5 Eateries in The Bronx You Should Try

Jessica N. Todmann

Aside from the shopping and club hopping, New York City is also the global food capital. New Yorkers love to eat, and those visiting often make it a point to try all this town has to offer within the culinary department.

While for the most part out-of-towners, as well as New Yorkers, tend to gravitate towards restaurant’s in Manhattan, there’s an often overlooked borough you should explore. 

The Bronx!

Here you’ll find a unique range of cultural diversity that can only be realized and appreciated if you take the train (or car) ride in. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, and hungry, I’ve got a few eateries in The Bronx to recommend. *Please note that COVID-19 related restrictions are still in place within the New York City area, so many dining establishments are only offering takeout, pickup and/or delivery services.*

The Seashore

If you want your meal to come with a view, then stop by The Seashore. Located right off the City Island Road Bridge, you can get here by car and park onsite or via public transportation (take the local Bx29 bus or the BxM8 express bus). This waterfront destination offers an expansive seafood menu that never fails in the taste department, along with a very attentive waitstaff and management team. The Seashore offers a lunchtime menu at a great price point, with no shortage on the portion size or quality. For now, you’ll be able to enjoy their online ordering options for take-out and delivery.

Fratelli’s

Fratelli’s is an Italian restaurant housed in the Pelham Gardens section of The Bronx. Take the #5 subway line and get off at either the Gun Hill Road or Pelham Parkway train stations to get there, or opt for a ride on the Bx12 bus that runs from the Inwood section of Manhattan. Of course, driving is also an option and parking is plentiful within this mainly residential neighborhood. Indeed, Fratelli’s does have this “neighborhood” feel and their atmosphere makes it a welcoming place for both regulars and newcomers. So does the food. In sharing his own story, the head chef and owner makes it clear that he’s cooking from the heart and sharing a piece of his tradition with diners. If you’re flying solo their Veal and Shrimp Fratelli dish tops the list. If you’ve got a few mouths to feed, try their Family of Four dinner special!

Cơm Tấm Ninh Kiều

Cơm Tấm Ninh Kiều is a Vietnamese restaurant with a friendly young team ready to serve up some tasty grub. They’ve recently revamped their website which makes navigating it pretty seamless. Their operating hours are now right at the top of the page and a lovely visual menu has been added to showcase all of their food items. Although the current state of the pandemic will prevent you from dining in, luckily St. James Park is right across the street. Walk in and take a walk while you enjoy your Bánh Mì! They also have a really interesting bubble tea style drink, which is a Sugarcane Caramel Latte. Eat your heart out Starbucks.

Vegan’s Delight

Healthy eating continues to be on trend, but Vegan’s Delight isn’t about being trendy. This down to earth shop doubles as a Caribbean mini market and takeout joint, focused on serving their customers food that does good for your taste buds and your physique. Located on Boston Road in the Northeast section of The Bronx, this is the ideal place for food on the go if you rather avoid the bevy of fast food chains surrounding nearby. Vegan’s Delight seems to always be packed, but the staff is swift and patient with you in case you have any questions. Thinking about what to try? Everything. Literally. I will admit, no matter what I purchase I always seem to walk out with an ackee patty in hand.

Antonio’s Trattoria

Antonio’s Trattoria is a well-known Bronx staple, receiving local media coverage and celebrity diners alike because of its great food and history within the community. The beautiful brick interior, light fixtures and overall décor are statement setting, so mark your calendars for a Valentine’s Day dinner at Antonio’s Trattoria. This restaurant is nestled within the Little Italy section of The Bronx, with lots of establishments to venture into right before your reservation. It might make life easier to just hop in an Uber to get there. Although you can only order takeout for now, we remain hopeful that outdoor seating will become an option sooner rather than later.

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Apartment Complexes Are Embracing Gardens As Amenities

If you're apartment hunting, you may have noticed a trend blossoming in recent years. In addition to the usual amenities, such as gyms and pools, gardens have risen in popularity. This shift follows gardening's rise in popularity over the past few years, with 35% of Americans growing their own food. 

While you might not be explicitly hunting for a place with perfect growing potential, choosing a space with a garden could benefit your quality of life in your new home.

There are many different kinds of gardens and ways to use them. Figuring out how to fit apartment gardening into your lifestyle will allow you to learn about the world around you, practice self-care and get to know your neighbors. 

Digging Into Community Gardens

If you're not familiar with gardening practices, community gardens are a great place to learn and hone your skills. One of the beautiful things about a community project is that a lot of the space, plants and supplies are already there and available to use. When you get involved, you have the opportunity to see how experienced gardeners work, which may help you tend to your own plants.

In city environments, gardening — working with dirt and growing things with your own two hands — can give you the healthy touch of nature you need. If you can't take a walk in the park or get out of the hustle and bustle every day, you can spend time with your plants and work hard to take care of them. It's rewarding, healthy and fun.

New York has had community gardens cropping up throughout the boroughs. In Harlem, for example, GrowNYC helped develop Luigi’s Garden, a small community space where neighbors and groups can both grow food sustainably and host events. When searching for a property in the city, keep an eye out for community gardens that can help you get involved, learn new skills and make connections with neighbors.

2. Variety and Creativity in Garden Design

The type of garden you find in your apartment complex will probably depend on the space available. In urban areas, many buildings have to get creative. 

