PRIDELY - New York City Vol 2

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Jan 21, 27-28

Funky Ice Fest

We will serve various craft brews and specialty beverages, locally crafted New York State spirits and wine, and great food from the food truck. Warm up by one of the blazing bonfires or the Funky Lounge. Funky Ice Fest is family-friendly and fab fun for all ages. There are plenty of games for the kids who tag along. There’s a DJ in the house spinning records and we invite all you Cool Cats to bring your vinyl Get Down and Get Funky! Bundle up, put on your dancing shoes and get groovy at Funky Ice Fest! This wintertime fun happens on Friday and Saturday only, stop by, and check it out! Learn more at iloveny.com.

Feb 25

Inlet’s Frozen Fire & Lights

There will be tons of fun activities and events. Fern Park will have FREE sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Bring your equipment, or visit Pedals & Petals in town for rentals. Returning this year are the Outhouse Races! Other activities will include a bonfire, the King and Queen coronation, cardboard sled races, fireworks, live music, delicious food and drink specials and so much more! Learn more at iloveny.com.

Mar 17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 marks NYC’s 262nd celebration of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade kicks off at 11 am, moving along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street. Expect to see plenty of Irish flags and shamrocks along with people decked out in kelly green. Last year’s grand marshal was James Callahan, head of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Visit the website for updates on who will be leading the charge in 2023. Learn more at nycgo.com.

Apr 26

Brisket King NYC 2023

The all-inclusive event will feature 20 chefs and pitmasters cooking up the juiciest brisket you can find plus craft beer, hard cider wine, and spirits. This will be an outdoor event, rain or shine. Expect the variety of chefs and dishes you’ve come to love at past Brisket King(R) events – now outdoors in Astoria NYC! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

May 7

TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Join thousands of cyclists for a one-day tour of every New York City borough with the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. This is said to be the world’s biggest charitable bike ride, with a goal of raising money for free bike education programs in New York and more of an emphasis on community rather than competition or speed. Learn more at nycgo.com.

Jun 25

The March

The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years, its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect. Learn more at nycpride.org.

July 15

Go Africa Carnival 2023

Celebrating African, African-American & Caribbean cultures from all parts of the world. This year’s Carnival brings new artists up to 3 stages throughout the day thus providing something fresh and exciting for all New Yorkers. We will also be selling Beer, Wine, and special beverages during the event. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

The DeLorenzo Report

True stories of a Private Investigator

Man’s greatest creation, deception, is one used by both the smart and the wicked. Though those two are not always hand in hand. In this case, we have the story of an older man and his lover. As it goes, the 60-year-old man John loved his young boyfriend in a way you’d give the world to someone. A beautiful love returned with smoke and mirrors. Smoke can only stand for so long can it not?

The young man was Brazilian, awaiting his green card to stay in the Americas. This made no difference to the older man since he was in love with his boyfriend; proposing in Paris with plans of marriage in the next year. Love such as this was the man’s dream, a plan of forever spoiled by sketchy little details. Then comes a time when the younger man wants to maintain his own business, and his fiance encourages him by financing these dreams. It made the older man happy to help his lover but out of safety, he required the signing of a promissory note, promising that part of the money invested would be returned in some form. Soon he would learn this was the wise choice to make. The younger man began taking long trips away under the guise of exploring locations in New York. Growing suspicious, the older man hires a private investigator. And thus, the investigation begins.

The investigator starts to work, sending agents on the young man’s trail to track him; finding that the man ended his days returning to an apartment. Most days he was alone, but one

night he left the apartment with a woman. She was around the young man’s age, most likely in her 20s as well. The two went to dinner together and ended the night back at the aforementioned apartment. Upon informing John, he requests that they look into the mysterious woman. Yet even with extensive research, nothing’s found except that she is an ordinary New Yorker. So another Friday night rolls around and the two go out again on what appears to be a double date.

This idea gets confirmed upon seeing the unknown woman kiss the client’s boyfriend, getting very close to him. Still, what’s a good investigation without hard evidence? So when the woman goes out with her friends drinking an agent is sent in. He sits next to the woman and her company, engaging himself in a conversation; he learns that the woman’s “fiance” is getting a bank loan to buy the place. Upon speaking to her more he learns details about her fiance that align exactly with John’s lover. Details such as his being Brazilian, coming to America to start a restaurant, and how they intend to go away to the Bahamas after the opening. The agent even learns what hotel they’ll be staying at during the said trip. Now all that’s left is to deliver the news.

John is heartbroken upon hearing the news, and with sadness comes anger. To be tricked this way, only revenge could fix this. And so he got revenge. John compiled every last piece of evidence he had about his “lover” and dumped it all into an envelope. And I mean every last piece; every love letter full of future promises, the signed promissory note, the nude photographs John had of his boyfriend, explicit photos they had together in bed, and pics from his escort website online. John hands the letter to the investigator, asking for it to be delivered to the woman as a final blow. Arriving at their romantic getaway hotel, they go right to the beach and have a drink together. Upon ordering their second round of drinks, hers come with a present. The letter. She opens it, a beautiful moment crashing down around her as she loses her mind. Screaming matches start the second she lays her eyes upon the collection of shocking images and writing. Security arrives to sort out the mayhem. And this scene is one that will never be forgotten.

The private investigator who helps John in this story is Anthony “Tony” DeLorenzo, renowned in his line of work; being the #1 infidelity investigations team in the US. Tony DeLorenzo hires only the best of the best, over 300 trained investigators each having at least 10 years of experience. Every PI at AllStateInvestigation.com works hard to reveal the truth and not beat around the bush. Because when it comes to honesty, nobody is more truthful than the skilled agents of ASIS. See the All State Investigation ad on page 9.

