Welcome to the Sugary Scoop, my free weekly newsletter where we help you see and experience the magic of NYC that I love so much through curated events, experiences, artists, and community stories.

Let’s get to this week’s Scoop!

Wednesday 🍬 4.30

6:00 PM (Gramercy) - In Good Company - Join us for an special evening of connection. Our celebrated cocktail series In Good Company is back and the name of the game is to bring the most fascinating diverse group of fascinating people into the same room and allow some pure magic to happen.. RSVP HERE

_{(Social Battery Level: High Extrovert - Crowd Size 50-60)}

Wednesday 🍬 5.7

6:00 PM (Dumbo) - An Evening of Mahjong Night - In honor of AAPI month, from the courts of emporers to the opium dens of chinatown, into your auntie's basement please join us for an action packed evening learning one of China's most revered games.

Master instructor Lenny An will be present along with several distinguished members of the Green Tile Society (and yours truly) to show you the ropes followed by intense match ups with your colleagues.

To the victor go the spoils! And who knows, there may be more surpises still!

Cheat sheets will be provided along with light refrreshments and Asian inspired snacks (not dinner).

So get ready to shuffle some tiles, get your gameface on and "pong" your way into the hearts of millions learning this legendary game!  RSVP HERE

_{(Social Battery Level: Medium Extrovert - Crowd Size 30-40)}

NOTABLE NYC EVENTS FROM FRIENDS

Monday 🍬 4.28

12:00pm (Williamsburg): Lil Farcon Scavenger Hunt by DeGen - ​​Week long event at Farcon. Explore the city of New York and win prizes! RSVP HERE

7:00pm (Bushwick): Unbroken Circle: Goodbye, Gymnopedie! by Gaia Music Collective - ​​Join FIVE of Gaia’s facilitators as we craft 2 hours of continuous spontaneous song!! Inspired by Bobby McFerrin’s 24 hour Unbroken Circle. Each facilitator will spin their own world of songs, with moments of collaborative song-weaving and opportunities for participants to step into the circle as well. The central idea here is to keep the song spinning, no matter what. Let’s see how many places the song can take us! RSVP HERE

Tuesday 🍬 4.29

5:30pm (Noho): A Conversation: Elizabeth Colomba & Lucy Liu by Venus Over Manhattan - A conversation between actor and artist Lucy Liu and Elizabeth Colomba, on the occasion of Colomba’s debut exhibition at the gallery. RSVP HERE

6:00pm (Gramercy): An Evening of Jazz w/ Wayne Tucker by Neuehouse - ​​Join us for an unforgettable night of music and reflection as we celebrate the launch of Wayne Tucker’s new book. The evening features an intimate fireside chat with the acclaimed trumpeter, followed by an hour long LIVE jazz performance showcasing his signature sound. RSVP HERE

Wednesday 🍬 4.30

5:30pm (Tribeca): Fashion's Future: Tariffs & the Path to Sustainable Supply Chains by WISE NYC - ​​Join us as we connect with leaders and innovators in sustainable fashion for an engaging panel discussion. This engaging panel will unpack the evolution of supply chains over the past two decades, tackle the pressing obstacles related to labor rights and the environment, and examine how tariffs are reshaping the global landscape. RSVP HERE

6:30pm (Williamsburg): Night of Mahjong by Dragons Den Mahjong - Come join us for a fun-filled evening of Mahjong & Dinner at Kings Co. Imperial! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Meet new friends, enjoy delicious food, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of mahjong. RSVP HERE

Use code “sugary” for preferred pricing.

