If you’ve already dived through our list of New York’s chicest pools, grab your bikini and prepare to discover something new.
Today marks the official opening of The Williamsburg Hotel‘s stunning rooftop pool lounge. The urban oasis in Brooklyn boasts stylish striped day beds and cabanas, along with unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline.
Though a number of private parties have already hit the new space, the public can now indulge in light, summery bites by Executive chef Nic Caicedo, including shrimp ceviche, farro salad, and lobster rolls, as well as specialty seasonal cocktails by mixologist Rael Petit.
Day passes are available to purchase Monday through Thursday for $65 ($40 after 3pm), and Friday through Sunday for $100 ($60 after 3pm).
Sad news for basic brunchers and late night munchers. Today it was announced that The Coffee Shop, the iconic bar/eatery/hangout of models, celebs, and cool NYU kids in Union Square would be closing come October.
Known for its glittering after-hours crowd in the ’90s, as well as stylish appearances on Sex and the City and in The Devil Wears Prada, the Brazilian-American hot spot has always been a favorite for satisfying our drunchies – and checking out the especially good-looking staff. After all, it was opened by a trio of Wilhelmina models: Charles Milite, Eric Petterson, and Carolyn Benitez (the wife of legendary DJ and NYC nightlifer John “Jellybean” Benitez).
According to Milite, rising rent prices (and wages) are responsible for the impending closure. He told the New York Post, “The rents are very high and now the minimum wage is going up and we have a huge number of employees.”
Sigh. Another classic bites the dust. At least we have the rest of the summer to sit outside and drink the tears away.
PHOTO BY CHELSIE CRAIG, FOOD STYLING BY MOLLY BAZ, PROP STYLING BY EMILY EISEN
4 servings
We’re throwing this pantry pasta all-star a “Welcome to Summer” party with peas and mint. This dish was inspired by Rolf and Daughters in Nashville, where chef Philip Krajeck makes a fermented pasta cloaked in a tangy whey and butter sauce. We use store-bought buttermilk to mimic whey’s acidic flavor. It’s a perfect foil for the rich butter and cheese in this glossy sauce.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup pistachios
12 oz. orecchiette
Kosher salt
12 oz. peas (such as shelled fresh or frozen English and/or halved sugar snap)
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 medium leeks, white and pale green parts only, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 small bunch mint, divided
¾ cup buttermilk
3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
RECIPE PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pistachios on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 5–8 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely crush with a measuring cup or glass.
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water 6 minutes, then add peas and cook until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes more.
Meanwhile, heat butter and 2 Tbsp. oil in a medium heavy pot over medium. Cook leeks, garlic, red pepper flakes, and 3 mint sprigs, stirring occasionally, until leeks are soft but not browned, 6–8 minutes; season with salt. Add buttermilk; bring to a simmer. Pluck out mint; discard.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer pasta and peas to leek mixture. Add 3 oz. Parmesan; cook, stirring vigorously and adding a little pasta water if needed, until sauce is creamy and coats pasta, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat; add lemon juice. Pull leaves from remaining mint sprigs, tear into pasta, and toss. Divide pasta among bowls. Top with pistachios and Parmesan; drizzle with oil.
The Canadian International AutoShow returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Feb. 16 to 25, 2018. From groundbreaking concept cars to American classics, we’ve rounded up the six must-see exhibits at this year’s show.
The 2019 Mustang Bullitt
Few cars are as iconic as Steve McQueen’s 1968 Mustang GT Fastback in the box office smashBullitt. Just in time for the legendary film’s 50th anniversary, Ford will be premiering the new limited-edition 2019 Mustang Bullitt—with features inspired by the original car, including the Dark Highland Green exterior, dark grille and signature fuel cap—at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow. Ford previously manufactured Bullitt models in 2001 and 2008, but the 2019 may be the best one yet. The difference this time around? For starters, unique 19-inch wheels and more horsepower than a Mustang GT!
The Lexus LS+ Concept
All major car makers are looking towards the future these days, but few are as bold as Lexus. Meet the LS+ Concept: an impressive balance between classical design and state-of-the-art technologies. While the innovative Spindle Grille and partly laser-lit headlamps are reasons enough to make a purchase, the real prize is the sedan’s AI-powered automated driving tech. Dubbed the “Highway Teammate,” the feature allows the LS+ to take over driving duties from entrance ramp to exit ramp, including merging and lane changes, according to Lexus. The Lexus LS+ Concept and its technology won’t be available until 2020, so make sure to check it out at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow.
