manhattan digest

Tryp Hotel In Times Square South- My Review

When it comes to lodging in New York City, the options are plentiful, luxuriating and for whatever price point you pay should leave you feeling happy that you stayed. You can stay at a hotel chain that is worldwide known or even one that is only local to the Manhattan area. I was lucky enough to find a bit of both in The TRYP Hotel, located at 345 West 35th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, conveniently in between Times Square and Penn Station. TRYP, which is part of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, just celebrated its second anniversary in New York City, and is still the only TRYP location in North America (excluding one in Quebec, Canada). Already a hit overseas in Europe, TRYP Hotel sits conveniently adjacent and somewhat front and center of the trendiest parts of Manhattan, from Hell’s Kitchen to Chelsea, and packs a great punch with it in its hospitality, color, vibrant look and overall satisfaction that each guest gets.

The lovely people at TRYP Hotel were kind enough to let me stay one night and experience the hotel first hand. I was instantly impressed by the look and feel of it, including the beautiful decor of the lobby as well as the restaurant and bar which is located right when you walk in. As someone who is familiar with hospitality due to many of my peers majoring in it at my alma matter, I was very impressed with the speed in which I was taken care of yet at the same time was spoken to friendly & kindly by the staff who detailed everything about my stay and let me know of all the local hotspots and amenities that I would receive while staying.

Manhattan Digest, TRYP Hotel — Credit to: TRYP Hotel

The room itself was breathtaking. I stayed in one of their premium rooms, which took class and elegance to a whole other level. Upon my entry there was a beautiful white colored couch that turned into a relaxing sofa bed in case I had extra guests. The color scheme of the wood finish with the couch and the side table really gelled well overall with the feel of the room. The bathroom was edgy and hip, with a immaculately colored red finishing on the shower that complimented the black floors. The King size bed was truthfully fit for a King yet could fit three more people in it if need be. It was very comfortable and made it that much harder to leave the room and head out with my friends. The baby blue wall coloring mixed with the black curtains had a great vibe to it, and the black headboard was really charming with its writings about famous quotes about New York City itself (the greatest city in the world, etc). The great thing about this premium room is really not just the decor but the space in it as well. If its just one person it works, but if you have a bigger party you can find room for them and then some. Here is a little more information on the history of the TRYP Hotel decor.

The hotels decor was created by New York City-based designer Glen Coben of the Manhattan-based architectural and interior design firm Glen & Company. The design, which includes sustainable elements, exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood and tile floors, colorful accents and wrought iron screens, reflects the property’s central New York City location and the TRYP by Wydnham’s brand’s Mediterranean roots.

Additional hotel features include complimentary high-speed wireless Internet (huge plus for me as other hotel stays charge. Tisk Tisk) access in all guest rooms, high-definition flat-screen televisions with international channels, concierge services, business services, 24 hour fitness center and nearly 1,200 square feet of function space that can accommodate up to 70 attendees.

I got to speak with the general manager Verdell Ekberg, who was very instrumental in making my stay a very pleasurable one. He let me know a lot of key facts about this location, such as the median for who usually stays there happens to be the Generation X/Y group of people, furthering my belief that this is a place to stay at if you are young and hip. They are also in the process of expanding their North American presence, mainly in the United States, with new locations opening soon in Long Island City and Atlantic City. Something that I noticed TRYP Hotel does that he further talked about was that each employee’s name badge didn’t have what their exact job title was under their name, but what their ultimate passion was. For instance, one employee who I developed quite a liking for due to her warm presence and candor, had “fashion” under her name plate. What is great about this in my opinion is that it gives the people that work there more than just a job title but someone you can strike up a conversation with that goes beyond the norm. That to me makes TRYP even more unique than it already is.

Before I left, I was treated to their delicious breakfast buffet that is full of filling and yummy food, fit to satisfy anyone. Overall, I would rate this hotel a 10 out of 10 in my opinion for all the reasons listed above. This is a place that I would highly recommend staying at just to see what all my fuss was about. Take a look at the official site for booking info, as well as upcoming contests and specials that TRYP is having. It’s worth the stay, trust me.

TRYP Hotel

345 West 35th Street

212-600-2440

Archie & Sons- Banging Grilled Cheese & More

by Ryan Shea

Thrillist & Manhattan Digest agree… Archie & Sons is the shiz…

When it comes to being in a city like New York, you have the wealth of opportunities to go to endless diners that cater to that comforting type of experience that one comes to expect upon arrival. Archie & Sons, located in the heart of the East Village, does that and more. I surprisingly came to know this place not through friends but an article that was sent to me regarding the 8 new and amazing Grilled Cheeses in NYC. Per the website, “What’s best about this East Village throwback luncheonette is you can mix and match breads and cheeses with additional toppings for customizable sandwiches. Even knowing all that though, you should still go with the classic-est of classics: slices of American cheese melted between buttery white bread.” That was more than enough encouragement to try this amazing place out, so I took one of my besties and headed downtown to see what all the fuss was about.

