Carissa Chesanek - Page 2

Carissa Chesanek

Carissa Chesanek has worked as a journalist for many years, writing for publications that include BroadwayWorldShow-Score, All About Solo, The Rumpus, Miami Herald, and Forbes Travel Guide. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School and is the co-host for the reading series Sunday Salon. She's dabbled in improv and acting and is currently on the hunt to place the first play she wrote.




LEARN MORE ABOUT Carissa Chesanek

First Show:

Wicked

Favorite Show:

The Phantom of the Opera

Favorite Stories:



Review: Alligator Pear is The Garment District's new multi-tiered venue for cocktails and Nola-inspired fare
Review: Alligator Pear is The Garment District's new multi-tiered venue for cocktails and Nola-inspired fare
August 7, 2023

In between the hustle and bustle of Midtown and the large crowds spilling out of Penn Station, you’ll find Alligator Pear. The charming new restaurant is tucked away from the chaos of the area and offers a relaxing but hip getaway that'll take you far away from the city.

Interview: Olivia Atwood Chats About Her New One Woman Show Liv, LIVE
Interview: Olivia Atwood Chats About Her New One Woman Show Liv, LIVE
July 5, 2023

As a comedienne, matchmaker, writer, and fitness instructor, Olivia Atwood is pretty busy. Her latest project, Liv, LIVE, is Atwood's Off-Broadway debut and set to run at the SoHo Playhouse in July. We sat down with Atwood to discuss her unique background, her love for comedy, and her upcoming show we can't wait to check out. 

Odo lounge - A Flatiron hideaway specializing in Japanese whisky and modern Japanese comfort food
Odo lounge - A Flatiron hideaway specializing in Japanese whisky and modern Japanese comfort food
June 20, 2023

If you’ve been to odo in Flatiron, you know the place is legit. The 14-seat chef’s counter serving up kaiseki cuisine created by chef Hiroki Odo is not a Michelin-starred restaurant for nothing. Now there is a new bar behind the chef’s counter that is definitely worth checking out. Meet odo lounge, your new go-to for everything Japanese whisky.

Shmoné: A Cozy Greenwich Village Eatery with Extraordinary Market-Driven Cuisine
Shmoné: A Cozy Greenwich Village Eatery with Extraordinary Market-Driven Cuisine
June 13, 2023

Nestled along bustling Eighth Street in Greenwich Village, you’ll find Shmoné, a brand-new concept from Israeli chef Eyal Shani. The chef who brought some of the best contemporary Israeli food to New York City with restaurants that include HaSalon, Miznon, North and Naked Tomato, Shmoné (pronounced “shmo-neh” which translates to ‘eight’ in Hebrew) is a welcomed newcomer to the area, as it’s already been nominated for a Michelin in the New York Guide for good reason. 

The Ellington: Contemporary American Cuisine with Rotating Live Music on the Upper West Side
The Ellington: Contemporary American Cuisine with Rotating Live Music on the Upper West Side
May 22, 2023

Located on the corner of W 105th Street and Broadway, you'll find The Ellington, a charming neighborhood joint serving contemporary American fare. Bustling with locals, the vibe is welcoming while the atmosphere is pleasing with warm lighting and brown tones providing a down-to-earth tavern feel.

Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj on Benjamin Restaurant Group
Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj on Benjamin Restaurant Group
May 16, 2023

Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj both came to New York from Europe and began working as waiters at Brooklyn’s Peter Luger Steakhouse. It was there that they met and learned the ins and outs of running a successful steakhouse, driving them to join forces and eventually open their own. We sat down with Prelvukaj and Sinanaj to chat about their restaurants, steak, and how they got to where they are today.

Review: Red Lantern - Asian cuisine served in a funky social setting at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Review: Red Lantern - Asian cuisine served in a funky social setting at Foxwoods Resort Casino
May 4, 2023

Located at the Fox Tower in Foxwoods Resort Casino, you'll find the fun and enticing Red Lantern. Enter through the large red doors as you make your way inside a darkly lit space in black leather and dark wood with 66 red lanterns hanging above.

Sean Paul Takes the Stage at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Sean Paul Takes the Stage at Foxwoods Resort Casino
April 18, 2023

Over the weekend, Jamaican rapper and singer Sean Paul wowed the audience at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Premier Theater in Mashantucket, CT.

Master Mixologist: Beverage Director Ivan Papic on GG Tokyo near Nomad
Master Mixologist: Beverage Director Ivan Papic on GG Tokyo near Nomad
April 10, 2023

GG Toyko is a trendy Japanese cocktail lounge and restaurant nestled between Nomad and Murray Hill serving up innovative drinks and dishes in an art-splashed space. We got a chance to chat with Papic about his career and GG Toyko for our 'Master Mixologist' feature.