6:30pm (Midtown West): Circles by 57 - Ever wished there was a more natural way to meet interesting people in our community? 57 Circles – where genuine connections happen over great food, without the awkward bill-splitting of traditional group dinners.  RSVP HERE

7:00pm (Willaimsburg): Community Run by Cadence X BRCo. - Join us for a special Cadence x Brooklyn Running Co. run as we soak up the spring vibes and put some miles behind us. ​We’ll kick things off with a ~5K loop — maybe even hit the Williamsburg Bridge for some skyline views.  RSVP HERE

Thursday 🍬 5.1

6:00pm (Tribeca): Flavors of Resilience: Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month through Film & Food by Michelle Aboodi - ​​In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), join us for an evening of culinary tradition paired with a powerful exploration of history.  RSVP HERE

6:00pm (Dumbo): The Future of Ethics in Machine Learning & AI by Etsy x LatinX in AI - Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the future of ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) a Machine Learning (ML), featuring experts and innovators from across the tech industry. RSVP HERE

6:00pm (Chelsea): Salman Toor by Luhring Augustine Gallery - ​​Wish Maker, an exhibition of new work by Salman Toor. This marks the artist’s first major presentation in New York since his watershed exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2020, as well as Toor’s first solo show with the gallery. NO RSVP NEEDED

8:00pm (East Village): The Launch Party by The Quarter Life Crisis Club - ​​This isn’t just an event. It’s for the dreamers , the burnt out , the rebuilding , the “WTF am I doing?” crowd. RSVP HERE

Friday 🍬 5.2

5:00pm (New York, NY): Asian Heritage Launch NYC by Asian Heritage Week - ​​​​​Following the success of AHN's inaugural Asian Heritage Week in 2024, we are bringing back this annual initiative with even more programs to celebrate the Asian entrepreneurial community and empower local businesses. RSVP HERE

6:30pm (Greenpoint): A Very Very Greenpoint Shabbat by VeryVeryGoodPeople - ​​We’re so excited to break challah-bread with you in THE OLDEST synagogue in Brooklyn. . We bring the kosher ~gourmet~ food + bev, you just bring your very very good self :) RSVP HERE

Saturday 🍬 5.3

11:00am (Tribeca): Asian Culture Style & Taste - Artistry Showrooms by A\N/A and ACF - ​​Join us for stunning Artistry Showrooms featuring some of NYC's best Asian American designers & brands. RSVP HERE

11:00am (Gowanus): Black Zine Fair: Discursive Circus by Powerhouse Arts - ​​A celebration of all things Black and independent publishing in New York City that will take place in PHA’s Grand Hall (free and open to the public) on Saturday, May 3. The fair invites Zine makers, educators, collectors, and the zine-curious are invited to gather, trade or sell zines, and exchange knowledge surrounding zine-making, publishing, and do-it-yourself culture. RSVP HERE

1:00pm (Greenpoint): Not Your Garden Variet(al) Tasting by Lizzie Renck - ​​What is natural wine and a garden party, you ask? Well, you've come to the right place. Jen, Joel and Lizzie are curating a lovely springtime tasting of five natural wines with a charcuterie board to boot. To bring things full circle and usher in the good weather, we'll leverage the outdoor space. Come in your best garden party outfit as we imbibe, pinkies up. RSVP HERE

2:00pm (Chelsea): The Mother of All Art Shows by Project Cask - ​​Join us for an unforgettable event where art meets purpose. ​Hosted by Project CASK, the Ultra Rare Collection Gallery Show is more than an art event—it's an inspiring gathering to raise funds for children living with CASK gene disorders. RSVP HERE

Sunday 🍬 5.4

***ALL DAY*** Multiple Times (Sunset Park): Sunday in the Cemetary by Greenwood Cemetary - A day-long exploration of mortality at Green-Wood. We invite you to candidly engage with grief and death through a compassionate, supportive lens. RSVP HERE

6:00pm (Gowanus): The Debt Gala by The Bell House - ​​Your favorite budget-friendly, inclusive alternative to The Met Gala returns to rage & raise for a good cause. On May 4, 2025, grab your hottest torch & amass at the gates for Debt Gala 2025. RSVP HERE

Monday 🍬 5.5

6:30pm (Tribeca): Reading Party by Reading Rhythms - ​​​Reading Rhythms is a series of welcoming reading parties designed to make it easy for people to gather and read socially. We invite you to bring any book you want and facilitate silent reading periods, as well as 1-on-1 breakouts, and group discussions to pull on the threads of the books that everyone is engaging with. RSVP HERE

