Category: Uncategorized
November 18, 2019
BLOG: Hell’s Kitchen: A Neighborhood Guide
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Hell’s Kitchen, a tree-lined and restaurant-filled neighborhood, is an almost heavenly locale for its lucky locals, and although well-situated no-fee rental apartments in Manhattan are hard to come by, Algin Management offers several within the boundaries of this neighborhood. While it thrives on its proximity to the Theater District to its east, the Hudson River to its west, and Lincoln Square and Central Park to its north, Hell’s Kitchen is not defined by this proximity. As a happening neighborhood that encompasses parts of Hudson Yards and Hudson River Park—and is also a respite from many of the nearby crowds—it delivers its own brand of New York City magic.
Packed with some of the city’s best culture, cuisine, and couture, the area abounds with activities that will please everyone from the maverick millennials who love a short walk to their Midtown offices to the music and drama lovers who are literally down the street from some of the best live theater in the world. Amid the day-to-day and extraordinary urban moments, there are aspects of this neighborhood that will have you exploring for a lifetime. Let’s take a look around.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re sure to find endless food options that will cause even your most epicurean of friends to roll up their sleeves and dig into gourmet delights from around the world. While the unofficial meal of Hell’s Kitchen has got to be brunch—you’ll see the neighborhood’s eclectic denizens gathering at seemingly every tasty spot during the weekend—there’s so much more to the area’s food scene, which, among other things, features Restaurant Row, a stretch of 29 fabulous restaurants on 46th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, with a mix of dining experiences you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Marseille on Ninth Avenue is a particular local favorite that not only takes its name from the rustic French port city but its culinary influences too. Feast on a brunch of hearty fresh-from-the-ocean clams, lobster, and shrimp or stick to traditional items like veggie-filled omelets or a classic eggs Benedict.
Burn off those brunch calories with a walk to Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle, where fashionistas, makeup gurus, and general retail explorers can find almost anything they’re looking for in this shopping mecca on the Hell’s Kitchen border. Whether you’d like a simple blazer from J. Crew or a luxe cashmere statement sweater from Eileen Fisher, you’ll find it here. Stop by Time Warner Center’s Sephora to try on and buy your favorite fragrance or makeup. There’s no need to run around town when this shopping center has everything you need—not to mention a spectacular view of Central Park.
It’s hard to ignore the fact that Broadway plays are just a few streets away, but Hell’s Kitchen’s exciting off-Broadway theater scene—with venues as diverse as Pershing Square Signature Theater, Playwrights Horizons, New World Stages, and the Theatre at St. Clements (church), to name just a few—does not always get the attention it deserves. The Irish Arts Center is another gem that has a robust calendar of performances and events near the northwest corner of the neighborhood. And, of course, just a little further north of Hell’s Kitchen is a world cultural institution: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, and almost 30 other institutions and facilities, both indoors and alfresco, as well as an iconic fountain whose daily displays have provided many an Instagram photo.
So, in Hell’s Kitchen style, reserve your dinner, buy your most fashionable outfit, get your tickets, take a stroll (and some pictures), and, by all means, find the time to finalize a lease for one of Algin’s no-fee rentals in this beautiful and ultraconvenient part of New York City.
October 28, 2019
Boutique Hopping on the Upper East Side
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Just down the street from Algin Management’s no-fee apartment rentals on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, you’ll discover a grand assortment of one-of-a-kind retailers with seemingly endless offerings for your wardrobe and home. Here are some of Algin’s favorite boutiques and shops in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.
After 30 years of designing clothes for the likes of David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Helena Bonham Carter and Thom Yorke, what does one do next? For agnès b, the answer is simple: you keep creating. Her tradition of understated French cool continues with simple tailoring, clean lines, and an effortless style. Unencumbered by “fashion” she’s more interested in design, dabbling in art and film, and musing about within those experiences through clothing that’s classic but forever forward looking. And it doesn’t just stop at men’s and women’s pieces. Agnes b also has something for children and babies, all cut to signature shapes and colors that reflect the brand while still expressing the exuberance of the youth who wear the clothes. A visit to the store will quickly show you, but for a deeper exploration, pick up one of the many style books you’ll find there to discover that what you wear isn’t simply an expression of your tastes, but also an extension of the self.
