Bluestone Lane

Faces of AWNY: Tali Roth

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Tali Roth moved to NYC with her husband in October 2013 as newlyweds from Melbourne, Australia. Tali is a freelance interior designer and speaks to us about the difference in design aesthetics between Australia and America, having a baby in New York, and how she started working in interior design.

 

Tell us an ‘only in New York’ moment:

Hmmm…I think it was our second week of living here and we were about to sign the lease for a West Village apartment and this guy in his ground floor apartment saw us sitting on the front stoop through his window. He opened it up and asked us why we were hanging around the building and then invited us in. Together we drank wine and danced to Rhianna. He became a close friend and turns out he was a well known photographer who lived in the factory with Warhol.

Where do you live and why did you choose that area?

We just moved to Chelsea! When we first arrived, we lived in the West Village and loved it. I fell pregnant after a year of living here and towards the end of the pregnancy I wanted to move uptown to be closer to Central Park. Although we loved our time there my husband and I craved downtown a lot and so we eventually settled on Chelsea as its close to my son’s preschool and the space we found was better than the West Village. So far, we are loving it.
What do you like/dislike about living in NY?
I love the people – that everyone is encouraging and that there is so much room for you to be yourself. I hate how focused on careers it is, but I also love how focused on careers it is. I hate the bitter winters. I love, love, love the summers. I also love the energy, accessibility and that nothing is too far away.

 

Any advice for people moving to NY?
Be open, non-judgmental and be active. Nothing will come to you if you aren’t engaging with people. It is very expensive though, so save up!

 

Tell us about your day job: 
I am an interior designer. I am a curator of objects, furniture, lighting, finishes, soft furniture and more. I bring it all together to create a strong mood and atmosphere for your home. I work mainly in the residential realm but do a few commercial projects here and there. I am obsessed with what I do and I love my clients. I didn’t work in interiors in Australia so I can’t really compare the two. I feel like there is many more affordable decorating options here and obviously a larger marketplace which makes it really easy for me to design for very different types of aesthetics and budgets. Also aesthetically speaking Melbourne is SO different to New York. I was completely shocked and confused by the style here when I first arrived. New York is more moody, industrial, luxe and distressed whereas Melbourne interiors focus more on light, minimalism and contemporary design. I try and mesh my Australian roots with my new found appreciation of the New York aesthetic to find a balance.

 

How did you get into your job in NYC?
I am part of an agency called Homepolish. They represent me and I also do some private work. I was following the company in Australia and then when I arrived I emailed them, got myself an interview and was accepted into the agency. I love working with them and feel very proud of what they have achieved over the past few years.

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My Neighborhood – Hoboken, New Jersey

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Written by Peta Arthurson

See why moving to Hoboken was a winner with former AWNY Vice President Peta Arthurson.

 

My husband and I stumbled upon the neighborhood of Hoboken and at first we completely freaked out. We had never planned on moving to NEW JERSEY!!! That’s a whole different state, and train system! But, if you read along with me you will see why I think its been our best neighborhood so far!

Upon recently expanding my family to include our new baby girl Matilda, my husband and I knew we wanted a little more space at but with affordable rent, and non- negotiable outdoor space for our dog (there was no way could I walk him at night in the dead of winter with a newborn if my hubby was away for work!) And of course we wanted all of this without moving to Westchester or some other upstate NY or Long Island location. I’m pleased to report we found it in Hoboken, New Jersey, just a short distance from Manhattan.

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Peta, husband Shane and baby Matilda on Matilda’s first Snow Day – Dec 2016

 

Where is Hoboken?

Hoboken, New Jersey is right across the Hudson river and is bordered by Weehawken to the North and Jersey City to the South & West. The streets are on a grid similar to Manhattan with the cross streets being numbered from 1st (downtown) to 14th (uptown) and some president’s names like Washington, Adams, Madison, Monroe.

