New York City Mafia and Local Food

Sample Menu 

Main First Course Spaghetti with Meatball at the meeting point Full portion spaghetti with what I believe to be the best meatball in NYC

Main Second Course: Eggplant Rollatini in Little Italy Full portion eggplant lightly breaded with mozzarella stuffing and a nice light tomato sauce 

Dessert Sicilian Canola A full sized house made canola (multiple flavors to choose) from my favorite local pastry shop in Little Italy

What To Expect

1. John's of 12th Street John’s of 12th Street in NYC has a rich history intertwined with the Italian Mafia. Located in the East Village, this iconic Italian restaurant opened in 1908 and quickly became a popular spot for mobsters 12. During Prohibition, it operated as a speakeasy, making wine and whiskey in the basement 1. One of the most notorious events associated with John’s was the 1922 assassination of Humberto Rocco Valenti, a Morel family hit man, who was killed there during a "peace meeting. The restaurant’s old world charm and connection to the Mafia have made it a legendary spot, even featured in shows like Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos We meet inside the back room of this iconic "Red Sauce Joint" for many reasons including the historic relationship to the beginnings of the NYC Mafia

2. New York City is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the five boroughs of New York City. The borough is coextensive with New York County, the smallest county by geographical area in the U.S. state of New York. Located almost entirely on Manhattan Island near the southern tip of the state, Manhattan constitutes the center of the Northeast megalopolis and the urban core of the New York metropolitan area. Manhattan serves as New York City's economic and administrative center and has been described as the cultural, financial, media, and entertainment capital of the world

3. St. Mark's Church In the bowery is a parish of the Episcopal Church located at 131 East 10th Street, at the intersection of Stuyvesant Street and Second Avenue in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. The property has been the site of continuous Christian worship since the mid 17th century, making it New York City's oldest site of continuous religious practice

4. East Village The population of Manhattan's 17th ward which includes the western part of the East Village and Lower East Side grew from 18,000 in 1840 to over 43,000 by 1850 and to 73,000 persons in 1860, becoming the city's most highly populated ward at that time.  29, 32  As a result of the Panic of 1837, the city had experienced less construction in the previous years, and so there was a dearth of units available for immigrants, resulting in the subdivision of many houses in lower Manhattan Basilica

5. St. Patrick's Old Cathedral The Basilica of Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral, sometimes shortened to St. Patrick's Old Cathedral or simply Old St. Patrick's, is a Catholic parish church, a basilica, and the former cathedral of the Archdiocese of New York, located in the Nolita neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, New York City. Built between 1809 and 1815 and designed by Joseph François Mangin in the Gothic Revival style the Gothic Revival style

6. Nolita The neighborhood was long regarded as part of Little Italy, but has lost its recognizable Italian character in recent decades because of rapidly rising rents. The Feast of San Genaro, dedicated to Saint Januaries ("Pope of Naples"), is held in the neighborhood every year following Labor Day, on Mulberry Street between Houston and Grand Streets. The feast, as recreated on Elizabeth Street between Prince and Houston Streets, was featured in the film The Godfather Part II.

 

It can be hard to reconcile the touristy New York City Little Italy of today with its gritty gangland past. Peering around at all the camera clutching out of towners as they navigate the narrow, tchotchke lined streets, you'd be forgiven for quizzically asking, "This was the stomping ground of legendary mobster 'Crazy Joe' Gallo?" The Wise Guys Guide To Eating In Little Italy: 5 Places For Mob Lore, Red Sauce FOOD REPUBLIC•UPDATED: JUNE 8, 2015 3:54 PM EST We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. It can be hard to reconcile the touristy New York City Little Italy of today with its gritty gangland past. Peering around at all the camera-clutching out-of-towners as they navigate the narrow, tchotchke-lined streets, you'd be forgiven for quizzically asking, "This was the stomping ground of legendary mobster 'Crazy Joe' Gallo?" There were always restaurants, of course. Gallo's legend is connected with quite a few of them. "Old timers remember, and it's a fact, that before Gallo's murder, Little Italy was home to classic restaurants like Puglia and Grotta Azzura, which are both still in business today," says archivist Arthur Nash, author of the book New York City Gangland. "But, it was never the Restaurant Row that began to spring up after Gallo's bloody last stand in 1972." 

