Have you ever heard a New Yorker say New York City bagels are the best? If you don’t live in or near the city, then maybe you’ve simply brushed off this claim. But, if you’ve ever tried a NYC bagel, then you understand.

What makes NYC bagels so great?

Classic NYC bagels are fresh out of the oven and require certain preparation and ingredients. Bakers use high-gluten flour, water, yeast, salt and barely malt. The malt creates the smooth sweetness that gives NYC bagels their infamous great taste.

NYC bagels are typically shaped by hand. Once shaped, the dough is left for about 12 hours so it can rise. They are then boiled in water, pressed and baked. When bagels first took over the city, there were four main flavors: plain, sesame, poppy and salt. Today, you can find all sorts of flavors in NYC bagel shops, including garlic, onion, chocolate chip, wheat, everything and cinnamon raisin.
The NYC bagel tradition stems back to Poland in the 1700s. Eastern Europeans started immigrating to NYC in the 1880s, and brought with them their bagel craft.

Top NYC Bagel Shops

Today, amongst all the authentic NYC bagel shops, you may also find chain bagel stores that mass produce bagels, without putting added time or effort into the bagel making process. To help you differentiate the good from the bad, here is a list of the top bagel shops in NYC from Hussain al Nowais, a retired Manhattan chef and restaurant owner. At these bagel shops, you’ll get a taste of old-world New York and understand why NYC bagels are simply the best in the world.

• Absolute Bagels – Situated at 2788 Broadway on the Upper West Side, this bagel shop usually has a line out the door. Here the bagels are always coming fresh out of the oven, and you’re likely to get one when it’s still piping hot. When bagels were first introduced to NYC they were 3 ounces instead of 7. At this bagel shop you can get the traditional 3-ounce bagel.
• Barney Greengrass – Since its humble beginnings in 1908, this bagel shop has served up some of the best bagels in the city. Located at 541 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West, this shop is famous for its Jewish specialties. Try a bagel topped with Nova Scotia salmon or chopping herring salad.
• Russ and Daughter’s – This shop is a must-visit foodie destination, located at 179 E Houston Street on the Lower East Side. The shop is famous for its Jewish delicacies, which it has been serving up since 1914. This shop gets their bagels fresh from Bagel Hole in Brooklyn and finishes them off with their signature Nova lox and Ben’s Cream Cheese.

What’s your favorite bagel shop in NYC?

4 Best Neighborhoods in Miami

With its beautiful sunny skies and miles of white sandy beaches, Miami is prime travel destination. It’s difficult not to fall in love with Miami’s scenic views, unique culture and plethora of activities. It’s no wonder why so many people choose to purchase vacation homes and retire here.

If you’re planning on purchasing residential real estate in Miami, consider one of these top neighborhoods from Miami resident Hussain al Nowais.

1. Downtown Miami – As the most walkable place in the city, Downtown Miami is a beautiful and exciting place to live. It’s the heart of Miami, as well as the commercial center of South Florida, where you’ll find many businesses, banks, shops, entertainment centers, parks, museums and real estate. About 14,000 people live downtown, and homes here range from historic buildings to modern apartments.
2. Coral Gables – Located 6 miles southwest of Downtown Miami is Coral Gables. You may know it as the home of the University of Miami or by its nickname The City Beautiful. The neighborhood is lined with lush banyan trees and beautiful Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Coral Gables is home to many thriving corporations, as well as great shopping, hotels, golfing, and restaurants. Here you can find a range of modern apartments, single-family homes and lavish houses.
3. Little Havana – Situated west of Downtown Miami and south of the Miami River is Little Havana. Approximately 76,000 people live in this neighborhood, and many of them are Cubans. The schools here are operated by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, and the neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and great sense of community.
4. Coconut Grove – Coconut Grove has a relaxed and laid-back vibe with beautiful views of lush tropical foliage and easy access to the beach. The neighborhood has several private schools and a variety of different style homes, including cottages, historic homes, modern condos, and Mediterranean villas. Here you’ll find many great activities like art festivals, fresh markets, and great museums and shopping.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in Miami?

