manhattan digest

The Kitano Midtown: So Much More Than Your Average Hotel

In my entire time reviewing at Manhattan Digest, I have never had an experience where I reviewed a place within a place before reviewing the actual… place. Sounds confusing, right? Let me make this more clear. Last weekend I was entranced and delighted to experience The Kitano Hotel’s weekend “Jazz At Kitano”, which takes place each Sunday. You can read my fab review here. As great as the experience was, something I noticed on a larger scale was how breathtakingly beautiful The Kitano Hotel was. It’s grandiose in stature and decorated so amazingly upon first glance that I knew I had to do something more than just the brunch write up. And boy was I glad that I made that decision.

Kitano Hotel, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: The Kitano Hotel

I was lucky enough to stay at Kitano this past weekend on a chilly Friday and Saturday here in New York City. The hotel spans over 17 floors with incredible views of several New York City landmarks. The room I stayed is was beyond compare (If you want to choose the ultimate to stay in at Kitano, Suite 1702 will be your best bet), as it was almost like being in an apartment with a fantastic view, and quite possibly the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in while at a hotel. Not to mention they have Bidet’s, which I have never experienced before but was quite happy with the end result (silly joke).

While I stayed there, I got to sit down and interview the wonderful manager Zack Zahran about the history of the hotel, amenities you get while staying and why Kitano is the best place to stay in New York City.

Please tell me a little more about Kitano. How did this establishment get started?

The Kitano Hotel New York opened its doors in 1973 as New York’s first Japanese hotel. Forty one years later it remains the first and only Japanese-owned hotel and has become an integral part of one of Manhattan’s historic neighborhoods, Murray Hill. Located four blocks south of Grand Central Station on fashionable Park Avenue at 38^thStreet, the 18-story hotel towers over some of New York City’s most magnificent turn-of-the-century dwellings, offering spectacular views of city landmarks. The hotel features 149 guestrooms, including 17 contemporary suites and a one-of-a-kind Japanese Tatami Suite. The Kitano Hotel New York is also home to the critically acclaimed Michelin-rated Hakubai restaurant where traditional Kaiseki delicacies are served.

Is it true you are the only Japanesed owned hotel here in New York City?

The Kitano Hotel New York is Manhattan’s first and only Japanese-owned hotel, offering extraordinary traditional Japanese hospitality.

What are some of the amenities that you get when staying at Kitano?

The Kitano Hotel New York is home to the critically acclaimed Michelin-rated Hakubai restaurant where traditional Kaiseki delicacies are served. Our other on-Site dining venue, JAZZ at KITANO, opens at 7:00 AM for breakfast, lunch at 12:00 noon, and dinner at 5:00 PM. Other amenities include:

Room Service

24-hour Business Center

Valet service

High-speed wired and wireless Internet access

Iron, ironing board and hair dryer

Complimentary coffee and tea

Sleeper Sofa Available in Suites

Individual thermostat control

Power socket is 110V and adaptors are available

Fully stocked minibar

Oversized executive work desk

In-room safe

Luxurious marble bathroom

Separate shower stall and bath tub

Flat screen television, radio and alarm clock

Bathrobes and slippers

Daily local and Japanese newspaper

Dual-line telephone with voicemail system

Wheelchair accessible

Raised toilet seat on request

Pet-friendly

Manhattan Digest, Kitano Hotel — Credit to: Kitano New York

Do you have a brunch spot on location at Kitano? Can you tell me a little more about that?

Known for an acclaimed jazz program, The Kitano is home to JAZZ at KITANO, a supper club located in a former Rockefeller townhouse adjacent to the hotel, featuring daily performances of classic and contemporary jazz accompanied by a Pan-Asian inspired menu and offering Jazz Brunch every Sunday from 12 to 2:30 PM at $38.00 per person, including Bloody Mary and Mimosa.

Why ultimately should people choose The Kitano Hotel upon their next visit to New York City?

Our location, at 38th Street and Park Avenue, is perfect for guests who wish to stay in the heart of the city, footsteps from the most prestigious shopping, entertainment and cultural district. The hotel is within walking distance to The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, The United Nations, Grand Central Station, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, historic museums and Broadway theaters.

We provide great customer service, for our guests’ maximum comfort, and all the necessities to make them feel at home. Our rooms are clean and stylish with great beds, original artwork, and luxurious marble showers, at reasonable prices, with deals to be found on the web.

Owners and management clearly care about the details and maintenance. Everything looks well-maintained and clean; the staff is genuinely hospitable with great attitudes.

The Kitano team is the perfect host for a supremely memorable wedding; our 18^th floor ballroom offers stunning views of The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, making for a perfect backdrop for distinctive photo opportunities. Only one wedding per day takes place at the hotel, ensuring exclusivity and personalized attention.

Something that is worth highlighting with Kitano New York is that, as previously stated, they are much more than just a fabulous place for you to stay for a night or more. If you are looking for a space to hold a wedding, seminar, meeting, or whatever business type thing you have going on, they have you covered and then some. Let me introduce the Penthouse Banquet Suite.

