Quel Homme Magazine - Issue 2 - New York

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HOMME #WHATAMAN

ISSUE 2

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THE

NEW YORK ISSUE

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR Calum Donoghue CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

FOOD WRITER

CONTENT CONSULTANT

Vincent Nuzzolese

Theo Tritsarolis

Ashleigh Togher

MOTION WRITER

TECH EDITOR

Anthony Garnham

Anthony Francis

Special thanks to Passavant and Lee www.passavantandlee.com PUBLISHED BY

Donoghue & Collaborative Limited does not accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, Donoghue & Collaborative Limited take no responsibility for omissions or errors. No part of this publication is to be copied or reproduced without the permission of the publisher, in writing. All information included, to the best of our knowledge, was correct at time of publishing. All rights reserved.

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CONTENTS

QUEL HOMME / ISSUE 2 / NEW YORK

12/18/30/36

QH QUESTIIONABLES On our hunt to find and question the world's most well travelled men, QH meets model turned designer Benji Lee, New York based photographer Ian Chang, MR PORTER US Editor Dan Rookwood and Restauranteur Phil Winser.

FITNESS Our fitness expert Ray Buckton shares his tips to the perfect abs.

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STAY

Editor Calum Donoghue picks some of the best places to stay in New York, whether you are visiting for a long work assignment or to enjoy a short city escape.

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CUISINE It’s hard to keep track of the hottest restaurants to check out when in New York, so we have enlisted Food Writer, Theo Tritsarolis, to guide you through the best in Big Apple cuisine.

28

TECH

Whether you're struggling for somewhere special to eat or looking to stay in a hidden treasure, Tech Editor Anthony Francis picks the top apps to assist you on your travels.

PHOTO: PASSAVANT AND LEE

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WELCOME

QUEL HOMME / ISSUE 2 / NEW YORK

FROM THE EDITOR Home to the Empire State Building, Times Square and Statue of Liberty, a global hub for luxury and style, and arguably the world’s most exciting city.

New York has an endless energy that is hard to resist, so where better for our second edition - the QH team have assembled to share their insight into the city that ceases to fail no matter the season.

We have missed the thick snowfalls and share our guide just in time for the bright blue skies of summer. Ray Buckton returns to provide his expert tips to getting a trim waist before your trip stateside and I speak to four gentleman who know the city like the back of their hand.

Whether visiting for a long work assignment, a short city escape or for an urban retreat with your partner, this issue has you covered.

Calum Donoghue

@calumdonoghue

PHOTO: PASSAVANT AND LEE

Our guide to New York features the best hotels, the must visit restaurants, where to sip a sky-high cocktail, and what to take to stay stylish whilst soaking in the culture.

FITNESS Our fitness expert Ray Buckton shares his tips to the perfect abs. Words by Ray Buckton, Fitness Expert & Personal Trainer Photography by Calum Donoghue

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PHOTO: Ray Beckon by Calum Donoghue

FITNESS THE MIDSECTION The first thing to remember when it comes to acquiring a mouth-watering pack of abdominals is that you already have them. Everybody has them.

Without them you wouldn't be able to bend or twist your torso, or brace your spine.

Your midsection is made up of a few muscle groups: the ‘Transverse abdominis’ (aka the corset), the ‘Obliques’ (these sit at the sides of your torso), and finally the ‘Rectus abdominis’ (aka the 6-pack). They all have biomechanically different jobs to do, but when it comes to revealing a tight midsection and perfect abs, they must all be given attention.

The reason why your abdominals aren't popping like Stallone’s in Rocky IV is purely because your body fat percentage is too high. Anything above 14% is generally too prohibitive to show good definition. So now we know abdominals are not just something of mythological folklore, here is how to make yours perfect.

HORMONES Controlling your hormones is key. Your midsection is the home to two main hormonal receptor sites; insulin and cortisol.

You'll be familiar with insulin if you know any diabetics. A diet high in sugar and starch causes an overflow of insulin to be secreted in your body which in turn forces excess glucose (sugar) to be stored as fat, particularly over your prized abdominals.

Cortisol is the stress hormone. There are countless stresses in our lives that cause the release of this hormone and I'm not going to patronise you by telling you to 'chill out' and 'worry less'. The simple fact is that an excess amount of cortisol is a real stumbling block for many when labouring to dispose of their last few percentages to reveal their abs.

Due to the millions of years of evolution, the survival mechanism in our bodies views the excess cortisol as a cue to store fat, again to much irritation, on our midsections. Sleep deprivation is one of the main causes of excess cortisol, so ensuring you get enough rest is vital to help manage this. It's easy to see why in the western world where sugary foods and stressful lives are so abundant that a 6-pack is a rare commodity.

NUTRITION Controlling insulin is crucial. This hormone, however, is easily manipulated through food choices. Avoid refined, processed and sugary foods first and foremost. This includes bread, pasta & rice. This does not mean you do not eat carbohydrates. The carb sources highlighted are best avoided as they are broken down into sugar (glucose) quickly. Perfect if you need a quick fix of energy. Not so great if you want to avoid fat storage on your stomach.