From there we were introduced to the handsome and very kind Benjamine Levine, who is one of the owners of the business. As we sampled some of their great cuisine, including their array of freshly made salads, bomb grilled cheeses and so much more, he gave me more of an insight into Archie & Son’s and what to expect from it in the future. Take a look.

Benjamine Levine, Manhattan Digest, Archie & Sons — Credit to: Fiestah

How did the concept of Archie & Son’s start?

Archie & Sons was born out of our last iteration of family run eateries. Originally started by my in-laws in queens in the 70’s as a traditional “luncheonette” common to New York, I then opened Archie’s Cafe in my hometown of Hewlett, Long Island. After losing the lease on the space, I considered opening in another location, in Hewlett, as well as other Long Island areas. However, with both of my sons living in the city, they convinced me that the city was in need of a place like Archie’s with its hometown feel and friendly environment of a local eatery. They simply said we need a place where the owner knows the names of his frequent customer. It’s not often, if ever, that you get that personal experience in Manhattan. And so now we are here, operating on a historic corner of NYC.

How would you describe the type of food that you guys make?

Our food is a spin on classic diner fare, with a much more limited menu focusing on our famous “salads.” Everything is made fresh from scratch, in house, on a daily basis. With recipes going back over 40 years, our salads, including vegetable tuna, chicken salad, egg white and spinach salad were the most desired items at the original Archie’s. We built our menu around this as we felt there was no place in NYC “known” for items like this. There is a “classics” section that includes some of the favorites from Archie’s in Hewlett, a fried food section that includes hand cut French fries and hand battered chicken fingers. Like your typical diner, breakfast is served all day.

It is a very casual, American dining experience. Is this how you want the public to view your location?

We want people to feel at home at Archie’s, and that’s how we feel casual dining strikes the mind. We have pictures on the wall from NYC from the 1950-1980s taken by a local east village artist. We have authentic Coca Cola items that have lined the walls of our restaurants for over 5 decades. We want people to have a feeling of nostalgia, no matter where or when they come from, of their hometown eatery.

Manhattan Digest, Archie & Sons — Credit to: Fiestah

What are some of the best items on the menu?

Our salads, which can be served as a sandwich, wrap or platter, are second to none. And I feel this way about them all, it just comes down to personal preference. The melts, whether it be a variation of our tuna or chicken salads, are a favorite with customers. Our homemade macaroni and potato salads are the best around. With the polar vortex of the winter, our homemade soups have been a huge seller, namely our signature spinach and egg soup. After I tell first timers, ‘just try it’, they always order a bowl and come back for more!

I saw that Thrillist named your Grilled Cheese one of the best in NYC. How did that make you feel when it was published?

It really hit home to how we make everything and what we stand for, making things simple, make it fresh, and make it taste like home. There are no bells and whistles with our food, no “in vogue” ingredients. Our food has been made the same way for more than 40 years, which we think is atypical in this foodie driven market. Getting recognized for that made us really proud.

Are you looking to add anything more onto the menu, something new and creative?

We are always up to try new things, and really listen to our customers for that. For example, we originally did not offer chicken fingers and hand cut French fries, but that has since changed. We also recently added our “carving station” to the menu, serving items like homemade meatloaf, turkey and corned beef on a daily basis as we saw a need to expand our dinner options. If you follow us on Instagram @archieandsons , you will get a sneak peak into our kitchen to see the new menu items we are toying with….thinking amazing sandwich combinations, daily specials as well as the expansion of brunch items!

What are your ultimate plans for Archie & Sons?

We want Archie’s to be on many streets of Manhattan. Heck, there should be one in every neighborhood! And we also see a huge opportunity in our catering business, which we are really expanding. Too many businesses settle on food when they cater, so we are really looking to change that. We take the typical sandwich spread but instead of being packaged deli meats, you get the same freshness of food you would from our store. We also cater for breakfast, which has been extremely well received.

Why not take yourself downtown this week and see what Archie & Son’s is all about. It is definitely an experience worth trying. Check out their official website for more information.

Rentboy’s COO Hawk Kinkaid On The Industry & More

by Ryan Shea

When you live in such a popular gay city like New York City, the ever presence of sex in culture seems to go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly. With all the different apps and sites that are out there to find that particular someone that “strikes your fancy”, Rentboy seems to be one of the top ones. In a recent survey by CHEST (Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training) where they interviewed some of the top male escorts in the industry, they found that their biggest concern is actually how to brand themselves while they are in this industry. So it got me to think, is this something that can actually be taken seriously as a career with long lasting benefits? To get more in depth, I sat down a couple of days ago with the super smart & cute (and fellow music aficionado) Hawk Kinkaid to learn more about his involvement in Rentboy, the survey results and what he sees for the future in the industry and himself. Quite a good read. Check it out!