Kitano New York, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Kitano New York

I was able to meet with their fantastic Catering Sales Manager Melissa Paston to learn more about this added bonus that The Kitano New York offers. “The Penthouse Banquet Suite features incredible views of the Empire State Building and Midtown from the large outdoor terraces. The food and beverage comes from our signature restaurants Jazz at Kitano (American cuisine) and Hakubai (Japanese cuisine).” The Penthouse is ideal for the following types of functions:

Weddings with up to 70 guests

Cocktail Parties for up to about 125 guests

Landmark Celebrations: Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Sweet 16 Parties, Anniversaries

Rooftop BBQ for up to 125 guests

Meetings with up to 70 guests

Pricing for these events run at different costs of course, however they are affordable and ultimately worth it given what they are providing and then some. With wedding season coming up shortly, as well as the warm summer months approaching, the Kitano is a great place for you to hold your next big event.

Of all the hotels that I have stayed and reviewed with Manhattan Digest, this one in particular gets immensely high honors for its professionalism, look, spaciousness, variety of options and overall experience. Easily a 10 out of 10 in my book. I would recommend highly staying here the next time you are in New York City for whatever reason need be. All of the information about the hotel and The Penthouse Banquest Suite can be found on their official page located here.

Kitano New York

66 Park Avenue East 38th Street

212-885-7000

Get To Know Sexy Music Bear Tony Banks

by Ryan Shea

Bear, hip-hop, LGBT. Three words you don’t necessarily see in the music world, however it does exist and has quite a large fan base once you discover the talents that are out there. One person in particular that exemplifies that is Boston (and frequent Manhattan visitor) Tony Banks, who has made quite a lot of strides in and out of the music world. A well known presence in the bear community, Tony has developed a big following on social media with his R&B jams and hip-hop rhythms that he has created to get himself where he is today. I respect someone like him who goes after their dreams and he is a great example of one that is out there today.

Tony sat down with me to discuss a bevy of topics such as his inspirations, thoughts about gay men in the music world, who he is feeling right now, favorite songs he has made and future plans. Take a look.

Tony Banks, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Tony Banks

Thanks for sitting down with me Tony. So what got you into the music scene in the first place?

Thanks for having me. I’ve been attracted to music since birth. My mother was a church singer so I did the whole church choir thing as a child. Growing up I also dabbled with many different instruments, from guitar and piano to trumpet and drums. I started writing and making beats when I was 15. My best friend at the time and I were tinkering around with the idea of creating a group called 2WICE. He was a rapper and I was a singer. Similar to the “Best Of Both Worlds” album but 15 years earlier. I still might do something like it for the LGBT community. I then did some work at a recording studio and learned the boards, how to produce, how to record and run a session. The rest was just time, experience and a little courage.

Growing up you had to have influences that inspired you to go this route in your career. Who were some of your biggest influences?

I think my first influence like many in my age bracket was Michael Jackson. I remember the “Off The Wall” and “Thriller” album being played in the house. My sister used to scare me with the “Thriller” video. And when I was a little older and able to understand music being obsessed with the “BAD” album. Then it moved towards other contemporary artist, mostly males. Then when Missy Elliot came on the scene I saw a piece of myself. She was big in size but never let it slow her down. The music was fun and silly, but also had meaning- Real Hip-Hop in a Rap dominated world. Plus she could sing and rhyme. She still influences me to this day. Even if she did lose weight….haha. LL Cool J, Andre 3000, Mos Def, Slick Rick, Stevie Wonder and a mess of others have influenced me as well. But I’m also a fan of music of all types. From artist like Jim Croce to Dinah Washington to Leonard Bernstein to Pat Metheny to Buddy Rich Big Band and everything in-between and beyond. I’m not stuck in one style of music. Never have.

Your music has some serious R&B and hip-hop beats when it comes to the music you produce. Was that always the venue you wanted to go in?

Yes and No. I’m a huge fan of the 90’s era of hip-hop/R&B music. The mixture of different styles and fusion of sounds was very moving. That was when my creative world really started to form. Actually my first dream was to be an R&B singer. So I would study male R&B artists, past and present. When I started to learn the business and who makes the money I said hell with that I want to be a songwriter. So I would write songs and poems all the time. Life took over. Fast forward. A few years ago I did a funny xmas song. A pop/ hip-hop track. It sparked something that has just evolved into a Hip-Hop/R&B/Pop mix which is the sound of Tony Banks. Something I think is very unique in the LGBT world. So if you listen I write a lot of my music like an R&B song but with more of a rap flow. But I am NOT a rapper!

In 2015 there still really isn’t an out and proud gay man when it comes to the R&B and hip-hop world, outside of Frank Ocean yet he is admittedly bisexual. Why do you think this is?

There are plenty of out and proud gay men in the R&B/ Hip-Hop culture. Just not many getting the credit or artistic respect that they deserve by the mainstream market. Oddly enough the world has proven that it does accept gay pop artists. Look at Sam Smith, Ricky Martin, Lance Bass, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and Elton John. See a pattern? It’s only in the Hip-Hop world that the culture is holding on to this fantasy that gay artist don’t belong. So many of the ones who are mainstream have to hide on the DL. But yet everyone wants to know who the gay rapper is. We are out here! 1000’s of us within the hip-hop community. Creating good music we would love the masses to hear and embrace.

Do you think it is hard for any man of color to be gay in that particular industry that is known for its homophobic over and undertones?

Men….Yes outside a certain field but women no. We have female R&B/Hip-hop artist who are either out or creeping out the closet. Yet the men who are in the industry are the A&R’s, designers, hair and make-up, choreographers, etc. People who are accepted because of their jobs, skills and trades and could make a difference but are afraid to rock the boat. But the more people realize that hip-hop music is for the story teller, the dreamer, the underdog and not just some stupid mask of masculinity the sooner we will be able to move forward. But the black community as a whole has to accept those things first. And erase their negative views on homosexuality. Which is why shows like “Empire” are so ground breaking and important.