Pachute, the Hebrew word for “simple,” is both the name of a wonderfully compact boutique on the Upper East Side and the guiding principle behind the vision of its founder. Setting out to “carry designs that awaken” and offering “limited editions and small selections of excellently-made pieces that make sense,” the shop delivers with goods that cater to “simple” needs, albeit with the subtle complexity that such items require. The suede boots in all the right shades of grey and brown are all perfectly textured: not too broken-in to eliminate them from your workday wardrobe but not so new as to overdress your favorite jeans on a weekend-day-out. The jewelry is understated, though bold, and of an heirloom quality that lends it to pairing with outfits throughout your closet.
For an equally inspired selection of high-end women’s clothing and jewelry, plus a wonderful selection of…well, everything else, do take some time to visit Blue Tree. With an eclectic collection of fashion, fragrances, home items, art, candles, books, and even vintage LPs, the shop boasts that no rules apply, save one, when it comes to stocking the shelves: the vision of founder Phoebe Cates Kline (yes, that Phoebe Cates) and her desire “to have it be like a general store but according to me.” Blue Tree succeeds marvelously in that vision, building a reputation for surprise and reinvention in its inventory that makes each visit a new adventure. It’s what has enabled the store to amass a following that goes far beyond the Upper East Side. Ms. Cates Kline’s favorite things also include a few odds and ends for men, kids, and babies.
Of course, getting around to all these places in a city like NYC is best done on foot. Do so in style with just the right pair of boots or shoes from Aquazzura. The very definition of what we expect from fine Italian footwear, Aquazzura’s designs are as comfortable as they are chic, and the expert craftsmanship means that they’ll be so for a long time to come. Just ask any number of trendsetters and influencers who sport Aquazzura footwear at every turn, including Jennifer Lawrence, Beyoncé, and Amal Clooney. Stop by, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect boots, pumps, or even sneakers.
Algin Management’s no-fee apartment rentals in NYC bring you close to some of Manhattan’s best shopping. Find a gift to dazzle a friend or discover a new look to transform yourself, just blocks from home. Then return again and again for a never-ending rotation of new and fascinating treasures. Your neighborhood has it all.
October 3, 2019
Notable Village Jazz Haunts
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While the city has transformed around them ten times over, Greenwich Village’s jazz clubs never miss a beat, continuing a tradition of hosting historic performers like John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan, and the Grove Street Stompers. The following venues are some of the best, and we recommend that you make them part of your luxury routine when you live at one of Algin’s luxury no-fee Manhattan rental apartments.
Village Vanguard | 178 7th Avenue South
You’ll be seeing red—literally—at this legendary establishment. When you descend the steep staircase into the small room with the crimson-hued stage, you’ll be sharing an experience very similar to the one John Coltrane had when he recorded his famous 1961 sets there. Not much has changed since the 1930s when the Vanguard became a must-visit haunt for music lovers: the acoustics are perfect. Many New York icons have performed here, including comedian Lenny Bruce and a young Barbra Streisand. It’s strictly a jazz venue now, and although the performances are innovative, you’ll recognize a lot of the names. Recent performances include the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Coltrane’s saxophonist son, Ravi. It’s a can’t-miss for jazz lovers and anyone looking for a memorable night out.