Hawk Kinkaid, Manhattan Digest, Rentboy — Credit to: Project Publicity

How did you get involved in Rentboy in the first place?

Rentboy.com was one of the first contacts I made many years ago when HOOK (hook-online.com) was transitioning from DIY ‘zine to online portal of information for men working in the sex industry. I reached out to the team leading the site, and unlike any other listings site on the web, they responded positively and supported the effort. I have always been impressed with the commitment the Rentboy.com team has always shown in both running a solid business and also publicly, actively supporting the men that advertise through fun events like Hustlaball and The Hookies to more education and resource events like their support of Rent U (rent-u.com).

When you were on the other side of this industry what was your overall thought process on it?

Without getting mired in the unquantifiable nuances of each interaction, the core of my approach as well as many other men in the industry is that choosing to work in the sex industry is an entrepreneurial exercise. For some, like myself, it might be a short-lived one that extends to particular goals and then you move on to other components and commitments, but for others, their time in the industry can extend decades. What was always crucial to that mindset was that I needed to create clear boundaries for myself personally and professionally, keep my eye on my goals, and find a constant compassionate connection with my clients.

How would you define a Rentboy and what they do?

Rentboy is a fun term culled from the Brits. Call it Escort. Call it Trade. Classic gay authors like Rechy romanticized the Hustler. The difference in how things are framed today is that the men who participate in the sex industry are selling time, and on a larger framework, that is all any of us really do, whether you are folding shirts at the Gap, project managing at Citibank or acting as a stylist on the set of a feature film. What we do in that time is what demands the price, and being higher in demand commands a higher price. The stigma and ignorance surrounding the subject of men choosing to work in the industry complicates what is otherwise a very simple scenario. Sex may be involved, but that is not what clients pay for. Dinner may be involved. A night at the theater. It might even simply be time spent over tea. That time is what a Rentboy sells, and in the way that a bartender or a hairdresser act as an external ear to your world (and are often paid well because of it), so are the men in the sex industry. You don’t invite your hairdresser to your parties or your bartender (and if you did, few would come, really), but they sometimes know more about you than your closest friends because they are safe, secure and set apart from your day to day existence. That hasn’t always been the history of the Hustler or Trade – and that would be a different topic – but in today’s world where much of the industry is online and much of the escorting world has learned thankfully to think about their approach to business pro-actively through programs like HOOK, the modern escort knows that smart sex sells.

The CHEST survey was quite interesting. Did you feel certain concerns should’ve netted a higher percentage?

I am not convinced anything should’ve been different, no. There is so little data out there about men working in the sex industry that many of us that are engaged in businesses and non-profits that come into contact with these men are eager for any insight. Conversations around the industry often bypass men, women and transworkers who choose to work in the industry living constructive, satisfied lives for those whose work in the industry is secondary to the primary issues of homelessness, homophobia, drug-addiction and transphobia, for example. Many in academia and the media love to dig claws into the images of society’s most vulnerable communities and then parlay it to the suburbs where people can devour it in gross acts of self-righteous indignation in order to avoid the fact those suburban husbands are likely the largest block of clients for the industry (male, female and trans). I’m glad to see this study prompt a conversation about the interests of a broad swatch of men working in the industry.

Let’s break down that survey. How does a Rentboy attract the right clients that can ultimately be repeats for them?

What makes you return to the same retailer? The same insurance agent? The same barber? A connection followed up by a proven history of both discretion and pleasure. Would you return to an insurance agent that shared your information with other clients and other people? Would you return to the same barber if they treated you terribly, ignored what you asked and then charged you double? In the sex industry, reputation can be an important piece of the puzzle, and so guys that treat clients poorly get a reputation and their pool of clients will dry up. The newest factor in that is engagement in social media, which is an opportunity for men investing in their sex industry persona to build a following, cultivate a strong voice and engage with a larger pool of potential clients.

What do you think is the best way for them to market themselves?

You have to be where clients can find you, and that means accessing technology in a way that provides security and safety for all the individuals involved. Listings site are part of the advertising platform for any entrepreneur. Reputation and social media are important assets to your messaging, but putting yourself on a site that clients know to trust like Rentboy.com is critical. It’s why Angie’s List has supplanted Craigslist for being an authority in the industry, and I love Craigslist. But you know on Craigslist that you will get a lot of chaff. Sites like Rentboy.com only maintain active listings where the escorts represented are real participants in the site. Not all of the sites out there can say that.

Best advice on financing for the future and healthcare.