For instance, they may have raised gardens that sit in above-ground planters. These containers can be anywhere, including rooftops, decks, balconies or on grass or concrete. They also eliminate many of the problems associated with typical grow operations, as they require no digging and prevent weed growth. 

In New York, green space isn’t always easy to come by. However, you can also find apartments and properties in the metro area with both shared and private outdoor terraces and gardens. In Queens, for example, the Kew Gardens neighborhood is well-known for its greenery. Hampton Court capitalizes on this reputation with a complex that offers close proximity to parks as well as its own flower-filled courtyards, giving residents a true country feeling in an urban environment.

Gardens as Community Spaces

In this day in age, it can be difficult to get to know your neighbors. People are often more isolated than ever, especially in large city environments. Gardens can act as meeting ground and social space for people to spend time together and get to know one another. 

Community gardens are also beautiful spaces to spend time in. If you're looking to meet friends or build healthy, social relationships with the people in your neighborhood, finding an apartment complex that offers a gardening space could be ideal.

The Belgravia, located in the Upper East Side, offers a unique community space for condominium residents with a Japanese courtyard garden. This stylized amenity allows residents to gather in a natural space within their own building, where they can form community ties or simply take a quick break in the middle of a busy day. 

Going Green

It's no secret that gardening is beneficial for the environment. If you're growing native plants and using rainwater, participating in your community garden is an excellent way to give back to the earth. You can also go a step further and start a compost pile, tossing in items like newspaper, cardboard, food scraps, weeds and grass clippings. Once the compost breaks down, you can use it as a natural fertilizer for your plants.

Growing food allows you to lead a greener lifestyle. When you take the initiative to raise even one of your own vegetables, you're eliminating transportation materials, fossil fuel emissions and time spent on grocery store shelves. Gardening also reduces food waste, as it provides you with fresh produce and allows you to give fruits and veggies to your friends and family. 

Start Looking for an Apartment With a Garden

In an increasingly modern world, knowing that your home prioritizes a strong connection to the earth and your neighbors can be comforting and motivating. If you choose to move somewhere with a garden, try your hand at growing something! It could lead to an abundance of fulfilling connections. 

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

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Merchants NY To Open In Chelsea

As the city starts to reopen, so are new restaurants as  Merchants NY will be opening in a new Chelsea location (190 7th Ave) on June 22 for outdoor dining, relocating from its original home (112 7th Avenue) for more than 25 years.

Merchants NY - Food - Roast Chicken and Wine Glass 

Fully redesigned by Wid Chapman Architects, the multii-area restaurant features an outdoor cafe, bar, dining room, middle and back lounge featuring a plush, intimate seating concept in signature “living room” style. The menu will highlight classic American fare with a curated beer list by Certified Cicerone Anne Becerra as well as unique, signature crafted cocktails.

Designed by Wid Chapman Architects, the modern clubhouse style restaurant features four distinct areas: an expansive outdoor café, bar and dining room adjacent to a wall of bi-fold doors leading to the outdoor café, middle lounge and back lounge. The front bar and dining room are lined with rustic plaster walls and succulent filled cabinets that open up and add light to the room. The middle lounge offers a casual indoor “garden” room, with seating encased by whimsical low wood-clad plant walls and surrounded by a dynamic Manhattan-inspired mural. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the back lounge is outfitted with low lying velvet sofas, private nooks and a fireplace providing a sophisticated backdrop for unparalleled comfort. Merchants NY can accommodate private events from 20 to 200 guests.

“We are excited to celebrate 25 years of operations at Merchants NY and are ready to welcome our guests back with our friendly and dedicated service,” said Abraham Merchant, President and Chief Executive Officer of Merchant Hospitality Inc. “We have taken all necessary measures to keep staff and guests safe and socially distanced to ensure that Merchants NY becomes their much needed ‘home away from home’ after the last few months of lockdown,” added Merchant.

Chef Antelmo Ambrosio designed the Merchants NY menu to feature classic American fare including French Onion Soup, Grilled Cauliflower Steak, Roast Chicken and decadent burgers.  Certified Cicerone Anne Becerra has developed a curated beer list to complement Chef Ambrosio’s creations. And signature crafted cocktails such as the tequila-based Koicha NY and the glittering gin-based Rethink Paloma round out an extensive beverage program.

Beginning June 22, Merchants NY Café will be open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM. During Phase III of New York City’s P.A.U.S.E., the kitchen will be open until 2 AM and the bar will be open until 4 AM daily. Brunch will be served weekends from 11:30 AM until 4:30 PM.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Things To Consider Before Buying Your Own Private Island

Dreaming of owning your own private island is no longer an unattainable dream. Those dreams can turn into reality. Gone are the days of thinking on the wealthy and famous can afford a private island. With the use of the internet, there is more information out there that shows that private islands are not something you only dream about. In most cases, they cost just as much as a house would. 

The Naomi Island, located halfway between New York City and Albany along the Hudson River costs only $99,000 and is only reachable by boat. Round Island in Nova Scotia is going for $58,647 for 2.7 acres of land. Owning your own private island is something attainable. If you are thinking about purchasing your own private island, here are some things to consider before buying.

Location

The location of your future private island is an important thing to consider. There are tons of islands in this world, and it is best to narrow it down to a specific region you want to purchase on. Would you want to live in the Southeast Asia region where they have some of the biggest archipelagos in the world, like Thailand or the Philippines? Would you prefer to live in the Bahamas or Central America? Some regions have a limited selection of islands that are available for purchase.