Blue Note | 131 West 3rd Street
Since it opened, the Blue Note has been a friend to jazz musicians and fans alike. The venue charmed performers like Sarah Vaughan, Tito Puente, and Dizzy Gillespie back to the stage long after they’d given up performing in most clubs, and it continues to draw the best veteran and up-and-coming players. Trumpeter Chris Botti returns for his 15th residency this winter, and, if you stop by on Mondays, you might catch a glimpse of a future star of jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, or R&B. They have shows every night of the week at 8 pm and 10:30 pm, a late-night show on Fridays and Saturdays, and brunch performances on Sundays. If you’re lucky, you’ll be present for a surprise performance; celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, and Liza Minnelli have been called from the audience to the stage in the past, and who knows who will be there in the audience with you?
Arthur’s Tavern | 57 Grove Street
You’re sure to be packed tight inside this classic Downtown bar, but it’s worth it to hear the excellent blues, jazz, and Dixieland bands play beneath a canopy of holiday lights. Known as the “Home of the Bird,” Arthur’s was once a favorite of Charlie Bird and has been serving exciting performances to music aficionados since 1937. You’ll find all kinds of musical acts here, but on Mondays, guests are treated to a very special performance. For 70 years, the Grove Street Stompers’ Dixieland jazz has been delighting listeners. Though some of the players have changed, the band hasn’t missed a performance since 1959. And you won’t want to miss one either.
Not only is Greenwich Village rich with musical history, it is home to tree-lined streets, cutting-edge restaurants, chic, millennial-focused shops, and an abundance of locally owned markets. View Algin’s no-fee rental apartment availabilities in this covetable neighborhood by visiting our website or calling the leasing office at (212) 213-1727.
September 25, 2019
BLOG: The Pearl of the Upper East Side
__ Read articleBLOG: The Pearl of the Upper East Side
Located on Manhattan’s historic Upper East Side, The Pearl’s no-fee rentals combine modern design elements with classic finishes to create a living space that celebrates New York City’s timeless chic. The 23-story tower, located between 1st Avenue and York Avenue on 66th Street, presents an elegant base with a sleek, glassy facade and invites residents into its stunning marble-clad lobby, where a 24-hour concierge is on-hand to help with whatever task residents need accomplished.
Upstairs, these spacious homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows with exquisite East River and intimate skyline views as well as gorgeous finishes and top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures, including baths clad in Crema Marfil marble and inspired by luxury spas. Residents also have access to The Pearl’s state-of-the-art fitness center, where they can follow their workout routines without stepping foot outside their building. Resting atop The Pearl is PHB, a three-bedroom penthouse that defines Upper East Side luxury. This duplex includes multiple private terraces and a spacious living area centered around the gourmet kitchen.
Living at The Pearl is about more than the building, though. The Upper East Side is a quiet slice of Manhattan, where tree-lined streets are cut by wide avenues lined with fine dining and comfort food. Just around the corner, residents will find the ever-popular Bagelworks, where lines will often snake out the front door, while just a few blocks south, Sushi Seki provides the best omakase meal around. Residents seeking something a little more casual will love Maya, the neighborhood taqueria that also offers the neighborhood’s best bottomless brunch. Foodies willing to head a little further afield will love the Upper East Side’s slate of classic eateries, including famous Italian spot Tony’s Di Napoli, a family-friendly UES staple since 1959, and Ravagh Persian Grill on 1st Avenue, which combines New York’s penchant for world-class Middle Eastern cuisine with a small plates philosophy that keeps regulars coming back for more.
Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, The Pearl is across the street from P.S. 183, a highly ranked school that embraces a community-focused educational philosophy; among other activities, it hosts a weekly flea market that has been a neighborhood staple for two decades. Nearby St. Catherine’s Park offers a shady spot to enjoy a coffee or spend some time with the family at the playground, while Central Park is just a few blocks west. Meanwhile, joggers will love how close their new home is to the East River Greenway along the FDR. Residents also have convenient access to the nearby F/Q/6 subway lines, all of which are central arteries that carry New Yorkers around Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to The Pearl’s website to see these amazing homes for yourself!
