No need to cast a rod into the water. Just make a reservation, sit down and enjoy.

We sometimes forget that Manhattan is an island and it is surrounded by water. Some of the best oyster beds in the region are just a few miles away in the coastal waters past the borough of Queens and Suffolk County. The busy and bustling docks of the West Side have been home to fishmongers for centuries, where they receive the catch of the day from the teeming waters off Connecticut and, of course, Long Island Sound. These industrious and hardy fishmongers greet chefs, both famous and unknown, all in search of that perfect piece of flounder, sea bass, salmon and sole to serve their customers that evening.  Manhattan abounds with some totally amazing seafood restaurants. Dining at these very special establishments is more like an experience rather than merely eating a meal. After all, the secret of great, not just good, food is in the preparation and the surrounding ingredients. Prepare to have your senses dazzled.

When the hot and humid weather hits and the dog days of Summer are at their peak.

A heavy meal is most certainly NOT what most of us are craving. Instead of hearty stews and steaming casserole dishes, our thoughts turn to light but flavorful tapas and appetizers, creative salads, veggie-driven, lightly-sauced pastas and, of course, an ice-cold glass of beer, wine or an innovative, refreshing cocktail. The Lower East Side has long been known as a haven for foodies, so it's no surprise that most of the chefs here adjust their menus to suit the seasons. These uber-talented chefs craft their menus with a diverse array of fresh ingredients to suit the time of year, with an emphasis on a bounty of veggies, herbs and whatever else their local farmers, butchers, fishmongers and other purveyors provide them with. Not to mention fruit-forward cocktails! After all, Sangria is the unofficial drink of Summer. And there's nothing that mixologists like better, during the warmer months, than utilizing botanicals and herbs in their magical potions. A great idea, whether you're on a date or with family or friends, would be to share a few appetizers and a bottle of wine or indulge in non-alcoholic beverages, if you're so disposed.

Cool down with refreshing libations from some of Astoria's most creative bartenders.

When the heat index rises, it's time to head indoors and toast your significant other with a cold, refreshing cocktail. Nothing hits the spot better than being with someone you love in air-conditioned comfort while enjoying a cocktail or mocktail made with fresh fruit juices, herbs, spritzers, or premium spirits. That, my friends, is truly what life is all about. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is THE place to go when you are in search of innovative menus and imaginative drink lists. Cuisine options range from Italian, French and Greek to Mexican, Peruvian and Asian. There's literally something for everyone when it comes to sampling delicious dishes. At most of these establishments, the cocktail menu showcases ingredients that reflect the heritage of the owner & head barkeep. So, it's time to think and drink globally!

Come and shop at Pawsbury Lane and meet the brand's founder, CHRISTINE, in person at the following venues:

GOODBYE SUMMER, Hosted by Colored Colors at HUDSON YARDS, September 18th

MUDDY PAWS BLOCK PARTY, HELL'S KITCHEN, October 18th

FAD HOLIDAY MARKET at Empire Stores, Dumbo, BROOKLYN, November 8th & 9th

HERALD SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET, December 3rd to January 3rd

A celebration of the extraordinary connection between pets and their parents. Small-batch, beautifully designed matching apparel and accessories that you, together with your cat or dog, can wear with pride.

Anyone who is a proud and loving parent to a cat or dog knows that their little or not-so-little fur baby is FAMILY in every sense of the word. There is quite literally nothing that you won't do to make them as happy and healthy as possible. No matter how hard your day at work has been or how topsy-turvy your love life is going, you can always count on your furry companion to shower you with licks, kisses and plenty of unconditional love. Yes, there's no doubt about it; a pet makes the world a better, brighter place to be. So, that raises the question: "What do you get a dog or feline who already has just about everything? "Okay, we know that you spoil your pet and that's perfectly alright! After all, they don't mind a bit. And neither do you.

Eco-friendly - hypoallergenic, high-grade BEESWAX. They say that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. That having been said, all can agree that Aura Blossom's amazing candles, hand-made with love and passion by Brooklyn-based artist GELLA  DON, are the most beautiful candles you will ever bring into your home. They will, quite literally, elevate the ambiance of any room in your apartment. Each candle is a work of art, meticulously shaped to look like a flower. Every candle is unique in its scent and visual appeal. It takes candlemaker Gella Don at least two hours to craft her candles. A true labor of love, Aura Blossom is a family affair, consisting of the aforementioned brand founder, Gella Don and her two daughters, Aiza and Aya.  The family's incredible journey to launching their brand is as enthralling as their candles.

Experience the difference that compassionate and expert care can make when it comes to the wellness and lifestyle of your pet. Montgomery Vet Hospital is a safe and loving place for all creatures great and small.

Tucked away on a quiet side road in the quaint, family-friendly town of Montgomery, N.Y., Montgomery Veterinary Hospital has developed a well-deserved reputation as one of the best practices in the entire Hudson Valley to care for your big or little fur baby. And the reason for Montgomery Veterinary Hospital's well-earned reputation is no secret. It is all due to the hard work of the practice's owner and head veterinarian, Doctor MELISSA GRECH-ATTARD and her incredible team.

