1.) How long have you been in your city? When did you first visit your city?
January 3rd will mark 13 years in New York City! If I wasn’t already, (I’m a Western New Yorker), then I am now fully a New Yorker at this point. Before moving here, I visited New York 3 times. This first was a Spanish trip in middle school, (and I did not use Spanish once during the trip), the second, was my 16th birthday with my brother and father, and lastly was the time that stood out the most -I was 18 and skipped school.
I started driving to New York and called my dad and told him I was going to a friend’s house to spend the night. It was during that trip I went to my first gay club, The Roxy, but more importantly, I saw two men holding hands walking down 8th Avenue, something I had never imagined possible then; and it was in that moment, I knew this is where I belonged.
2.) Where should people stay and visit?
Anywhere but Times Square!!!! I personally recommend staying in Chelsea, you are still centrally located for most things, there are wonderful places to eat and a plethora of things to do. Some of my favorite things to do in New York, especially with those who have not been here before, is to take them to a speakeasy like Employees Only or Bathtub Gin. Sushi is always a must for dinner, I either hit up MoMoYa, amazing atmosphere and appropriately priced but they don’t take reservations; or Mizu, only a few blocks away with really solid sushi and not as busy so if you can’t get into MoMoYa just head there.
Lastly to go out, I LOVE to take people to a concert, everyone always expects a Broadway show, but live music is more my stream. So I always look to see what DJs are in town and then get tickets, which sets up for a good night of finding a fun club to take them to afterwards.
Priscilla, kween of the pier… Sometimes you just have to be more extra than double mint gum… _________________________________ 📸 by @leoalejandro
3.) Give us a tour of your gayborhood?
Hell’s Kitchen has definitely taken the lead as the new Gayborhood in NY. There is not a lot to do there, other than eat, drink, and go out. For brunch head to 44 and 1/2, its great drinks and really solid food, get the lobster pizza to share, and a cute outdoor table in the back. Chan Teng is a really cool, upscale Chinese restaurant; they put some great twists on the classics. Otherwise go to Pio Pio on 10th Ave for some great Peruvian or stop at V{IV}, on 9th Ave, for some solid Thai food with a fun atmosphere. Then start your night at Rise Bar and work your way down to Therapy for a Drag show and finish the night at Industry across the street for some light dancing.
4.) Where do gentlemen go for brunch?
I’m personally a huge fan of Mexican food for brunch; or any meal honestly. Rocking Horse in Chelsea has great salsa and ships, solid pomegranate chicken enchiladas, and my favorite prickly pear margarita; limit of 2 margs, 3 MAX per person is my personal suggestion, they are deadly. El Vez and Empellon Taqueria are also solid choices.
5.) What’s a hidden gem?
My favorite hidden gem in New York is Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown. It’s on Doyer Ave, literally a back ally, and looks like a cheap diner out of the early 90s; but the food is amazing. You can hit up Apotheke, a really cool speakeasy, next door for great cocktails before or after dinner.
6.) What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?
Raoul’s in SoHo. Best burger hands down, and they have a limited amount of them each night. Plus, upstairs there is a fortune teller, so you can have a great dinner and have a little fun too.
7.) What’s your perfect day in NYC?
That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, and all you need is a light jacket.
Wake up in the morning and hit up a cycling class at Swerve, my favorite class in the city. After getting a good sweat, I’d want to walk around before getting brunch. I’d meet a few friends over at Rocking Horse in Chelsea, have some food and 2-3 Margaritas. We would make our way to a friend’s rooftops at his point, or at least an outdoor area to hang out. Eventually I’d take a long walk home through the city to go get ready for the evening. Grab a bite near my place before heading to see Galatnis, Tritonal, or some other DJ in a concert before finding some amazing warehouse party in Brooklyn to end my night dancing away.
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