I think the big question on that hinges on the length of time a worker will plan to spend in the industry. Is this a quick fix visit of a few months or are you making this a full-time role? If it is a quick fix, you have to set your target so you can make a clean entrance and exit. Put the money away you planned to, and if you have excess, do what you will. The important thing is to hold to that contract you make with yourself. If you are in for the long haul, then your strategy has to be a much more strategic one and should involve online presence, dependencies on escort reviews, listing site placement and agreements as well as planning for retirement and healthcare. Also, I should note, planning for time to recharge. It’s easy to get caught up in a work schedule that could exhaust you mentally and physically, and if you plan to run the marathon, you don’t sprint the first half.

Has there ever been a situation that has put the particular Rentboy at risk, such as self defense?

Men don’t often consider themselves at physical risk when they are engaging with clients, but that’s because in this society, men don’t often perceive themselves at physical risk, in general. Women’s bodies are under attack from the moment they are born, whether treated like second-class property or faceless subjects of legislative debate. Men enter few situations where they are in a position of defense, but with HOOK, we really try to keep men aware of the very real risks that come with the work. These very real risks which have occurred include intoxicated clients, clients who may drug a worker, a group of people jumping a worker, and so on. There was one story from years ago that I read and then disappeared into the ether of a young undocumented escort that was strapped to a chair and set on fire. The history of violence to people in the sex industry is often one where a society’s stigma-driven prejudice is taken to heart by an individual that plays it out viciously on the bodies of workers in the sex industry.

Is dating tough in this industry?

I have been out of the industry for ten years. I STILL have to have the conversation every time I go on a date. Then, a month later, I have to have it again when they ask if I’m really still not in the industry. Then, again when they get concerned that they could never live up to the many men of my past as if this were a request or a feasible thing. And so on. Yes, it is tough. We all want to be loved, and I have been lucky to create a family around me to provide that support, but dating is tough. Many men in the sex industry date other men in the sex industry because in order to date someone in the sex industry you have to be confident in who you are, the boundaries you set, and the investment you are making in another person. Even then, a lot of those relationships falter in ways that all relationships falter. Dating while you work in the industry adds one more complexity to the amorphous uncertainty of affection. For many people, that is too much.

Do they find it difficult to balance two or more jobs with this occupation?

Many men working in the industry have other lives, and their time in the industry is to support that other life or that life that they want to have. In other words, many men working in the sex industry want to be doing something else. Their time in the industry is to support the initiative like going to school or to fill in the gaps while they are not employed in that particular area. As for those that work part-time and escort, many of these men are successful in constructing boundaries for that time so that only certain nights are work nights. Many people in America hold more than one job because most people in America have to. This is not a country of a single job anymore. Those not in the upper echelon have always worked multiple jobs. It’s a skill that many of us have found easy to do because we have been doing it all of our lives.

How do they avoid burnout if they want to last?

As I said before, the biggest factor is taking time out to recharge. Setting boundaries will do that. This can include days to yourself or with your support network of friends. Days not working, but simply doing things you enjoy. Work in the sex industry is physical and emotional labor.

What’s your best advice for rentboys who want to set up boundaries with clients?

There are a multitude of articles on HOOK (hook-online.com) that deal with setting boundaries and Rent U (rent-u.com) has had a few classes on the topic where escorts talk about how they manage those boundaries. Every guy working in the sex industry has his own tactics for setting that dynamic, but there are some pretty commonly shared ones including never exchanging real names, no weekend retreats with first-time clients, and clear rules for smart play.

Manhattan Digest, Hawk Kinkaid, Rentboy — Credit to: Project Publicity

Why do you think gay men have a fascination with this industry?

I don’t have a short answer for this, so you are forewarned 🙂

The sex industry has always been a critical component of gay culture for any number of reasons. At points, you could argue that the exchange was a way to get past the stigma-laiden act of sex with another man. In other ways, it was a component of a culture centered on bars because gay men were shoved into the dark corners of cities along with other socially maligned behavior. Another view may be that sexual vitality is still a remnant measure of value for gay men that they have yet to evolve from and so we idolize men who represent that image since we struggle to find it internally. Another take might be that we celebrate our sexuality in all its forms because it is that fundamental component of ourselves that society continues to attack.

It is easy to forget that the sex industry has always been around, and easier to forget that the people within it have always played a role in our social dramas, ranging from the presences in religious stories to the political movements that have brought about incredible change. Every culture is obsessed with it, but very few people acknowledge it. Worse, I fear that gay men cannibalize the men that make up this very culture that they participate in.

In the rush to whitewash the struggles of both the AIDS era and the LGBT rights movement, many in the gay population have thrown men working in the sex industry to the shadows. They pretend they weren’t integral within movements such as ACT UP or that the sex industry in all its forms was a critical element to the insular enclaves like the West Village that provided safety for gay men. For example, both the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot and Stonewall were made of a diverse group, which is often mentioned in historical accounts. What isn’t included in those accounts? That many were also turning trade. They were artists, trans-identified people, hustlers. We hail what they stood for and then as a ‘community’ denigrate the real individuals and the decisions they made.

