Loaded milkshakes, winter inspired beer, and a new VR attraction make for big news in the borough

by Jessica Jones Gorman

NEW WORLDS
A recent arrival at Empire Outlets in St. George, Virtual Rush: New York is a virtual reality video and audio experience that allows visitors to explore new realms to blast o in the Apollo 11 mission launch vehicle, for example, or experience the thrill of earthly flight, underwater exploration, or other adventures via a state of the art 4 D effects system. Developed by Pulseworks, a company that has placed similar experiences at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, Space Center Houston, and the Navy Pier in Chicago, the attraction is located on Level 3 of the shopping destination. “Virtual Reality is leading the innovation in immersive entertainment, and we offer Staten Island visitors, New York residents, and tourists alike a whole new way to experience the world in ways they only dreamed,” said Raj Deshpande, Pulseworks president and CEO. 55 Richmond Terrace, empireoutlets.nyc

SHACK ATTACK
Shake Shack opened its second borough location in December, and the nationally acclaimed burger joint has been adding to our local flavor since. At Empire Outlets, its staffers have been serving a Staten Island exclusive “Empire Shacks Back” shake, featuring vanilla custard, salted caramel sauce, and a Nutella pretzel cookie (the last ingredient by Mark Intoccia, owner of Mark’s Bake Shoppe in Richmondtown). At the Staten Island Mall location, there’s a “Pie Oh My” treat that features vanilla custard and a slice of Brooklyn’s Four & Twenty Blackbirds seasonal pie. Five percent of Pie Oh My sales goes to support the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which helps the families of fallen military members and first responders. 2655 Richmond Avenue (Staten Island Mall), 35 Richmond Terrace (Empire Outlets), shakeshack.com

GOOD FOR WHAT ALES YOU
Staten Island’s own Flagship Brewery introduced a new Winter Ale in December, the same month the six year old establishment made the official switch, for all its brews, from bottles to cans. The hoppy, double red ale is brewed with caramel malt and is both warming and strong at 8% ABV, with an exotic flavor profile that includes pine and cedar. The tap room is open, too, and the Saturday $5 tour (with tasting) is a blast. 40 Min thorne Street, 718.448.5284, flagshipbrewery.nyc