Transport in Hoboken

Hoboken is essentially in line with Houston and 23rd streets of Manhattan and getting into the city is quick and easy. The PATH train runs regularly from 33rd street to Hoboken and the ferry runs to 42nd and World Trade Center. In fact, if you work downtown, the ferry takes only 5 minutes. There are also buses, with NJ Transit operating between the Hoboken Bus Terminal and Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. We also have a light rail system connecting Jersey City to Weehawken and beyond.

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ANZAC Day in NYC, 2017

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Written by Alex Eggerking

 

We Aussies in New York may find ourselves far from home, but there are many ways to come together here for ANZAC Day. April 25th is a day to reflect on the meaning and impact of war, and to remember those Australians and New Zealanders who have given their lives, and those who have served: some we may know; many we never will.

This ANZAC Day 2017 we continue to commemorate the ANZAC Centenary, a period of time that marks 100 years since our involvement in the First World War. Here are a few of the ANZAC events in and around New York for you to take part in:

Sunday, April 23rd

Sunday Service, hosted by the New Zealand and Australian Consuls General

2017’s Sunday Service is hosted by the New Zealand and Australian Consuls General, Beatrice Faumuina, ONZM and Nick Minchin. It is a limited entry, ballot event, and the ballot has unfortunately closed for this year.

If you were lucky enough to secure tickets to this event, the details are below. For those who missed out but still want to commemorate ANZAC Day in a formal way, we recommend heading to the dawn service on Tuesday, April 25th (see below). 

Date and time: Sunday, April 23rd, from 10:30am to midday
Venue: ANZAC Memorial Garden, Level 7, British Empire Building, Rockefeller Center, 620 Fifth Avenue, New York City (entry on south side of West 50th Street)
Access: Photo ID required as condition of entry, bags may be searched
RSVP: RSVPs have unfortunately closed for this event but you can join the waitlist by email.

Afternoon drinks with the New York Magpies

Join the New York Magpies, NYC’s only Aussie Rules team, to celebrate Anzac Day in a private area at the Boat Basin – the perfect setting to enjoy a springtime afternoon of drinks on the Hudson. Proceeds will go to support the New York Magpies for their 20th season.

Date and time: Sunday, April 23rd, from 2pm
Venue: the Boat Basin (W 79th St, New York)
Cost: $10 entry per person.
RSVP: here

 

Tuesday, April 25th

ANZAC Dawn Service

We highly recommend the beautiful Dawn service at the Vietnam Veterans Plaza (55 Water Street, New York). The service is open to the public, and no RSVP is required. The service begins at 5.45am, and suggested arrival time is 5.30am, as it does get crowded.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 25th, from 5.30am for a 5.45am start
Venue: Vietnam Veterans Plaza (55 Water Street, btwn Broad Street and Old Slip, New York)
RSVP: none required

 

Coffee and ANZAC Biscuits after the Dawn Service

Both of Bluestone Lane’s FiDi locations (30 Broad St and 90 Water St) will be opening earlier than usual, from 6:30am, to cater to those attending the Dawn Service. Perfect for your morning coffee, lamington or ANZAC biscuit, both are located only a few minutes’ walk from Vietnam Veterans Plaza, where the Dawn Service is being held.

 

The Australian

Celebrate ANZAC Day in New York at The Australian. Drop in for breakfast from 8am, stay to play 2-Up at 2pm, live music from 5pm, and all-day AFL and NRL replays.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 25th, from 8am
Venue: The Australian (20 W 38th St, New York)
RSVP: If you want to be sure of a spot to sit, make a table reservation through the website 

 

Drinks with the Aussie Meetup group at Benson’s NYC

Join members of the Aussie Meetup group (for Australians in New York) to commemorate ANZAC Day at Benson’s, with Aussie tunes, Coopers on tap, a sausage sizzle and ANZAC biscuits.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 25th, from 7pm
Venue: Benson’s NYC (181 Essex St (corner of Houston St), New York)
RSVP: by joining the Aussie Meetup group

 

Saturday, April 29

ANZAC Day Commemorative Service, New England

The American Australian Association and Kia Ora New England invite members and friends to attend ANZAC Day 2017. Reception to follow, where guests are invited to bring a plate to share.

