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New York Post
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
NYC fashionistas are traveling abroad to shop, avoid tariffs
Donning designer can be financially taxing — especially in this uneasy economy. But Tiffany Radulescu stays fly (and on budget) by routinely flying from NYC to Paris, scoring couture from Prada, Hermès, Loewe and Christian Louboutin — without worrying about the Trump administration's plans to slap hefty surcharges on foreign fashion. 'I'd rather catch a flight than catch a tariff,' Radulescu, 34, from Brooklyn, told The Post of her haute hack for sidestepping sky-high fees. Advertisement 13 Radulescu is in the growing number of fashion lovers flocking to Europe for designer goods rather than dealing with higher retail prices and tariffs in the US. Emmy Park for The masterful move is catching on with luxe label lovers nationwide. A newer and unwelcome addition to the average glamour gal's lexicon, the term 'tariff,' government-imposed taxes on imported goods and services, has become like a curse word to those with a penchant for upscale shopping. Advertisement Clotheshorses on social media have virally bashed the hefty dues for exceeding the original costs of the commodities they've purchased. Companies, such as Walmart, Nike and Macy's, have even begun hiking the cost of merchandise in an effort to combat the levies. Some luxury brands — like Hermès, as well as Louis Vuitton — have responded by raising prices in the U.S. to offset the tariffs 13 Radulescu spent weeks making a list of the finery she planned to buy in Europe this spring. Emmy Park for 13 Radulescu secured serious savings by shopping at Hermès in Paris. Adobe Stock Advertisement 13 The moneywise millennial scored hot deals at Hermès, Prada and Christian Louboutin in Paris. Emmy Park for So, rather than paying higher retail prices and over 20% duties here in America, pennywise women, like Radulescu, are going directly to Europe — where the president has threatened a 50% tariff on all products by July 9 — to snag swag and savings. During her most recent trip to Gay Paree, which cost the value-minded voyager 55,000 Delta miles for airfare and around $1,300 for lodging, Radulescu saved over $3,500 on swank finery — such as her new Loewe Parka. In the U.S., the overcoat retails for $2,750, not including taxes and shipping. Advertisement 13 Radulescu tells The Post that the Loewe parka was at the top of her wish list, which featured all of the goodies she planned to purchase during her trip abroad in March. Emmy Park for 'I paid $1,023,' the millennial gushed, adding that shopping aboard also makes her eligible for the Value Added Tax (VAT) refund — a reimbursement offered on goods purchased in a foreign country. 'I found it at a French outlet for $1,148 and got a VAT refund of $125,' she said, 'so I saved over $1,700.' The frequent flyer, too, landed a deal on The Evelyne bag by Hermès ($2,300), a choice accessory on which she saved $580, as well as the imprint's coveted Oran sandals ($920), which granted her an additional savings of $257, a pair of its Chypre sandals ($1,050) for a $295 savings and a Kelly belt ($1,250) that saved her another $268. While on the overseas spending spree, Radulescu also bagged crème-colored Prada sling-back heels ($1,200), saving $268, and nude Kate pumps by Christian Louboutin ($845), on which she saved a cool $169. 13 Radulescu virally declared, 'I'll catch a flight before I catch a f–king tariff,' to fellow fashion fans online. Emmy Park for The fashion fiend plans to return to the city of lights for her birthday this month. She hopes to acquire a Birkin 25, a plushy pocketbook that can cost upwards of $15,000, for a super sweet steal. Advertisement Sandy Saikumar, 25, a cybersecurity expert, from Chicago, has had similar success abroad. 'It basically feels like you're making money,' she joked to The Post. 13 Saikumar says she saved the most money buying her Bottega bag abroad. Courtesy Sandy Saikumar During her springtime European vacation, the Gen Z bought a Bottega Veneta Andiamo purse, which in the U.S., comes with a price tag of approximately $4,950, including tax. Advertisement But, by traveling to Italy for the must-have, and getting the VAT refund, she saved a staggering $1,889. While in the land of pizza, Saikumar also grabbed a pair of Chanel sunglasses ($605) at a savings of $171, and a Balenciaga Le City bag ($3,190) — on which she spared herself an extra $1,063 expense. After popping over to Paris, where she hit hot shops on the city's stellar Avenue Montaigne, the savvy shopper procured a Prada cardholder ($468) and saved $155, and Miu Miu Glimpse sunglasses ($583) for a $215 savings. She didn't pay any fees to bring her haul back home, even after declaring each item at the airport. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection does impose a limit on items, which varies by country.) Advertisement 'People may not understand how the math works when you still have to pay for flights, hotels and food while traveling — then spend all this money on a bag or accessories,' Saikumar conceded. 'But, my justification is, at least I get to go to a new country, experience a new culture and get the bag of [my] dreams with significant savings.' 13 Saikumar says purchasing her purse at the Bottega store in Europe heightened her shopping experience. Adobe Stock 'What I saved in the stores covered a significant portion of my flight and hotel costs,' she said. 'My flight to Europe cost $700, and I saved more than that on my Bottega.' 'There's no shot in hell I'm paying tariffs,' Saikumar insisted, adding that she's journeying back to Europe for the Loewe Puzzle bag ($3,850) this summer. 'If that means going straight to the source, then so be it.' Advertisement 13 Saikumar has her heart set on scoring another haute handbag during her upcoming trip overseas. Courtesy Sandy Saikumar For Upper West Sider Izzy Anaya, striking back against tariff terror is as simple as a commute to Chinatown for what she calls 'inspired pieces' — otherwise known as knockoffs, or dupes. Recently crowned as one of the city's most stylish 'Birkin Moms', the parent of two is proud to have only shelled out $200 for a faux version of the bougie, $20,000 carryall. 'I've purchased inspired Gucci, Fendi and Yves Saint Laurent pieces,' bragged Anaya, 45. 13 Anaya claims she cant tell the difference in quality between her faux purses and the real-deals she has in her massive bag collection. Courtesy Izzy Anaya 13 The Upper West Side mom buys her stylish bag from Chinatown and private dealers. Courtesy Izzy Anaya 13 The fashion plate says her off-market accessories often fool snooty NYC sophisticates. Courtesy Izzy Anaya And after becoming a regular along Canal Street, Anaya even has her own inside contact that can hook her up with the best of the pseudo-spoils, straight from China — even delivering them to her house. 'I have a [guy] who gets me great stuff,' she confessed. 'I WhatsApp him what I want, he sends me the price and it gets to me in a few weeks. The bargain-hunter claims her off-market goldmine hasn't been tarnished by tariffs — at least not yet. 'What I have noticed is that it shipping takes double the time, and I'm thinking it's because of the tariffs and import issues,' she groaned. 'I used to get stuff in like two weeks. Now [the items are] being held up for five weeks.' 13 Anaya proudly tags herself as 'rich' and 'cheap,' telling The Post she prefers saving money buy buying 'inspired' designer. Courtesy Izzy Anaya But as long as she eventually gets her hands on the cut-rate couture, she's good. 'They're such high-quality,' Anaya bragged. 'I can't tell the difference between my real Gucci and my inspired Gucci bags.' 'And neither can the ladies I lunch with on Park Avenue.'
New York Post
29-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
NYC's best kept fitness secret: free classes in the park
From her window across the street, Jodi Popper couldn't help but notice the lively group lunging, squatting, jumping and laughing together every Thursday evening in Astoria Park. 'I was curious about it for the longest time, and it took me months and months until I finally worked up the bravery to check it out,' she told The Post. A year later, the 68-year-old has become a regular at the Low Impact Bodyweight Circuit Training class, one of more than 100 free workout sessions offered through the New York City Parks and Recreation Department's Shape Up NYC program. Advertisement 8 Thousands of New Yorkers participate in Shape Up NYC fitness classes every year. Kim Max for 'I'm retired, but I work twice a week as a high school guidance counselor,' Popper said. 'Thursday nights, I'm wiped out, and then I come here and I'm rejuvenated.' From humble reps to citywide gains Shape Up NYC hit the ground running in 2003 as part of a public health push by former Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The program initially focused on Harlem, the South Bronx and central Brooklyn, home to alarmingly high rates of chronic diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. 