I’m not saying that men in the sex industry are martyrs or all (most?) are politically minded, but I think it says a lot about us working to secure LGBT rights and first-class citizenry that we have to cop to hetero-normative Puritanical hypocrisy to gain that respect. The people I look to for inspiration within the movement would be disappointed. A friend and great writer Matthilda Bernstein Sycamore recently tweeted that he was “Remembering when we wanted to be a threat.” As a fan of Foucault, I always wanted us to be changing the dynamics of institutions that were vestiges of arcane thought. Instead, we seem to be replicating them.

When looking to hire one what do you think a client should look for first before making that decision?

Clients should look for a connection, really. Same as with an escort when talking to a potential client. It’s good when you feel like the person you are going to be spending time with will be interesting, interested in you and capable of responding constructively to the experience. To find that out, many guys in the sex industry have online profiles (such as those at Rentboy.com) as well as social profiles where they are sharing information, insights, and some of their personality. A client would do well to convey a little of his personality in introductions and, just as we instruct escorts, establish clear boundaries to make the session a great one.

For you and Rentboy team, what is next and what are you most hopeful for?

I am just dipping my toe in the water at Rentboy.com. I couldn’t ask for a better, more experienced team of professionals that understand the sex industry and embrace the men within it. The next stages of the company are focused on continuing to deliver the best listings site in the world while enhancing opportunities for guys working in the business to optimize their entrepreneurial initiative and celebrate their success. My goal is to continue the company’s growth while both introducing new ideas to the marketplace and positioning Rentboy.com as a critical advocate in achieving rights and resources for men working in the sex industry. As a long-time activist and successful User Experience Strategist, this is really the first time I feel like I can bring these two parts of my life together to expand one kick-ass company.

Want to know more about Rentboy and the brand itself? Log on to the official website for more information.

New Work: “Body Politics”, Theater Review

by Ryan Leeds

Body Politics, Manhattan Digest — Photo courtesy of www.inews.com

“Politics is personal, Zag, It’s got consequences”, says Ratzkoff to his editor friend, Zag Henley. At the onset of Body Politics , “Ratz” is preparing to bring down Senator Richard “Dick” McLean who is ramping up his bid for re-election . Ratzkoff has a personal vendetta towards him over a new controversial drug that will soon hit the market-just as long as it is approved by the FDA- a decision which rests heavily in the hands of the golden boy Senator. His outspoken stamp of approval could cost him votes- every candidate’s worst fear. Adding to his pressure cooker campaign is JJ Gash, a bombshell pharmaceuticals female lobbyist, who once had a fling with McLean. In typical Washington fashion, this quartet provides the backdrop for a gritty, gripping, and often funny tale of political spin and corruption.

I’m not typically accustomed to writing reviews of industry readings. I don’t believe that it is fair to writers who are working through the creative process. Yet a month or so ago, I was invited by a friend to simply be a spectator of this brand new work by playwright Jean-Daniel Noland. Afterwards, I was introduced to Noland and the play’s director, Adam LeGrant. I commended them both on an extremely well written piece and was excited to learn that it currently being developed into a fully staged production. As an advocate of quality playwriting, I felt compelled to promote it.

I’m a firm believer in the notion that politics is the perfect breeding ground for theatrical ideas. All we need to do is read a newspaper article about the latest DC scandal-and the cover-ups that follow- to realize that the drama writes itself. Fortunately, Noland has perfectly captured the language of this political landscape. His conniving characters reflect the incessant jockeying that occurs behind closed doors. Gash claims that she came to 15 years prior “to make a difference in people’s lives, makes things better.” Mclean concurs stating, “That’s what Washington is all about. Making things better for people who support us.” Gash continues to pour her heart out to Mclean about her mother’s blood disorder and the pill that cured it- A pill that was developed by Gash’s company, Remelix. Mclean doesn’t quite buy it adding, “Remelix write that little speech for you? They should have put a warning on it: Side effect: this speech might cause gagging.” Like most real life politicians, Noland’s players have lost their noble cause for benevolence in the mire of power, cynicism, and money. Art reflecting life?