September 20, 2019
BLOG: Your Guide to Celebrating in Style in Midtown West
__ Read articleBLOG: Your Guide to Celebrating in Style in Midtown West
When New Yorkers celebrate, they’re often drawn to the classy bars and authentic restaurants found in Midtown West. The area, which encompasses classic neighborhoods, including Hell’s Kitchen, represents the very pinnacle of Manhattan living, and it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite for anniversaries and important milestones. Keep reading for a guide to taking that special someone out for an unforgettable evening.
At Algin Management, the family-owned business with half a century of experience matching prospective buyers with no-fee rental apartments in great NYC neighborhoods, we know how to help you have a sensational time as you navigate Midtown West.
It may seem quaint, but a bouquet of flowers or a box of bonbons is a surefire way to start your special evening right. Hell’s Kitchen staple Flowers by Richard is your one-stop shop for all your floral needs. From a classic dozen red roses to themed bouquets like the yellow Lemon Drop Roses and delicate Jade Green Roses, Flowers by Richard is sure to have the perfect arrangement. If your lover has a sweet tooth, stop by La Maison Du Chocolat by Columbus Circle and pick up a box of rich dark chocolate or creamy truffles.
Columbus Circle is also home to Robert, the unparalleled restaurant atop the Museum of Arts and Design. There’s no better spot in Midtown West to mark an occasion than this chic dining room, decorated with bright modern furniture and looking out on the green canopy of Central Park and the iconic skyline along the park’s western edge. Enjoy a round of signature cocktails before diving into the menu by Chef Gonzalo Colin, who has crafted a range of dishes that span the globe. Choice ingredients like Kobe beef and Maine lobster form the heart of these elegant meals, all backed up by a formidable wine list.
When the dessert plates are cleared and the night seems poised to end, head around the corner to The Aviary for one last glimpse at the skyline. This outpost of the famous Chicago venue features small plates and creative cocktails in a lively setting, making for an exciting nightcap sure to put a memorable aura on the intimate evening.
Learn more about Midtown West, New York’s crossroads of shopping, dining and culture, and Central Park, by viewing our current availabilities in this dynamic neighborhood today.
September 20, 2019
BLOG: A Renter’s Guide to Kitchen Essentials
__ Read articleBLOG: A Renter’s Guide to Kitchen Essentials
So, you’re a budding home chef looking to take your culinary pursuits to the next level. You yearn to craft Instagram-worthy dishes that not only please the palates of your guests but look like refined pieces of art. While perusing Algin Management’s available no-fee luxury rentals in NYC, you realize that the kitchen is perhaps the most important aspect of a residence for you.
Cooking is a pursuit that is dependent upon the tools of the chef. While there may be ways to get the best out of low-quality kitchenware, some essentials are incredibly important if you want to take your meals to the next level.
There may be no other piece of kitchenware more important than one’s pans. And again, as with the knives, the market is flooded with options. We highly recommend Tramontina’s Professional Restaurant Fry Pan. It is billed as a pan made for a professional kitchen and adapted to be used at home, and that’s what it feels like. Its cast stainless-steel handle and heavy gauge aluminum construction make it feel incredibly solid without weighing a ton. It can be used on all stovetops, comes with a lifetime warranty, and is truly nonstick, which makes clean-up easier.
Cooking nearly always involves cutting of some sort, so having a good set of knives is vital. There are many kitchen knife sets on the market, but we’re partial to the Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Cutlery Set. The set includes a paring knife, a Santoku knife, a utility knife, a chef’s knife, and kitchen shears. They are all made from fully forged, high-carbon German steel. What truly makes this set extraordinary, however, are the built-in knife sharpeners. The knife block—which utilizes their patented SharpIN technology—has a sharpener for every blade. If you cook often, your knives will inevitably start to become dull. Having to take out a sharpener is another step in preparing your dish. With this set, the sharpener is right there. Run the knives in and out a few times, and they’re ready to go.