'The life expectancy in these neighborhoods is lower than everywhere else in the city,' said Kendra Van Horn, director of Citywide Fitness for NYC Parks. Advertisement Now, Shape Up NYC is citywide with 100% free workouts offered in parks, libraries, community centers, beachfront boardwalks and even online. Van Horn said dance-based classes are consistently the most popular, with one Zumba class in Flushing drawing more than 100 participants each week. New Yorkers can also belly dance in Brooklyn or break a sweat at a high-energy dance cardio class with sweeping river views at West Harlem Piers. Advertisement 8 Shape Up NYC offers free fitness classes in all five boroughs. Stefano Giovannini for For a sweat-drenched, mood-boosting workout, try intenSati in Forest Park, or swing by Midtown for a high-intensity class combining bodyweight resistance training with conditioning for a full-body burn. In Bed-Stuy, beginners can dive into mat Pilates, while yoga lovers find their zen with slow-flow classes in the East Village. Up in The Bronx, there's even a running group to help you train for your first 5K. Shaping minds and bodies Advertisement Shape Up NYC classes — funded by an annual budget of $160,000 — are led by a mix of paid and volunteer instructors who undergo a 12-week training program. 'Before I came to Shape Up, I was a miserable person working a 9 to 5,' said Gretchen Simmons, 53. 'I was overweight, unhappy and knew I needed to do something different.' 8 Shape Up NYC classes can be customized to fit each participant's fitness level and physical needs. Kim Max for When a fitness studio in her neighborhood offered a summer special, she seized the chance to try a few classes. It was yoga that truly resonated with her. 'It really helped me to ground and center myself. I started being a happier person in my job, my life,' said Simmons, who's shed over 100 pounds through yoga. 'I realized I wanted to give that to other people.' 'Not everybody can afford a membership to a high-end gym. Not everyone can afford to go to a personal trainer.' Gretchen Simmons Now a certified yoga instructor, Simmons teaches three Shape Up NYC classes a week, including a virtual session on Saturday mornings and a chair yoga class in The Bronx tailored to older adults and those with mobility issues. 'A lot of the people who take my classes, they've continued to show up and they've improved tremendously in their lives,' she said. 'I've had some women who have had mobility issues and now they can do tree pose.' Tailored for every body Advertisement Shape Up NYC welcomes all ages and fitness levels. You don't even need to be a New York City resident to attend, and preregistration is not required in most cases. Schedules are available online. 8 Pre-registration for most Shape Up NYC classes is not required. Stefano Giovannini for The program has become a staple for thousands, particularly women in their 50s. Instructors are trained to tailor workouts to accommodate the diverse needs of participants. 'Nobody wants to go to a class and feel like they can't do it,' Van Horn said. 'We want them to feel like they can accomplish something.' Advertisement At the Low Impact Bodyweight Circuit Training class in Astoria Park, instructor Matt Schoenstein guides disciples through four sets of three exercises each, offering different options for varying fitness levels. In one circuit, Schoenstein demonstrated a full chest-to-floor pushup for anyone ready to take on a challenge. Alternatively, he offered a more accessible option by showing how to engage the shoulders, arms and chest with standing pushups using a railing for support. 8 Shape Up NYC offers classes like dance fitness, bodyweight circuit training, yoga and bootcamp. Kim Max for It's not just about the physical transformation. Mental health perks and community-building are two of the biggest benefits that participants report in internal surveys and focus groups. Advertisement For some participants, their only daytime interactions are with their Shape Up NYC classmates, according to Van Horn. 'I would say the sense of community and belonging are on par with the physical benefits of exercise,' she said. 8 Shape Up NYC aims to foster connection among New Yorkers. Stefano Giovannini for Get moving, New York Advertisement Despite being around for more than 20 years, Shape Up NYC remains relatively unknown to many New Yorkers — unless, like Jodi Popper, they happen to stumble across it. 'There's so much going on in New York, and there are just so many options that most people don't know about,' Van Horn said. On tap is a major 2026 expansion in The Bronx, where volunteer numbers dropped during the coronavirus pandemic. 'We want to send resources to the neighborhoods that need it most,' Van Horn said. 'There are still parts of the city that are underserved.' 8 Shape Up NYC has been active for more than 20 years. Kim Max for 8 Fitness instructors go through a 12-week training course. Kim Max for For Simmons, who's Bronx-born and raised, this mission hits home. 'Not everybody can afford a membership to a high-end gym,' she said. 'Not everyone can afford to go to a personal trainer.' By providing free fitness resources to those who might otherwise have limited access, Simmons believes the program delivers benefits immediately — and over time. 'People need to get up and keep moving. It's going to help you thrive now and live well as you get older,' she said. 'You want to enjoy life, so just get out there and do it.'