How do you plan on breaking that mold?

I’m not trying to break any molds because I don’t believe I’m stuck in one. Either you accept me or you don’t, but that is more your problem and less mine. I’m making music for the grown and sexy. The hip-hop head who wants to feel something again when they listen to music. Who can relate to what I’m saying and see themselves in my words. Hell just by being me I’ve already broken any mold that my big ass would have been squeezed into anyway. But I would love to perform more and get the music out to new audiences. Become a sort of trailblazer for others who might want to follow in my music bear foot steps.

Of all the songs you recorded, what has been your favorite and why?

I don’t have a favorite but I do have a lot of songs I LOVE. One of those is a song called “Bring it Home”. It’s a song about my partner working, going to school, having fun, living life but when you done all that bring it home to me. Other songs I love are “Whip It”, “Work It”, “Sex Tape” and “Lemme Do You”. Basically if I put it out I love it. I’m a fan of my own work for sure and my own number 1 fan. You have to be. If not then why do it. But I must say one of my most emotional songs that I really love is called “Blue Lights”. “Red and Blue lights in the rear view. While I’m trying to get home to you”. Very cinematic. Sorta like the end of the movies “Set It Off” and “Waist Deep”. Moments when the cops are facing you, you in the car and all you do is think about that person you love before you press the gas and gun it.

Do you have a dream artist or group you are looking to work with?

Missy would be my dream artist to work with for sure, Then LL Cool J. I modeled my swag after him a lot. In reality there are plenty of artist and groups in the LGBT world I would love to work with. I just finished 2 features on other artist projects just this week, both nationally and internationally, but at the same time I’m trying to evolve my sound past “Beats” and more into Hip-hop/Soul just like the Roots. Doing things like bringing in live instruments and opening my music to a wider community. Festivals, concerts and more “mainstream” while still being hip-hop and a gay artist. At almost 34 years old I’m too old to stay in one lane. If you couldn’t tell I’m not a one dimensional person which certainly shapes my music and artistic choices.

Who currently do you think is killing it in the music biz?

My favorite artist right now is Sam Smith. Not because he is gay but because he created a masterpiece of an album. I’m glad he is single again, but would be interested to see what his music would sound like if he were in a relationship. It sucks that so many people come and go in this industry. One hot song and you are everywhere, then nothing. I’m excited to see what Kendrick Lamar has for his follow-up album and I’m personally a big fan of Childish Gambino. A Grammy nom isn’t easy to get but was worth it. He is becoming a great story teller of hip-hop, same with School Boy Q.

You are and out and proud gay man and artist. What was the experience for you to come out and was the process difficult?

Coming out was a 8 year or so process. A mother always knows but most moms don’t just approach you about it. I recall being younger, maybe 12 and my mother asking me if I were gay. Knowing I was, I told her no. She asked every few years and I always said no. Christmas day in like 2002 or 2003 my older sister found a picture in my book bag of my then boyfriend and I kissing on the fountain at a resort in Orlando. I told my mom I was bi to soften the blow…haha, but since then things have been really smooth. My family loved both my partners since then, and they are very cool with it to where my mom came to my wedding.

What do you have going on right now musically that our readers can know about?

Like I said I’m working on evolving my sound as well as trying different ways to explore music and creativity. I’m about to start working with DJ Shane Phoenix on an EDM/Hip-Hop project as well as releasing my first full length LP “Chocolate Cake” which I’m excited about. I’m performing as a featured artist in NYC end of March for the Bureau Of General Services-Queer Division which should be very cool. I’m looking at doing a concert window event with a guitarist and performing at a few festivals down in Texas. Doing shows in the Southern Region. I just got booked as entertainment for a cruise4bears event this summer. For the first time traveling I’m past London into Spain and Italy. I’m also working on a few more dance/pop tracks for that trip as well as a doing a bunch of collabs. Lots of fun things. All part of the Music Bear Movement.

What are your hopes for 2015 and beyond?

I’m growing beyond being just an artist but becoming a brand. I’ve got a few sponsorship deals and have been the face of a few products for the bear community as well as the overall hip-hop community. So I hope to continue with those ventures. This is one of the first summers I’ve had off since becoming more involved in my career, so I’m excited and looking forward to performing at as many Pride festivals as possible, both in the US and abroad. I also hope to get to London later this year as well as Asia. I just want to reach as many ears as I can- Straight, Gay, doesn’t matter. Believe it or not I do have straight fans. And when you as a gay male can make a lesbian feel sexy and nasty with your music you know you have reached new heights.

For more on Tony Banks, check out his official page & Facebook.

Celebrate National Margarita Day Year Round At Haru Sushi

by Ryan Shea

Up until last week I had no idea that there was an actual 24 hour celebration to honor the Margarita. Yes, the margarita, one of tastiest and delectable drinks out there right now. As someone who isn’t the biggest beer person, a margarita is a perfect alternative that blends delicious fruity flavors with quality types of vodka and brim to the rim with sugar or salt (depending on what you like). So with National Margarita Day finishing up yesterday, several places across New York City celebrated in their own unique way with giving their spin on what is the best Margarita out there.