70 Years of Porsche
Although founder Ferdinand Porsche established the family business in Germany in 1931, the Porsche legend really began in 1948, when his son, Ferry, spearheaded the construction of the first Porsche, the 356. The reason? Ferry couldn’t find his dream sports car anywhere on the market. Seven decades later, the manufacturer is widely regarded as the most prestigious automobile brand in the world. The highly anticipated “70 Years of Porsche” at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow will give attendees a glimpse at the past and future of Porsche, and features vehicles from different generations, including the aforementioned 356, 912, Carrera GT, 911 Turbo and a scale model version of the Mission E Concept. The exhibit will be on display on Level 100 of the North Building.
The World’s Fastest Car
Zero to 400 km/h in 33.29 seconds? Check. A top speed of 446.19 km/h? Check. Owner of five world speed records? Well, you get the idea. Making its Canadian debut at the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow, the Koenigsegg Agera RS is the fastest production car on the planet. One of the latest offerings from the Swedish car manufacturer, what really sets the Agera RS from other supercars is the fact that it’s totally street-legal—although you’ll definitely need plenty of money to buy it! AutoShow attendees will be able to see the supercar in Auto Exotica on the 100 Level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s North Building.
50 Years of Hot Wheels
Odds are your first real vehicle wasn’t an old fixer-upper from the used car dealership, but a die-cast Hot Wheels toy car. Fifty years and six billion cars later, the iconic American brand still aims to inspire young gearheads and budding global automotive designers alike. To celebrate the anniversary of Hot Wheels, the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow will feature an exhibit that includes the latest toy models, collectible rarities, a play zone complete with its own super track, and six life-size Hot Wheels cars, including a Darth Vader character car made from a fifth-generation Corvette.
The Art of the Mascot
This year’s Art & the Automobile exhibition may be its most expensive yet: the collection of vehicles totals a whopping $20 million! Entitled “Jewels,” all 17 classic cars on display have been selected because of their distinctive hood ornaments and badges—most crafted before automotive safety regulations and changing tastes made them obsolete. Make sure to check out the hood ornament of the 1925 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, called “The Spirit of Ecstasy” and designed by acclaimed British sculptor Charles Sykes, or the hood ornament of the 1929 Packard, called “The Goddess of Speed.”
From innovative air fresheners to high-tech tailgates, we’re counting down 10 of the best new car features on the Canadian auto market.
1. Next-gen car fresheners
Have you ever been on a road trip, and found yourself cruising through one of those towns with a seriously funky smell? And no matter what you did—blasted the fan, rolled up all the windows, loaded up on air fresheners—the stench simply wouldn’t go away?
Buick has drivers of the all-new Enclave breathing a bit easier with the introduction of an air ionizer: a new car feature that combats foul fragrances from both inside and out. More than just a simple odour eliminator, the ionizer also reduces airborne dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses. And what happens when you breathe fresh, clean air? You’re more alert—which makes you a better, safer driver!
2. Multi-tasking tailgates
A tailgate is the one of the most used (and abused!) parts of any truck. GMC has taken that into account with the launch of the all-new Sierra and its MultiPro Tailgate—essentially six impressive new car features in one. This multi-tasking tailgate powers down for effortless access; has a step to help you climb into the bed; a flip-up lip to keep oversized items in place; a swing down centre-section so you can access the bed without crawling inside; and an inner gate load stop. Oh, and it can convert to a stand-up work surface, too. Truly the most innovative tailgate you’ll see this year.
3. Teen Driver Technology
This new car feature from GMC allows parents to monitor and regulate the driving habits of their teenagers. By programming the key or key fob, Teen Driver Technology allows you to limit certain car functions, and prevent active car safety features from being disengaged in order to promote safer driving. You might, for instance, program it such that the car audio is muted until the seat belts are buckled, or lock-in features like blind spot monitors and traction control. You can also set a max speed limit, which comes in handy if you’ve got a young driver with a heavy foot. What’s more, this feature also provides you with a report card to show you how your teenager has been driving.
4. In-vehicle WiFi
Canadian phone data plans are among the most expensive in the world, but it doesn’t stop us from burning through the Gigs by streaming music, watching movies and using GPS. That’s why in-vehicle WiFi is a new car feature that’s gaining serious momentum. With this option, you can connect multiple devices to your car’s WiFi at once and not have to worry about draining your mobile data. Prefer a good, old fashioned book while in the passenger seat? Here are 10 Great Reads to Pass the Time on a Road Trip.