New York Post
26-05-2025
- New York Post
JFK survival guide: 4 secret finds at NYC's busiest airport
Roughly 63 million poor souls traveled through John F. Kennedy International Airport last year, data shows — and at least 62 million probably vowed to never make the same mistake again, if they could help it. Face facts — NYC's most notorious airport doesn't exactly put its best foot forward, no matter how many billions of dollars are spent trying to make the confusing sprawl make sense. Tucked into the tangle of twisted roadways, crowded concourses and endless construction projects, however, you'll find a surprising number of secret finds — and some of them might even make your next date with airside agita the tiniest bit enjoyable. Advertisement And, hey, worst case — you can always take a deep breath and thank the sky gods you're not flying out of Newark this summer. Read on for a few particularly likeable finds — in one of the Big Apple's most unpleasant places. No humans allowed 14 The ARK Pet Oasis offers a space for your furry friends to get fresh air at the airport. Tamara Beckwith/ Advertisement 14 Horses are frequent visitors to The ARK. The Ark at JFK, ; Anthony Collins JFK's most exclusive lounge has every comfort a globetrotter could hope for — but no amount of miles accrued can get you into this serene sanctuary. Unless, of course, you're a dog. Or any other type of animal. In that case, you're welcomed with open arms at The ARK, a privately-owned, 24/7 hang for a veritable menagerie of well-traveled creatures — from cats and dogs to horses, elephants, birds and even spiders. Advertisement 14 An owner is reunited her with her pup after he arrived from the Dominican Republic and had to clear customs and health inspections. Tamara Beckwith/ That's because the company provides space for zoo animals being moved around the world as well as dogs and cats being shipped sans owners. 'We see goats, sheep, pigs, cows, horses — as a matter of fact, we have Icelandair coming in with a very large shipment of small Icelandic ponies,' Elizabeth Schuette, president and CEO, told The Post. And there's a reason why it's so swanky, too: Air travel is even more stressful and anxiety-ridden for animals than humans, Schuette explained. Advertisement 14 Many domestic pets find their way to the ARK at JFK. Tamara Beckwith/ 14 There is a vet at the ARK who makes sure animals are cared for. Tamara Beckwith/ 'We should not just assume that animals are like people and can travel with us or without any kind of thought to it,' Schuette explained. Many people traveling with pets don't understand just how complicated it is, Schuette said, especially the cargo and public health aspect. 'A lot of what we do is actually educational because you don't think about it,' she said. 14 Air travel is even more stressful and anxiety-ridden for animals than humans. The Ark at JFK, ; Anthony Collins Because of the many rules surrounding animal travel, The ARK runs a tighter ship than Noah's — they have direct airside access — a necessity when loading and unloading bigger beasts — and work hand-in-hand with multiple government agencies for safety, like protecting the public from diseases during animal transport. The ARK also runs a pet boarding program when jittery jetsetters need a safe and convenient place to keep their pet while they fly around the world. Advertisement For an overnight stay, pet parents can expect to pay $150 for the first night and $125 for each additional night — and the limited kennel space is often booked up solid. 'Your pets are your family, and you want to make sure that they're being handled properly,' Schuette said. Not your average airport bar 14 The 1850 Speakeasy Bar is located in the Centurion Lounge at JFK's Terminal 4. American Express Tucked behind a copper-paneled wall in the Centurion Lounge at JFK in Terminal 4, thirsty travelers will find the 1850 Speakeasy Bar, which looks nothing like a typical airport lounge. Advertisement 'The design of the intimate space — the lighting, dark wood, cozy booths, and truly phenomenal cocktails — makes you forget you are even at an airport,' Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, told The Post. And airport beer be damned — expert bartenders at 1850 conjure up 'sophisticated' versions of classic New York cocktails, including the espresso martini and boulevardier. 14 The drink menu was curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan. American Express 14 Expert bartenders at 1850 conjure up 'sophisticated' versions of classic New York cocktails. American Express Advertisement The drink menu was curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan, famous for his work with PDT (Please Don't Tell) in New York's East Village. There's also a rotating experiential menu with a theme of 'travel meets New York.' During the day, 1850 also serves as a café, but only a select few — Eligible American Express Platinum Card Members, American Express Centurion Members, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members who have access to the Centurion Lounge — can enter. Up on the roof 14 JFK's Terminal 5 features a hidden rooftop garden. JetBlue This garden takes things to new heights. Advertisement Tucked away in JFK's Terminal 5 is a secret rooftop garden, accessible to all passengers post-security. With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the T5 Rooftop & Wooftop Lounge spans across 4,046 square feet and is complete with charging stations, free Wi-Fi, a dog walk and New York-centric food and beverage carts/kiosks. 