Restaurants

Quality Bistro

Elevated brasserie serving contemporary takes on French classics in a whimsical multi-room space.

120 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 433-3330 | Web: qualitybistro.com

Carmine’s Italian Restaurant - Times Square

Low-key eatery offering a big menu of pizza & Italian classics, plus a full bar.

200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

Phone: (212) 221-3800 | Web:carminesnyc.com

COTE Korean Steakhouse

Upscale Korean steakhouse featuring tables with smokeless grills, plus an extensive wine list.

16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010

Phone: (212) 401-7986 | Web: sevenrooms.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Gramercy Tavern

Danny Meyer’s Flatiron District tavern with a fixed-price-only dining room & a bustling bar area.

42 E 20th St, New York, NY

Bond 45 NY

Wide-ranging Italian menu including steak, seafood & an antipasti bar served in a sprawling space.

221 W 46th St, New York, NY ilili Creative Lebanese sharing plates, entrees & cocktails served up in a trendy, modern space. 236 5th Ave, New York, NY

Estela

Stylish restaurant serving contemporary cuisine in an intimate, informal setting.

47 E Houston St 1st floor, New York, NY

abc kitchen

Chic New American eatery via Jean-Georges Vongerichten sourcing local, organic ingredients.

35 E 18th St, New York, NY

Raoul’s

Classic bistro dating to the 1970s with a bustling Parisian atmosphere & a serious French menu.

180 Prince St, New York, NY

Casa Mono

Small-plate fans gather at this intimate Gramercy nook for upscale Spanish fare & a deep wine list.

52 Irving Pl, New York, NY

Shuko

Compact, omakase-only Japanese choice for upscale sushi or more elaborate kaiseki meals.

47 E 12th St, New York, NY

Olio e Più

Naples meets NYC at this trattoria with thin-crust pizza, Italian wines & ample sidewalk seating.

3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY

ATLA

Mexican bites with local ingredients, plus coffee, wines & mezcals.

372 Lafayette St, New York, NY

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

THE CENTER

The Center is the cornerstone of our LGBTQ community in New York City. Each year, more than 400 community groups come here to meet and make connections, find support systems, and to take advantage of our many resources.

208 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011 | (212) 620-7310

SAGE

We’re a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBTQ+ elders since 1978. We build welcoming communities and keep our issues in the national conversation to ensure a fulfilling future for all LGBTQ+ people.

305 7th Ave 15th floor, New York, NY 10001 | (646) 576-8669

IMMIGRATION EQUALITY

For over 25 years, we have worked to secure safe haven, freedom, and equality for the LGBTQ and HIV-positive communities. Through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation, we support immigrants who face discrimination based on who they are and whom they love. (212) 714-2904

DESTINATION TOMORROW

Destination Tomorrow is a grassroots agency and the LGBTQ+ center of the Bronx borough. It is our belief that no individual should have to leave his, her, or their neighborhood to access LGBTQ+ specific services. It is our belief that all LGBTQ+ young people deserve a space to grow, learn, and flourish.

452 E 149TH ST 3RD FLOOR, BRONX, NEW YORK 10455 | 646.723.3325

SAFE HORIZON

Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities.

165 W 131st St, New York, NY 10027 | (212) 678-1050

AUTO BODY SHOP

Personal Touch Auto Body 5

BOAT SALES

East Shore Marine Sales, Inc. 18

CANCER & BLOOD SPECIALIST

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists 5

CHEF/RESTAURANT

Le Rivage Restaurant 19

ELECTRICIAN

Plaza Electrical Contractors, Inc. 15

FAMILY LAW Miller Zeiderman LLP 23

GOLF COURSE

Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses front cover, 12-13

HVAC

CV Plumbing, Heating & HVAC ................................................................................. 9

INSURANCE

USI 19

INVESTIGATIONS

All State Investigation 9

LAW Gray Injury Law 3

LEGAL

Ronald Fatoullah & Associates 14

PLUMBING & HVAC

Vigilante Plumbing, Heating & Air ............................................................................ 21

SECURITY

Plaza Security 15

TRAVEL HOUSING

New York Rental By Owner 19

Sep 8-10

The Armory Show

The Javits Center plays host to the Armory Show, which kicks off the fall art season. Galleries from across the world exhibit modern and contemporary art from well-known artists and up-and-coming talents. The Armory Show is one of the most exciting art events of the year, promoting exchange and discovery since its inception in 1994. Learn more at nycgo.com.

Oct 31

The Village Halloween Parade

The Village Halloween Parade—NYC’s creative and spooky procession—is one of the best Halloween events in Greenwich Village and it’s coming back this year on Halloween, Monday, October 31. Each year, more than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, robots, Jedis, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry that you won’t want to miss. Learn more at timeout.com.

Nov 6-12

New York Comedy Festival

For an entire week, you can catch some of the world’s best comics across the Big Apple. Two hundred comedians bring their acts across the five boroughs in the second week of November. Catch stars as well as countless other up-and-coming comedic talents. Learn more at nycomedyfestival.com.

Dec 1-28

New York Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Your tour guide will lead you through the streets of this Brooklyn neighborhood to bring you to the best blocks for viewing the spectacularly decorated homes. You’ll then have time to explore on your own before taking the bus back to Manhattan to enjoy the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Read more about New York Dyker Heights Christmas Lights - viator. com/tours/New-York-City/New-York-Christmas-Lights-in-Dyker-Heights.