On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan answers one of the most popular questions: how to obtain discount tickets for Broadway shows. Joan highlights traditional methods like visiting the TKTS booths in Times Square and Lincoln Center, which offer last-minute tickets at up to 50% off. She also explains how to use online tools like the TDF website and the TodayTix app to track availability and prices in real-time, and discusses the benefits of lottery and rush ticket options for popular shows. By following Joan's tips, listeners can enjoy major Broadway productions at reduced prices.

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Joan discusses how to plan your Passover Seder in New York City, highlighting three notable restaurants. Talia's Steakhouse and Bar offers a traditional kosher Passover experience with communal Seders at their restaurant and the Jewish Center. Bubby Tribeca provides a non-kosher comfort food Seder for a relaxed, self-led meal. Lastly, Mark's off Madison caters to foodies with a gourmet take on traditional Jewish American dishes, and an extensive Passover catering menu. Joan provides details on the menus, costs, and reservation information for each venue.

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Joan Hamburg engages in a riveting discussion with acclaimed writer Gay Talese about his new book, 'A Town Without Time,' and his unique perspective on New York City. Gay shares nostalgic memories of iconic city spots like Gino's and Elaine's and reflects on the evolving landscape of the city. He talks about his experiences writing for The New York Times and his fascination with the ordinary people who shape the city's character. The conversation touches on the timeless magic of New York, Talese's storytelling craft, and his dedication to capturing the essence of everyday New Yorkers in his writing. Listeners get a vivid, heartfelt portrayal of the city through the eyes of one of its most passionate chroniclers.

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On this edition of Joan Eats, Joan shares her latest culinary find, Jones Wood Foundry, a British gastropub on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Opened in 2011, this inviting spot offers classic British dishes for lunch, dinner, and brunch, along with a heated outdoor garden. Joan highlights some menu favorites such as fish and chips, Shepherd's Pie, and traditional sides like minted mushy peas. The pub also boasts a great selection of beers and a unique English-inspired brunch menu on weekends. Additionally, they offer a happy hour with British bites and draft beers for six dollars. Prices range from $21 to $29, making it a delightful dining option.

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On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan discusses the upcoming cherry blossom season and the best locations to view these beautiful blooms. Highlighted spots include Branchbrook Park in Essex County, New Jersey, which boasts over 5,200 cherry blossom trees, and is less than an hour from Manhattan, New York's Central Park, offering an interactive Cherry Blossom Tracker and guided tours, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, home to a diverse collection of cherry blossoms. Joan provides practical advice on planning visits, avoiding crowds, and enjoying family-friendly events such as the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival.

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On this edition of Joan Eats, Joan shares a simple and delicious recipe for corned beef hash using leftover corned beef from St. Patrick's Day. The basic recipe involves equal parts cubed leftover corned beef and boiled potatoes, with half the amount of chopped onions. Joan emphasizes the importance of letting the ingredients cool before cooking. The onions are sautéed until translucent, then the potatoes and corned beef are added and pressed down to form a crust. The mixture is flipped to brown the other side and seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, thyme, and optionally cayenne pepper. Additional vegetables and toppings like fried eggs, cream, or Worcestershire sauce can also be added for extra flavor.

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On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan discusses the benefits of garage sales and introduces listeners to Habitat for Humanity ReStores. These nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances at a fraction of their retail price. The proceeds support Habitat for Humanity's mission to build homes locally and globally. Joan highlights the various ReStores in the New York Tri-State area, noting their diverse sizes, operating hours, and unique merchandise, which can include everything from a casserole dish to an entire kitchen setup. She also provides information on donation criteria, tax-deductible donations, and how the ReStores help families build a foundation for their future. For more details, she directs listeners to Habitat for Humanity's website and contact information.

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Joan Hamburg interviews Elaine Weiss, an acclaimed journalist and author, on Talk Radio 77 WABC. Weiss discusses her new book 'Spell Freedom,' which delves into the role of grassroots citizenship schools in the civil rights movement. These makeshift schools taught black citizens in the Jim Crow South to read, write, and understand their constitutional rights, enabling them to reclaim their voting rights and fight systemic oppression. The book highlights the immense bravery and resilience of ordinary people facing severe reprisals for attempting to register to vote. Weiss draws parallels between past and present struggles for democratic rights, highlighting the continuing challenges in U.S. democracy. The conversation provides a deep dive into historical efforts to uphold democracy and stresses the importance of learning from these lessons in today's sociopolitical climate.

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On this edition of Joan Eats, Joan shares tips on ordering hassle-free St. Patrick's Day meals. She highlights packages from Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, offering traditional Irish feasts in two sizes, pre-prepared and ready to heat and serve. Joan also discusses Katz's Deli's special Reuben sandwich kit, complete with corned beef or pastrami and all the fixings, available for nationwide delivery. Additionally, she mentions Lovell's, a renowned NYC butcher providing high-quality, USDA Prime corned beef available for preorder. Listeners are provided with websites and prices to easily place their orders and enjoy a festive St. Paddy's Day meal at home.

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On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan provides comprehensive details about the 264th New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, set for March 17, 2025. This year's Grand Marshal is Michael A. Benn. The parade, featuring over 150,000 marchers from various groups, will take place along 5th Avenue from 44th to 79th Streets, starting at 11 a.m. and ending around 4:30 p.m. Key tips include arriving early, checking parade schedules at nycstpatricksparade.org, and planning for street closures. For those not attending, the event will be broadcast on NBC4 and streamed online. Additional advice covers parking reservations and navigating public transportation through new.mta.info. Essential resources like gottogonyc.com for bathroom locations and parkwiz.com for parking can enhance your parade experience.

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