If you go to brunch and don’t post about it, is it even a thing? Hey queens, I’m Byron Cordero and “By the Way” is my chance to give you the tea on what’s going on about town — from stunning stores to galleries that will make you gag. I’ll let you know where to be seen eating (or pretending to eat) and drinking, and also provide tips on staying fit, fashionable and fabulous. If you like what you see, watch it unfold day by day on insta at instagram.com/cordero.by/.
This time, we’ve got two gay-friendly bars with fabulous city views, an exhibition that’s totally serving face and a perfect place for a culinary first-date.
Drinks With A View
The Rooftop at Exchange Place: Every gurl knows that the best views of the city are outside of the city. Jersey City is one of few places in jersey that has both amazing views of Manhattana and a local gay bar (pintbar.com). But before you sashay your way over to Pint, enjoy a classy pregame at The Rooftop at Exchange Place. Sip on their signature sunset punch (their bartenders suggest sharing – girl, bye!) and enjoy the view fit for a queen – yasss! To get there from downtown (The Oculus) start at Pier 11/Wall Street and take the Paulus Hook Ferry to JC – it’s about a 1 minute walk from where you disembark. rooftopxp.com
Bar 54: They say Hell’s Kitchen is the new Chelsea, and with the thai restaurant to gay bar ration at its peak there’s emerged a new class of “gay-friendly” bars with a “come one come all.” attitude such as Bar 54, located on the 54th floor of Hyatt Centric Times Square. For the winter, they have installed a pair of bubbles on their outdoor terrace, creating it’s a cozy and romantic place to have a winter cocktail; it’s like having a cocktail in the clouds in a life sized snow globe.
Find LGBTQ-Friendly ResourcesSome of my favorites from the seasonal cocktail menu crafted by cocktail aficionado, Julie Reiner, include the “Campfire Sour” (Guajillo Pepper Infused Bourbon, Lemon, Egg White, Bitters), the “Foxtail” (Aged Rum, Cognac, Roasted Chestnut Liqueur, Lemon, Cinnamon, Egg White, Bitters) and the “Apollonia” (Apples, Laird’s Apple Brandy, Lemon, Grapefruit, Honey). The rooftop is open all year round, providing guests with wonderful views of the Chrysler Building, lower Manhattan and even the Times Square Ball. Find it at 135 West 45th Street, New York, New York, USA, 10036 near the Ritz, Vodka Soda, Therapy. timessquare.centric.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining.html
From Opera Gallery
Before There Were Selfies…
Portrait at Opera Gallery: “Hey there, Upper East Siders…” J/k this isn’t Gossip Girl. But this upper east side portrait exhibit is sure to tickle the fancy of any queen with a taste for a good mug. A favored subject of artists for centuries, these granddaddies of the selfieare as relevant as ever in this era where how we express our identities seem to be at the center of the cultural conversation. In response, Opera Gallery has brought together works from over 30 significant artists from the modern and contemporary era, including Pablo Picasso’s semi abstract portrait of a woman, Raoul Dufy’s ambiguous portrait of a boy, Andy Warhol’s famous ‘Jackie’, Alex Katz’ vast and enigmatic ‘Ulla’, Keith Haring’s playful ‘Sneeze’ and Yue Minjun’s wildly exaggerated ‘Everywhere.’ Catch it now through February 8 at Opera Gallery’s flagship gallery on New York’s Madison Avenue, and follow them on Twitter and Insta @operagallery and on facebook as OperaGalleryOfficial.
The French Cheese Board – If your idea of a good time is a fab lab of ideas, where you can participate in cooking lessons, wine and cheese pairing sessions, interactive presentations on how to indulge in French cheese, and improve your knowledge through playful, interactive displays dedicated to the art and craft of cheese, look no further than the French Cheese Board. The boutique also offers a selection of cookware and accessories that is sure to appeal to the trendiest of guests. PRO TIP: It makes for a great first date. Get on Board at 41 Spring St. frenchcheeseboard.com
The French Cheese Board
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Last modified: February 15, 2019