The Highlight Room at The Lower East Side Moxy Hotel for Rooftop Cocktails and Late-Night Dancing
The Highlight Room at The Lower East Side Moxy Hotel for Rooftop Cocktails and Late-Night Dancing
March 30, 2023

The Highlight Room recently opened atop the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel where it sits 16 stories above the city.

SILVER LINING LOUNGE at the Moxy Lower East Side for Cocktails and Live Music
SILVER LINING LOUNGE at the Moxy Lower East Side for Cocktails and Live Music
February 28, 2023

The Silver Lining Lounge recently opened at the Moxy Lower East Side bringing with it an alluring cocktail lounge and piano bar in an intimate setting.

Review: GRAND BAR AND SALON-posh space serving quality drinks and locally sourced cuisine
Review: GRAND BAR AND SALON-posh space serving quality drinks and locally sourced cuisine
February 5, 2023

Inside the luxurious Soho Grand Hotel, you’ll find the equally stunning Grand Bar and Salon. This bar and lounge is nestled right off the lobby near check-in and makes for the perfect spot to grab drinks whether you’re a hotel guest or not.

Review: Roxy Bar-Seasonal American cuisine and live music inside classy TriBeCa Hotel
Review: Roxy Bar-Seasonal American cuisine and live music inside classy TriBeCa Hotel
January 31, 2023

Inside the stylish Roxy Hotel New York in TriBeCa, you’ll find its signature bar and restaurant, featuring an interior of impeccable design paired with a bustling atmosphere. Roxy Bar is open for weekday breakfast, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. No matter when you go, you're going to have a good time.

Review: Yo+Shoku-Eastern European-influenced Yoshoku cuisine served on the Lower East Side
Review: Yo+Shoku-Eastern European-influenced Yoshoku cuisine served on the Lower East Side
January 20, 2023

Tucked away from the bustling street on the Lower East Side, you'll find the newly opened Yo+Shoku, a cozy nook that blends traditional Yoshoku cuisine with hints of Eastern European flavors and techniques.

Interview: Heather Alicia Simms Chats About the Premiere of DES MOINES
Interview: Heather Alicia Simms Chats About the Premiere of DES MOINES
January 5, 2023

Des Moines is the final play written by the late Denis Johnson, a legendary author, and playwright, and recently opened at Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn. We spoke with Heather Alicia Simms, who plays Mrs. Drinkwater, about what it's like to be in this show, the challenges that came up, and why it's important that this play is out right now.

Interview: Gail Tierney and Paola Sanchez Abreu Talk Sketch Comedy
Interview: Gail Tierney and Paola Sanchez Abreu Talk Sketch Comedy
December 4, 2022

Gail Tierney recently produced the sketch show Nearly Dying with co-writer (and best friend) Paola Sanchez Abreu on the mainstage at Brooklyn Comedy Collective. Now, the two will be holding an hour-long sketch show in January, bringing more laughs during a much longer set.

Review: Jalao NYC Brings Elevated Dominican Cuisine to Washington Heights
Review: Jalao NYC Brings Elevated Dominican Cuisine to Washington Heights
October 26, 2022

Inside Washington Height’s brand-new Radio Hotel, you’ll find Jalao NYC, a vibrant Dominican restaurant serving traditional cuisine.

Review: POWERHOUSE at Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre
Review: POWERHOUSE at Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre
October 12, 2022

David Harms' new play POWERHOUSE recently opened this month at Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre (part of A.R.T./New York Theatres), dissecting the gender roles in the workplace in a daring but comedic story.

Interview: Austin McCormick and Sam Urdang Talk COCKTAIL MAGIQUE
Interview: Austin McCormick and Sam Urdang Talk COCKTAIL MAGIQUE
October 12, 2022

Cocktail Magique is the latest show from Company XIV in Brooklyn, combining magic and mixology in one opulent new space. Located down the street from its sister venue, Théâtre XIV, Cocktail Magique Theatre is just as enchanting with a few different tricks up its sleeve.

Review: Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant: A swanky mix of American and Mediterranean cuisine served in the Conrad New York Downtown 
Review: Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant: A swanky mix of American and Mediterranean cuisine served in the Conrad New York Downtown 
October 5, 2022

Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant is an upscale space offering cuisine everyone will love. Open for breakfast and dinner, it’s a great spot for locals and tourists alike who want a solid meal or equally pleasing drinks.



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