Instead opt for fibrous carbohydrate sources like pulses and vegetables.

Good fats like nuts and avocado also help to regulate blood sugar levels as well as a high protein intake. These will help to ensure your body doesn't surge insulin into your blood stream and your stomach fat doesn't continue cultivating!

Avoiding processed foods and drinking water like you are pre-empting a draught is also essential. Processed foods have been found to increase the amount of cortisol circulating as our digestive systems find it very taxing to break them down.

Water is the most important element in the human body, it makes everything work. If your body is dehydrated, it again will release excess cortisol as it becomes more stressed and finds functioning more difficult. Once your nutrition is in check, supplementing with products like CLA and Caffeine have also been scientifically shown to have a considerable effect on fat loss, particularly around your stomach.

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SHRED Time to shred. Training with intensity is the key. Your body will not change unless you challenge it to, so get out of your comfort zone.

I am an advocate of High Intensity interval training, mainly because of the excess-post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), also known as the after burn effect. In laymen’s terms, this basically means that your metabolism is increased and you continue burning calories for up to 24 hours after training!

Compare that to going for a long jog, which not only will take considerably longer, it burns pretty much no calories after you’ve finished!

Try an interval training method called 'Tabata', if that doesn't get your metabolism fired up, nothing will. Engaging your muscle cells is also the most effective way to burn calories quickly, so doing some resistance training will give your body extra stimulus to reduce fat. Stick to compound lifts. These are exercises that involved multiple joints and muscle groups and therefore give you the most bang for your buck. A few examples are Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Press and Pull Ups. Your body doesn't 'spot reduce' fat from exercise - i.e.: if you do sit ups, you don't burn fat from your stomach. Spot reduction is only achieved through nutrition, when it comes to exercise your body works as a complete organism. Some people may lose fat quicker from their limbs. For you it might be different. The key is to remain patient.

DEADLIFTS So now your body fat is getting below that 14% threshold and we are starting to see some good definition, it's time to sculpt the masterpiece. As mentioned previously, the midsection is made up of a variety of muscles, each of which need to be worked exclusively to create perfection.

Your torso can move in various ways, I am going to give you my 3 favourite midsection-defining exercises, starting with the Rectus Abdominis. To hit this group with most effect, opt for the Myotatic Crunch. This essentially stretches your abdominals creating a greater range of motion and forcing more muscle fibre’s to be recruited.

For the Oblique’s, opt for a twisting motion. The muscle fibres of the Obliques are atonomically set in a way that twisting, as opposed to bending, forces significantly more fibres to be recruited. Cable Wood chops are perfect for this.

Finally for the Transverse Abdominis, I like to use an exercise called the Cat Vomit. Delightful I know. Remember this muscle is also called the corset muscle as it wraps around the midsection.

This exercise forces the midsection to tighten and prevent any protrusion of the stomach. Important tip: controlling your breathing is crucial when conducting abdominal exercises.

Breathing out on exertion causes what we call intra abdominal pressure. This forces more muscle fibres to stimulate and makes the exercise a lot more effective.

WWW.RAYBUCKTON.COM

PHOTO: Ray Beckon by Calum Donoghue

@RAY_BUCKTON

QH QUESTIONABLES Between the two of them, Jon Passavant and Benj Lee have modelled for some of the world's biggest brands including Dior, Armani and Dunhill.

Having joined their style credentials, the handsome duo are fast becoming hot commodity in luxury men's accessories. QH speaks to one half of Passavant and Lee...

How did you meet Jon? I met Jon in New York in 2008 when I moved there with my wife. We only planned to be in New York a year or so, but he's the reason why 8 years on it feels as much like home as London.

You both have an extensive background in modelling. Has your years in men's fashion influenced your design in accessories?

Absolutely. We were both so privileged to work with the top creatives in the fashion industry - photographers, designers, stylists, art directors, and this broad spectrum of people have been a huge inspiration to us. There was something special about working as a model and getting to see behind the curtain, being involved in off the record conversations. Aside from the people, the places our work took and takes us serves as a massive influence on our work today. From Castles in Scotland to the beaches of Sri Lanca, the streets of Paris to the glaciers of Patagonia. Our accessories are for an adventurous man whose work and passions take him around the world. For someone who demands functionality, but embraces the romance of travel.

You spend your time between London and New York, where must QH readers go in the Big Apple?

We're based in Nolita which as an area was my first love in New York. A local haunt of ours recently has been Rintintin.

I don't stay in hotels in NY anymore now that we have a place here, but I'll never forget staying at the Bowery on one of my first trips to the city. To this day it's one of my favourites, I still head there for a winter warmer in front of the fire on a brutal winter day.

How do you manage to balance British and American style?

It's something that happens naturally as we are both equally involved in the design process. The inspiration we pull from is varied but there is always a strong vein of our American and British heritage. We have the advantage of being great friends, so the design process is fluid and enjoyable from the outset.