Luckily, Manhattan Digest has got you covered by giving you the inside scoop about one of the best and most delicious margaritas out there- The Patron Green Tea Margarita served at Haru Sushi. I have covered Haru Sushi before for the site to great results in terms of taste, decor and variety of sushi options that they provided. Yet, I did not try out their line of alcoholic beverages that night and was delighted to see this particular item on their menu that is offered year round. The Margarita itself has a great color to it and taste, and is something affordable ($13 per) and a great choice to drink especially with the warm spring & summer months coming soon.

Here is what goes into making the Margarita if you don’t get the chance to visit NYC or want to do this at home-

1.5 oz Patron Reposado tequila

0.5 oz Zen Green Tea Liqueur

0.5 oz Sour mix

0.2 oz Triple Sec

0.1 oz Roseâ€™s Lime Juice

Shaken over ice, strain, and serve straight up in a Cosmo glass, garnish the rim of the glass with salt.

I would encouraged you to pair the Green Tea Margarita with some of Haru’s Meixcan-inspired dishes, such as Trio of Fish Tacos ($13) and Lobster Mango Ceviche ($15), alongside classic Japanese favorites such as Chicken Teriyaki ($21).

Want to know even more about Haru Sushi including locations, menus and more? Check out their official site for more detail.

DiMi Marc Releases Brand New Video “Superficial”

by Ryan Shea

Long Island born and bred Dimi Marc has kept himself quite busy over the past year or so. After ambitiously releasing three different mixtapes last year, he now is bracing fans with even more music in 2015 with his upcoming EP release “Bad Day” slated for release this coming Spring. To give fans a taste of what is to come, he has officially released the first video and single off of the EP called “Superficial” which you can exclusively view here on Manhattan Digest!

As previously discussed, “Superficial” is the first single off DiMi’s new project and it pairs him with frequent collaborator, dFresh, on the production and vocals. After exclusive appearances on DJ El Sid Loves The White Girlz Vol. 3, DiMi Marc delivers what promises to be one of this year’s biggest bangers. Directed by CEO Productions, the party themed video gets us excited for the warmer months ahead with its great beats and sick lyricism throughout. DiMi always delivers in both his fast paced and slow paced jams that he comes out with, and “Superficial” is another great example of that.

Don’t know much about DiMi yet? Here is some more information on this super talented guy. DiMi Marc is a New York rapper residing in Boston, best known from his mixtapes as a strong lyricist and catchy hook writer. Well educated with dual bachelors, two masters, and a law degree, DiMi Marc owns several companies and is already considered by industry insiders as being the next entertainment mogul of the new generation. Musically DiMi Marc is best comparable to Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino, and Drake. I have profiled him several times on Manhattan Digest regarding his career and music. Check out one of the interviews here.

For more information on DiMi, including information on upcoming projects and tour dates, visit his official site.

Galli Livens Up The Lower East Side With Its Scrumptious Brunch

by Ryan Shea

The Lower East Side continues to be a thriving part of New York City when it comes to trends like food, fashion and architecture. Something that goes beyond the trend that Manhattanites have enjoyed for years upon years is the weekend brunch that we all love for mutliple reasons (alcohol in the morning, eggs in the afternoon, both if ya nasty). Luckily a great new spot has opened that combines everyone’s love for Brunch and then some. I am talking about Galli, located on 98 Rivington Street between Orchard & Ludlow.

Manhattan Digest, Galli — Credit to: Brandsway Creative

Easily accessible on multiple subways (I prefer the F to Essex/Delancey), Galli is a great new addition to the LES with its basic black structure and homey type environment. I also love the window aspect as it gives a great view of outside world of the Lower East Side. Now let’s discuss the food as that is what made the overall experience fantastic when me and my friend visited.

Gaii, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Brandsway Creative

Two starters that work for both brunch and lunch are their delicious rice balls in a savory marinara sauce and their Carciofi which is pan fried artichoke, parmigiano with a side of chipotle mayo. I have never had artichokes pan fried before and it was absolutely delicious. For your main course, I would highly recommend what is pictured above- The Breakfast Bucatini. This consists of Bucatini pasta, bacon, romano infused cream cheese and a fried egg. A classic spin on both pasta and eggs with a great twist that is absolutely delicious. For a more classic approach with no spin, the steak and quail eggs with asparagus on top is great example of keeping it simple yet tasty. For dessert, try the Tiramisu. Great way to end the meal.

Check out the official site and if you are ever in the LES check them out! Such a great Italian spot!

Get To Know Handsome “Death Lord” Author Larkin Magnus

by Ryan Shea

A common thread in the people that I interview is that they started somewhere and in the midst of their life discovered a passion for what they love and turn it into something for others to appreciate. Larkin Magnus is a fine example of that. Larkin, who currently resides in San Diego by way of Chicago, is an amazing author who recently released his fascinating sci-fi book called “Death Lord”. Like other people that I have interviewed before, Larkin has also developed quite the following on his social networking pages, due in particular to his funny, positive outlook on things. Oh, and he’s just so freaking handsome and full of brains and wit. So naturally, I had to interview him about the book and so much more.

Take a look at my exclusive with Larkin including his inspirations into sci-fi growing up, his amazing body transformation, how he sees the gay community and what is next for him.

Larkin Magnus, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Larkin Magnus

Hey Larkin, thanks for sitting down with us! So tell me about your book “Death Lord”, what is it all about?