You can live in New York for years and still not know everything about its vibrant neighborhoods. Sure, we know the best New York attractions, the best parks and our favorite restaurants, but the city is still full of surprises. That's why we love it. The once Italian enclave stretched from Canal to Houston Streets, between Lafayette Street and the Bowery, as immigrants from Naples and Sicily flooded the area in the 1880s. Now, it's mostly on the blocks surrounding Mulberry Street, where some of the trendiest clothing stores and the best bars in NYC are located, but what's left is still going strong. Below, we're spilling six Little Italy secrets so you can examine some lesser known aspects of this historic and thriving Brooklyn enclave.

 

American Museum of Natural History

What to Expect Visit a Pacific Island, the deep sea floor, the dinosaur era, or even the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, all without leaving New York! Get your American Museum of Natural History tickets ahead of time for a world of discovery. The ticket includes access to over 40 permanent exhibition halls, the Rose Center and the Richard Gilder Center, and one ticketed exhibition such as the Butterfly Vivarium, the Giant Screen Film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show. If you're interested, show your AMNH tickets and visit the Rose Center for Earth and Space. It offers a look into the universe's 13 billion year history and cosmic evolution. This is one of the biggest museums out there and it's packed with plants, animals, and minerals from the planet, solar system, and galaxy.

Inclusions General Admission Admission to 1 ticketed special exhibition (the butterfly vivarium, Invisible Worlds, the giant screen film, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show)

How to Use It Venue Address 200 Central Park West For capacity management reasons, all visitors are required to book a timeslot on the museum's official website (afterward, you will receive a confirmation email that contains your date and time of entry) Once through the security check, present your Tiqets confirmation email, smartphone voucher, and a valid ID Guests do not have to pay any additional costs after check out Free for military members Pay what you wish admission for NY, NJ & CT residents (with ID) available on site. However, considerable waiting times may occur Free admission from 4:30 pm Kids must be accompanied by an adult Pay what you wish admission for NY, NJ & CT residents (with ID) available on site Wheelchair accessible Change & Cancellation Policies If a cancellation request is submitted  before 23:58 on the day 1 day(s) before the usage date, no fee will be charged for cancellation. If a cancellation request is submitted  after 23:58 on the day 1 day(s) before the usage date, a fee of 100% will be charged. If a discount is applied, the fee will be calculated as a proportion of the pre discount price. It will not exceed the amount actually paid. Partial refund not available If you need to change the date, please cancel the booking and then rebook.

Mexico surfer deaths: Man charged confessed to girlfriend, as court told

 

A man is charged over the disappearance of three tourists on a surfing trip in Mexico confessed to killing them, a court has heard.

Mexico surfer death

Two Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad were disappeared on 27 April near Ensenada.

Known as "El Kekas", the suspect appeared in court on Wednesday on the behalf of kidnapping charges, but officials say murder charges will soon be laid.

He is yet to enter a plea.

Baja California officials have said the three tourists  all in their early ages about 30s  were killed while trying to stop the tyres of their pickup truck being stolen.

After disappearing of six days, their bodies were found dumped in a cliffside, each with a head gunshot, according to local authorities. One more dead body was also found in the well but had been there longer and was not connected to the case, they added.

The suspect, Jesús Gerardo, has been charged with "forced disappearance" and his girlfriend Ari Gisel and another man, who have been detained for their suspected involvement. Their surnames have been repress by the courts.

During Wednesday's court hearings, prosecutors named Ari  who has not been charged over their disappearance  as one of their witnesses.

The court was informed that the 23 year old recounted to investigators that Jesús had visited her residence on April 28th, informing her that he had taken action against "three gringos." 