Tuesday 🍬 5.6

6:00pm (Tribeca): Ilé Oriaku by Toyin Ojih Odutola - ​​Building upon her inclusion in the Nigerian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and her solo exhibition at the Kunsthalle Basel, both in 2024, these works present episodic scenes that together explore the uses and limitations of language—including its beauty both in failure and success—as a vehicle for processing grief and as a tool for creating personal meaning and collective history. NO RSVP REQUIRED

6:30pm (Tribeca): Brave Confident Relationships by Vulnerable AF - ​​Do you want to have deeper and more meaningful connections with the people in your life? ​Do you feel that pull to retreat just when vulnerability matters most? You'll get to experience vulnerable, intimate, beautiful connections with other participants that will leave you inspired, connected and heart-opened. RSVP HERE

7:00pm (Gowanus): Ranked Choice: Comedy Show & Community Organizing by Hot Girls 4 Zohran, Dream NYC, and Littlefield - ​​The 2025 NYC Mayoral race is heating up as 5 Brooklyn-based comedians compete to win your vote and the key to the city! Come laugh, learn and organize! RSVP HERE

Wednesday 🍬 5.7

6:00pm (Prospect/Lefferts Gardens): Art Unwine’d Wednesday - NY Art Week Kickoff by Timbucktoo - ​​​Unwind after a long day at Art Unwine'd Wednesday, a sophisticated mixer hosted by Timbucktoo. Kicking off NY Art Week, this event is designed to bring together professionals for an evening of art, conversation, and connection in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. RSVP HERE

***MULTIPLE DATES*** {5/7 - 6/11} 6:30 PM (South Street Seaport): Preservation of Record by McNally Jackson Bookstore - ​​​The first McNally Jackson Festival brings together 40 thinkers across 5 weeks, around one topic: The archive. At the heart of these events are questions of power and subjectivity. Preservation is interdisciplinary, intersectional and endlessly complex. We will discuss over 18 events. Come join us. RSVP HERE

Thursday 🍬 5.8

5:00pm (Dumbo): Grand Opening Event: Early Access Shopping Night by Alo Yoga - ​​​Join us for an Early Access Shopping Night at our brand new Alo Sanctuary in Dumbo! RSVP HERE

6:00pm (Tribeca): Dating App Disconnect: Getting Started + Finding Your People by The Full - Join us for an interactive, informative event designed to help you step into the energizing world of in-person connection! RSVP HERE

Friday 🍬 5.9

8:00pm (Williamsburg): Return to Berry Park by Among Friends - It is, once again, time for us to hang. The long winter is finally over, and we are reemerging to bask in the spring vibes. RSVP HERE

8:00pm (Meatpacking): BC One Cypher by Red Bull - The best b-boys and b-girls from around the nation descend on the Big Apple in a knockout style competition to claim the title as Champion – and book their spot for the Red Bull BC One National Final in Denver. RSVP HERE

Saturday 🍬 5.10

11:00am (Williamsburg): Open Hours Day by Drawing Room - ​​What better way to break in, sketch the first lines, leave a mark, and fill the space with creativity and community than an Open Hours Day? ​Whether you’ve been to Drawing Room before, or just discovering us, we invite you to join us for our very first Open Hours in this location! RSVP HERE

2:00pm (New York, NY): Community Picnic by Hua Wellness - ​​​Join HUA Wellness for a beautiful spring afternoon of meditation, creativity, and community in the park. Expect magnesium mocktails, live tastings from emerging food brands, and a chance to unwind with a guided mini meditation and a casual, self-paced art activity. RSVP HERE

9:00pm (Williamsburg): Circadian Rhythms: Season Premiere by 57 - ​​Friends, Spring is finally in bloom and we're kicking it off with the fourth season of Circadian Rhythms, our all night dance party at 57!  We're opening up the roof for the first time this season since the weather will be nice! The party will span all three floors, with the basement turning into our nightclub as per usual. RSVP HERE

So earlier this year, I was chatting with DK about our priorities for the year and within that list of key pieces included at least one moonshot idea that we’d like to complete for the year.