Death Lord is a story set 10,000 years in the future. thousand years since humanity first began expanding into the wider galaxy. There’s been a cataclysm that nearly destroyed the empire and now humanity is nominally united but practically fractured and factious. The greatest force holding the empire together and protecting it from alien predation is the Archon Guard: superhuman gene-fabricated warriors designed to destroy the Empire’s enemies, both from without and within.

The story follows Captain Cain Sigarian of the archon IV guard core Death Lords, who commands the strikeship Nightwing. He and his squad, along with a crew of mortal warriors loyal to the IV, are on a priority mission whose parameters are secret to almost everyone except the captain himself. But Cain soon finds that while he has been keeping secrets, his commanders in the Death Lords have an agenda of their own that could tie him into a web much larger than he bargained for. The characters all struggle with their own secrets and loyalties and over the course of the story have to face decisions about betraying their oaths to the Empire and fulfilling their mission.

What inspired you to become a writer and ultimately choose the sci-fi route?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer since I was little, but for whatever dumb reason thought you needed an education for it. After a BA in English, and Masters in 19th Century Literature, and slogging my way to ABD in a PHD for Rhetoric, it dawned on me that I actually hated working at a university and didn’t need it at all to do what I wanted with my life. Lesson learned, if a few years too late. What really made me want to write was also what drew me to science fiction: growing up watching scifi and wishing the storied turned out differently. I would daydream about how I wished a Star Trek episode had gone, or how I thought an episode of X-Men could have been better, or how I wished certain characters got more face time than the others. So now I write stories and get them to go the way I want.

Did you have any inspirations in the writing and sci-fi world that led you to write this story?

I have many influences. I grew up watching Star Trek, but while I like it, the universe isn’t really my aesthetic. My imagination is a little darker and a little more pessimist about the human race. I took more influence from anime and video games I think. Death Note, Bleach, Gundam Wing, Iria, Big O, and Evangelion were all favorites, and I played Dawn of War, Starcraft, Halo, and Mass Effect as well. I like all Science Fiction but particularly I enjoy sprawling epic narratives like space operas with a darker hue. Not quite dystopian – a dystopia to me implies something fundamental has changed about human society, and I think at a basic level that mankind doesn’t change a whole lot from age to age. We just get better toys!

Speaking of inspiration, something you document on your Facebook page quite often is your body transformation which is quite incredible. As someone who has yo-yoed with their weight there is always a point where you reach your bottom at your heaviest. What was yours?

I was driving home from the grocery store when it happened. My car was loaded up with sacks of groceries for the coming week: hamburger patties and multigrain bread, whole wheat pasta and a few cans of diced tomatoes with basil and onion, a few boxes of lean pockets, three 12 packs of Coke Zero (they’re by 2 get 1 free!!), skim milk and Honey Nut Cheerios, a dozen eggs and a bottle of OJ, low fat sliced cheese and a couple pounds of deli meat, a head of lettuce and a sack of peppers, and a box of sugar free chocolates as a treat for later on. This was a Friday, though, so a couple of other things made it into the car: a box of Publix sushi (half consumed on the ride home), and a sack from Empire Cuisine next to Publix containing General Tso’s Chicken, Krab Rangoon, and Steamed Dumplings. Because while the groceries were there for the week, Friday was the day I could eat what I really enjoyed: Asian food. At that point in the afternoon I was basically starving, which is why my sushi was half gone on the ride home. I was racing, fast as I reasonably could through a part of town notorious for speed traps, to get home so I could toss the groceries on the counter, crack open a Coke Zero, and drop on the couch to dig into some General Tso’s Chicken. It was this amazing future that was on my mind as I drove too fast over the speed bump at the entrance to my apartment complex. And that’s when it happened. My boobs flew up and hit me in the chin.

“Oh my God…” was all I could say as my face bunched into a scowl and my car rolled into the parking space in front of my building. I sat there for a long moment, staring down at myself. My boobs had just hit me in the face. I was a 23 year old man and I had boobs. Serious boobs. That was it for me… I had to make a change.

How long did it take for you to transform your body to where it was?

The thing is I’ve been struggling with my weight my whole life. I grew up fat and was fat into my mid 20s. I tell people it took about 4 years to go from 310 down to 180, then bulk up to 260 where I am today but the truth is that it was a really long-term struggle, both physically and psychologically. You have to do a lot of mental and spiritual work on yourself to get this kind of transformation done. It is way beyond physical.

Health wise, what can you advise people do in order to get in better shape or stay in the shape that they have achieved?

The most important thing you can do to reach your goals is to be persistent. A river doesn’t carve through a mountain because of its power, but because of its relentlessness. If you stumble, get back up immediately. If you miss a workout, don’t miss the next one. If you eat off your program, get right back to it. Far too often we expect perfection from ourselves when we aren’t perfect creatures, and that expectation sets us up for failure. So when we do fall – and we all do – often that one slice of pizza turns into an all-day gorge, or that one missed workout turns into a week. But if we can accept that we will stumble and resolve to just get back up again, then that persistence will pay off.

We all have cheat meals, cheat snacks, cheat desserts, etc. What is your ultimate that you still indulge in every once in a while?

All you can eat sushi is my go-to. I love sushi so much. And while people may think “oh, but sushi can be healthy” you should make no mistake: I don’t want healthy sushi. I want the baked rolls covered in spicy mayo and cheese. And I want 7 plates of it. Nothing healthy going on here…

As an out gay man, did you notice a shift in how men viewed you when you were overweight and now that you are in shape?