When she inquired about his statement, he allegedly confessed, stating "I killed them." Prosecutors asserted that he displayed later newly installed tires on her car, purportedly stolen from the deceased surfers. Furthermore, prosecutors indicated their belief that others were involved in the homicides. 

Recently, the parents of Jake and Callum Robinson journeyed from Perth to Mexico to identify their sons' bodies. In a heartfelt tribute, Debra Robinson expressed a desire to bring them back to their loved ones and the Australian coastline.

 The tragic incident has imbued fear and outrage in Baja California, a region known for its surfing spots but plagued by violence attributed to local drug factions. 

Despite of its reputation for relative safety, particularly in areas like Ensenada, located approximately 120 km south of the US Mexico border, the community has been shaken.

 In response, demonstrators took to the streets, brandishing surfboards adorned with calls for safer beaches. Subsequently, a group of surfers participated in a "paddle out" ceremony, an oceanic ritual aimed at honoring the memory of the three individuals.

How to make strawberry milkshakes at home: Strawberry milkshakes recipe

If you love strawberry milkshakes and want to learn know how to make strawberry milkshakes at home. A Strawberry Milkshake is prepared by using bare minimum ingredients like fresh strawberries, milk, and ice cream to bring out three good qualities of any shake. 

If you are planning to make it at home then kids will love to help you! Tastes way better than the store brands. Once you have tried it, you will never like to use store-bought strawberry syrup again.

Ingredients needed:

Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious strawberry milk:

Whole Milk:  

 A creamy, perfect base for this recipe. You can use a dairy free alternative too. 

Fresh Strawberries:

Nature’s sweet little rubies! These juicy gems are the heart and soul of this milk. 

Granulated Sugar:

To add much needed sweetness.

Water:

Just a splash balances the sweetness and brightens the berry flavors.

Whipped Cream: 

The cherry (or strawberry) on top! 

How to make strawberry milkshakes at home:

Instructions:

• Wash and hull the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the green tops (hulls) from the strawberries. 
• Blend the strawberries: Place the cleaned strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until they are pureed and smooth.
• Strain the strawberry puree (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture without strawberry seeds, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.
• Sweeten the strawberry puree (It is optional): Taste the strawberry puree and, if desired, add sugar or your preferred sweetener to enhance the sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on your preference and the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
• Mix the strawberry puree with milk: In a pitcher or container, combine the strawberry puree with milk. Mix thoroughly until the puree blends completely with the milk. If you'd like, you can add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Chill and serve: Place the strawberry milk in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. You can also add ice cubes if you prefer it colder. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and pour into glasses. Enjoy your refreshing homemade strawberry milk!

Feel free to adjust the quantities of strawberries, milk, and sweeteners based on your own taste preferences. You can also experiment with variations by adding a touch of vanilla ice cream for a creamier treat.

Tips for Making Strawberry Milkshakes:

• If you are using fresh strawberries to make your strawberry milkshakes. It is best if they were at peak ripeness. If it isn’t strawberry season, frozen strawberries will have the best flavor.

• It is easy to make your pretty pink milk with whatever variety of milk you like best. This recipe is completely vegan if you use plant based milk. However, whole milk will provide the richest, tastiest drink. You can try adding a splash of heavy cream or half and half for extra creaminess!

Conclusion:

It is easy to make strawberry milkshakes at home. The process is very simple, which is detailed in this article. You can make delicious juice by blending fresh strawberries with milk at any time of the day.

For more, visit our blog regularly.

10 Health Benefits of Strawberry Juice: You must know

Strawberry juice is an appetizing juice, which contains numerous health benefits. This fresh juice contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are necessary for your body and can help to promote overall health and well being. 

In this article, we will try to reveal detailed information about the 10 health benefits of drinking strawberry juice. 

This juice can enhance your immunity, improve your digestion, and better your heart health Whether you are already a strawberry bliss juice lover or just discovering its many benefits, this article will provide you valuable insights into the ways that this tasty drink can help you feel your best.