This would be one of the more ambitious projects that I had conjured up in my head with the hopes of one day being able to have enough resources and bandwidth to plan it accordingly.

For this year, there was one idea that I thought was rather appropriate given everything we have been working on behind the scenes to define Sugary and our place within the communities of New York City. Turns out DK also had a similar idea so perhaps it was a bit of kismet and a sign we should explore the idea further.

Since the beginning, one of the things that the Sugary community has been known for is our appetite for collaborating with and advocating for our fellow colleagues that share similar values and are working toward the same goal of connection and community within our five boroughs.

So it was only natural that my mind wandered into thinking,

“What if there was a dedicated series of days, even a week perhaps in the early Fall in which the people of New York City were invited to discover their own interests and further their connection to one another celebrated through diverse community driven events all under one umbrella?”

I mean we have tech week, fashion week, NFT week, etc… so why not a week that celebrates the different activity driven communities of New York City?

And what if we called it, “NY-Community Week”??

It’s a chance for people all over the city to discover more about the city they love and where they can feel a greater sense of belonging with each other.

So, that is exactly what DK and I are going to attempt.  

But, we can’t do this alone and are calling on people far and wide to aid us in this ambitious idea.

So as a preliminary step, if you feel that this idea calls to you and would be a welcome addition to the city’s calendar of activities, please fill out the form below, as we’d really love to have your support on building something remarkable based on this idea.

You can find the form below, and I hope you will join us in this worthy endeavor.

THE SUGARY EFFECT

A Chocolate for Your Thoughts 🍫 

“Hey you know that’s a $2000 engine back there right? Don’t be closin’ that by yourself.”, was the driver’s greeting the moment I entered the car.

“I’m sorry” I replied, “I didn’t realize it was automatic.”

The driver locked eyes with me in the rear view mirror with a look of disdain and scoffed, “Whadya mean you didn’t realize, everyone knows that Tesla trunks are automatic!”

I guess this was about to be a ride in more ways than one…

For context, I’d just awkwardly loaded the trunk of my Revel with the Unsent Letter Mailbox and all of its supporting accoutrements and made the mistake of manually shutting the trunk.

After kowtowing in transit, I managed to get the irritable driver to calm down finally.

His name was Mark and of course I was assigned the quintessential stereotype of the unimpressed New Yorker with a an undeniable Brooklyn accent.

He asked me about what I had in the trunk and I told him a little bit about the project and some of the progress we had made so far.

He was impressed by none of it.

“So, uhh… how’s this different from social media?, he asked. “Sounds like it’s pretty much the same.”

After cordially sparring back and forth for the entire duration of the ride from Tribeca to Washington Square Park I basically told him that the in person experience of writing and reading anonymously just hits different than posting online and if he didn’t believe me, he should come and try it out.

“Seems like something my wife would like more.”, he said. “But thanks for explainin’ and not just telling me to go fuck off…”

I told him, “Of course! I’m glad you stuck around to listen though honestly I’m not sure where else you would have gone being my driver and all.  But honestly, how would I ever get anyone to have a chance at understanding and appreciating the project if I wasn’t prepared to share my honest enthusiasm for it…even sometimes when there’s a lack of enthusiasm.” 

He considered what I said, for a moment, tilted his head in slight acknowledgment and shoved a small Tupperware container in my face to pick from an assortment of semi-expired Valentine’s Day candy…”Here…have a chocolate”. 

My consolation prize I suppose for putting up with his attitude.

As we said our goodbyes, I left the car feeling a bit bummed that I couldn’t fully convince him, but hopefully I moved the needle just a hair in the right direction. 

Rome wasn’t built in a day after all.

As I set up the mailbox inside the park, I was pretty sure that this activation would yield some special moments…and provide the redemptive arc I was seeking.

It didn’t disappoint and two particular moments come to mind (please visit @unsentlettermailbox to see the actual video from these amazing moments in the next couple of days)…

Unsent Letter Moment 1

A married couple brought their 13 year old son to participate and he drew a letter at random from a 14 year old girl who wrote a letter to her parents who had gotten divorced.  

