By Christopher A. Pape

Hunter Ryan Herdlicka may not be a household name (nor is it a very common name), but he us one of the fastest rising stars on Broadway today. Having made an acclaimed turn in A Little Night Music, Hunter has gone on to well-received cabaret shows and regional theater around the country. It doesn’t hurt that Hunter is one of the nicest young actors in New York (he isn’t bad looking either). He also happens to be a friend. I hope you like the piece as much as I like knowing him.

By Kitty Pilgrim

The opportunity to visit Egypt comes at a time of transition and turmoil. Kitty Pilgrim explores the ancient and modern threads that connect two very different societies.

By Marianne Belmonte

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing German Cuisine in a delightful establishment called Landbrot. It was such a pleasant surprise to taste authentic German dishes right here in my own backyard. I was in Germany and Austria in December of last year for the Christmas Markets and it was there that I discovered my other roots and their rich cultural traditions; food being one of them. This came as a great surprise to me having grown up in an Italian household and rarely having German food. (If you are even just a little bit Italian you will understand that they don't believe any other cuisine exists, that is, for the occasional Chinese fare.) The only German food I had ever had was when 86th Street was considered Germantown and my mother felt obliged to take us there or on the few occasions that we visited the Amish Country in Pennsylvania. Having said all that you are in for a real treat if you take my suggestion and go to Landbrot in the West Village or their other location on the Lower East Side.

By Lisa Loverro

You mention the 40/40 Club to most and immediately the thought of hip-hop, Jay-Z or baseball comes to mind. If it doesn’t, well, read on and discover how this entrepreneurial musician turned an exclusive baseball term into a club synonymous with bottle service.

By Demetra M. Pappas

There is an actual “Marco” at Marco Polo Ristorante. This 29-year old haute Italian restaurant is, in fact, named after the youthful and engaging Marco Chirico (as well as the Venetian explorer, of course), son of original owner Joseph and current chef. The restaurant, located in the heart of Carroll Gardens, also has a banquet room on the second floor (recently, it was being used for a film shoot, though owners and staff displayed tremendous discretion in not disclosing details).

By Lisa Loverro

Pescatore, the Italian mainstay restaurant on Manhattan’s Second Avenue, serves traditional Italian dishes and seafood plates with a touch of their own creativity and flair. In a cozy and inviting environment, the eatery offers consistently delicious and affordable dishes. It’s elegant décor, lit candles throughout, employing a well-informed and refined wait staff, sans any attitude you might find in other Manhattan restaurants. Their wines by the glass (or the bottle) won’t break the bank and the dishes are very moderately priced.

By Barry Bassis

With all the new theaters that have opened on 42nd Street west of 9th Avenue and the surrounding area, we’re always on the lookout for new places to dine or have a drink before or after a show. Our prayers were answered when KTCHN opened last year.

By Hillary Latos

The latest newcomer to the restaurant scene by the UN is The Sea Fire Grill. Brought to us by the team behind Benjamin Steakhouse, seafood is to Sea Fire as steak is to Benjamin, with perfect execution of modern American seafood by Ted Pryor of Opia, Orsay, and Les Halles in a beautifully appointed and inviting atmosphere.

By Hillary Latos

On January 12, 2013 our own Brooklyn resident and Miss New York, Mallory Hagan was crowned Miss America. Originally from Alabama, this incredibly driven 23 year old had childhood dreams of being Miss America and made the move to the Big Apple to pursue a career in the glamorous field of beauty and advertising. Resident had a chance to chat with the gorgeous and talented Hagan to see what she loves most about living as a New Yorker and to take a glimpse into her whirlwind tour as Miss America 2013.

With columnist Joe Alexander and Photographer Patrick McMullan

Birds, books, art, movies and girls have been heating up our chilly city.