Strawberry fresh juice

10 Health Benefits of Fresh Strawberry Juice

1. Boosts Immune System: 

Fresh strawberries contain high levels of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Drinking strawberry juice can help to protect against infections and diseases by boosting the body’s immune defenses.

 2. Supports Heart Health:

This Juice is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy blood flow. These properties can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

3. Improves Digestion: 

Strawberries contain dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion. Drinking fresh strawberry squeeze can help to regulate bowel movements, promote gut health, and prevent constipation. 

4. Promotes Healthy Skin:

Juice of Strawberries is a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These properties can help to promote healthy, glowing skin and reduce the signs of aging. 

5. Regulates Blood Sugar: 

Strawberries are low in calories and sugar, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. Drinking fresh strawberry squeeze can help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in insulin. 

6. Boosts Brain Function:

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants that can help to protect brain cells from damage and improve cognitive function. Drinking strawberry bliss juice may help to boost memory and concentration.

7. Reduces Inflammation:

The antioxidants in strawberries can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may help to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and asthma. 

8. Promotes Bone Health:

Strawberries contain calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that are important for healthy bones. Drinking strawberry squeeze can help to promote strong, healthy bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

9. Supports Weight Loss: 

Strawberry juice is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to a weight loss diet. Drinking strawberry bliss juice can help to promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake. 

10. Improves Eye Health:

Strawberries contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for maintaining healthy vision. Drinking strawberry juice can help to protect against age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions.

Conclusion:

Drinking strawberry squeeze is a simple and tasty way to reap a multitude of health benefits. From supporting heart health and boosting immunity to promoting healthy digestion and skin, strawberry juice is a nutritious and refreshing addition to any diet. By incorporating this delicious fruit juice into your daily routine, you can enjoy the numerous health benefits that it has to offer while also indulging your taste buds. 

So why not give fresh juice a try and start experiencing the amazing health benefits for yourself? With its sweet and tangy taste and impressive nutritional profile, it’s no wonder that strawberry juice is a favorite beverage around the world.

Self Care For Kids

Feeling stressed out is the number one complaint of many parents. But adults aren’t the only ones feeling anxiety over busy schedules, tricky relationships, pandemic fears or unsettling world events. “Kids especially younger ones aren’t usually going to come out and say ‘I’m stressed,’” says Stacy Leatherwood, M.D. A pediatrician at Henry Ford Health. “But that doesn’t mean kids aren’t experiencing stressful situations and events in their own ways.”

Signs That Your Child Is Feeling Stressed If your kids are too young to find words to explain their stress (or they're older and don’t readily open up), it’s important to watch their behavior. “You want to look for changes that are out of the ordinary, new behaviors or ones that seem like a regression to a younger version of your child,” says Dr. Leatherwood. Some behaviors that could be  include:

• Changes to their typical sleep patterns. That could mean sleeping more or less or waking up frequently during the night. 
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Instead of going out to play with friends, they just want to lie on the couch or play video games by themselves. 
• Declining performance in school. 
• Pulling away from friends or avoiding social situations. 
• Acting out, having tantrums or getting in fights. 
• Physical complaints, such as stomachaches or headaches

Stress Relief Techniques for Kids When trying to teach self care for kids, the most important thing you can do is model that behavior yourself. “Parents who take care of themselves, take time to manage their own stress and model that for their children can help create a culture of calm,” says Dr. Leatherwood. Good stress management techniques work for grownups, little kids and teens and can be tailored to suit any age. Together as a family, practice stress-relieving activities like: 