5. Rear Seat Reminder
Every summer, the headlines give us a tragic reminder of what can happen when a child is left unattended in the back seat of a car. For that reason alone, GMC’s Rear Seat Reminder—which issues an alert if the vehicle’s rear doors have been opened during or just before a trip—is a new car feature that’s worth looking for.
6. Mobile apps
Keyless entry with a push-button start is becoming the new normal. The problem is, the fobs that accompany these features seem to be getting bigger and bigger! That’s where mobile appscome in, allowing you to remote start, stop, lock and unlock your vehicle from your smartphone, no matter where you are (as opposed to fobs, which tend to have a maximum range of 200 feet). Just think: In the dead of winter, you can schedule your vehicle to start five minutes before you so you’ve got a toasty warm ride waiting for you. Likewise, in the summer, you can remote start your car to cool down long before you slip behind the wheel. Some apps even provide vehicle diagnostics, current fuel level readings and local gas prices if you need to fill up.
7. Auto start/stop
Gas mileage is still a major consideration when people buy a vehicle, especially for city drivers, who often spend more than an hour a day in stop-and-go traffic. A new-to-you feature to combat the urban mileage drain is an auto start/stop feature, which shuts off the engine when you come to a complete stop and turns it back on when you lift your foot off the brake. Originally exclusive to hybrid vehicles, this feature is now making waves in the mainstream market.
Don’t you hate it when you’re driving at night and find yourself approached by a car with its high beams on? Your only options up until now have been to squint through the glare and maybe flash your own high beams to let them know. But what if cars automatically dipped their high beams when they sensed another vehicle approaching, or entered a stretch of road illuminated by streetlights? Well, that’s exactly what the Auto High Beams option does, and for that reason, it’s a new car feature worth splurging on.
9. Heated steering wheels
Picture it: Canada, in the dead of winter. You huddle against the biting wind, regretting not having slipped on a pair of gloves before heading out to the driveway. The thought of gripping a cold leather steering wheel is enough to make you shudder.
The good news? This chilling scenario can be avoided simply by investing in a heated steering wheel (shown here in the GMC Canyon Denali). Although it’s optional on lower trim levels, this popular new car feature is increasingly being offered as standard on higher trims.
Fast forward six months: You leap into the driver’s seat and scald whatever flesh comes into contact with the black leather upholstery that’s been baking in the hot summer sun for the past several hours. This is when the value of cooled seats becomes very apparent—particularly now that you can select from multiple cooling levels for a perfectly comfortable, climate-controlled backside.
From a car that’s faster than the speed of sound to one that’s shaped like a cat, you have to check out these incredibly weird and cool rides.
PHOTO: A. MICHAEL BROWN/SHUTTERSTOCK
Hottest wheels in the world
The Swedish-built Koenigsegg Agera RS costs $2.1 million, but you get what you pay for. The supercar was clocked doing 284 mph, making it the fastest street car in the world. It’s great if you have that much money to spend on the car… because it means you’ll have enough for the speeding tickets.
Need to get to your next ghost-capturing job quickly? Take a ride in this, a replica of the car from the movie Ghostbusters. The ECTO-1 is a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance conversion—only 400 were made. That’s even rarer than the Class 5, full-roaming vapor ghost Slimer from the movie.
If you forgot where you parked your Peel P50, you’re going to have a lot of trouble finding it. The three-wheeled wonder, which was made in the early 1960s, is the smallest car in the world! From front to back, it’s about 54 inches long. If you don’t have a ruler handy, that’s about half of Shaquille O’Neal.
The McLaren 650S Spider supercar’s roof can be raised or lowered in just 17 seconds—while you’re travelling as fast as 19 mph. Once the roof is down (or up), the car can go from 0-100 mph in three seconds, with a top speed of 204 mph.
Bad news for bad guys: the Batmobile from the Dark Knight movies is real! And any wannabe Batmen or Batwomen out there can buy it—if they happen to have $1 million to spend. According to a test driver from Top Gear, it has a monster engine, 44-inch tires, custom windows, five cameras, and “the ability to scare fellow road users senseless.”
Yes, this is a car: The ThrustSSC is a twin turbofan jet-powered car that went 763.035 mph in October 1997, earning it the World Land Speed Record. The ThrustSSC was the first car to travel at a supersonic speed, meaning it broke the sound barrier at Mach 1.016. Which makes honking useless, since the car will arrive before the beep does.
It looks cool and sounds cool, so we’re going to go ahead and say that the Mansory Stallone Ferrari 812 Superfast is very, very cool. It was revealed at the 88th Geneva Motor Show and made it tough for any of the other cars to get noticed. You get all of the power and speed you’d expect from a Ferrari, plus the excellent and luxurious interior.