If you’re going to be braising, roasting, or making soups, stews, and casseroles—if you’re going to be slow cooking at all—you need a Dutch oven. But not all Dutch ovens are created equal—not by a long shot. Le Creuset’s Dutch Oven is one of the most well-known brands, and for good reason. Le Creuset has been making Dutch ovens for just under a century. They know what they’re doing. This cast-iron beauty can do it all. It distributes heat slowly and evenly, ensuring that everything inside the pot coalesces just the way it should.
Now that you have the proper tools for a future that is filled with good food, Algin Management can help you find a new home (and kitchen) where you can create and host many feasts to come.
July 11, 2019
BLOG: The Air-Purifying Powers of Indoor Plants
__ Read articleBLOG: The Air-Purifying Powers of Indoor Plants
Clean air is a cause that most people can get behind, but for some, the idea of nurturing a living plant can be a little intimidating. But for those lacking a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance, virtually indestructible plants — the kind that can withstand whatever hardships you may inadvertently impose upon them. Aloe, for example, can tolerate being watered every two to three weeks, and the snake plant “thrives on being ignored,” according to HGTV. The hardy pothos plant is an excellent choice for first-timers. When it needs water, it will begin to visibly droop, basically telling you, “I’m thirsty!” Once drenched, it will perk back up again.
Different plants have different needs, based on the climate found in their native environment. Tropical plants will crave humidity and warmth, while desert plants prefer dry, arid conditions. The key to nurturing a plant is taking these conditions and applying them to the three major elements a plant depends upon for life: soil, light, and water. Make sure the soil you use is composed correctly — depending on your plant, you may need to add sand, peat, or perlite. For light, refer to the guidelines that came with your plant, or hop online and do a little research. But it is also important to be responsive to the signals your plant gives. If the leaves begin to look singed around the edges, your plant may be receiving too much direct sun. Try moving it to a location in your apartment that offers bright, indirect light, and see how it fares there. Water may be the trickiest component of all. Some plants will drown or rot in an abundance of water, while others will quickly wither without enough of it. Guidance from your local nursery can help you perfect your watering schedule.
It may take a little work to get your indoor garden going, but the innumerable benefits of indoor foliage are worth the effort. Before you know it, your no-fee apartments in Manhattan will feel like a verdant paradise.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
June 26, 2019
BLOG: Follow Your Passion and Discover the City
__ Read articleBLOG: Follow Your Passion and Discover the City
The key is to start with what you love. Are you an art buff, or someone who is thinking of becoming an art collector? New York is the art capital of the world — once you begin to tap into the network of artists and art institutions here, you will be astonished at how much there is to explore. Museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum have such a wealth of programming that they are like their own miniature art empires amidst the bustling streets.
If you have more specific interests, be sure to check out Meetup, offering groups to join with people who have similar interests. From photography workshops to avid hikers, the groups are endless. If you can’t find one that fits you, try starting your own!
Another great way to meet people and build a community in NYC is to join a gym, yoga studio, or run club. You’ll meet people from your neighborhood while getting in the best shape of your life. The Central Park Track Club is one of the foremost running clubs in the city, and their “track,” most of the time, is in Central Park (as you might have guessed). This is an ideal way to connect with nature in the city and to meet other serious runners. Another excellent place to get your double dose of friendly faces and an outstanding workout is Orangetheory Fitness, a fitness club whose entire ethos is based on building community and on recognizing the enormous benefit of having personal training coaches overseeing your entire workout plan. Or try CorePower Yoga for equal parts sweat-inducing workout and mindfulness. You’re going to need both with what will soon be your exhilarating and ever-expanding schedule.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
June 4, 2019
BLOG: Scenic and Convenient Escape NYC for the Weekend
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The Hamptons, Long Island, N.Y.
The Hamptons is one of the quintessential New York seaside getaways, especially during the warmer seasons. Worth a visit for endless components – there are the long stretches of pristine white sand, the hulking dunes, and the uninterrupted views of the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean, for starters. If you want to stray from the beaten path, check out Two Mile Hollow Beach, a low-key, picturesque spot with vibes that tend toward the bohemian.