Tips for Buying Commercial Real Estate

Whether you’re expanding your company or starting a new business, one of the most important facets of the progress is choosing your commercial property. Regardless of your industry, buying commercial real estate for your business is a huge investment, so you want to make sure you choose the right property. You commercial property should be well equipped with all the amenities and features your business needs to operate efficiently, as well as enough space should you need to expand your enterprise in the future.

To help you choose the perfect commercial real estate for your business, follow these tips from Hussain al Nowais. Al Nowais is a former-chef who operated his own restaurant in New York City for many years. Through searching for the right property for his restaurant, he learned the ins and outs of finding the best commercial property.

• Budget – Before you can set out hunting for new real estate, you have to review your finances and establish a budget. Chances are you won’t be paying for the commercial space up front, so you’ll need to make sure you can pay for the down payment. Also review your credit score to make sure you’ll qualify for a loan. Once you understand how you will finance the space and what type of space you can afford, you can begin your search.
• Location – Depending on what type of business you own, the location may be what sets your business up for success. For instance, if you own a restaurant or a retail store, you’ll need a property that’s visible and easily accessible. Properties that can be viewed from the street are great because they can attract consumers who are driving by. Maybe your business will perform best if located in a high-traffic shopping area, where shoppers always frequent. Your property should also have plenty of parking spaces. You don’t want to lose out on potential sales due to lack of parking. Likewise, if you own a business that often meets with clients, your business should also be easily to find. All businesses should consider a location that’s safe and provides an easy commute for employees.
• Amenities – Once you find a space you like, you must make sure it has all the amenities your business needs to run successfully. Things to check for are if the building has a security system, central air and an HVAC system, and pre-wiring for internet access. As the property owner, you’ll also be responsible for maintenance, such as repairs, snow removal and landscaping, so be sure to factor those additions into your budget.
• Growth potential – When buying commercial real estate, you need to consider the future. Think about where you’d like your business to be in the next year or so. Hopefully, you’d like your business to grow. If so, you need a space that can accommodate that growth.

When you set out on your search for the perfect commercial real estate, be sure to keep these 4 factors in the back of your mind.

Whether you’re a New Yorker or a tourist, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Central Park. The 843-acre park has tons of walking and running trails where you can explore the beautiful scenery of the park. The park is also home to about 50 foundations, landmarks and sculptures, the Central Park Zoo and more than 20 playgrounds. Check out these top things to do in Central Park from Hussain al Nowais, a former New York resident and business owner.

1. Have a picnic – Enjoy the fresh air and magnificent scenery surrounding you by having a picnic in the park. Bring along your favorite snacks and a picnic blanket. Once you’ve enjoyed your picnic, you can sit back and relax, enjoy your favorite book, fly a kite or walk the trails.
2. Visit the Central Park Zoo – The Central Park Zoo is one of Hussain al Nowais’s favorite places to bring his grandchildren. Located at the south end of the park, the Central Park Zoo is 6.5-acre zoo that houses animals from tropical, temperate and polar zones all over the world. The zoo showcases a wide range of animals, including sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys, snow leopards, grizzly bears, lemurs and more.
3. Take a carriage ride – If this is your first time to the park, consider taking a carriage ride through the park. Since the park is so large, it’s nearly impossible to see the whole park in just one day. A carriage ride will take you through most of the park, so you can see get a full glimpse of the park.
4. Ice skate at Wollman Rink – In the winter time, ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park is a New York tradition. You can bring your own skates or rent some at the rink.
5. Tour the park’s statues and landmarks – As previously stated, the park has about 50 fountains and sculptures, including the famous Balto and Alice in Wonderland statues. Find out which landmarks you are most interested in visiting and spend a day stopping at all of them.

What are you favorite things to do in Central Park?

Miami’s beautiful coastline, vibrant culture and unique wildlife make it a prime vacation spot for families. If you’re planning on visiting Miami this summer, make sure you check out these great family-friendly attractions from Hussain al Nowais.