Every region has different laws for purchasing land. For example, the Philippines does not allow non-citizens to purchase islands whereas Sri Lanka does. Taking the location into consideration will help you understand how to move forward with your purchasing steps.

Kind Of Island

Take into consideration what kind of island most fits you, your personality and your goals. Will your island be a place you go to when you can take a few days off from work on a random holiday, or is this someplace you will frequent every year around the same time? Will you be living there for an extended period of time? Are you planning on turning your island into a resort location for commercial use?

Asking yourself those questions will help you to determine what work needs to done or what kind of island you want to buy. Some islands do not come fully developed, but others do. For those that do not come fully developed, you will have to consider what it takes to develop that land for commercial use or for extended use. It may require you to get permits and pay fees.

Cost

It is true, not all islands are as expensive as you may think. Bahamas private islands for sale will be more expensive than those in places like Novia Scotia. An island that is already developed will be more expensive than one that has not been touched by human hands. Purchasing the latter may seem like the most cost-effective option, but there are costs attached that are required to get the island running smoothly.

Aside from the financial costs, there could also be environmental costs that you should consider. Though you may be living on an island, you still have to be mindful of nature. As an island owner, you are now responsible for that island’s ecosystem, which is a very delicate thing. Consider looking into local regulations on the nearest mainland for guidance on maintaining the ecosystem while making it livable at the same time.

Climate Region

Consider the climate of your future private island. If the climate there does not suit your needs or wants, you will be miserable. Other than the everyday weather, keep in mind of the frequency of natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you make a better-informed decision before purchasing.

Now that you have taken into consideration these things important factors that go into the quality of your future island, and you are about to pull the trigger on buying it, you should be aware of some pitfalls to look out for and how to avoid them.

Stay On Or Near Your Island Before You Buy

This ensures you know what it will be like when you start developing that island. There is nothing worse than funneling tons of money into a project only for you not to like it. The same can be said about your island. You want to make sure it is a place you feel comfortable in. This can also help you to determine whether or not a region works best for your vacation goals, lifestyle and personality.

Make Sure You Can Develop On The Island

That would be terrible if you purchased an empty island with intentions on developing it only to find out that is not possible because the government that island falls under will not let you. Do research on the jurisdiction your island falls under so you can research the laws on developing. Your island could be an environmentally protected area, in which case you cannot do any development. Maybe you can do some developing but you need permits to do so. It is better to find out about that stuff and get the ball rolling on those things before you purchase.

Again, Consider The Costs

This cannot be stressed enough. There are going to be tons of costs associated with purchasing an empty island that you may not even think about that will make your island suitable to live on. For example, you need things that make it possible to obtain fresh water, you may need some kind of waste management system in place, you may need to install solar panels for energy and on top of all of that, you have to consider costs for constructing a place you can lay your head. All of these things need to be taken into consideration as those can cost several hundred thousand dollars and it would be good to know that before you spend money on an island.

Try To Stay Relatively Close To The Mainland

Being away from civilization may be the very reason you decided to get a private island in the first place, but you do not want to be so far out that it can be difficult to transport supplies and other important things needed for sustainable life on your island. If you are willing to travel a long way to the mainland to get your supplies, that may not be a problem for you but it still benefits to know these things before you dish out all your money on purchasing a private island.

Determine How You Will Pay For Your Island

You may have to pay upfront, and with cash, as banks typically will not give out loans to buy private islands. This is because there are not any comparable properties on that island or nearby so it can be difficult to establish a cut-and-dry monetary value. In the rare event that you get approved for a loan to purchase your private island, it may only cover small costs. This is definitely something to consider before you think about purchasing your own private island.

Houses That Already Exist On The Island Barely Affect The Price

A house that can sell for $1.5 million somewhere else may not equate to the same amount on an island’s listing price. Sometimes a house already existing on an island can decrease the final purchase price because potential new owners might have different needs for the property, according to Coastal Living.

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Things to Have in Mind While Designing Your Balcony

Everyone wants to have an elegant and comfortable apartment, which will be pleasant and comfortable to live in. If that’s the case, it is especially worth paying attention to your balcony. It isn’t only a place to store various household items, but also an excellent area for implementing various ideas. In this article, you’ll learn how to apply imagination, skills and talent to make a beautiful balcony design whether you choose to have Juliet balconies or a single classic balcony.

Features of Balconies 

Having a balcony in your apartment is a really big advantage and can make living in an apartment more comfortable and relaxing. You can go out at any time to get some fresh air or throw a barbecue party. If you've worked with a sb 721 inspection company in Sacramento (or indeed elsewhere) you'll also have peace of mind that the balcony meets all the right safety specifications to be enjoyed properly. The balcony is also a great place to spend time relaxing and reading a book, for example. It’s important to learn about all the uses and advantages of the balcony before coming up with a design - you want to come up with a design that augments how you want to use the balcony. 

Advantages of Balconies

• You can create many things from a balcony - not only a warehouse for unused things if you’re running short on space, but also, for example, a relaxation area where your family and relatives will not bother you and you can read, work and enjoy quietly and productively.

• Improve your mood: a clean, well-groomed balcony will be a positive addition to your home. When you spend time in the clean open air on your balcony, you can be sure that you’re going to have an improved mood and feel better. 

• The interesting design of the balcony will help you to show off to your friends and acquaintances, as well as spend a fun and relaxing time with them. Meeting and parties on the balcony can be enjoyable and special.