Asbury Park, N.J.
If your favorite part of going to the beach is strolling the boardwalk, perusing the seaside shops, and enjoying fresh seafood, Asbury Park might just be the place for you. The promenade has a distinctive, old-school feel; it’s one of the few remaining beach towns still full of arcades, theaters, vintage clothing boutiques, and infamous venues like The Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen played in his early days. Travel & Leisure recently declared Asbury Park “the coolest place on the Jersey shore,” but we’ll let you decide for yourself.
Shelter Island, Long Island, N.Y.
Nature lovers will find much to love at Shelter Island, the bucolic Long Island oasis. While Shelter Island has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, it remains a natural and quiet getaway, thanks to Mashomack Preserve. The preserve, a swath of land making up about a third of the island, covers “2,039 acres of interlacing tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields, and freshwater marshes,” according to The Nature Conservancy. To explore it, take a stroll on one of the loops of the nine-mile-long Mashomack Preserve Trail, where you’ll see plenty of fascinating flora and fauna and get a healing dose of salt air.
Phoenicia, N.Y.
Perhaps your getaway inclinations pull you upward, toward the mountains. In that case, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a mountain escape with as many recreational opportunities as Phoenicia, N.Y. Set deep in the Catskill Mountains, Phoenicia is surrounded on all sides by natural playgrounds. You can head down Esopus Creek on an inner tube, hike to the dramatic, two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls, or take in miles of fall foliage from Giant Ledge. Afterward, stroll historic downtown Phoenicia, where you can shop for antiques or try the pan-fried trout alongside the locals at the famous Phoenicia Diner.
As your summer getaways come to an end, you can look forward to coming home to your homey apartment in the city. Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
May 6, 2019
BLOG: Algin’s Guide to Renting in NYC
__ Read articleBLOG: Algin’s Guide to Renting in NYC
Start Your Search Early (But Not Too Early)
This is always tricky in New York. You certainly don’t want to start too late, because the pressure of hurrying the process could cause you to make a rash decision — landing you in a less-than-ideal situation. Most NYC apartments are listed 30 days in advance, and some are 60, but it’s rare to find time frames longer than that. So, you can start two months before your moving date, but make sure to only search for apartments that are available for rent two months out. The last thing you want is to find a wonderful place and then discover that it’s up for rent in a month. Paying rent twice is far from ideal. We’d recommend starting anywhere from 30 to 50 days out. That way, you can get a good feel for the market and are more likely find something you really want.
Go in With a Plan
This is a must. Whether moving on your own, or with a partner or friend, make sure you know what you want in a residence. Sit down and make a wish list, and then decide which things on your list you can live without — and which things you can’t. When you search, aim high, but don’t be unwilling to compromise. If you’re looking for a two-bedroom with a roof deck, an eat-in kitchen, a parking space, natural light, and an in-unit washer/dryer, and you find a place that has everything but the roof deck, it might be time to pounce. Go in knowing which aspects of your future home are negotiable and which are carved in stone — it will make the whole experience far less stressful.
Understand Your Credit Score
Many listings will post a credit score or range that is needed to rent a residence. It’s important to know where you stand in this particular area to avoid surprises. Sites like Credit Karma offer free credit checks, and since they’re soft inquiries, checking the score will not impact your credit. If you find your credit score is too low for many apartments you desire, you may be able to have a guarantor co-sign for you. Not all buildings allow guarantors, but many do.
Be Ready to Act
Speaking of pouncing, being ready to act when your ideal place pops up is vitally important. You may only have a window of 30 minutes to lock down an apartment before it’s gone. Go in ready to rent, primed to get the ball rolling, or you might be left in the dust.
One way you can easily find a new NYC no-fee apartment is by exploring our availabilities today to jump on your new home in classic New York.