I’ve had two experiences about this. On the one hand, yes, there is an element of what I call “revenge dating” when you’re an ugly duckling. There have been those guys who couldn’t give me the directions to Hell when I was obese and all the sudden see me in person now and throw themselves at me. There’s the temptation to get revenge and shoot them down, or better yet to bang them and never talk to them again. At the same time, though, I think that my transformation has given me an appreciation for the difference between genuine cruelty and just having your own tastes. I know for my part that I’m not chasing after guys who are seriously overweight: I changed my body from fat to bodybuilder because I’m attracted to bodybuilder and not to fat. So while some guys may treat me differently now, I look back and I can remember who was actually unkind vs. who was just simply not attracted to me physically. And I can’t really blame them for that.

On the other hand, what I’ve learned is that assholes exist at every strata of attractiveness. I expected – and honestly, judging by what people say to and about me, everyone else also expects – me to get whatever I wanted from men I was attracted to. I’d get all the ass I wanted, or have whatever boyfriend I wanted, or any combination of those things. Because I thought that how I got treated was strongly correlated with how I looked. The most attractive guy I ever dated was actually when I was chubby, and right now I get blown off, dismissed, rejected, trifled with, and completely stood up with alarming frequency. There is no golden ticket when it comes to how you get treated among the gays. A douche will be a douche no matter what you look like.

What has been your overall take on this community? Where can we improve on and where do you think we have made the most achievements in?

That’s a pretty sprawling question, but I’ll do my best. I don’t want to be that guy that attacks “the community” for whatever petty sins seem typical in a bar or on Grindr or something. The truth is that I thin the community is what you make of it. If you don’t like how you get treated at a bar, don’t go to that bar. If you don’t like how you get treated on Grindr, don’t use Grindr. If you don’t certain people, you don’t have to interact with them. Each venue and each group and each micro-social-ecosystem is what it is and no one forces us to participate. What I think the community at large can do to improve is to focus more on what we do have power over instead of always focusing on where we think we are powerless. For example, while I like bear culture and many of my friends are bears, I’m not really a bear. I don’t fit in. The bears are nice to me, but bears aren’t going to date me and aren’t going to invite me to things, not because they’re jerks but just because “bear” is a group and I’m not really in it. I could bitch and moan about the bears, or I accept reality and play to my actual strengths. I’m a giant, muscly, All-american looking, Power-lifter type. That’s not a bear, but it’s not nothing either. I think individually, and as a group, gay guys would be happier and stronger if we embraced our strengths instead of seeing every boundary as a fight.

I think we have made the greatest achievement in just being Out. A generation ago it would be lunacy for high school kids to come out and take a same-sex partner to prom… anywhere in the US. A generation ago it would be impossible to hold hands with your lover anywhere that wasn’t New York or San Fransisco. But now I have no problem being affectionate with someone I care about in public almost anywhere, and kids feel freer to be who they are, and even the guys who have the most to lose because they’re the easiest to hide – the much-derided “masc bro” types – can come out without the fear of thirty years ago. Of course there is still work to be done, but by just being visible we have made a cultural change in the United States that is undeniable.

You also recently moved from Chicago to San Diego. What prompted the move and are you happy where you are now?

I’m happy with the move. It’s dramatically warmer in San Diego than in was in Chicago, which is obviously a powerful reason to get out of Chicago haha. At the same time, I just like the social scene more in San Diego. Chicago is frozen for half the year and nothing really goes on because no one goes out. It’s easier to be social when it’s warm all year.

What are your ultimate plans for 2015 and beyond?

For 2015 I want to expand my brand and try to branch out in my training and fitness business. One problem with personal training is that you can hit your profit ceiling pretty easily. So part of that will be attempting a bodybuilding competition, expanding my modeling work (I’m in a forthcoming spread from Djak Azran in November actually), and doing more to diversify my online presence. And of course the sequel to Death Lord is in the works and I expect it to be released in the Spring. So yes the next year is very busy for me! I’m looking forward to it.

For more information on Larkin’s book Death Lord and where you can buy it, check the link here!

Adonis Los Angeles Expands Into Long Beach Next Month

by Ryan Shea

Looks like the Adonis Lounge brand just keeps on getting bigger and bigger and bigger (no pun intended). After having a huge amount of continued success in their New York City locations and branching out west recently to open up a Los Angeles location, the brand is now furthering their stake in dominating the M4M experience by opening up a third location in Long Beach, California.

The Adonis LA Long Beach opening will take place on Thursday March 5th at Club Ripples. That is located at 5101 E Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach. More information on that nightclub & Adonis Lounge can be seen here. The fun and excitement starts at 8:30 PM PT and you can bask in the glory of all the hot men your heart, mind and pants can enjoy. Just look at the pictures splashed across this article as proof of what’s the come. Trust me, as someone who has been before these guys are top notch in more ways than one.

Adonis Lounge, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Adonis Lounge

I have had the privilege of working with the Adonis Brand for several years now and admire the leaps and bounds that my good buddies Tim and Matt de Iturriaga have made in their effort to solidify what the brand has become- a relaxed environment where you can hang with some of the hottest men in the city. Adding a third location just makes it that much more impressive, and for that I give them endless kudos for their efforts. Previous articles about their Los Angeles and Manhattan locations can be read here, in case you don’t know who they are all about.

Be sure to check it out if you are in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area. if you can’t make it to that one you can always stop by the New York City locations which takes place Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights at Club Evolve located on 58th and 3rd. Best of luck to Matt and Tim on their new opening!

