🍬 Sugary Scoop: The Candy Shop

Welcome to the Sugary Newsletter by yours truly.  🎉 😊

🍬The Scoop 🍬

• WHAT’S NEW?

• THE SUGARY EFFECT

  • Past Events

• UPCOMING EVENTS

• AND DON’T SAY I DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT…

• ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

WHAT’S NEW?

Since the launch of the newsletter (over 4K subscribers now!) I’ve also launched the “Candy Shop” WhatsApp group chats which shares events around NYC that some of you are a part of…

It’s come to my attention that many of you are unclear about the distinctions between Candy Shop WhatsApp and the Newsletter so I thought I’d provide some clarity around the two:

1) The Candy Shop is where I, and occasionally community members, share the love by posting intriguing events we've been invited to by other NYC event curators and brands on a weekly basis. These events are reviewed and approved for sharing to my community, although I may not be directly involved in their organization or attend the event myself.

2) The Sugary Newsletter, on the other hand, features events that I personally organize and host and share every 2 weeks. These are MY events, specifically designed to serve our community and provide an exceptional experience for those who attend.

By combining these two services, we offer a comprehensive range of opportunities that every member of our Sugary community can benefit from.

I hope this explanation helps to clarify any confusion, and I strongly encourage you to make the most of both the Candy Shop and the Newsletter.

If you want to join Candy Shop please fill out this short Sugary Survey and you'll automatically be added to the Candy Shop WhatsApp group for events!

THE SUGARY EFFECT

You just never know who you can inspire

I had originally planned to write something completely different in this section, but after hosting the AAPI happy hour last week, something magical happened. I had a late-night group dinner, and one of the attendees, who happened to be visiting from LA, approached me and showered me with compliments about how the event went.

What truly struck me was when she shared that despite never having met me before and not knowing what to expect, she left the gathering feeling inspired to dive deeper. Curious about her experience, I asked her why she felt that way. Her response was simple yet profound: She felt like I was a friend to her.

It wasn't about any specific words spoken or actions taken, but rather the genuine connection she felt on a deeper level. I made her feel welcomed right from the get-go, encouraged her to adopt the evening as a safe space to approach strangers and made a deliberate effort to let her know the intent of the gathering. And this sentiment is at the very core of what motivates me. Within the vibrant tapestry of our Sugary community, you'll find an everlasting sense of joy, hope, and purpose.

My gatherings are meticulously designed to ignite happiness and bring together incredible individuals who share the same values and aspirations. They serve as a catalyst for meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences. The ripple effect is a real thing and you can see it as it reverberates across the room as members of my community adopt a similar practice and you can just feel the shift towards a more positive energy.

So, if you or someone you know is yearning for these transformative elements in life, don't hesitate to join us! I’m always waiting with open arms to welcome good people into our extraordinary community. Together, let's embark on a journey of joy, inspiration, and boundless connections.

Past Events

Tues, May 9th - AAPI Happy Hour - Nearly 100 of you came out in support of AAPI month as we took over GG Tokyo and celebrated in solidarity with my Asian brothers and sisters. A sure sign that a happy hour was successful…when dozens of people still remain hours after the conclusion of the event on their own accord.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday May 21st @5:00 PM - The Grand Asian Potluck - As I mentioned, there were so many people that wanted to participate and we could only accommodate but so many the last go around…so we’re back again this month and with an all Asian themed potluck for AAPI month! 

Monday May 22nd @7:30pm - Prosecco & Prose (An evening of Scribe) - Join my dear friend poet extraordinaire Lisa Ann Markuson and yours truly, poet much more ordinaire, for an evening of gamified prose with her newly launched card game SCRIBE not to mention delightful classy company. Pinkies up and pens down!

Tuesday May 23rd @6pm -The Khalo Dinner - My dear friend Ankita Sankla is about to launch a new functional line of Ayurvedic culinary products and so I am co-hosting a vegetarian/vegan dinner in honor of this achievement. ***EXTREMELY LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE***

Tuesday May 30th @6:30pm - Horse Barbie Book Launch - My dear friend Geena Rocero, one of TIME Magazine’s “Top 25 Transgender Persons Who Influences Culture” is publishing her memoir and I am producing the event in honor of her and her connection to both the asian and LGBTQ Community ***CLOSED EVENT (Although reply to this email and tell me why this event is very important to you…and you never know….***

_{(Space is very limited for each of these events so if you’d like to attend to any of these events, please hit the RSVP button below sooner than later!)}

AND DON’T SAY I DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT…

Calling all literature buffs!

There's an incredible event series that has been making waves in the literary world, and it's time for you to discover its brilliance.

Introducing Table of Contents (ToC), a captivating experience founded by the multi-talented Evan Hanczor. With a background as an author turned chef (you may know him from Egg and Little Egg), Evan has curated an enchanting evening that nourishes both the mind and body.

Picture this: Once a month, ToC offers two delightful formats. First, there's the mesmerizing reading series, where a carefully selected group of authors takes the stage to share passages from their beloved novels. As the audience indulges in delectable small bites, a vibrant Q&A session follows, fostering a deep connection between the authors and their fans. 

Second, ToC also presents the tantalizing dining series, where a sumptuous 4-5 course meal is artfully crafted to complement a literary selection that will transport you to new realms of taste and imagination.

Prepare to be amazed as Evan and his team of dedicated volunteers take culinary inspiration directly from the featured literature, infusing every dish with a dash of literary magic. The attention to detail and love poured into each creation is truly extraordinary.

Yet, ToC is much more than an event series—it's a thriving community brimming with organic connections and an undeniable passion for the written word. Enthusiastic attendees travel from far and wide to immerse themselves in this intimate literary experience, forging friendships and sharing their deep appreciation for prose.

Mark your calendars, for the next ToC event will be held on June 12th (check their website regularly for updates). And don't say I didn't tell you, tickets will disappear like magic, so don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity. Trust me, your inner bookworm will thank you as this series is an absolute page-turner! 

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Noé Socha

I first encountered this humble and understated prodigious force of nature several years back by complete chance.  

At the time we were sharing a green room with several other seasoned guitarists and they allowed Noe to join their jam circle thinking that they were giving the kid a break…he proceeded to wipe the floor with ALL of them. Noé ate and left no crumbs.

Hailing from Carpi, Italy, this blues guitar wunderkind has made NYC his spiritual and physical home and is untouchable on his instruments (guitars and harmonica) as well as his mental dexterity for improvisation.  

Don’t believe me? Take it from the man himself…

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (popular track)
I Got A Woman (lesser known track)

Thank you for taking the time to read to the end!

I hope you found something inspiring and meaningful in my content and until next time, explore the possibilities of NYC.

-Sugary

🍰🍭🍩🍦🍫🍪🍨🧁

PS. Don’t be shy and hit reply and tell me how you’re doing!