Discover new and delicious taste sensations, imported from Italy's stunning and diverse regions, delivered straight to your table. Whip up a dinner your family will love, just like an Italian nonna, courtesy of La Piccola Rosa!

Who doesn't enjoy treating oneself to a great meal out? One of the benefits of living in a city like New York is the incredible variety of different cuisines and restaurants to choose from. Whether it's date night, brunch, or simply getting together with friends and family after work, just about any reason on earth is the perfect excuse to explore the Big Apple's culinary scene. However, that having been said, one cannot eat out every night, much as we might want to. After all, going out and about for dinner at a trendy restaurant CAN get VERY expensive. We all have a budget and there are little things like rent that need to be paid. And besides, nowadays, with the advent of hit TV shows like The Food Network's OUTCHEF'D with Eddie Jackson and Gordon Ramsay's MASTER CHEF, which celebrates America's home cooks, more and more foodies are intrigued to bring out THEIR inner chef. Instead of just watching chefs like Rocco DiSpirito and Guy Fieri strut their stuff on the TV screen, these ambitious foodies want to see what they can do in the kitchen.

Satisfy your cravings with some of the juiciest, most delicious burgers you'll ever have in the foodie-centric neighborhood of Astoria, Queens.

KX Burger and Beyond - Astoria, Queens

  KX Burger and Beyond is dedicated to giving you Xtra Kreative burgers - and they DO mean business. It's not just a marketing slogan at this small but cute eatery that all-American staple, the Hamburger, reigns supreme. And it does so with a delicious difference! The portions are huge, there is tremendous variety and the meat served is as fresh as can be. You can taste and see the difference between a KX Burger and a typical dried-out patty from a fast food chain. Believe us when we say, you don't want to go there. Whether you are on the run and want to take your burger home to savor or you're in the mood for a sit-down meal, make KX Burger and Beyond your destination of choice.

Make plans now to enjoy your next date night , brunch or get-together with friends in one of NYC's trendiest and most inviting neighborhoods.

Wildflower - Chelsea

  Nestled just under the famed HIGHLINE, Wildflower is a fun and vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar. The decor is certainly a conversation-starter. One could say that the eclectic surroundings are an out-of-the-box blend of English country inn rustic and stylish contemporary notes together with a ton of cozy nooks and crannies. Your date will totally love it ! The wallpaper that decorates the banquette seating area is beyond colorful yet tasteful. Red brick and small, Victorian-style oval mirrors complete the dining room decor.

Treat the love of your life to dinner or brunch and enjoy a romantic rendezvous while making memories that will last a lifetime. Love is in the air.

Aperibar - Times Square

Intimately tucked away inside the ultra-trendy Luma Hotel, Aperibar is the work of master chef and entrepreneur, the renowned Charlie Parker. A chic restaurant and cocktail bar, Aperibar is inspired by the Italian tradition of aperitivo, which is similar to our Happy Hour, but with a bit more style and panache. The word aperitivo refers to a pre-meal drink to "open up" the tummy, as it were. In Italy, the tradition of meeting friends or family for a drink and light snacks between the hours of work and dinnertime has been going on for centuries. An aperitivo can be a glass of wine, Campari or vermouth. This social tradition goes all the way back, in its most basic form, to ancient Greek and Roman times. Back then, the evening meal was usually preceded by a honey-flavored wine.

Sweet treats that will make your day. With Valentine's Day just over the horizon, it's time to start thinking about where to take your sweetheart on this very special occasion. A nice restaurant that offers your significant other's favorite cuisine is always on point. But, why not take the romantic ambiance up a notch or two by enjoying an intimate candlelit dinner and then having dessert and coffee at another location?  Let the good vibes flow!

And, by the way, there's no need to wait for Valentine's Day to visit these enticing dessert spots that we are about to introduce you to. You can enjoy the sweet treats that they have to offer just about any time you care to; on date night, after brunch, or during your lunch hour.

Open Studio Acting  -  A safe haven for actors where you can take your career to the next level.

  It's not easy being an actor in New York City. There are a ton of talented people out there chasing their dreams, pouring every ounce of passion they have into their craft. Like you, they are out and about every day, doing audition upon audition, hoping against hope that their "big break" is just a casting director's email or phone call away, saying " You've got the job ! ". Hey, soon maybe it WILL be time to say goodbye to that soul-draining part-time clerical, reception, or server job that barely pays the rent. That's the perfect scenario for the Big Apple's aspiring actors. Unfortunately, though, the hard reality is that far too many auditions don't end in callbacks or a director asking you to report on set on such and such a day.  For most actors the audition process can become a dead-end; a frustrating hamster wheel of rejection.

Cocktail lounges and restaurants that will make your evening unforgettable.