Despite how sad she was and the fact that she knew so many friends in a similar situation as hers, she still managed to find gratitude for being raised by them and struck a surprisingly mature tone of acceptance and understanding for their decision to separate even if it affected her.  

As the little boy read the letter out loud, I could see the parents visibly shook by this moment. I could see the mother welling up, her grip on her husband tightening as she brought her son in closer.

It was hard to escape the parallels that their boy was reading a letter from a girl only a year older than him going through a trauma their own family had thus far been spared from.

Unsent Letter Moment 2

A young lady came up to us and after writing her piece, drew a letter that had two bold words on it,

“New Yorker”

As she flipped the letter over she discovered a love letter to New York along with a salutatory congratulations on her good fortune ending up in the greatest city in the world.  The letter further went on to encourage her to keep an open mind and spirit as she goes about her NYC journey and to keep sacred the fact that should she leave this town eventually, the city will always be a part of her and her a part of it.

Turns out the young lady who drew this letter just happened to be starting her Freshman year at NYU…

Once a New Yorker always a New Yorker.

***

As I packed everything back up, I called a car. I fished through my bag and I discovered that piece of chocolate I was given earlier in the day.

As I unwrapped it, I chuckled slightly thinking about my conversation at the start of the day with Mark. I’m positive that his wife WOULD love something like this…but then again, just maybe…Mark might enjoy it too. And while it was his loss, what a shame right?

How many moments of genuine connection do we forego merely based on our assumptions and perceptions? I guess that’s why we’re out here, changing hearts and minds, one unsent letter at a time.

As the chocolate melted in my mouth, I relished the moment, it was a thought truly worth savoring.

Sugary 🍬

Are you a Sugary Member yet? Join the 175+ member community that gets you access to member-only events, special event perks, discounts and more

PAST EVENTS

Apr. 21st - Write to Read Salon Part 8 - About 15 of you joined us for another extraordinary evening of anonymous writing and reading.  These events have become quite the staple within the Sugar community but this one was extra special because we unveiled a brand new concept, we had our performing artist, Mike Squillante debut a song he wrote, inspired from one of the unsent letters that he read.  When I announced the surprise, there was a collective gasp of delight and everyone tuned in even more intently to the song than ever before. It was a truly magical moment, and affirms the direction that we are taking the project as far as its tie to music.

Apr. 23rd - A Visit to the Frick - On the last day of the Frick’s grand re-opening, our community hosted a dozen of you to be among the first to experience this amazing institution.  We’re always striving to provide beautiful moments for our members and this was a great way to share the love with the community. 

Apr. 24th - The Men’s Clothing Exchange - About 25 of you came to our inaugural event dedicated to supporting the men’s fashion community. We identified an ecosystem that was really underserved and took a gamble to put on an event specifically in-service to this concept. 

And boy was it a success! Nearly 70 pieces of clothing were exchanged as the DJ spun, the stylists styled and robust offering of food and beverage along with plenty of room to relax made it a completely welcoming atmosphere. This proof of concept has us planning to double our size by the next one…and there will be a next one so stay tuned!

THE SWEET & SALTY

Antisocial Social Club

“What’s your insta?”…

This phrase has become the colloquial bane of our entire social existence, it certainly is the bane of mine.

Have you ever considered that our use of social media as the primary means to connect is actually taking away from our ability to actually connect?

It’s the “connect, but connect at arms length” kind of vibe and I feel if that is how you’re starting things off you already in a way betting against the connection right from the start.

Not only do you forego the chance to communicate a deeper sense of intent, but you also introduce an unnecessary hierarchy that serves only as an additional barrier to forming a true connection.

Social media was never meant to be the primary means to connect. It was always supposed to be a supplement and we have somehow reversed the entire process as a society.

So when people ask me if we can connect on socials, I straight up tell them that I don’t really use socials that much and I hand them the phone without skipping a beat for their contact information and inform them that I will actually follow up in short order...and they’re surprised when I honor my word.