Date and time: Saturday, April 29th, 10am
Venue: Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, 1555 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
RSVP: Register here to assist with numbers   

 

Have you heard about something we haven’t?

Let us know (via email, or on Facebook) of any other ANZAC Day events happening in and around NY this year, and we’ll help spread the word.

Australia Day 2017

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Ah yes, it’s time to celebrate our national day again and Australia Day in New York is great fun! This year it falls on Thursday, January 26th, 2017 and there are some wonderful celebrations and festivities in and around the city for you to join.

The American Australian Association’s Annual Australia Day Black Tie Gala is on Friday, January 20th at Cipriani Wall Street and will be a fun and glamorous night out.

The American Australian Association and G’day USA have a luncheon on Monday 23rd January, from 12pm to 2pm with a presentation by The Hon Steven Ciobo, MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, on ‘The Importance of Australia for U.S. Companies Pivoting to Asia’. Click here for tickets.

Friends of Australian Wildlife Conservancy present an Australia Day Party on Sunday, January 22nd from 3-8pm at Jimmy At the James Hotel – 27 Grand Street, New York. Note there is limited capacity, and in lieu of a ticket price, a donation to Friends of Australian Wildlife Conservancy is greatly appreciated (suggested donation $50 – $200 per person). All funds raised from the Australia Day party will go towards protecting Australia’s threatened wildlife and their unique habitats.

The Australian – 20 West 38th Street, New York – will be celebrating on Wednesday 25th January from 8pm till late and will play the Hottest 100 live. And, again on Thursday 26th January from 11am till late there will be more Triple J’s Hottest 100 + Live Music, plus $1 off all Coopers. Door charge from 4pm.

New York Magpies Australia Day Party is on Friday 27th of January at 8pm at Professor Thom’s – 219 2nd Ave, New York – $15 at the door or $10 tickets online here.

Bensons – 181 Essex St (Corner of Houston) New York – are celebrating on Tuesday January 25th, where the Aussie Meetup Group will be there from 7pm for the Hottest 100 party and Benson’s will be serving Coopers on tap. There will be another Australia Day party from 6pm on January 26th where Bensons will serve up their classic sausage sizzle PLUS fairy bread.

Burke & Wills – 226 W 79th Street, New York – on Thursday 26th January there will be a 5-course special dinner menu with pairing of all Australian wine. Reservations Required. Call 646 823 9251 or email eat@burkeandwillsny.com

Flinders Lane – 162 Avenue A, New York – on Thursday 26th January there will be a special four course tasting menu for $50 per person. Australian Kingfish Sashimi Finger Lime, Citrus Ponzu, Crispy Taro Salt & Pepper Prawns Sesame Dressing, Grilled Lime Braised Victorian Beef Cheek Truffle Mash, Almond-Parley Salad Passionfruit & Mango Pavlova Vanilla Whipped Cream (drinks/tax/gratuity not included). Reservations Required.

Four’n Twenty pies – will be doing a special drop-off near McCarren Park, Brooklyn on Saturday 21st January, so get your orders in now!

Bluestone Lane is offering Mates Rates to all Aussie locals on Thursday 26th January across both Bluestone Lane cafe and coffee shops. Cafes are offering $5 Australian beer and wine by glass as well as serving up warm Sausage Rolls and Meat Pies all day.  Coffee shops are offering $2 flat whites and pastries including our delicious Aussie lamington and caramel slice. Also, to keep the Australian cheekiness, be the first to bare your ‘budgie smugglers’ on Australia Day and they’ll give you a free coffee every day for a month. Sounds like a great deal!

Two Hands Restaurant & Bar – 251 Church St, TriBeCa – is having a Aussie shin-dig on Thursday 26th January with treats like wedges with sour cream & sweet chilli sauce, buckets o’ prawns, sausage rolls, lamb ribs, chicken parmies and pavlovas all washed down with ice-cold sweet selfish Coopers Green & Red ales. Email churchst@twohandsnyc.com for bookings.