14 The T5 Rooftop & Wooftop Lounge is located across from Gate 528. JetBlue There's also landscaped greenery featuring shrubs and plants, including oak-leaved hydrangeas, lilyturf and sweetspire. While the T5 rooftop initially opened in 2015, many travelers don't know about this hidden gem or that they can be outside while waiting for their flight. The entrance to the space is a slim glass door that almost looks like the entrance to a closet, though it does say 'T5 Rooftop' in white lettering. 'As New York's Hometown Airline, T5 was designed to show off the pride we have for our city,' Jamie Perry, current president of JetBlue Travel Products, said. The outdoor space is located across from Gate 528 and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. You need a staycation from your vacation 14 The Paris Café by Jean-Georges is in its original location up the curving staircase on the mezzanine level. Annie Wermiel/NY Post JFK's acclaimed TWA Hotel is a destination unto itself — but travelers on the move can have plenty of fun while they're waiting for their flights elsewhere. The repurposed Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal has a raft of amenities — like the Paris Café by Jean-Georges, which is located in its original location up the curving staircase on the mezzanine level. The world-renowned chef partnered with Tastes on the Fly, a leading boutique airport restaurateur, to offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts with a view. 14 The Paris Café offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Annie Wermiel/NY Post The menu offers both timeless recipes and dishes the modern traveler will love, transporting guests to the Jet Age. While walk-ins are recommended, reservations are highly encouraged at the coveted dining spot. The Lisbon Lounge within the Paris Café also serves meals and offers a full bar. Seating here is available on a first come, first served basis and reservations are not available. Food is served until 10 p.m. and cocktails are served until 11 p.m. nightly. 14 The TWA Hotel also has an infinity pool, open year-round and heated during the winter. Getty Images Also on premises is a rooftop infinity pool and observation deck, offering fantastic views of planes taking off and landing. Anyone can snag a day pass, whether or not they're staying at the hotel. Reservations for the pool, which is open year-round and heated in the winter, can be made through the hotel's website or via Resortpass, where they are being sold for $50. Non-guests can also reserve a day pass to the on-site, 24/7 fitness center — which claims to be the world's biggest hotel gym, at 10,000 square feet — for $25.
New York Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Dollar foods are dying but there are still a few buck bites left
A bang for your buck! As inflation sends NYC food prices into the stratosphere, eating cheap in the Big Apple has become a thoroughly retro concept — much like peep shows, or subway tokens. But you can still dine for a dollar in some surprising places around town — and gouge-weary Gothamites are flocking to this slowly growing number of 'unicorn' discount dining spots. Advertisement The surprising turnaround couldn't come at a more urgent moment — where a fast food meal anywhere in the city can cost nearly $15, depressing salads in Midtown go for nearly $20 and the beloved dollar pizza slice, that weathered face of the buck bite scene, now typically costs $1.50 or more, thanks to soaring ingredient costs. 'I feel like everything gets more expensive,' Michelle Javier, a food lover who frequently shares hidden NYC nosh gems with her considerable social media following, sighed to The Post. And while finding food for a George Washington might seem as outdated as heading to the video store on a Friday night, The Post scrounged up five popular dollar dinner depots where people can fill their bellies — or at least have a snack — with nothing more than a handful of loose change. Advertisement 19 Grab your dollars! These 5 spots still have $1 offerings. Donna Grace/NY Post Design Don't call it a panini 19 'Prices are going up, I was like 'lemme help out a little,'' said Smashiess owner Roddy Duran while describing the inspiration behind his $1 ham and cheese sandwich. Tamara Beckwith/ Budget imbibers now have the hero they deserve in Smashiess, an East Harlem bodega offering a robust ham and cheese sandwich for a humble George Washington. Located at 153 E. 103rd St., this bastion of the bill bite has been hawking the discount noshes for some time now. Advertisement But after getting featured in a viral video in April, they now sell over 100 of the simple, satisfying snacks a day. 19 Smashiess has refused to cave to inflationary pressures. Tamara Beckwith/ 19 The post with Smashiess' $1 ham and cheese hero. Tamara Beckwith/ Proprietor Roddy Duran told The Post that he's doing it to 'help the community' amid rampant price hikes. Advertisement 'Prices are going up, I was like 'lemme help out a little,'' said Duran, whose store has been a fixture in the neighborhood for 18 years. 