Bonsai, Bistros, and Brooklyn Vibes

Travel

Audio By Carbonatix

Kevin McCullough returns from a mouthwatering Italian adventure, where he and his family devoured Rome and Sorrento one Michelin-worthy bite at a time. His wife’s curated top five eateries will be featured in their Passport Life newsletter, and yes—there was a Louis Vuitton passport holder involved, complete with gold-embossed city stamps. Cristyne, inspired by Kevin’s trip, is planning her own Parisian LV café experience.

Back in NYC, Cristyne shares updates on the mayoral race and a heated debate over a proposed Times Square casino. Broadway is split—actors want it, producers don’t—and restaurateurs like Jeff Bank are weighing in. Meanwhile, the duo gears up for a Brooklyn-centric show featuring two local gems: the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Greenwood Cemetery.

Adrian Benepe from the Botanic Garden joins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their Bonsai collection, including a 500-year-old tree that’s older than NYC itself. He shares the story of Frank Okamura, a Bonsai master who transformed the garden post-WWII. Upcoming events include sake-paired dinners and nighttime Bonsai viewings—yes, trees and tipples!

Next stop: Greenwood Cemetery, where Gabriel Gato unveils a lineup of quirky and captivating programs. From whiskey trolley tours to concerts in the catacombs, Greenwood is redefining cemetery culture. Upcoming events include Revolutionary War reenactments, birding tours, and a greenhouse opening—all designed to enchant and educate.

The episode wraps with shoutouts to the behind-the-scenes team, updates on NYC baseball woes, and a reminder to enjoy Broadway’s Kid’s Night Out. Whether you’re into Bonsai or bourbon, this Fun Friday episode proves that NYC—and its podcast—is always in full bloom.