Ways to Improve the Balcony when Redesigning It

Keep The Room in Mind 

Most balconies are connected to bedrooms or living rooms - both important parts of your home. That’s why it is vital to make sure you don’t sacrifice the comfort in the main room connected to the balcony when designing it - this can happen when you install something that regularly makes too much noise or blocks sunlight completely, for example. You should also pay attention to what windows you install because it influences both the room and the balcony - if you want high-quality windows, you should check Walbert Windows. Just keep the room connected to the balcony in mind when you come up with a design. 

Take Care of Sunlight and Rain 

You’re exposed to the weather completely on the balcony, and that’s why you need to make sure you prepare the balcony for rain and extreme sunshine, because, if you don’t, you can spend most of the year with no access to your balcony due to bad weather. One essential step is to install protective barriers like metal panels or balcony glass balustrade, which can be effective in shielding the balcony from some rain and wind, while also offering safety and style. To further enhance weather protection, consider adding balcony awnings. These structures are designed to extend out from the building and provide a shield against both sunlight and rain. 

How to Repair and Take Care of Your Balcony 

Once you’ve designed the balcony, you shouldn’t forget the fact that you need to maintain and take care of the balcony. For example, if you haven’t installed an awning, you will need to clean up the balcony after a bout of rain. You need to consider the time and money it requires to maintain the balcony in good condition. This means the occasional repair job as well - an awning repair is common after heavy rain if you forgot to retract it, for example. You don’t have the whole picture unless you take the cost of maintenance and repair into account.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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111 West 57th Street Has A Selling Spree Post Shut Down

Hero Credit - Hayes Davidson

111 West 57th Street has announced it has sold two $30 million residences since the Governor’s shut down order took place. While the real estate market is experiencing challenges due to the pandemic, 111 West 57th Street is proving to be an outlier.

Residence 70 was purchased for around the list price of $30.5 million by an international buyer who viewed the apartment and signed a contract in less than 30 days. Residence 64 was purchased for around $30 million by a local buyer who before the shutdown viewed the home and signed a contract after the Governor’s order took place.

Both residences are located within 111 West 57th Street's 1,428-foot tower, the second tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. The development includes the historic landmarked Steinway Hall building which recently began closings and is comprised of a limited collection of 14 unique homes. JDS Development Group, Property Markets Group and Spruce Capital Partners are the developers of 111 West 57th Street, which features architecture by SHoP Architects and interior architecture by Studio Sofield.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Listing With The Best Natural Light

Staying in? Aren’t we all. Windows invite more than just aesthetic and beauty into our homes. Large windows allow for more open exposure to natural light, which often assists in increasing our moods, energy levels, and even sleeping patterns. Adopting a more positive mood because of your body's adaptation to its natural sleeping patterns.  These new listings have beautiful high-rise windows spanning from the living spaces to the bathroom- inviting happier moods and beautiful views.

These new listings are found at the 'second tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere'. Designed by SHoP Architects and including interior architecture by Studio Sofield, this building is in Steinway Hall - historic for their original design by Warren and Wetmore the architects behind the construction of New York landmark Grand Central Station. Mixing classic and contemporary, these are a part of Studio Sofield’s limited collection of light-filled, pre-war residences in one of Midtown’s most beloved landmarks.

Residence 16N: $8,750,000

Ceilings and windows as high as the sky, the ceiling height can go as high as 20 feet in some spaces within 16N. Equipped with 2 bedrooms and 2 and a half bathrooms, the entrance foyer features a white macauba stone floor and an exquisite powder room finished in jewel onyx. The floors are custom smoke gray solid oak floors throughout with a parquet pattern in the living room. On particularly beautiful days, spend some time on the terrace you can enter from the kitchen.

Residence 17S: $17,995,000

This two-floor duplex comes equipped with 4 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The dramatic entrance foyer comes with open windows in the 23ft ceiling space. For formal entertaining, the dining room features two west-facing windows with bright, open views over 57th Street. The oversized kitchen with a breakfast room is perfect for informal dining and has two large windows offering northern exposures. The kitchen includes a countertop and backsplash in Cristallo Gold quartzite and top-of-the-line appliances.

635 West 42nd Street, #24F

Also located in Midtown West, this Hell's Kitchen residence faces all directions with floor to ceiling windows that provide an abundance of natural light. In case you want to enjoy the beautiful weather outside, the apartment building has a roof deck overlooking the entire skyline. The Atelier building is a luxury 45 story modern condo building, with 24-hour concierge/valet, a fitness center, landscaped terraces and a sundeck. The apartment includes beautiful oak floors in this 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom space, listed at $1,625,000.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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5 Essential Tips for Designing an Eco-Friendly Nursery

The room in which your baby sleeps, grows, and plays is important. It deserves more thought than placing a crib in a spare room. That said, the actual design process of nurseries can be quite intimidating—how do you know you’re doing it right? Now more than ever, people are keying in on sustainability and bringing planet-friendly practices into their homes. Well, we have just what you need with these tips for designing an eco-friendly nursery. Not to mention, if you ever want to sell, an eco-friendly nursery goes a long way!

Choose Nontoxic Paint

The paint you put on the nursery walls is actually one of the most important aspects of an eco-friendly nursery. Traditional paints contain a lot of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which release harmful chemicals into the air. You don’t want that for your baby, and you don’t want that for you. Instead of just picking up whatever paint you see, do your research on health-focused paint options. We love ECOS Paints!