The Thirsty Koala – 35-12 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria – are celebrating on Thursday 26th January with happy hour from 5-11pm: $4 Koala Lager, $5 draught beers, $5 wines & $5 cocktails all night. You will not go hungry with a great list of Aussie food available including homemade mini meat pies, sausage rolls, chicken parma & barramundi. For those with a sweet tooth you can enjoy pavlova, lamingtons, caramel slices & sticky date pudding.

Northern Territory – 12 Franklin Street, Brooklyn – will be celebrating on Thursday 26th January with Cooper’s Beer and food specials as well as playing the Triple J countdown and the Australian Tennis Open will be showing.

 

And if you are in the mood for shopping, celebrate Australia Day with R.M.Williams in New York who are offering 20% off throughout the store for AAA and AWNY members Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th inclusive. Coffee house Bluestone Lane will be offering an assortment of beverages at a pop-up station on Australia Day only, so go and visit R.M. Williams at 152 Spring Street (between West Broadway and Wooster).

 

In the meantime watch this year’s Lamb commercial aimed at celebrating diversity, and have a fantastic Australia Day in New York!

Faces of AWNY: Erin Van Der Meer

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img_2866Erin Van Der Meer moved to New York City nine months ago. Previously working as a women’s lifestyle & entertainment journalist in Sydney, Erin decided it was time for a change. We chatted with her about on her journey to arriving in NYC, what she loves, and what she misses most about home.

Tell us why you moved to NYC?

After seven years as a women’s lifestyle/ entertainment journalist in Sydney, I was ready to shake things up. So I went freelance and headed off to Central and South America to travel, with the vague plan of ending up in New York (I’ve always wanted to live here and I’m not sure why – quite possibly from growing up watching Sex and The City. Man, how misleading that show was!). Surprisingly I did eventually have enough of eating tacos and drinking cervezas on the beach and I arrived in New York in March 2016.

What do you do for work?

I’m a freelance writer, and I write mostly about travel. I’m not sure if that makes me A Travel Writer, Indiana Jones-style hat on my head, leather-bound notebook in hand and all. Travel writing always seemed like an impossible dream, mainly because whenever travel writers are interviewed about their careers they talk about how hard it is to break into. I made the transition by traveling full-time for seven months so I had a wealth of material to work with and then just pitched relentlessly to the contacts I’d built up throughout my career until they published my travel stories.

Where do you live and why did you choose that area?

Crown Heights in Brooklyn. It’s a great neighborhood with loads of restaurants and bars, and it’s right near Prospect Park – the Central Park of Brooklyn. Franklin Avenue is a great spot to spend an afternoon or night. The stretch between Eastern Parkway and Atlantic Avenue is packed with so many cozy little places where you’re guaranteed to have a good meal: Barboncino has pizza that could make an Italian weep with joy, Chavela’s and Mayfield are fantastic. Crown Heights is also a convenient location, I can be in Midtown in 30-minutes on the 2,3,4 or 5.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about NYC?

That it can take a long time for things to fall in place – whether it’s getting a job, finding an apartment or making friends – so be patient and enjoy the ride. When I told someone not long after I got here that my living situation was ‘just temporary’, they said “Everything is in New York”. It made me realize that things may never be as stable and comfortable as they were at home in Australia, and I need to be okay with that. Certainty is just an illusion anyway. Or something.

What was your biggest win this week?

Going to a great media event at a rooftop bar that looked right onto the Empire State Building, with the champagne flowing. It was one of those moments when New York lived up to those ridiculously high, Sex and The City-inspired expectations.

Any advice for people moving to NY?

I recommend staying in different parts of the city before you settle down to see which neighborhood you like the best. Housesitting using a website like Trusted Housesitters or Airbnb is a great way to do it. Separately, don’t be shy about networking. I used to cringe at the idea of it, thinking it meant wearing a name tag and bragging about yourself to strangers. More often than not involves wine and it’s essential to make connections in such a big city, especially when you’re new in town.

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