Valentine’s Day- Best Places For The Best Treats

by Ryan Shea

Ah Valentine’s Day. The day of love. The day to tell that special someone in your life that you love them in more than just words. We are talking cake, cupcakes, flowers and so much more! Even single people have an excuse to get in on it just to enjoy more and more delicious sweets! When it comes to all of these amazing treats, you can’t get better than the bakeries here in New York City. Lucky for all my readers, four of my favorite ones, H Bake Shop, Magnolia Bakery, Schmackary’s and Treat House have some great deals going on for you and your special one to enjoy and devour! Take a look.

H Bake Shop, Manhattan Digest, Valentine's Day — Credit to: Carlos Ramos

H Bake Shop- 601 West 57th Street- (212) 265-2399

I recently discovered this amazing bake shop through a good friend of mine and was introduced the the founder of it, Huascar Aquino! Huascar won The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars so clearly he knows what he is doing when it comes to cupcakes and so much more! Check out what he has going on for Valentine’s Day and visit his amazing site!

The Golden Heart: A chocolate fudge cake, filled with home made wild blueberry jam and frosted with blueberry icing and decorated with 24K gold sugar heart.

The Pink Rose: Pink Champagne cake. filled with pistachio pastry cream, rose water buttercream decorate with a sugar dough pink rose.

Chocotella Cookies: Gianduja chocolate (hazelnut milk chocolate), toasted salted hazelnuts, dipped in bittersweet dark chocolate and sprinkle with more salted toasted hazelnuts & a little red heart.

Treat House, Manhattan Digest, Valentine's Day — Credit to: Treat House

Treat House- 452 Amsterdam Avenue- 212-799-7779

Inspired by a charitable school bake sale, Treat House, a gourmet crisped rice emporium, provides a wide range of classic and innovative flavors, includingBirthday Cake, Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Creamand more. For Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one with a limited edition Treat Cake – a crisped rice heart shaped cake. Other sweet gift offerings include Valentine’s Day themed treats or heart marshmallows. Plus, treat yourself while treating others: ten cents of every treat purchased will be donated to the Food Bank for New York City. For Valentine’s Day, they have delicious Treat Cakes available for $20, and individual treats starting at $2. Don’t forget their amazing heart marshmallows for only $1.50 each! Check out their official site for more information.

Magnolia Bakery, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery- Multiple Locations Throughout NYC

Magnolia Bakery has become quite the big thing over recent years, and I was lucky enough to profile them in late 2014 about their booming success. Naturally, they have some great things going on for Valentine’s Day! Here is just a couple of what they are offering for V Day-

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcake – NEW – $3.50

A strawberry cupcake made with fresh strawberry puree and topped with a rich chocolate ganache.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake – NEW – $6.00/slice

Strawberry cake made with fresh strawberry puree, layered with a light strawberry meringue buttercream and finished with a rich chocolate ganache.

Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes – $4.00

A dense, rich fudgy chocolate cupcake topped with light and fluffy pink vanilla bean meringue buttercream.

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies – $3.50

Vanilla buttercream sandwiched between two handmade mini red velvet cakes.

Valentine’s Day Cupcakes – $3.50

Vanilla, chocolate or red velvet cupcakes with chocolate or vanilla buttercream, beautifully decorated with red and white hearts, Valentine picks and sprinkles.

Lil’ Bits of Love – $20.00

One dozen of our classic chocolate and vanilla mini cupcakes with pink and white vanilla buttercream, decorated with red, pink and white hearts.

Schmackary's, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Schmackary’s

Schmackary’s- 362 West 45th Street- (646) 801-9866

Schmackary’s is another great place that I was able to profile for Manhattan Digest. For the big special day of Love they are offering what is being called a “Valentine’s Lovers Flight”. Pictured above, it contains their Red Velvet, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Strawberries & Cream and Valentine’s Super C. All of their frosted cookies will be special colors for Valentine’s day as well. Be sure to check out their official site for more information!

Angie Martinez- On Radio, Food, Life And More

by Ryan Shea

To become a legend in the world of radio takes a lot of longevity, guts, glory and above all- respect. Several men have inherited all of that, from Casey Kasem to Ryan Seacrest. Yet women don’t seem to get the same respect to such a large audience. Except for one in my eyes- New York’s very own Angie Martinez.

Angie is the reason why I fell in love with hip-hop & R&B when I was a sprout young kid of 10 years old, growing up in Long Island. The surrounding areas of where I was wasn’t exactly hip-hop’s finest (Pier 1 Imports & Joann Fabrics don’t scream “Let’s Get Crunk”) so my escape was listening to Angie on the way to school and any which way I could to keep myself updated on the latest in that particular world. She had and has such an extraordinary way of interviewing the biggest in the game yet stays humble throughout her illustrious career, which is something that I respect 10 fold. Also, she has had quite the success doing her own thing by rapping some huge chart topping hits like “If I Could Go” and one of my personal favorites “Ladies Night” which she is featured in with Lil Kim, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, DaBrat and the best thing that came out of SB49- Missy Elliott.

I had the utmost pleasure to sit down with Angie about all of this, including how she began, her take on the industry now versus then, and her amazing new cookbook that she just put out. Take a look.

Hi Angie, thanks for taking time to chat with me today! First off, you have one of the most decorated radio careers in our modern history. How did it all start?