Body Politics is a slick, well-carved, troubling, but ultimately entertaining look at how our elected officials often don’t work, but how well writing about them does. I look forward to future incarnations of this impressive debut from Noland.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

by Brian Connolly

WHAT DO YOU KNOW? Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is short-term anti-retro viral treatment to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection after potential exposure. GREAT NEWS! Though how available is this new breakthrough treatment? Recently I encountered a hellish fight to get my hands on these health saving drugs and it made me ask why it was so difficult to actually get my hands on these essential drugs? Locked in the middle of the age old battle between the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies I found myself very frustrated and nervous as my 4 day emergency supply was running out and I STILL had not been able to get my prescription filled. Each pharmacy told me my insurance wont allow them to fill, and I had to get from a specialist pharmacy, i.e the pharmacy they had a contract with (nothing special about that). If I were a passive individual I wonder if I would have been able to get the drugs in time, as it happens I put up a fight and got an emergency override authorized by a doctor at St. Luke’s Hospital. As someone who grew up in the United Kingdom I was horrified by the battle for health I was forced into, there may be waves of improvement in access to medicare but the access to the medications are still somewhat turbulent. Given how important these drugs are in the fight to reduce the numbers of men being infected with HIV I would have thought they would be available in many places without struggle fight or song and dance to obtain. Then my pharmacist told me how much they cost, $2ooo average for the medication, which even though I have insurance (which I pay a tonne for) I was still kicked in the teeth one last time with a charge of $40, I guess for the paper bag from Duane Reade.

The fact is young men are at risk of HIV as surveys show they take more risks, do not understand the long term complications of living life ‘positive’. One friend of mine remarked, “I believe young gay men take risks as they did not see how destructive HIV is and was to people”. Is this the case that as a result of better medications and quality of health and life for HIV men now, younger gay men do not see visual signs of difficulty so unwittingly risk themselves. Another friend of mine who lives life positive said on the subject, “Life is much simpler negative” so even with modern drugs we should still be vigilant in reducing the numbers of negative to positive transmissions, starting with advocating for PEP, and getting it in the heads of young gay men that if they felt at risk to go and get the PEP medications asap (within 72hrs).

Jason Schneidman- The Men’s Groomer on Dove & More!

by Ryan Shea

Manhattan Digest, Alain Vasquez, Jason Schneidman — Credit to: Alain Vasquez Photography

Jason Schneidman on The Oscars, Superbowl and Dove!

Nothing gets bigger for someone when they are invited to work on two of the biggest events of the year- The Superbowl and The Oscars. For Jason Schneidman, this is just another day in the life of one of the top men’s hairstylists in the world. Jason has had quite the year in 2014, from styling Oscar nominee Jonah Hill (Wolf Of Wall Street) to Superbowl show stopper Bruno Mars and so much more. Now he sits down with Manhattan Digest to discuss his crazy year that he has had and also his involvement in my personal favorite for men’s haircare and grooming Dove Men + Care. Take a look!

So how have things been since I spoke to you last, what have you been up to in 2014?

Everything has been great – can’t complain! 2014 started off with a bang between styling Bruno Mars for the Superbowl and Jonah Hill for the Oscars. It has been a real blessing.

You did Jonah Hill at the Oscars this year, which is huge seeing as he was Oscar nominated for “Wolf of Wall Street”. How was that experience?

It was a great experience. Jonah is an awesome dude, and a pleasure to work with. It was just so exciting to be a part of the journey with him.

On top of the Oscars, you did Bruno Mars at the Superbowl, which is gigantic beyond anything. How did you get that gig and what was the experience like? Was it hectic?

Bruno Mars is one of my frequent clients. I am so grateful to work with such talent. He is so down to earth and cool. I was honored he asked me to go out to New York with him. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. The energy was just high and it was such a rush being backstage. My main concern was to make sure every hair on his head laid perfectly to last the whole performance.

What is your favorite style for men this coming summer?

I am a huge fan of guys growing out their hair for the summer. Men with long hair are finally starting to stand out and I love it. I have always had long hair and felt different, but it is starting to trend. I think it creates some mystery and a little bit of edge. Shoulder length or longer hair is amazing on guys right now because it allows you to put your hair up in a top knot or a man bun. I wear the man bun myself and get a lot of compliments from both men and women. My celebrity inspiration is Jared Leto. One of my homies, Chase Kusero gave Jared his fresh summer look with the ombre.

What do you think men do wrong when it comes to style that you think could be improved?

I think one of the biggest things men are doing wrong when it comes to styling their hair, is using products that makes their hair look stiff. I recommend style pastes instead of hard gels to avoid this look. Personally, I love pastes because they’re versatile—and they can make a cut look edgy and nonchalant or cool and sophisticated. They’re perfect for the messy look, such as the style I did for Rob Lowe at the Golden Globes this year, but can also be used to create a very sleek style, like the style I did for Hugh Jackman at the Academy Awards last year. Plus, you can easily re-apply the product to refresh your look, which is crucial for the guy on the go. Gels and sprays, become crispy and flakey when re-applied, which is definitely a “don’t”.

Why is Dove Men+Care the best of all the products out there?

I recommend Dove Men+Care to my clients because I use it, it’s proven to make hair 3X stronger…and it’s made specifically for men. That means it is really effective at combatting common hair concerns from dandruff or oily hair—and adds moisture but doesn’t way the hair down. The product formulas are infused with caffeine, too, to help make men’s hair thicker looking—which pretty much every guy benefits from. My favorite is the new Aqua Impact Fortifying Shampoo. It’s enriched with ocean minerals and it makes every shower feel like a day at the beach, which keeps me centered even when I travel.