• Practicing healthy sleep habits: Be sure to turn screens off at least an hour before bed and keep electronic devices out of the bedroom. Making sure your child gets quality sleep will help them manage stress better. 
• Creating more family time: Spending time with your kids gives you the opportunity to spot problem behaviors and stay in close touch with what might be worrying them. Eat meals together whenever possible and use that time to talk about the good and bad events of everyone’s days. Fun family time is also a great stress reliever play games, have a dance party, tell jokes and get silly together.
• Building a “calm box”: Help each family member create their own collection of stress relieving tools. For little kids, this might include a favorite stuffed animal, a picture book, coloring book and crayons, and PlayDoh. Older kids might fill their calm box with a journal, music, soothing aromatherapy candle and a yoga mat.
• Getting outside: “Time in nature, being active, is a wonderful way to relieve stress,” says Dr. Leatherwood. Encourage your kids to play outside after school to help let out any stress from the day. 
• Staying active: Exercise is an excellent stress reliever. It improves your mood, helps your brain process stressful events and reduces overall anxiety.
• Modeling mindfulness: Demonstrate to your children how you take a moment during stressful times to calm yourself down. Deep breathing techniques, meditation, a relaxing yoga session or curling up with a good book are great ways to self soothe. If your child exhibits continued signs of stress and anxiety, it may be helpful to seek help from your pediatrician or a mental health therapist. “You want to create a safe place for your child to express their emotions,” says Dr. Leatherwood. “Sometimes it’s easier for your child to open up to someone else.”

How To Help Your Kids Build A Healthy Relationship With Food

We all want our kids to be healthy  and to grow up knowing that making smart choices can help keep them healthy. Eating good for you food is a big part of that. Of course, kids are notorious for turning their noses up at all sorts of healthy foods, in favor of sweets and high-fat treats. “But it’s never too late to introduce your kids to healthy food choices,” says Bridget McArdle, D.O., a pediatrician at Henry Ford Health. “Their taste buds are constantly changing, so the more options you offer on a regular basis, the more opportunity they’ll have to find healthy foods they like.” Modeling healthy eating, keeping good for you foods in the kitchen and teaching kids why nutrition is important are all ways you can help your kids make smart food choices.

Plan, Shop And Cook Together Kids of all ages like to have a sense of control over their choices and that includes their food choices. So get your kids involved in helping decide what your family eats. “Let your kids each pick one night a week that they decide what’s for dinner, then let them help prepare it,” suggests Dr. McArdle. Little kids can pitch in with simple tasks like stirring and gathering ingredients, while older children can cook the whole meal. 

Grow Some Veggies Another great way to get kids excited about healthy food is to grow some yourself. It doesn’t matter whether you have room to plant a whole garden or just some pots on a windowsill. “Even in a small space you can easily grow some lettuce or a pepper or tomato plant,” says Dr. McArdle. “Having your kids plant, care for and pick their own vegetables gives them some ownership over what they eat.”

 Try A Bite We all have foods we just don’t like. But remember that it can take many times of trying a new taste before learning to like it. “That’s why we have a rule in our house that you have to take a ‘no thank you’ bite every time,” says Dr. McArdle. “You can’t just look at a food and say you don’t like it without tasting it.” But if, after that one bite, they still don’t like it, kids are allowed to say “no thank you” to having any more of it.

Fuel Up With Good Food In order for your kids to develop a healthy relationship with food, they need to learn why eating healthy food is good for their bodies. Just like a car needs fuel to keep going, so do people. And kids need to understand that the better the fuel, the better your body feels and functions. “I teach my patients about the importance of eating the rainbow,” says Dr. McArdle. “That means eating all colors of fruits and vegetables to guarantee you get all the nutrients your body needs to thrive.” Anytime Foods Vs. Sometimes Foods Developing a healthy relationship with food goes beyond eating well. It’s also about how we feel about food, and the emotions and the judgments we attach to it. “You don’t want to create a category of ‘forbidden’ foods,” says Dr. McArdle. “You just want to set some rules and expectations around when you choose certain types of foods.” She suggests talking about foods as “anytime foods” and “sometimes foods.” “Anytime foods include healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables, nuts, hummus and whole grain crackers. Have lots of anytime foods in the kitchen and let kids help themselves to them.” Sugary drinks, cookies, ice cream, potato chips and other treats should be considered sometimes foods. “It’s not that they’re forbidden, they’re just eaten in moderation and only at certain times or occasions,” says Dr. McArdle.