When I do that, in some people, you can actually see their brain short-circuiting in real time in front of you.  They’ve gone down the social media rabbit hole so deeply that they hadn’t considered that there were actually other more effective ways to connect such as exchanging contact info as just one example.

It all boils down to this:

I’m not interested in an additional follower, I’m interested in an additional friend.

So, the next time you’re in a social setting, and you interact with somebody that gives you a positive feeling, maybe don’t feed into the “Zuckerberg zeitgeist” and instead dare to be a little bit more intimate.  

Pass along those details in the name of real connection and perhaps you might just get there a bit quicker.

Save the “socials” for when you’re actually social.

Support for the Unsent Letter Project!

The Unsent Letter Mailbox is a grassroots storytelling movement creating anonymous spaces for vulnerability and radical honesty in New York City.

Over the past year, we’ve hosted 19 park installations, 7 sold-out salons, we've seen countless people in public, and received nearly 1000 unsent letters capturing the full spectrum of human emotion and has captured the attention of press outlets such as Secret NYC, NBC Nightly News and the Kelly Clarkson Show.

We’re thrilled to launch our pilot Curator Program, inviting like-minded folk to host anonymous gatherings in their communities. If you're keen, fill out this form!

Join The Unsent Letter Mailbox as a Social Media Intern!

The Unsent Letter Mailbox — an NYC-born art project that lives at the intersection of anonymous writing, emotional healing, and urban play — is growing FAST. We’re looking for a volunteer content collaborator who wants to grow with us.

You:

• Are emotionally fluent and creatively intuitive

• Know how to make something stop the scroll without screaming

• Love language, letters, and soft power

• Want to build something you can be proud of

We:

• Have been featured on NBC + The Kelly Clarkson Show

• Are planning scavenger hunts, secret salons, and continued urban pop-ups

• Are small, self-funded, and full of momentum

• Will give you full credit, mentorship, and future paid work if things align

This is 3-5 hours a week. Remote is cool. And vibes are everything.

If you're curious, email [email protected] or DM @unsentlettermailbox on IG! 

Call To Gather

‘Call to Gather’ champions creative play as essential for health and wellness; fostering mental, emotional, and social well-being. They believe everyone is a maker, and that its through shared creative experiences human beings build trust, collaboration, and can develop a deep sense of community.

Gather Artists are all highly experienced in their craft, providing quality creative sessions from a wide range industries for individuals to begin to explore their creative potential, heal, and connect - ultimately igniting personal and collective transformation in community.

Start your creative play HERE (use discount code: Sugary)

Connect IRL. Experience Fabrik.

Get in touch with NYC’s brightest communities and make new friends.

Fabrik is a home for communities and where everyone has a place to belong. With spaces designed to feel more like your living room than your office, Fabrik’s 'third spaces' are vibrant hubs where you can come together in real life, explore interests, forge meaningful connections, and enjoy a sense of community.

Sign-up here to experience a day pass at Fabrik.

Weekly events at Fabrik HERE

Othership offers immersive sauna and ice bath experiences that help human beings feel good now. A sanctuary for social self-care to move you from city buzz to inner calm.

Dive into the largest performance saunas in North America, experience otherworldly ice bath spaces and connect in an intimate amphitheater-style tea lounge surrounding a cozy fire place for socializing.

Expect towel-waving performances, aromatherapy, guided breathwork, visualizations, and somatic release to help you shift your state and regulate your emotions, in a world that can’t be regulated.

The founders of Othership have gifted us a New York 2 for 1 Deal. Get yours while they last!

EMPATHY PROJECT

Support the Empathy Project by purchasing any of the items from the collection. Be a part of a unique initiative that empowers seven diverse artists to create one-of-a-kind empathy-inspired t-shirts. These shirts serve as iconography tied to our identity, promoting compassion-driven societal impact. 

Each artist picked a 501(c)3 charity of their choice to donate a portion of the sales of their t-shirt design. Your purchase also empowers voices, amplifies the message of empathy, supports charities, and elevates storytelling within our communities, all while building a network for compassion-driven societal change. Join us in making a lasting impact through art and empathy.

You can check out and purchase the 7 different empathy tees HERE