1. Miami Seaquarium – The Miami Seaquarium is a 38-acre tropical paradise that’s like no place else you’ve ever been. Here you and your family can watch dolphins walk on water and killer whales fly through the air, as well as experience turtles, sea turtles, manatees, and many other aquatic animals up close. The Seaquarium has eight different marine animal shows and several daily presentations.
2. Hollywood Beach – If you’re staying at Miami Beach and want to take a short trip to the north, plan a day trip to Hollywood Beach. The beach is located in between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Along with its white sandy beaches, Hollywood Beach has a 2.5-mile boardwalk with tons of great shops and eateries and walking, jogging and bike paths. The beach also has 3 oceanfront parks, featuring playgrounds, paddleball courts, ping pong tablets, an interactive water play fountain and picnic areas.
3. Zoo Miami – Known as “America’s Wildest Zoo”, Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida and the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The zoo has a wide range of animals from all over the world, including Asia, Australia and Africa. The animals are grouped in their geographic territories with animals they’d live with in the wild, so you can get a glimpse of their natural habitat. At the zoo you can explore white tigers, Cuban crocodiles, gibbons, a komodo dragon, giraffes, black rhino and much more.
4. Jungle Island – Jungle Island was formerly called the Parrot Jungle. Its new name is much more fitting because it has way more animals than just parrots. Here you can see everything from lions, tigers and leopards to kangaroos, lemurs, monkeys, reptiles and penguins. The park has several shows and animal interactions throughout the day, providing the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at the animals.

While many areas of the country are still enduring the cold and snow, it’s all sun and heat in Miami. If you need a break from winter, escape to sunny Southern Florida. Hussain al Nowais shares three exciting events in Miami this March.

Carnaval on the Mile Jazz and Art Festival

Take part in a free weekend of art, jazz music, and great food at the annual Carnaval on the Mile Jazz and Art Festival. The event will feature top Latin jazz bands, delicious foods from local restaurants, and an Artist Village with artisans selling paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and glasswork. The event is March 4 to 5 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.

Miami International Film Festival

Returning for its 34th year, the Miami International Film Festival brings the finest cinema in the world to South Florida. The event is administered by Miami Dade College and features film screenings and events at a variety of beautiful venues throughout Miami. The festival will take place from March 3 to 12 and showcase national and international films across a range of styles and genres. Ticket prices for the screenings are $12 to $14.

Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay

Enjoy a non-stop celebration of all things seafood at the annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay. The event will feature delicious fresh seafood, celebrity chef demonstrations, live entertainment, kid-friendly games and activities, and a Bahamian Junkanoo musical parade. This fun-filled event will take place on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Deering Estate (16701 SW 72nd Avenue in Palmetto Bay, Miami, FL 33157). Tickets cost $15 for adults in advance, $25 at the door, and $5 for children ages 4 to 14.

While the rest of the country is experiencing cold and snow, the sun still shines bright in Miami during the month of February. Escape the winter weather, and visit Miami to enjoy these exciting events from Hussain al Nowais.

Miami International Boat Show: Feb. 11-15

The annual Miami International Boat Show returns this February at the Miami Marine Stadium, located right on the water across from Downtown Miami. This event offers the best in boating, sailing, fishing and diving and is a must-go event for boating enthusiasts. Tickets start at $20.

Taste of Miami: Feb. 18

Taste of Miami is hosted by the Miami Marlins and celebrity chef Adrianne Calvo. At Marlin Park Miami’s top chefs and athletes will compete in a live cooking show, with proceeds of the event benefitting the Marlins Foundation. Tickets start at $99 and include unlimited gourmet bites, craft beer and wine.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival: Feb. 18-20

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival offers a fun weekend filled with live music, delicious foods, outdoor entertainment, and of course—amazing art. The event will feature more than 300 international artists and take place along the eclectic streets of Coconut Grove. Tickets cost $5 for Coconut Grove Residents with ID; $15 for adults; and free for children under 12.

South Beach Wine and Food Festival: Feb. 22-26

In its 16th year, this five-day event is a foodie’s paradise, featuring gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, and delicious wine, champagne and beer. Events are held at different venues in the South Beach area, including the Fountainbleau, the Ritz Carlton and the Delano. Ticket prices vary by event.