PHOTO: MOZAKIM/SHUTTERSTOCK
Ka-chow!
While promoting the release of Cars 3, Pixar Studios sent a full-size Lightning McQueen on a worldwide tour, making stops from Detroit to Malaysia. In case you’re wondering what kind of car Lightning is, the answer is… none. The filmmakers have explained that it has elements of GT40s and Chargers and of the Corvette C6, but McQueen is his own beast.
PHOTO: STEVE LAGRECA/SHUTTERSTOCK
Anything but a drag
This Miller Race Cars dragster is so fast, you’re definitely going to want to buy one of the $420 parachutes the company sells to make it stop. In fact, you might want to get two just to be safe.
This 1960 Volkswagen Beetle Bubbletop car was shown at the Detroit Autorama, where folks who are crazy about cars show off their custom and restored work. This looks super fun to drive—unless it’s raining: You’d need about 10 windshield wipers to see out.
In the Back to the Future movies, Marty McFly travels around the past and future in a time machine his friend Doc Brown built out of a DeLorean DMC-12. And building a time machine out of a DeLorean wasn’t easy. In real life, the car company went bankrupt soon after they started production and it is estimated that there are only about 6,500 of the original models left in the world.
PHOTO: CORKY BUCZYK/SHUTTERSTOCK
Cat’s meow
Cat food company Meow Mix parked this car on the streets of New York City for publicity. We’re guessing the engine on this cat car really purrs.
PHOTO: LEV RADIN/SHUTTERSTOCK
Batman starter kit
For those who can’t get their hands on a Batmobile, the Slingshot Grand Touring LE by Polaris is the next best thing. New York Mets all-star Yoenis Cespedes is one famous fan of the car’s cool design and fun driveability. The Polaris website lists all kinds of coolhigh-tech features, but the real reason to drive this beast is to make everyone else look like a joker.
These 10 car models are way more likely to get stolen.
PHOTO: ERIC_DUBOST_PHOTOGRAPHER/SHUTTERSTOCK
Look out below!
The cars that compete in the Red Bull Soapbox Race may lack speed—they don’t have motors, so only gravity makes ’em go—but they have plenty of style. This one ran the downhill race track in Lausanne, Switzerland. If you’re inspired, grab a box and some wheels and get to work!
PHOTO: STEVE LAGRECA/SHUTTERSTOCK
A toy for grownups
You’re never too old to play with Matchbox cars—especially when they are full-size monsters like this. This Matchbox police-themed vehicle is a souped-up 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL, on display at an industry show in Vegas. Did they lock it up at night? Doubtful—a thief would be pretty dumb to steal it!
Dust off your green thumb and try your hand at winter gardening with these fun and easy windowsill planting tips.
1. Let the Sunshine In
Locate your brightest window and add a set of grow lights, if needed.
(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
2. Make a Flat Plan
Whether you use flowerpots, a seed-starting box or repurposed grocery-store containers, make sure there are holes in the bottom for drainage and a liner underneath to catch excess water.
(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
3. Get Dirty
Fill your chosen receptacle three quarters of the way with organic potting soil. Sprinkle a handful of seeds on top and cover with a light patting of earth.
(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
4. Dampen, Don’t Drown
Use a spray bottle instead of a watering can to hydrate the soil until germination.
(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
5. Trim Regularly
To ensure a long yield and maximum bushiness, give greens a regular haircut even when you’re not cooking with them. You can dry and store excess herbs for later use.
(Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
6. Care for the Air
To prevent plants from drying out, keep air flowing with an oscillating fan and use a humidifier to counteract winter’s drying effect.
Heal rashes, treat depression and reduce indigestion with these medicinal plants you can grow at home.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Grow Your Own Healing Garden
Physic (or physick) was the name given to gardens of healing plants grown by physicians and monks in ancient times and by home gardeners well into the nineteenth century. Why not plant your own healing garden with some of these herbs? By investing a little sweat and the cost of the seeds, you can grow your own ingredients for infusions, teas, and balms. Just choose a sunny spot with rich soil for your healing garden. Perennial plants will grow from season to season, while annuals must be reseeded or transplanted.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
1. Sage
Sage is a perennial. Sage’s genus name, Salvia, means “to heal,” reflecting its early use as a medicinal (not culinary) herb.