Be Choosy About Furniture

Rather than buying a brand-new wooden dresser, think about choosing sustainable and reclaimed furniture pieces instead. In addition, choose furniture items that are VOC-free and that feature food-grade finishes. Your baby will end up chewing on the furniture at some point—make sure it’s okay if that happens. Also, choose furniture that will grow with your baby—you don’t want to have to keep purchasing new furniture as your baby grows up.

Buy Used When You Can

One of the most important tips for designing an eco-friendly nursery is to fill it with used times. There are so many baby items you can and should buy used, from the clothes they’ll quickly grow out of to the stroller and high chair. Keep these choices in mind while you’re shopping for all your baby things. Ask yourself the questions—can I buy this used? Will buying these used be a more sustainable choice?

Rethink Carpet Choices

Carpet may be soft, but it can also trap allergens and contain harmful chemicals. Again, think about the health of your child—the air they breathe, the carpets they roll on, the furniture they’ll surely chew on. If you can, replace the carpet with sustainable hardwood flooring. If that’s not possible, place an organic rug on top of the carpet where the baby can feel free to play.

Bring In Natural Light

Natural light is your friend. You don’t want fluorescent lighting glaring into your baby’s eyes as they look up at the ceiling. Windows are also your friends, as are accent lighting pieces in soft tones. When you need bright light, open the curtains instead of turning on the overhead light. It will do wonders for soothing the baby!

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4 Ways to Organize an Entryway

Heavy-traffic spaces in the home tend to attract clutter more heavily than others. Front halls and mudrooms are prime examples. Regain control of the space with some of these ways to organize an entryway.

Hang It

Keys, coats, and bags fit better on hooks than on rods. Take a critical look at your wall space in the entryway—blank wall space is ripe for creating organization. Get creative by staggering rows of hooks for shorter or longer items.

Sort It

You bring stuff into the house when you arrive, and you take stuff with you when you leave. You can sort mail, loose change, pens, and seasonal items such as sunscreen and gloves into convenient bowls, baskets, or racks atop a small table or in cubbies. Keep things you may forget when you’re in a hurry visible but organized so that you don’t spend precious minutes sorting through a junk drawer for your eyeglasses when time is of the essence. Sort mail by urgency and utility—bills in one section, coupons in another.

Stow It

There’s no reason to have your winter boots getting underfoot during the summer when all you’re wearing are flip-flops or sneakers. If you have the space, invest in a good storage bench or create a shelf above your wall hooks with cubbies or decorative bins in which to stow off-season coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, and scarves. Umbrellas and walking canes make attractive and compact hall décor if properly organized into attractive stands. These are items you may use often, so having them handy by the door saves you time.

Donate It and De-Door It

Digging out the front hall closet can lead to some surprising discoveries, such as coats that kids outgrew years ago or hats you never wear. Shovel out that closet and separate the contents into keep, donate, and trash piles. Don’t give away coats that are dirty, torn, or missing buttons; you can recycle those at a facility that accepts textiles.

Once you clear out the closet, turn it into an attractive, visible space by removing the door and adding a small bench with cubbies beneath. Hooks can replace a rod as long as you leave enough head room above the bench. Finish it off with a high shelf for storage. Beadboard adds a cottage touch, and light-colored paint gives the nook a fresh look. This way of organizing your entryway will encourage you to keep clutter to a minimum daily. An attractive entryway welcomes you and your family and creates a positive first impression of your home for visitors.

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Where to Eat Al Fresco at As New York Reopens

Restaurants will soon be able to officially open their outdoor dining areas but since we're only in Phase 1 here in New York City, I wanted to send three fantastic al fresco eateries you can dine outdoors at right now.  Now that the weather is reaching the 80’s, there is no better time to get out and enjoy a good meal.

Fornino 

 At Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 offers up their delicious pizzas, sandwiches and salads while they take in the beautiful views of the New York City skyline and Statue of Liberty. The science behind Fornino's dough allows for each pizza to come out perfectly every single time, no matter the day, weather or amount of toppings. Three types of 12-inch pizzas will be on the menu including the Margherita with tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil and parmesan, the Calabrese with sopressata piccante, tomato, mozzarella, parmesan and oregano, and the Funghi Misti with mozzarella, caciocavallo, mixed mushroom and white truffle oil. 

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Fornino location will be open on weekdays from 3pm to sunset and on weekends from 12pm to sunset. Patrons will have the ability to order in advance through the Fornino website for pickup or to make purchases on site with contactless payment options available. Delivery is available via Caviar. The pizzeria's Greenpoint flagship is also open for takeout and delivery.

Hole in the Wall

Murray Hill location (626 1st Avenue) has ample seating for diners just steps away, so patrons are able to indulge in delicious dishes while being able to eat in the fresh air. Signature dishes include their classic Avocado Toast with smashed avocado, truffled feta, roast pepitas, cherry tomatoes, micro herbs, balsamic glaze and lime. There's also the Chili Scramble with avocado, sambal emulsion, micro herbs and parmesan on sourdough and a Breaky Roll with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo pate, folded eggs, chimichurri and mayo on a milk bun with tots on the side. Sip on a Jalapeno Bloody Mary, a Blood Orange Negroni with gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and blood orange, an Aperol Spritz or a Mimosa. They also have picnic packs available for $40, which includes salami, prosciutto, Murray's ALP Blossom Gruyere, local smoked cheddar, marinated olives, fig jam, rosemary sea salt crackers, and a choice of white wine, red wine, rosé or prosecco.