Will you be spending the holidays in Miami? Hussain al Nowais invites you to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with these festive activities and events.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Santa’s Enchanted Forest is one of Miami’s most anticipated holiday attractions. Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the largest Christmas-themed amusement park and carnival. Featuring over three million lights, a 92″ Christmas tree, and photo ops with Santa, this event will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit.  The event is also filled with your favorite amusement rides, carnival rides and carnival treats, like fresh donuts, funnel cake, caramel apples, and more.

You can visit Santa’s Enchanted Forest, held at Tropical Park, from now through January 8, 2017. Tickets cost $31.78 for adults (ages 10-64), $22.43 for children (ages 3-9), and $22.43 for seniors (64+). Season and express passes are also available.

Miami On Ice Holiday Ice Skating Rink

Who needs Rockefeller Center when you have Miami on Ice? Enjoy this holiday tradition at the Interncontinental Hotel, located at 100 Chopin Plaza. The rink is located on the holiday’s beautiful patio, which overlooks the Bay. Ice skating costs $15 per hour for adults and $12 per hour for children; prices include skate rentals.

A Christmas Carol, The Musical

Enjoy a musically charged adaption of your favorite holiday classic. A Christmas Carol, The Musical is being performed now through Christmas Eve at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables. Tickets range from $13 to $20. Visit actorsplayhouse.org for tickets.

When most people plan their trips to Miami, they usually do so during the summer to take full advantage of the warmth and sunshine. While Miami is a summer hot spot, it’s certainly worth visiting during other times of the year. If you’re seeking a getaway before or during the holidays, Hussain al Nowais recommends you head to Miami. Here are three reasons why:

Escape the cold

Though you may see some locals bundled up in sweaters and scarves, Miami is still relatively warm in December. Especially if you’re coming from somewhere with frigid temperatures and snowfall, you’ll be sure to enjoy the pleasant climate. Temperatures can rise into the high 70’s and 80’s and cool down into the 60’s at night.

Enjoy holiday festivities 

You don’t need cold, snowy weather to celebrate the holidays. You can escape the cold while enjoying all of the great holiday events and festivals going on in Miami. Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the world’s largest holiday theme park, featuring over three million holiday lights, carnival rides, shows, games and a massive Christmas tree. You also won’t want to miss the Miami City Ballet’s unbelievable performance of the Nutcracker, or the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and holiday light displays at Deering Holiday Wonderland.

Beat the crowds

Summer and spring are the busiest times for Miami tourism, so you’ll be sure to appreciate the fewer crowds of tourists in December. Your flight and lodging accommodations will certainly be cheaper this time of year, and you can enjoy the beach without having to worry about tons of beach umbrellas blocking the gorgeous ocean view.

Heading to Miami, Florida this fall? Check out these fun fall festivals from Hussain al Nowais.

Grovetoberfest

Visit Peacock Park on October 15, 2016 for Grovetoberfest— Miami’s Craft Beer Festival. This fun event showcases the best craft beers throughout South Florida, while also offering various brews from around the country and the world. The festival is open to those who are $21 and older, with tickets ranging from $40 to $90. Visit grovetoberfest.com to learn more and buy tickets.

South Beach Seafood Festival

Head to Lummus Park on October 22, 2016 for the 4th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival, also known as the SOBE Seafood Festival. The event will feature great food from a variety of local restaurants, including CJ’s Crab Shack, Poseidon, A Fish Called Avalon, and Joe’s Stone Crabs. In addition to delicious seafood, attendees can enjoy live music, a beer garden, a Whole Foods demo zone, and the beautiful beach. Tickets cost $35 for General Admission and $150 for VIP. Visit sobeseafoodfest.com to learn more and buy tickets.

Miami Harvest Festival

The Miami Harvest Festival is a must-attend event that offers fun for the whole family. The event will feature arts and crafts, live entertainment, great food, bounce houses, a model train village, a classic car show, face painting, hayrides, pony rides, a cutest baby contest, and much more. Held on November 19 and 20, 2016 from 10 am to 5 pm, the Harvest Festival also provides a variety of vendors for you to get a jump start on your holiday shopping, plus visits with Santa for the kids. The event will be held at the Miami Dade Fair Expo. Visit miamiharvest.com for more information.