'I think everybody has a dollar,' he said, promising that he'd keep the deal going 'as long as I can.' 19 Roddy Duran, owner of Smashiess, which has been a fixture in East Harlem for 18 years. Tamara Beckwith/ As the name suggests, the throwback sandwich entails a compilation of ham and American cheese on a voluptuous roll that's then pressed cardboard-flat on the grill like a poor man's panini — but don't call it that in front of Duran. 'Don't say that word. Panini is downtown,' he joked. Smashiess, 153 E. 103rd St., New York, NY 10029 Chubby chaser 19 Some of the $1 kebabs on offer at Chubby Skewers. Tamara Beckwith/ 19 Customers show off their discount kebabs at Chubby Skewers. Tamara Beckwith/ Advertisement A 'dollar skewer' might evoke protein of dubious provenance used to soak up booze after a bender. But the newly opened Chubby Skewers — located in the Garment District at 252 W. 37th St. — is flipping the script by charging just that for the prized A5 Japanese wagyu beef on a stick. Steak is one of many paradoxically priced offerings at this jam-packed restaurant from the California-based hospitality giant Chubby Group, a hospitality giant known for diverse and often carnivore-centric concepts. Other cut-price kebabs at the DIY skewer restaurant — inspired by Northern Chinese street BBQ, seemingly both in flavor and price — include chicken, shrimp, squid, pork and lamb with only premium items like abalone and whole yellow croaker (a Chinese delicacy) going for $2. 19 Chubby Skewers serves premium A5 wagyu on a stick for just a dollar. Tamara Beckwith Advertisement For reference, the chicken kebabs at food carts around town can clock in at upward of $9 a pop. How can Chubby financially have their steak and eat it too (a concept that seems as alien as buy-one-get-one-free caviar tins)? General Manager Kevin Li told The Post that the skewers are compiled from the surplus of high-grade beef flown straight from Japan — that the group's other restaurants couldn't use, allowing them to hawk it at giveaway prices. Sometimes the steak's 'not big enough to serve at another restaurant,' he said. 'So they keep it for us and ship to us, so that's why we got a lower price.' 19 Customers pile their plates high at Chubby Skewers. Tamara Beckwith/ Advertisement One caveat for eager diners: To buy skewers at a dollar, they'll have to sign up for the restaurant's membership program (which gets them 10 free skewers as a welcome gift). Otherwise, they need to pay the extortionate price of — gasp — $1.20 per skewer. Chubby Skewers｜Authentic Chinese BBQ, 252 W. 37th St., New York, NY 10018 Get into a pickle 19 Alan Kaufman of the Pickle Guys, the Lower East Side's mecca of everything brined. Tamara Beckwith/ Advertisement 19 The Pickle Guys have been selling their salted cucumbers for decades. Tamara Beckwith/ The Pickle Guys, located at 357 Grand St. on the Lower East Side, have opted to preserve their prices in brine — proudly hawking a $1 gherkin the size of a game day bratwurst in Green Bay. And while this might seem somewhat spartan compared to some snacks, these colossal cornichons have quite the following online. 'This is what I eat in New York City for only one dollar,' gushed influencer Gianna Christine in a TikTok video with over 100,000 views. She then crunched the 'thick' embalmed cucumber, which she described as 'crunchy and delicious' and the 'absolute best snack.' The Pickle Guys, 357 Grand St., New York, NY 10002 Steam heat 19 Post author Ben Cost with one of the fried dumplings at the Golden Steamer's second location on Grand Street. Tamara Beckwith/ 19 The Golden Steamer is one of the few Chinatown spots left where people can find a snack for just a dollar. Tamara Beckwith/ Chinatown is no longer the mecca of dollar bin dining that it was — sadly, the once-popular dollar-for-six dumpling deals have gone the way of the dodo. But there are vestiges of a 'dime' gone by, namely the fried dumplings — high-octane envelopes stuffed with juicy pork — at the Golden Steamer at 210 Grand. 