Order by visiting https://www.holeinthewallnyc.com/ or Caviar from their Murray Hill location on Friday - Sunday from 10am - 6pm. Their FiDi location (15 Cliff St.) also has spaced out seating in front of the building Hole in the Wall is housed in. 

Molos 

Photo taken pre-COVID

With the reopenng in Weehawken (1 Pershing Road) for outdoor dining on Tuesday, June 16th beginning at 3pm. The Greek and Mediterranean inspired Seafood restaurant is located on the Hudson River with unbelievable views of the New York City skyline. 

Executive Chef Gregory Zapantis' all-day dining menu includes Lobster Pasta, Lavraki, Seafood & Orzo, Filet Mignon Souvlaki and more. Seating will be first come first served and their new hours and day of operation will be Tuesday - Friday 3pm - 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm - 10pm for lunch, brunch and dinner (weather permitting). Molos will re-open for outdoor table service, curbside pickup, and delivery through GrubHub, DoorDash and ChowNow. Customers will be able to make outgoing orders through the restaurant's website.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Our Favorite Listing:NBA Superstar Carmelo Anthony Lists His Full-Floor NYC Condo for $12.85M

Our favorite listing this week is 508 West 24th Street, Unit 5th Floor, home to NBA Player Carmelo Anthony. The ten-time NBA All-Star, has listed his New York City condo. The home is the largest unit in the Cary Tamarkin designed building at 508 W 24th that overlooks the High Line and is walking distance from world-class shopping and prominent art galleries. 

The fifth-floor home is 4,556 square feet - the largest unit in the building - and is easily accessible through a private elevator. The home offers five bedrooms and four bathrooms, 10-foot ceilings, and rift and quartered white oak floors throughout.

“The full-floor loft is an art collector's dream with ample wall space and an ideal location next to the Highline,” said Kevin Mallen of The Michael Graves Team, Compass. 

The unit is also ideal for quiet living and entertaining. The living quarters are separate from the two large entertainment rooms and dining areas. The residence features desirable 360-degree-views and includes a private balcony that overlooks the Highline. 

The condo is being listed as Carmelo is in the market for another residence in the New York area. The perennial all-star recently began the next chapter of his storied career, signing a new contract with the Portland Trailblazers.

Kevin Mallan of Compass is the listing agent.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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Ways to Make Your Rental Property More Profitable

Investing in rental properties is one of the best ways to make some passive income and even, potentially, primary income. Of course, there’s always a catch. You have to be willing to put in some work to maintain the property and make the home attractive. Additionally, you’ll work with your tenants, which sometimes can be harder than the physical work of bringing the property back to life. We understand the challenges, but we also know you’re in this for profit. If you’d like to learn some ways to make your rental property more profitable, we encourage you to read our guide below.

Maintain a professional relationship with your tenants

Put yourself in your tenant’s shoes and try to relate to their concerns. If you’re difficult to work with, or a tenant has to wait weeks to get something fixed on their home, they’re never going to stay. A profitable rental property is all about retention; after all, having the same tenant for five years is better than having a different tenant each year. To retain good tenants, be someone you’d want to work with. Fix problems in a timely manner and relate to your tenants. They’ll be more inclined to stay and pay more down the road if they have a great landlord.

Work out deals with other services

Many renters choose to rent because they don’t want to maintain the home or yard. If you’re new to being a landlord, you’re probably doing a lot of the work yourself. On the other hand, if you’ve been a landlord for a while, it may be in your best interest to make a deal with a local landscaper. For instance, if your landscaper charges $50 per month, you could charge the tenant $60 per month; that way you’re making something out of the deal.

Consider offering unique amenities

With rent prices being so competitive, you really need something––or some things––to make your property stand out. Each location is different, so it's important to consider what people in your city want. For instance, someone in Colorado might want a community-shared garden, while someone in New York City would love to have a parking spot. Use your location to your advantage and offer something unique that people in your area want.

Install quality items that last

When maintaining or developing a rental property, far too many landlords make the mistake of using whatever is cheapest. By doing that, you’re not only devaluing your property, but you’re asking for future repairs that will only cost you more. Instead, you should focus on making your rental durable and low-maintenance by installing quality items. That includes quality floors, paint, light fixtures, and more. You’re only costing yourself more by using cheap items; plus, your tenants will feel like their landlord doesn’t value the property. Prove them wrong.

Investing in rental properties and being a landlord is no easy feat. On top of your own home, you’re responsible for someone else's and answering calls at pretty much all hours. However, with these ways to make your rental property more profitable, you could earn some serious income.

Five New York City Recipes You Can Make In Your Own Home

Caroline Fiske

New York City is known for many things such as Broadway, shopping, apartments, diversity, and of course food. For those of you who do not live in New York City but miss their food like crazy, there is no need to fear! You could easily make your favorite New York City foods in your own kitchen. Below I have five recipes of just some of my many favorite New York City foods that I can bring into my own kitchen in Connecticut. Hopefully, your mouth will be watering by the time you are done reading these recipes.

RECIPE #1: Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo Creds: https://www.modernhoney.com/levain-bakery-chocolate-chip-crush-cookies/

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Cold Butter cut into small cubes

• 1 cup Brown Sugar

• 1/2 cup Sugar

• 2 Eggs

• 1 1/2 cups Cake Flour*

• 1 1/2 cups Flour    

• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch  

• 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

• 3/4 teaspoon salt      

• 2 cups Chocolate Chips

• 2 cups Walnuts roughly chopped

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 410 degrees.

