! I came to find out that this restaurant is one of the OG spots for seafood in the Manhattan. In fact, Cull & Pistol and it’s attached restruant of The Lobster Place, supplies fresh seafood to a ton of restaurants throughout the city (no wonder the oysters were so good). Needless to say I will definitely be back to this spot very soon.
This past weekend was the perfect example of what happens when you say yes to adventure. If you’re ever feeling lost or like you need a change in your life, get out there and explore. You never know what you might find- whether that be a new favorite restaurant, meaningful connections, or a hidden gem within your city. And if all else fails, at least you can say you tried something new. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future posts about other weekend adventures around NYC (and beyond!).