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Amanda M. Castro

Bio: Amanda M. Castro is a fourth-year journalism major with minors in English and political science at the University of New Haven in West Haven, CT. Originally from Puerto Rico and currently living in New York, Amanda is a well-rounded and focused writer with a desire to write and inform. After graduating in December, she hopes to continue working passionately in the field of journalism to inspire and help people around the world feel represented and informed. In her free time, Amanda writes, reads, and listens to music.
Exclusive Feature

Exclusive Interview with Reggaetón Artist DJ Negro: “I’ll die being a musicologist”

Felix Rodríguez, more widely known as DJ Negro, was a key figure in the early days of reggaetón in San Juan, PR as his work on the turntables and in club management contributed to shape the genre. In an interview with NYC Tastemakers, Rodríguez spoke about the start of his ...

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Radio personality Jewelz López on how things can change in a moment’s notice

In an interview that took place on her birthday, radio personality and voiceover artist Jewelz López sat down with NYC Tastemakers to speak on her career, her life, and confronting a health barrier.

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Stuck on brunch? Calle Ocho has just the remedy

For a satisfying, tasty brunch, Calle Ocho has got us on the bandwagon. This Latin-inspired restaurant has a reason for attracting such a large wave of customers no matter where it is they roam. And though every aspect of this restaurant is alluring, it’s their weekend Boozy Brunches that take ...

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Q&A with rising stars Mia Lailani, Devan Ibiza, father Maximino Perez:
“I think it brought us a lot closer”

The music industry is tough, but family proves to be tougher. NYC Tastemakers had the pleasure of talking with up-and-coming musicians Mia Lailani and Devan Ibiza and their music producing father and manager Maximino Perez to discuss their debut album Blink of an Eye, the meaning of music, and their ...

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Designer Eric Eremita on past, upcoming projects and lucky number 13

Celebrity contractor and designer Eric Eremita, who has previously appeared on more that 70 episodes of home improvement network HGTV’s Love it or List It and Brother vs Brother, has launched his own line of fashion called “THIRTEEN by Eric Eremita,” combining his inventive background and talent in interior design, ...

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Q&A with Robert Clivillés: “I wanted to express ‘Latinism’”

In celebration of Latinx pride and culture, one half of C&C Music Factory Robert Clivillés recently produced and released upbeat, evocative vibe song “Yo Soy Latino (Vamos a Bailar)” by Latinos Del Mundo, accompanied by an equally nostalgic music video. NYC Tastemakers sat down with Clivillés to talk about the ...

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Exclusive Feature

Calle Ocho NYC: Latin Staple in the Upper West Side

Despite facing hell and high water during the pandemic, the Upper West Side’s favorite restaurant was able to relocate and keep their doors open to the public. Pan-Latino restaurant Calle Ocho has long been a favorite for brunch, bottomless sangria, cocktails, and a variety of delectable specialty plates influenced by ...

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Out With the Local, Faux-Italian, In with ‘Supermarket Italy’

Every region of Italy has its own special breads, pastries, pastas, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, wines, and delicacies, all of which are particular to that region and reflect its customs. Though current public health and safety concerns may keep us from traveling overseas at the moment, this online Italian market can ...

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