What are you hopeful for in the future?

Such a difficult question! I have so many exciting moving pieces in my life with my clients that I wish I could share. I am hopeful for new opportunities and look forward to continued collaboration with Dove Men+Care.

Want to know more about Jason and his fantastic business? Log on to his official site & twitter for more info.

Tres Carnes: An Awesome Alternative To The Norm

by Ryan Shea

Tres Carnes… They got Brisket YO!!!!!

Even though there is a plethora of authentic Mexican food you can experience here in New York City, many of us tend to take the easy way out, or most known, by going to familiar places such as Chipotle, Moe’s or even Taco Bell. We don’t tend to venture out and see what really is out for our taste buds to salivate on, yet if you really open your eyes you will see how much there really is to experience. One of those places is Tres Carnes, located in the heart of Chelsea on 22^nd and 6^th. Dubbed as “Texas Smoked Mexican Fare” on their website, Tres Carnes takes authentic Mexican cuisine to a whole other level, by bringing well known flavors and products and elevating them to an insanely delicious level.

Tres Carnes has been open for a little over a year, they opened its first location at 22nd & 6th Ave in March of 2013 and is run by Michael Sinensky, BBQ Pitmaster Mike Rodriguez and Exec. Chef Sasha Shor. What is a great visual of the location, besides the food of course, is the interesting and innovative art that is on the walls. The art is a “living installation,” taking shape and form based on the creative direction of Chef Sasha Shor. The art is curated and transitioned based on Sasha’s inspirations, travels, etc…

Seeing as from the moment I walked in there I was instantly hit with the aromatic smell of all the food that was made, I couldn’t wait to get my mouth on so many different options that they provide. When it comes to the burrito option, you can choose the traditional kind or have them come in a bowl or soft tacos. The meat options are quite diverse, one being- BRISKET. Yes a 16 hour smoked brisket that is just as tasty as it sounds. You also have the options of Smoked Chicken in Adobo and Lime, Smoked Pork Shoulder or there is a vegetarian option for the non-meat eaters out there.

The sides that come with the dish can also substitute for what you can put on your taco, burrito or bowl. And they are just as yummy as the main dish itself. Tres Carnes offers street cart corn, which is hot and sweet and bursting with flavor as well as Chipotle Squash and Brisket Chili. All were definitely worth doing a Cookie Monster and saying “OM NOM NOM!!!” We finished off with a churro doughnut, which is just as it was described. Suffice to say, the fat kid in me (who is still around as an adult mind you) was very happy overall. Easily a 10/10 in my book.

Go visit for yourself and see what all the fuss is about! You won’t be disappointed!

688 6th Ave.
New York, NY 10010
Phone:(212) 989-8737

Tres Carnes Official Website

Phi Phi O’Hara- The “Bitchy” Queen Speaks Out

by Ryan Shea

Phi Phi O’Hara- Learning From The Past & Working On The Future

RuPaul’s Drag Race has slowly become one of the best reality shows on television. In order for a show like this to work, there has to be a particular formula that the viewers can feed off of. Things such as intriguing competitions, the handful of contestants that you root for to ultimately win, and the one or two people deemed the villains that you love to hate, or hate to love. The latter couldn’t have been any truer than season four finalist Phi Phi O’Hara, who was truthfully the first queen ever on that show to have so much controversy and outright public anger than ever before. [Read more…] about Phi Phi O’Hara- The “Bitchy” Queen Speaks Out

Manhattan Digest Review- Hogar Dulce Hogar

by Ryan Shea

Hogar Dulce Hogar, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Hogar Dulce Hogar

Now that the weather is getting warmer (err cold for the moment but its getting back there) we can all enjoy spending more time outside and truthfully enjoying what New York City has to offer. Another great thing that New York offers is new restaurants with fresh ideas about cooking and decor, and one of those new hot spots happens to be Hogar Dulce Hogar, located right by Canal Street in lower Manhattan. There are so many things that make Hogar Dulce Hogar a truthfully unique place, from its array of choices for being a bakery (sure you can get your coffee but you can also get a damn good burger & eggs. More of that to come) but also the story behind how this location came to be.

manhattan digest, hogar dulce hogar — Credit to: Hogar Dulce Hogar

The idea of Hogar Dulce Hogar and the move to New York from Spain was aimed at bringing NYC a unique bakery that has a very European flair. They will serve all sorts of fun and delectable treats, everything from salads, delectable burgers and “broken eggs” with a Spanish twist – to completely original coffees such as cupcake (Muff’nJoe) and doughnut (DoughJoe) for guests to sip.