Hi and thank you for such a grand introduction! It’s great to meet you. [It all started] with my mom, actually. She worked in radio, as a program director, so I’ve pretty much been around the industry my entire life. But you could say “my” career in radio started when I was 16; I had my first internship at Power 96 in Miami and just fell in love with it immediately. I knew it’s what I wanted to pursue as a career.

You have obviously seen the hip-hop industry grow from its roots to being a primetime player in the overall music landscape today. What are your thoughts on hip-hop now versus when you started?

You know I’m really proud of where hip-hop is today – musically and culturally. I think one point is that the hip hop community, and you could even say the music industry in general, has really evolved and grown together over time – you see a lot more collaborations today than you used to, whether it be on a single or album or even a tour, and it’s creating this new creative space where artists are able to connect with their fans and other artists in unique ways.

You recently interviewed J. Cole who just hit #1 again with his latest album. Not a lot of hip-hoppers seem to be doing that lately, so why do you think he is one of the exceptions?

I love J.Cole! He’s so talented. I think fans really connect with him as an artist for the same reason I do – he’s genuine and speaks from the heart. I also loved having Nicki Minaj on recently – she shared a lot of really personal and relatable stories.

You’ve done a myriad of interviews since you started radio years ago. Who has been the best interview you have ever done and why?

I don’t think I could single out one interview as the best, but I do get that question a lot! Honestly I consider myself extremely lucky to do what I love every day, and work with so many talented artists and entertainers.

Angie Martinez, Manhattan Digest, Healthy Latin Eating — Credit to: Christina Holmes & Healthy Latin Eating

You have also jumped into the culinary world, with a new website and cookbook. Can you tell our readers a little more about that?

“Healthy Latin Eating” is something I came up with after craving some variety in the figure-friendly-food department – because not only was I sick of eating salads for every meal, I was constantly missing the flavors of my favorite Latin dishes that never fit into my diet. After years of searching for healthier versions of my favorite Latin comfort foods – versions that had all the right flavors but not the added fat or deep frying – they were nowhere to be found, so I decided to start documenting and sharing my own home cooking tips and tricks, and that’s how the Healthy Latin Eating name and website was born. Then I was introduced to Chef Angelo Sosa, chef/owner of Añejo and “Top Chef” alum among many other amazing accolades, and we immediately bonded over our family’s shared love of Latin food and culture. Fast forward to today and we are the proud co-authors of Healthy Latin Eating: Our Favorite Family Recipes Remixed. And we’re just getting started!

With 2015 just beginning, what are your hopes for this year and beyond?

There’s so much! I don’t think there’s enough space to fit everything I have in mind, so I’ll give you one for now, and honestly my hope for this year, and every year, is for every person, no matter what they do or where they’re from, to always strive to be a little bit better. It doesn’t matter how you get your inspiration or what your goal might be – it’s just important that the drive is there and you’re actively working towards whatever success means to you.

Keep up to date with Angie by checking out her official site and Twitter.

Tag Me A Date Keeps On Trucking Into 2015

by Ryan Shea

Niche dating has been all the rage in the past couple of years. No matter what your interest is you will find a particular site that works for what you like (there is even sites for Vegans and Boat Captains. Ahoy!) One of those particular niche’s is pro wrestling, and the one site worth visiting if that is your forte is Tag Me A Date.

If you didn’t read my fantastic interview with CEO Steven Glenwick last month, Tag Me A Date, which is now available in the United States, Canada and the UK, bills itself as “Wresting Night is Date Night”. When you create a profile on the site, it skips the redundant questions that other sites ask and focuses strictly on the love you have for pro-wrestling. You can find matches based on who your favorite wrestler, manager or tag team is which in turn can create great conversation and be a fantastic icebreaker.

Steven believes this is a concept that he’s glad he started but is long overdue. “Professional wrestling is a multi-billion dollar industry with millions upon millions of fans. We feel this is something wrestling fans have been waiting for, for a long time. One of the most featured questions concerning this idea is; “How come this has not been done before?” That is music to my ears as I contemplated that very question and came to the very notion of doing a dating site for wrestling fans. Wrestling fans are people at the end of the day and many people want to find their significant other.”

Since our interview, there have been a ton of great advancements that Tag Me A Date has made in order to attract more people to their site, sign up and ultimately find their one true love. On top of their great search functionality you also have the ability to create a promo video about yourself as opposed to the generic picture. Seeing as the WWE is so interactive anyways, especially with the pro wrestlers and their fans, this is a great idea in my opinion and will get the other person who is watching to know you that much better, both inside the ring and out.

tag me a date, manhattan digest — Credit to: Tag Me A Date

There is also a huge bonus incentive for the ladies out there that want to try out Tag Me A Date! Seeing as the biggest day of love is coming up a month from today, Valentine’s Day, Tag Me A Date is offering one free year if they sign up next month. Tag Me A Date is also taking their initiative on the road in 2015, by sponsoring The Masters Of The Ring event in March and May as well as the first ever Hammerlock Awards with Northeast Wrestling that was held on January 10^thin Connecticut (pics above). They also held a contest for that event- any women that signed up for the site now were entered for a chance to win a date to that event with either the“Thrillride” Jimmy Preston or the “Sure Thing” Mark Shurman. Another great event they are working with is pictured below.

Be sure to check out Tag Me A Date’s official site if pro wrestling and love are your thing, or if you happen to know someone that would find this suitable for the person they are really trying to find.

manhattan digest

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