New York never ceases to amaze me – even when I lived there, every day in the city was an experience on its own. You are taken by the city’s hectic energy as soon as you step out of your hotel – or in my case, a friend’s apartment.
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That same force will bring you down, especially if you’re not used to long walks. Oddly enough, it would keep you going. That’s why I keep coming back; also because it’s the only place where I can get laid. – Oh, shut up! We all have needs. 😉
This trip was planned around an anticipated gay event: The Black Party – which I won’t mention again due to the poor execution from organizers. It was a fun trip nonetheless. However, it also a reminded me that New York weather play by its own rules: freezing rain in spring, come on!
Here are three highlights of my latest New York trip
Being a guest at Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Event
Kiehl’s is a longtime leader in men’s skincare – and one of the brands in my vanity cabinet. For the launch of their new grooming products, they invited the press and influencers to an interactive experience when we got to see the six-piece line in action, plus I was able to ride a Human Gyroscope (for the longest time-FIY) & some light bites. I left with the products – that I can’t wait to try, and with a new friend @abramov_lex
Spending A Night At Yotel Hotel
I’ve always wanted to stay at Yotel, but never had the chance, first because I used to live in the city and well, I’m too broke to pay for accommodations when I visit. – Thankfully I have good friends. But listen to this, one night; I went out for dinner with my “lover,” afterward he surprised me with a sleepover at the Times Square techy hub. – I’m telling you, my dating game in New York is off the charts. Ok, back to Yotel. Cabins – as they call them, are compact but functional, white, bright with soft purple mood lighting. The bathroom has all the essentials but lacks privacy: enclosed in glass walls and curtains. Excuse me; I’m going to need more than that. Honestly, nothing beats the location and its reasonable price.
Lunching at Kelley & Ping in SoHo
Somehow I’ve been leaving under a rock because I’ve never heard of this neighborhood staple, in my defense, I barely spent time in SoHo. Kelly and Ping opened its doors back in 1993, it’s been featured in several movies, and it’s a local favorite. As soon you walk in, you are transported into what it feels like an Asian market. My eyes wandered around the quirky décor but my tummy tells me I’m hungry and something smells delicious. I got the duck soup – per a friend’s recommendation, some spring rolls, and the chicken pad Thai. The duck soup was on point, rich in flavor and tender. I also tried a Vietnamese coffee for the first time – why nobody told me such thing existed? And I finished my meal with a Thai beer. While lunch is self-service, the restaurant takes a new look for dinner: low lighting, helpful table-service, and tasty food. Thanks, Kelly And Ping for having me for lunch, I will definitely come back for dinner on my next visit.
Click here to follow my culinary experiences in my foodie Instagram @brunchinwithmanchic
Jorge Gallegos
Not just a pretty face
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