Mike Ruiz, out and about in glam NYC.
Logo’s big swanky drama-filled new reality series, The A-List: New York premieres this coming Monday. Maybe you’ve seen the preview clips? Or the posters and billboards all over? And all the fuss online about whether or not this show is responsibly representing the gay community?
I can’t speak to that really. It looks like a bit of fluffy entertainment to me. But it also looks like a fun showcase for hotspots and swank locales in New York City. And since we love that sort of thing here at TripOut Gay Travel, we took it upon ourselves to reach out to the show’s cast members to get their personal recommendations for places that are “A-List” in NYC. Or at least to just find out what their favorite haunts are.
Each week for the next month I’ll be posting a different A-Lister’s picks. And we’re gonna kick it off with celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz. You know him from his splashy portfolio shooting stars like Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Kathy Griffin, Carmen Electra and Cheyenne Jackson. Or you know him from his guest appearances on America’s Next Top Model or RuPaul’s Drag Race. But trust—this is a man who know’s what what in NYC. And he’s here to share with you…
Let us have it, Mike!
The Lower East Side’s Hotel on Rivington serves up A-List style — and killer views!
HOTELS
The Hotel on Rivington
My friend Yasmin Warsame (my cast mate on Canada’s Next Top Model) always stays here and she LOVES it! It has a very cool clientele and the restaurant is awesome!
The Hotel on Rivington, 107 Rivington St. btw Ludlow & Essex, New York, NY 10002; 212-475-2600; http://www.hotelonrivington.com/; Rooms from $250-$750.
Even glam folks get hungry. Ruiz likes to snack at Nuela (left) and Buddakan.
RESTAURANTS
Buddakan
I love Buddakan for its decor and delicious menu. It’s a favorite place for me to entertain out of town clients.
Buddkan, 75 9th Ave. at 16th Street, New York, NY; 212-989-6699; http://www.buddakannyc.com
The Dish
My favorite place to eat! It’s like the gay “Cheers.” The atomosphere is so inviting and the home cooking is just like Mom’s (if she could cook, I mean).
The Dish, 201 8th Ave. between 20th & 21st St., New York, NY ; 212-352-9800; http://thedishchelsea.com
Nuela
A great South American restaurant with a really innovative menu and very cool decor!
Nuela, 43 W 24th St. near 6th Ave., New York, NY; 212-929-1200; http://www.nuelany.com
A-List boys get their party on at Club 57 in Midtown; and so do pop divas like Kelly Rowland. Attagirl!!!
BARS
Club 57
I dig Club 57 for its energy and expanse!
Club 57, Saturdays at Providence, 311 West 57th Street between 5th & 6th Aves., New York, NY; 212-307-0062; http://www.fveventsny.com/club-57-overview/
Rockit
I just premiered a music video at Rockit and I really liked the crowd and music!
Rockit, Fridays at Quo, 511 W. 28th St. between 10th and 11th Aves., New York, NY; http://www.fveventsny.com/rockit-fridays-at-quo-overview/
Sorry. Had to include this cute go-go boy shot from Rockit, too! No wonder Mike likes it here…
SHOPPING
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen is one of my favorites for his unparalleled fashion artistry. Half of my closet is McQueen.
Alexander McQueen, 419 West 14th Street at Washington St., New York, NY; 212-645-1797; http://www.alexandermcqueen.com
Bergdorf Goodman Men’s Store
I love Bergdorf Men’s store! I’d buy one of everything in there if I could. – Mike Ruiz, The A-List: New York.
Bergdorf Goodman Men’s, 745 Fifth Ave. at 58th St., New York, NY; http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com
The High Line Park isn’t just Mike’s favorite spot in NYC. Everybody loves this unique and gorgeous urban oasis.
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
High Line Park
I lived in meatpacking in the 80′s so I always get nostalgic looking down at my old stomping ground & how it’s evolved into a beautiful hub of fashion and fine dining. I do miss the tranny hookers, though.
High Line Park, in, Chelsea & the West Village from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues, New York NY; 212-500-6035
http://www.newnownext.com/highline-park-new-york-united-states-sights-activities/
Hudson River Park
I love to walk down the pathways along the Hudson River in Chelsea and the West Village. It’s like going to the beach without leaving the city.
Hudson River Park, from West 46th St to Battery Park along the Hudson River, New York City, NY; 212-627-2020; http://www.hudsonriverpark.org
And here’s a great watery view of Hudson River Park, and the West Village from afar. So majestic… Now, come visit!
Watch Mike Ruiz in the very first “A-List” episode below!
Catch new episodes of The A-List: New York every Monday at 10pm ET / 9pm CT.