19 Auscious pork bun at the Golden Steamer on Mott Street. Tamara Beckwith/ 19 Fried dumplings (top left) and sesame balls (top right) on display with other bargain vittles at the Golden Steamer outlet on Grand Street. Tamara Beckwith/ The seasoned spot also offers dollar sesame balls, fried glutinous rice flour orbs that are studded with sesame seeds and filled with sweet red bean paste, so they're crispy on the outside with a soft, chewy interior. Those in need of something more substantial should pop over to the original location on 143A Mott St. and drop 50 cents more on their pillowy pork bun. Golden Steamer, 210 Grand St., New York, NY 10013 Sponge city 19 The original sponge cake at Spongies Cafe. Tamara Beckwith/ 19 Spongies Cafe serves different flavors of sponge cake along with specialty drinks like Matcha lattes and Vietnamese coffee. Tamara Beckwith/ Spongies Cafe is a Chinatown oasis for affordable sweet treat seekers, offering Hong Kong-style sponge cakes for one buckaroo at 121 Baxter St., just north of Canal. Baked fresh every morning, these pillowy pastries evoke a muffin combined with a cloud. 19 The $1 Sponge Cake at Spongies, one of the last remaining dollar food bastions in Chinatown. Tamara Beckwith/ 19 Spongies Cafe bakes its sponge cakes fresh every day. Tamara Beckwith/ In a recent video, New York City foodfluencer Johnny Baesa dubbed Spongies 'the best $1 you can spend in Chinatown.' Those who find the original version a tad airy can spend 50 more cents and try one of their flavored options, such as the pandan coconut, purple yam or triple chocolate. Spongies Cafe, 121 Baxter St., New York, NY 10013
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
I'm a nun — people are always surprised how modern life is at our NJ convent
This nun makes a habit of keeping life fun. Sister Monica Clare is still surprised when outsiders don't believe how superiorly hip it is inside the convent, like one who thought nuns were forbidden to use electricity. 'People have interesting ideas about the way nuns live,' the 59-year-old Sister Superior at the Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham, New Jersey, told The Post. Advertisement 'We're not Amish — we're nuns. We have a treadmill, we use iPhones and even stream Netflix and Hulu!' 'We have an old, donated treadmill and, yes, I wore my habit while exercising, but I stopped because it started accelerating to 50 mph in the middle of a workout,' she added, noting she generally wears black Asics. As for what's on TV at the convent: 'All the sisters love 'Call the Midwife!'' she said. Advertisement 18 'We use iPhones and even stream Netflix and Hulu!' Sister Monica Clare said. Tamara Beckwith/ That a nun can have fun is another misperception of monastic life that Sister Monica Clare, born Claudette Powell, has been aiming to dispel on social media and in her newly-released book, 'A Change of Habit: Leaving Behind My Husband, Career, and Everything I Owned to Become a Nun.' Online, the Episcopalian nun posts informative and often hilarious TikToks on @nunsenseforthepeople, covering everything from her skin care regimen to what she keeps in the oversized pockets of her habit. (She always keeps lip balm, a Swiss army knife with a USB drive and cough drops on hand). 'Some of the nuns don't get my weird sense of humor, but I worked in advertising when social media was created, so I can speak that language,' she said, with her gentle Southern accent, adding that most of her 200,000 followers are Gen X women. Advertisement 18 'People think nuns are stern … that we must be angry all the time, but that's not how it is.' Tamara Beckwith/ 18 She said nuns use exercise equipment in the convent. Tamara Beckwith/ As for that skin care routine, there is none; 'I just avoid the sun, I do not drink or smoke, and I do not eat sugar. Maybe that helps stave off the wrinkles,' she joked. Cutting down her coffee consumption has helped as well. She used to drink six cups of coffee a day and now drinks just one due to her high blood pressure — though 'all the sisters drink a tremendous amount of coffee,' she said. Advertisement Most importantly, she wants everyone to know nuns are regular humans, too. 'We have Mondays off, so the Sisters can wear 'people clothes' on Mondays and on vacations,' she said. Sister act 18 Proceeds from the sale of her book will go directly to the convent. 18 Sister Monica Clare's page @nunsenseforthepeople has hundreds of thousands of followers. Tamara Beckwith/ Soon to be an ordained priest, Sister Monica Clare is on a mission to educate about convent life — and encourages her fellow nuns at her progressive order to do the same. For example, she's asked them to abandon the rule against complimenting one another. Now they not only praise each other, but they give thanks and hugs, too. 'People think nuns are stern — that we hit people with rulers,' she said. 'They think that we can't be happy if we choose celibacy, that we must be angry all the time, but that's not how it is.' When she was approached about writing a memoir, the first thing she did was ask the other nine nuns she lives with at her rural convent to weigh in. 18 Sister Monica Clare hopes to educate about convent life through social media and her new book. Tamara Beckwith/ 'Two were very against it,' she said. 