Hogar Dulce Hogar want their guests to experience the best, which is why they will leave detailed instruction labels on some of their food, including what the best way to spread jams, jellies and butter on croissants is – which does actually affect the taste of the food. They also have what they call 50-Second Orange Juice. Since OJ starts to lose Vitamin C within the first three minutes of being squeezed, Hogar Dulce Hogar promises their guests they will have their orange juice within fifty seconds to ensure their customers receive all the health benefits and needed vitamins.

Manager, Gonzalo Cabrera said, “We didn’t want to bring a cookie-cutter bakery to the one of the top culinary capitals in the world. Instead we wanted to bring a unique and homey environment with magnificent food and service, with a European twist. I think this is something we have achieved and we are excited to share it with New Yorkers and Big Apple visitors,” he said.

Gonzalo, who is the manager at Hogar Dulce Hogar, couldn’t have been any more gracious than he was when me and my friends showed up for the tasting. The overall experience was quite fantastic, and it was interesting to hear all about how this came to be and how in a short period of time Hogar has truly developed itself. The look of the place is extremely established for only being opened for a month or so. The design is quite unique, and I really enjoyed the greenery on the walls right when you walk in as well as the hard wood finishing. Some of the dishes that me and my friends really enjoyed eating was their selection of burgers (see the mouth watering photo), their freshly made coffee and the different types of Gelato which will come quite in handy with the scorching summer we are about to have. It is for sure an elevated bakery experience that is suitable for any age, albeit a big family coming in for a weekend brunch or you and your friends coming in for a yummy dinner. Chances are you are going to have a great time.

Why take my word for it? Go check out Hogar Dulce Hogar and see for yourself why this is one of the best new food experiences you will have in New York City.

Hogar Dulce Hogar

341 West Broadway

New York, NY 10013

347-705-2290

Best Surf Bar in the Boroughs: Beach Haters, Beware

by Jessica Klein

Enjoy sand between your toes when you’re dining? Even though the servers don’t typically recommend it, you can gorge on seafood with your shoes off and feet in the sand-covered floors at this festively decorated Brooklyn Surf Bar.

Located at 139 North 6^th Street in Williamsburg, Surf Bar is arguably the best of its genre in this fair city. With a convenient perch just blocks from the Bedford L, its relativity high traffic results in mixed (but largely positive) reviews from customers. That being said, it’s probably best not to go to a bar filled with sand if you find getting it in your shoes “a major pain in the butt” (words of a Yelp review dated February 27, 2014).

I personally enjoy the super surf kitsch décor and checkered tablecloths that would make the ambience everything at this restaurant/bar if it weren’t for the surprisingly delicious food and drink options. Standard prices make items like the Grilled Mahi Mahi Burger seem even tastier.

However, the various fried fish options serve as the menu’s main draw. With additions like Wasabi Pea, Teriyaki, and Coconut Lime Sauce (always on the side), the fish options taste much better than you would imagine at a place that has Barbie and Ken dolls wearing wet suits and smoking a cigarette (or, more likely, joint) hanging off the beer taps. The only menu option I’ve learned to avoid is the Cali Shrimp Tacos. Though the grilled shrimp itself is perfectly cooked and well seasoned, the menu description promises a lot more than what these otherwise lettuce-filled tacos deliver.

The salad (I’d recommend the fresh Shrimp & Crab) and side options aren’t bad, either, and I have a friend who swears by the Fish Burrito. Yucca Fries are a must if you feel like embracing the beachy spirit. They come with a sort of marinara sauce that doesn’t seem like it would work well with the starchy finger food until you take them for a dip.

Alas, the real reason my friends and I keep going back centers on the cocktails. Nothing can beat large, frozen alcoholic beverages with umbrellas sticking out of the top (they also make great hair accessories after you leave the bar). If you’re looking for adventure, or to get blackout drunk, try the Zombie, packed with enough different types of alcohol that discerning them as you sip through a colorful straw reaches impossibility. Coconut lovers must go for the Frozen Pina Colada or Gorilla Milk, but the Frozen Mojito’s pleasantly surprised everyone I know who’s given it a try. Its vibrant, green color need not scare drinkers away.

In keeping with the laidback vibe, what friendly staff members lack in speed they make up for in good humor. Surely having to deal with a variety of Zombie-drunk patrons has forced them to relax when dealing with customers. The restaurant/bar also boasts an ample back area, so you can dig your feet in the sand outdoors. But for the obviously Williamsburg walk-ups sticking up around you, you’d hardly tell the difference between Surf Bar’s outdoor space and a beachside eatery.

If you enjoy surfer kitsch, sweet and strong drinks, seafood, and eateries with ambience, check out Surf Bar’s website. The music alone will put you right in the mood…or indicate that Surf Bar in Williamsburg is the last place where you want to eat.

manhattan digest

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Phi Phi O’Hara- Learning From The Past & Working On The Future

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