PLAY
By the time we finished dinner, we happily felt like tourists in our own city. I made eyecontact with the president of Greece (shouldn’t he have been on an austerity budget?) on my way out of the lobby and set out to explore Hells Kitchen as if we were in for the weekend. Gone are the days where you only have one or two options in Hells Kitchen. When staying at the Essex House, you can be at over twenty different gay bars in a matter of minutes. Industry and Flaming Saddles Saloon are the hottest new spots in the neighborhood, but Therapy is a longstanding hit as well.
I snapped photos at the festive opening of Flaming Saddles earlier this fall and captured the attractive crowd. The swank club always has something fun going on. Mimi Imfurst from last season of RuPaul’s Drag Race has a regular show now and just last week Mike Ruiz blew out his birthday candles in front of a starry crowd including Deborah Cox, Amanda Lepore, Lance Bass, Michelle Williams, and Kristine W. Across the street, Therapy is two-levels of eye candy and fun.
If you’re craving vodka, glamour, and perhaps a little drag, head over to Vlada. Bianca Del Rio or Paige Turner might be riling up the crowd and causing a commotion. But we don’t mind. If you’re lucky enough to be at Vlada the night of the Habibi party, get out that $15 and head upstairs, it’s the best gay Middle Eastern dance party in town. Once you’ve had enough dancing, head back to the Essex House for a nightcap before South Gate closes for the night.
The next day is choose your own adventure: Breakfast at Tiffany’s? It’s just around the corner. The Rockettes are high kicking for Jesus at the Radio City Music Hall, there’s a new exhibit at the Modern Art Museum, and Ricky Martin is about to start previews for the first revival of Evita at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway.
Thanks to our friends at OutThink Partners and the Jumeriah Essex House
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