Tourists and locals have long flocked to Manhattan's hip Upper West Side neighborhood because of its cultural institutions and attractions including Lincoln Center, the Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Riverside Drive and the Beacon Theater, home to legendary rock and pop performers from Bob Dylan and the Allman Brothers to the late and great David Bowie. A bit more under the radar, though, is the amazing foodie scene that is going on here. There are many intriguing restaurant, bar and lounge options for you to explore, any one of which is guaranteed to make your night out on the town very special, indeed.

If you've been following the Aplez.com blog over the past few months you'll notice that we have been introducing you to some of the caring and talented instructors who help to make the NO GOODBYES PROGRAM, one of the most unique musical education programs in the city. The brand's founders have invested a great deal of time and effort in making sure that when you take lessons with the No Goodbyes Program you will do more than simply elevate your musical chops. You will become empowered with a multitude of real world benefits that will enable you to be successful, no matter which career path you may choose in life. As great as their teachers are, though, it is the CURRICULUM itself that is the heartbeat of the program.

Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous locations in the world. When tourists from both near and afar make their travel must-see list, you can be sure that the  “Rock" as it is affectionately nicknamed by native New Yorkers is at or near the top. After all, the Rockefeller Center area is home to Radio City Music Hall as well as  countless, diverse celebrated restaurants and cocktail lounges. Elegant shops such as Saks line the grand streets of Fifth Avenue, which is just across the street. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is also the home of NBC-TV, where legendary shows like Saturday Night Live are broadcast. But perhaps, Rockefeller Center shines its brightest during the Holidays, when colorful lights decorate the streets and the iconic Rockefeller Center Holiday Tree goes on display near the skating rink. The great news, though, is that you don't have to wait for the Holidays to enjoy the dining options that the "Rock" has to offer. Make a reservation anytime that you are in the mood to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

Enjoy trend-setting sips and bites in the oh-so-cool and cozy neighborhood of Astoria.

For quite some time now foodies all over this great city of ours have looked to Astoria, Queens to discover exciting chefs and mixologists who blend both tradition and innovation in their fabulous creations. However, while most New Yorkers are more than familiar with the foodie scene along Broadway, Steinway Street and 30th Avenue, the Ditmars area of Astoria has, up until a few years ago, been an unsung gem when it comes to fine dining and great date spots. Located literally at the end of the line, ( it's the last stop on the N & W trains ), Ditmars has so much to offer in terms of diverse ethnic cuisine, hip bars, and old-school Mom and Pop restaurants. Whatever you're into, you'll find what you are looking for in Ditmars happening environs. No matter what locale you're coming from; be it the Upper East Side, Tribeca, Chelsea, Prospect Park, or Bed-Stuy, Ditmars is definitely worth staying on the train for an extra few minutes. And, the wonderful thing is, that almost all of this nabe's dining spots and watering holes are just a short stroll from the train station. How's THAT for convenience?

The welcoming environs of Astoria, Queens have long been known as a haven for foodies as well as a diverse,  relatively quiet and safe, family-friendly place in which to live.

But, what you might not realize is that thousands upon thousands of animal lovers enjoy the Astoria lifestyle, too. Just by casually strolling down any street you will encounter pet moms and dads walking their dog or holding their cat in a carrier on the way to the Vet or to shop for their kitty at Tom's Pet Supplies or The Regal Beagle. And, let's not overlook the fact that people-watching is not confined solely to humankind.  Astoria's cats just LOVE watching us humans do our thing, as we walk by, from the comfort of their parent's apartment windows!

Let's be real. No matter what kind of music you're into, who hasn't felt a tug to one's heartstrings when you hear the haunting, soothing and melodic sound of a violin being played? It's an emotional trigger if there ever was one! And, the violin is infinitely more versatile than you might think. Yes, we commonly associate the violin with the Gods of classical music such as Beethoven, Bach and Paganini. But, did you realize that this delicate yet powerful instrument has also played a part in the music of contemporary artists like The Dave Matthews Band and Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra? If you've been thinking about learning the violin but weren't sure how to get started, the welcoming NO GOODBYES PROGRAM just might have the answers that you've been seeking. The No Goodbyes Program's team of diverse and talented instructors includes a veritable mistress of the violin, Ms. TI WEN.

The artist's brand MARCELA PAINTING is making waves on the city's dynamic art scene. With an understated yet charismatic personality, Marcela was only too happy to share her thoughts about her passion in life: art.

There's absolutely no place like the Big Apple. No matter which neighborhood you live in, it's easy to feel the adrenalin flow as soon as you step out of your door. We've got it all here, from a diverse array of tantalizing restaurants and world-class dramas and musicals on the renowned Great White Way, and Broadway to spectacular sports events and concerts at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall. Not to mention iconic landmarks like The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, the Intrepid Museum and the Museum of Natural History. And, of course, we can't leave out the refreshing green spaces that the city is known for, namely Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Queens' Astoria Park and the world-famous Central Park.