Nightlife Impresario Jake Resnicow Answers Our 10 Questions About NYC
When he’s not busy being a certified thirst trap, Jake Resnicow has been working hard to take over New York City nightlife. You may know him as the producer of Matinée USA, the North American extension of the renowned party brand that launched in Ibiza and now has events in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
This year, Resnicow was tapped to produce the official after-party for the 25th anniversary Life Ball gala, an HIV/AIDS benefit held annually in Vienna that draws a celeb-filled crowd like Kelly Osborne and Patti LaBelle.
This weekend, he will also be hosting his annual Ghostship Halloween bash at NYC’s Pier 40 on Saturday, October 26.
And, if all that wasn’t enough, he’s just as well known for being a party-giving philanthropist, having raised over $2 million producing fundraisers for organizations like Trevor Project, Ali Forney Center, and It Gets Better.
As someone who clearly knows his way around NYC, we thought we’d ask Resnicow to share a few of his favorite spots in town:
1. What is the best thing about NYC?
The people make it the greatest city in the world. It's a concrete jungle where dreams are made.
2. What is your favorite NYC tourist attraction?
The High Line. It's incredible how NYC transformed an old railroad into a sprawling elevated park with plenty of eye candy.
3. And, the most overrated?
Empire State Building: It's iconic but not even the best observatory. Check out the Top of the Rock instead. It’s less crowded, bigger, has multiple levels, and a 360-degree panoramic view that includes the Empire State Building.
4. What one thing should every LGBTQ tourist make a point to see/do/experience?
Go to the Stonewall Inn. It's the cradle of the modern LGBTQ rights movement and a national monument. Next year marks its 50th anniversary.
5. Where is the best place to meet cute locals?
Any of my events. (He smiles.) Or, on warmer days, Sheep's Meadow in Central Park and the Christopher Street Pier are fun.
6. Where is the best place to grab brunch?
I'm a fan of Brandon Voss' Drag Brunch at High Line Ballroom every Sunday.
7. Where is the best place to get a cocktail?
I love speakeasies. Check out PDT in the East Village. Enter through "Crif Dogs", slide into the phone booth, and dial "1" on the rotary phone.
8. Which hotel would you check into for a NYC staycation?
Yotel or Hudson Hotel — both will also be our host hotels for Gay Pride 2019.
9. The best neighborhood to spend an afternoon?
Check out Williamsburg. The scene is really popping.
10. Who or what is everyone in NYC is talking about right now?
Trans rights are gay rights, and gay rights are human rights. We're still fighting for justice and equality.