The best gardens for birds are the densest ones, so embrace nature’s mess! Plant at different heights to create layers and lure a variety of winged visitors; tangles of vines, hedges and trees will appeal to shelter seekers. To up the ante, invest in a birdhouse. Make sure it’s well ventilated, and that the perch isn’t located under the entrance hole (it will help protect eggs from intruders). Fill the birdhouse with bits of cotton, wool, lint and feathers to kick-start the nesting process. (Humans like high-thread-count bedding, and so do birds!)
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
2. Give Birds A Place To Bathe
The most sought-after tubs aren’t of the claw-foot variety: they’re shallow, with rocks or pieces of driftwood acting as safe landing strips, and sloping sides so the chirpers can wade. Place birdbaths in open areas of the garden to allow birds to spot wily neighbourhood felines before they get too close. And be a good host-scrub the facilities down with a strong-bristled brush (but no chemicals) and replace the water once a week.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
3. Give Birds A Place To Eat
When stocking up for your flock, pick food that will appeal to a large cross-section of birds. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favourite of cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches and some woodpeckers. White millet will attract sparrows, buntings, doves and blackbirds; while niger thistle is catnip for finches. Avoid mixes that feature fillers such as red millet and milo near the top of their ingredients lists. Keep seeds fresh by storing them in a cool, dry place, and don’t hoard-they will spoil. Remember that presentation really is everything. Being able to see the food will attract hungry throngs enticed by the sight of others chowing down (everyone loves a trendy eatery). Make sure your feeder accommodates about a dozen birds.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
4. Know Your Audience
Find out what the birds you want to attract are attracted to themselves. Here are a few favourites:
▪ Hummingbirds – honeysuckle, bleeding hearts, blue irises and red flowering currants. ▪ Blue jays – cherries and berries of all kinds, if you’re willing to share. Pine trees are tops, as they offer shelter from the wind. ▪ Finches – sunflowers, goldenrods and dandelions, so think before you weed. ▪ Cardinals – shrubs and climbing roses for nesting; and pines, spruce trees and evergreens for roosting.
No backyard? No problem! Use these urban gardening tips to add greenery to even the smallest porch, patio or balcony.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
1. Grow Your Plants in Containers
Even if you have a backyard, you might not have enough room for a garden. Growing plants in containers and hanging baskets is the perfect solution for any porch, patio or balcony that’s seriously strapped for space.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
2. Give Your Plants Space
Use big enough containers that your plants will have plenty of room to grow. Ask your local nursery how much soil each plant will need. Although scientists have developed vegetables that don’t require as much growing space, some still need a lot of soil. For example, you would need at least a 19-litre container for a single tomato plant.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
3. Stick To Potting Soil
Use potting soil in your containers rather than soil from the ground. Potting soil is lighter, drains better, and is sterilized to kill weed seeds and diseases that could hurt your plants.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
4. Find the Right Fertilizer
Use a slow-release fertilizer in pellet form. Since you need to water container plants frequently, a regular fertilizer would tend to wash right out of the soil. But in pellet form, one application will release the plant food slowly and last for several months.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
5. Don’t Drown Your Plants
Don’t over-water your plants. Make sure that you thoroughly soak the entire container each time you water, but pour away any extra water that fills the saucer underneath the container. Making the plant sit in water encourages root rot. Since the signs of rot include wilting, many people think that the plant needs more water, which does even more damage. If you’re not sure whether the wilting is from too much or too little water, gently pull the plant up out of the container. If the roots are brown and slimy, it’s root rot. Water it less.
On the other hand, exposed balconies in high-rises can get extremely hot and dry from sunlight reflected off other structures. Under these conditions, you may need to water your plants every day.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
6. Pick Plastic Plant Pots
Use plastic plant pots rather than clay pots. Plants in plastic dry out less quickly because the pots aren’t porous like clay ones. Put 5 centimetres of an organic mulch on top of the soil in the container to reduce water evaporation from the soil.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
7. Hang Smart
When you’re planning for hanging baskets, consider how you’re going to water them. Can you safely stand on a step stool and water with a watering can? Will you get tired of taking the basket down to water it frequently?
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
8. Add Water-Releasing Crystals
If you travel a lot and worry about the health of your plants while you’re away, a fast, affordable, and practical solution is to stock up on little crystals that soak up and then gradually release water. Specific brands include Water Crystals and WaterSmart Crystals, which are sold by garden centres. When you add water to these polymer granules, they absorb many times their weight in water. By mixing them in with the soil in your plants’ containers and then watering, the crystals soak up and then slowly release the water to keep your plants watered while you’re gone.
Be sure to follow directions on the label, because putting more crystals in a container is not necessarily better. Since they expand when wet, too many crystals can swell up and damage your plant or even push it out of the pot.