'They expressed fears that the book would prompt too much unwanted publicity.' Advertisement Still, Sister Monica Clare was determined to share her heart-wrenching story of growing up in Rome, Georgia, with an abusive father. She used pseudonyms when describing the fellow nuns who were adamantly against her writing the book. 'I've told my story to my therapists and I've been in Al-Anon for friends and families of addicts for years,' she said. 'Writing it all down felt different, especially the stuff from my childhood. There were times I would get so emotional I would start crying — even 50 years later, this still has potency.' Altar ego 18 Sister Monica Clare holds a photo of her old acting headshot. Tamara Beckwith/ 18 Sister Monica Clare before she was a nun. Advertisement 18 Sister Monica Clare (bottom row, second from right) with the 1992 Groundlings Sunday Company, a sketch comedy group. It was when she was a child that she became fascinated with books and movies about nuns — she described her family as the chaos and the church the order. As a '70s kid, she saw herself in 'The Flying Nun' and 'A Nun's Life' starring Audrey Hepburn. After studying acting at NYU, she moved to Los Angeles and worked as a nanny while auditioning for roles. 18 Her 1997 acting headshot. Advertisement For a time, she became a stand-up comedian and took classes with the legendary Groundlings troupe alongside Jennifer Coolidge and Cheri Oteri. It was then that she met the man she would soon marry. While her life seemed glamorous on the surface, she said she felt like an outsider most of the time, recalling one night she was invited for drinks at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood. 'I don't drink, which is the number-one way of not fitting in,' she recalled. 'I would get so tense and, when I have social anxiety, I start sweating and turn red. After nights like these, I would think, 'I'm not cut out for this. I don't belong here.'' 18 Sister Monica Clare in 2009 during a show. Advertisement Painfully shy, she also remembers feeling like she had nothing to say when hanging out with the other Groundlings performers. 'I would see how at ease the others were,' she said. 'I couldn't find an inroad to say something. I remember one time Kathy Griffin was holding court and, again, I hadn't said a word. She pointed right at me and jokingly said, 'She never shuts up!'' 18 Sister Monica Clare, seen here in the bottom left, with the 1991 Groundlings Sunday Company. 18 With her mom, Griffith, in 2009 before becoming a nun. After years of spinning her wheels auditioning for acting roles without breaking into the business, she eventually let that dream go. To pay the bills, she ended up working full time as a photo editor at various Hollywood advertising agencies for two decades. 'I used to call it my life-sapping day job because it would deplete me so horribly,' she said. 'I used to have to slip in time between jobs to pray and do church things.' 18 Sister Monica Clare (left) with her friend Warren Jones, his late partner Craig Donahue and another best friend, Allison Tanner. 18 Here in 2007, with a friend named Jay, before joining a convent. Change of habit She longed to make a change, so she started contacting convents to inquire about becoming a nun and joined an Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, California. What she didn't know is that her 'gentle, seemingly devoted' husband had been cheating on her with several other women. In 1999, when her marriage ended, she said she truly hit rock bottom. 'At the time, I was in my early thirties and I felt like something had to change,' she said. 18 In 2017, Sister Monica Clare worked in Times Square as a nun. Annie Wermiel/NY Post She continued calling convents, asking if she would still be allowed to see her family, play the guitar and use a computer should she fit the requirements of becoming a nun. 'I asked what I would have to give up. I didn't realize I would have to give up everything, from buying new clothes to having my own bank account.' Committing to a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience was one thing. Paying off $150,000 in debt was also a requirement of joining the convent, a task that took her a decade to achieve. 18 'To join the convent, I had to become even more frugal,' she said. Tamara Beckwith/ 18 'It's so liberating that I get to do this meaningful work for God 24/7,' she said. Annie Wermiel/NY Post 'I never earned the big bucks in advertising,' she said. 'Throughout my career, I had side gigs and part-time jobs and I still had a hard time paying the bills. I was already living a frugal life, but to join the convent, I had to become even more frugal.' For Sister Monica Clare, a simpler, quieter life has been well worth it. So is the fact that the entire proceeds from the sale of her book will go right back to the convent that has become her home for life. 'When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a nun and I thought for a long time that it would never happen,' she said. 'It's so liberating that I get to do this meaningful work for God 24/7.'