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and sugar for 4 minutes or until creamy.

• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one.

• Stir in flours, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.

• Separate dough into large balls and place on lightly colored cookie sheets. They are bigger than you think! You will fit 4 cookies on one large cookie sheet. The dough makes 8 extra-large cookies. For a more inviting and delicious look, using food coloring in your cookies is one of the best ways to make it.

• Bake for 9-12 minutes or until golden brown on the top. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes to set.

Recipe Creds: https://www.modernhoney.com/levain-bakery-chocolate-chip-crush-cookies/

RECIPE #2: New York Style Bagels

Photo Creds: https://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1002655/how-to-make-new-york-style-bagels/

Ingredients:

●       2 teaspoons active dry yeast

●       1-1/2 tablespoons white sugar

●       1-1/4 cups warm water (no less than 110 degrees F)

●       3-1/2 cups bread flour (don’t use all-purpose)

●       Dash of salt

Directions:

1. Mix 1/2 cup of warm water with the yeast and sugar. Let sit until it starts to bubble, about 10 minutes. Add the flour and salt into the yeast mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon. Pour half of the rest of the water into the flour mixture. Knead with your hands and add additional water to moisten the dough.

2. Liberally flour a hard countertop. Knead the dough for about 15-20 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

3. Lightly brush a large mixing bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for about an hour. Punch it down and let rest another 10 minutes.

4. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each one into a round bun. On a floured surface, roll the dough until very smooth and perfectly round. Gently press a finger into the center of the dough to make a bagel shape. Stretch the ring to about 1/3-inch diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for about 15-20 minutes.

6. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and place the bagels in the water using a slotted spoon. Once the bagels float to the top. Flip them over and let sit for about a minute.

7. Place the boiled bagels on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire cooling rack.

Recipe Creds: https://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1002655/how-to-make-new-york-style-bagels/

RECIPE #3: Junior’s New York Cheesecake

Photo Creds: https://www.thespruceeats.com/juniors-original-new-york-cheesecake-recipe-1135432

Ingredients for a 9-inch Cheesecake:

• For the Sponge Cake Crust

• Softened unsalted butter (for buttering the pan)

• 1⁄3 cup sifted cake flour

• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking powder

• Pinch of table salt

• 2 extra-large eggs (separated)

• 1⁄3 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 drops pure lemon extract

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar

• For the Batter

• 4 (8-ounce) packages Philadelphia cream cheese (use only full fat, at room temperature)

• 1 2⁄3 cups sugar

• 1⁄4 cup cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon vanilla

• 2 extra-large eggs

• 3⁄4 cup heavy whipping cream

Ingredients for an 8-inch Cheesecake:

• For the Sponge Cake Crust

• Softened unsalted butter (for buttering the pan)

• 1⁄4 cup sifted cake flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• Pinch of table salt

• 2 extra-large eggs (separated)

• 1⁄4 cup sugar 3

• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 drops pure lemon extract

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar

• For the Cheesecake Batter

• 3 (8-ounce) packages Philadelphia cream cheese (use only full fat, at room temperature)

• 1 1/3 cups sugar

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon vanilla

• 2 extra-large eggs

• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Make the Sponge Cake Crust:

1. Heat the oven to 350 F.

2. Generously butter the bottom and side of a 9- or 8-inch springform pan, preferably a nonstick one. Wrap the outside with aluminum foil, covering the bottom and extending it all the way up the side.

3. In a small bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together.

4. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks on high for 3 minutes.

5. With the mixer running, slowly add 2 tablespoons of the sugar and continue beating until thick, light-yellow ribbons form in the bowl, about 5 minutes more.

6. Then, beat in the extracts.

7. Sift the flour mixture over the batter and stir it in by hand, just until there are no remaining white flecks.

8. Blend in the melted butter.

9. In another clean bowl, using clean, dry beaters, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together on high until frothy.

10. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form (the whites will stand up and look glossy, not dry).

11. Fold about 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then the remaining whites. Don’t worry if you still see a few white specks, as they’ll disappear during baking.

12. Gently spread the batter over the bottom of the prepared pan and bake just until set and golden (not wet or sticky), about 10 minutes. Touch the cake gently in the center. If it springs back, it’s done. Watch carefully and don’t let the top brown.

13. Leave the crust in the pan and place on a wire rack to cool. Leave the oven on while you prepare the batter for the cheesecake.
    

Make the Cheesecake Batter:

1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, if your mixer has one, beat 1 package of the cream cheese, 1⁄3 cup of the sugar, and the cornstarch together on low until creamy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl several times.

2. Blend in the remaining cream cheese, one package at a time, beating well and scraping down the bowl after each.

3. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat in the remaining sugar, then the vanilla.

4. Blend in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

5. Beat in the cream just until completely blended. The filling will look light, creamy, airy, and almost like billowy clouds. Be careful not to over-mix.

6. Gently spoon the batter over the crust.

7. Place the cake pan in a large shallow pan containing hot water that comes halfway (about 1-inch) up the side of the springform.

8. Bake until the edge is light golden brown, the top is light gold, and the center barely jiggles about 1 1⁄4 hours. If the cake still feels soft around the edge, let it bake for 10 minutes more (the cooking time will be about the same for both the 8- and 9-inch cheesecakes).

9. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 2 hours (just walk away—don’t move it).

10. Then, leave the cake in the pan, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until completely cold before serving, preferably overnight or for at least 6 hours.

To Serve:

1. Release and remove the side of the springform, leaving the cake on the bottom of the pan.

2. Place on a cake plate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Slice with a sharp straight-edge knife, not a serrated one, rinsing the knife with warm water between slices.

4. Enjoy!

Recipe Creds: https://www.thespruceeats.com/juniors-original-new-york-cheesecake-recipe-1135432

RECIPE #4: New York Style Pizza

Photo Creds: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/10/new-york-style-pizza.html

Ingredients for the Pizza:

•         22 1/2 ounces (about 4 1/2 cups) bread flour, plus more for dusting

•         1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

•         .35 ounces kosher salt (about 3 teaspoons)

•         2 teaspoons instant yeast

•         3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

•         15 ounces lukewarm water

•         1 batch New York Style Pizza Sauce

•         1 pound grated full-fat dry mozzarella cheese (about 4 cups), placed in the freezer for at least 15 minutes

Ingredients for the Sauce:

•         1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes

•         1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

•         1 tablespoon unsalted butter

•         2 medium cloves garlic, grated on Microplane grater (about 2 teaspoons)

•         1 teaspoon dried oregano

•         Pinch red pepper flakes

•         Kosher salt

•         2 (6-inch) sprigs fresh basil with leaves attached

•         1 medium yellow onion, peeled and split in half

•         1 teaspoon sugar

Directions for the Pizza:

        1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3 to 4 times until incorporated. Add olive oil and water. Run the food processor until the mixture forms a ball that rides around the bowl above the blade, about 15 seconds. Continue processing 15 seconds longer.

        2. Transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured surface and knead once or twice by hand until a smooth ball is formed. It should pass the windowpane test. Divide dough into three even parts and place each in a covered quart-sized deli container or in a zipper-lock freezer bag. Place in the refrigerator and let rise for at least one day, and up to 5.

        3. At least two hours before baking, remove dough from the refrigerator and shape into balls by gathering dough towards the bottom and pinching shut. Flour well and place each one in a separate medium mixing bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise at warm room temperature until roughly doubled in volume.

        4. 1 hour before baking, adjust the oven rack with pizza stone to the middle position and preheat the oven to 500°F. Turn the single dough ball out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press out dough into a rough 8-inch circle, leaving outer 1-inch higher than the rest. Gently stretch the dough by draping over knuckles into a 12 to 14-inch circle about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer to the pizza peel.

        5. Spread approximately 2/3 cup of sauce evenly over the surface of the crust, leaving 1/2 to the 1-inch border along the edge. Evenly spread 1/3 of cheese over the sauce. Slide pizza onto the baking stone and bake until cheese is melted with some brown spots and crust is golden brown and puffed, 12 to 15 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve immediately. Repeat with the remaining two dough balls, remaining sauce, and remaining cheese.

Directions for the Sauce:

        1. Process tomatoes and their juice through a food mill, pulse in a food processor until pureed, or puree with a hand blender. Puree should not be completely smooth but should have no chunks larger than 1/16 of an inch. Set tomatoes aside.

        2. Combine butter and oil in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Add garlic, oregano, pepper flakes, and large pinch salt and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil sprigs, onion halves, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to the lowest setting (bubbles should barely be breaking the surface), and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by 1/2, about 1 hour. Discard onions and basil stems. Season to taste with salt. Allow to cool and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Creds: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/10/new-york-style-pizza.html

https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/10/new-york-style-pizza-sauce.html

RECIPE #5: Manhattan Clam Chowder

Photo Creds: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256170/quick-manhattan-clam-chowder/?internalSource=staff%20pick&referringId=1613&referringContentType=Recipe%20Hub

Ingredients:

●       1 tablespoon olive oil

●       1 onion, diced

●       4 ribs celery, diced

●       1/2 (16 ounces) package baby carrots, diced

●       1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, or to taste

●       1 clove garlic, minced, or more to taste

●       Black pepper to taste

●       3 (14.5 ounces) cans stewed tomatoes

●       4 (6.5 ounces) cans minced clams, undrained

●       2 (8 ounce) bottles clam juice

●       1 (14.5 ounces) can whole potatoes, drained and diced

●       1 dash Worcestershire sauce, or to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; cook and stir onion, celery, carrots, basil, garlic, and black pepper until vegetables are tender for about 10 minutes. Transfer 1/2 of the vegetable mixture to a food processor.

2. Stir 2 cans of stewed tomatoes into the pot. Drain the remaining can of stewed tomatoes and add to the food processor. Blend the vegetable-tomato mixture until smooth. Stir pureed mixture into the pot with vegetables.

3. Mix clams, clam juice, and potatoes into the pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer soup until heated through 15 to 20 minutes. Season soup with Worcestershire sauce.

Recipe Creds: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256170/quick-manhattan-clam-chowder/?internalSource=staff%20pick&referringId=1613&referringContentType=Recipe%20Hub

 Even though these recipes at home may not be the same as eating these foods at the actual New York City restaurants, the strong aroma of warm chocolate chip cookies or baked pizza dough will be in your own home! And since we are living in a temporary new normal, making these and many more New York City-inspired recipes is what people like me who do not live in New York City can do. One day restaurants and life will be thriving again, but until then we must make the most of the present, and bringing New York City into our kitchens is a start. 

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

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