How has the design of the items you create adapted since inception?

As our products have gone from being rough sketches and imaginings to actual finished pieces, we've been confronted with countless decisions and forks in the road. At every point we have gone with the highest quality material or process or craftsman. Whilst we always knew we wanted to create well made, authentic pieces, we didn't know initially that it would end up being a £2000 briefcase that is genuinely worth every penny. The further we got into it, the more we realised the incredible challenges of making products like this, but also the amazing skills of the craftsmen who would help us realise our dreams.

What does luxury mean to you?

To me, luxury has to be aspirational and also authentic. I’m drawn to things that evoke a sense of mystery but are also authentic to their context; whether in the materials used to create them or the process of design and manufacture, it can’t be a founded on a trend but on something classic, iconic and real.

How do you describe your personal style?

I love classic British style but then throwing my own twist in with it. I’ve always enjoyed vintage finds and working in pieces picked up from my travels. I’ve always found that you can tell most about a man by the accessories he has, they are also normally the most consistent part of someone's attire - you change bag much less than you change clothes, so I love having that part of my wardrobe sorted.

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Benji Lee

PHOTO: PASSAVANT AND LEE

STYLE

Clockwise from top left: Audeze Headphones www.audeze.com, Augustus Pili black leather shoes, Boardies Mens Swim Shorts www.boardiesapparel.com, Tusting Hold All www.tusting.co.uk, Leica D-Lux ‘Solid Gray’ compact camera uk.leica-camera.com, Northskull Bracelet www.northskull.com, Piaget mens watch www.piaget.com

TOP 3 ROOFTOP BARS THE KNICKERBOCKER Overlooking the glow of Times Square and Bryant Park, the iconic New York City landmark relaunched last year. The Knickerbocker hotel, in the heart of Manhattan, is a haven of refined elegance; a legendary monument created by John Jacob Astor IV in 1906, now re-imagined into a sophisticated urban sanctuary.

Not the worst place in the world to enjoy stella cocktails, live music and jaw-dropping views, the rooftop bar is the new kid on the block but making a good impression on the local New Yorkers. Mere blocks from some of the world's most revered cultural diversions - Broadway, The Metropolitan Opera, MoMa, and an easy walk to Fifth Avenue and Central Park - the bar is a cool oasis to relax after a day of being a tourist. www.theknickerbocker.com

1 SALON DE NING THE PENINSULA NEW YORK It is not just the world class views that make Salon de Ning a favourite amongst New Yorkers but the cocktails are something to shout about. With the skyline views of the Big Apple above Fifth Avenue, Salon de Ning is a chic rooftop bar featuring two outdoor terraces complemented by an intimate interior bar.

It’s east meets west here, with Chinese and international influences fusing in a stylish mÊlange of cultures reflecting the glamour and style of 1930s Shanghai - the "Paris of the East". www.peninsula.com

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3

2

2 THE PRESS LOUNGE

The Press Lounge, atop of Ink48 Hotel, is Adam Block's sister venue to PRINT. Restaurant. The Press Lounge offers cocktails and light fare complimented by unobstructed views of Manhattan and the Hudson.

Opened in 2010, it quickly became recognised as one of the finest Manhattan rooftop lounges; with a spacious and vibrant design and a jaw-dropping backdrop of the city skyline.

If you are looking for a space for business during the day, book the Private Den which is perfect spot to get work done and reward yourself with a signature cocktail as the sun sets over Manhattan. www.thepresslounge.com

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QH QUESTIONABLES

Ian Chang

PHOTO: Iam Chang

New York based photographer Ian Chang, shoots some of the world’s most desirable men from London to Big Apple. Interview by Calum Donoghue

QH QUESTIONABLES What cities do you find to be the most photogenic?

It is humbling to have been able to travel to different locations across the globe and each city imparts you with so many great memories, experiences, interactions with people and the richness of its cultures. Of that, I found Berlin, Istanbul and Stockholm to be some of my most memorable travel experiences. The historical architecture and landmarks create such a distinctive and recognisable backdrop in every view. You can never take a bad photo in any of those cities.

Where in New York would you recommend QH readers visiting?

I thought this question would be easy but I had to think about this one!

I am a bit of a foodie, so my quest is to always check out some of the awesome food joints in every neighbourhood! When in New York, I spend most of my time in Williamsburg. It has a cool art and music scene, with numerous cafes and restaurants. There is always something interesting happening in Williamsburg. I recommend checking out a couple of my favourite hangouts such as Reynard at Wythe Hotel and Shelter Pizza.

If you haven’t been to New York then start with Manhattan. There are so many places to see and things to do in NY, but if I had to name the essentials, then visit the iconic skylines (including the infamous Chrysler and Empire State Building); Central Park, MoMA, New York Public Library and Statue of Liberty are great introductions for new visitors.

Back to food – I would check out Freemans, Smith and Mills, Indochine, Café Gitane and Aurora Soho. There is a huge list to choose from, so the best way is to explore and find them.

You work with models day-to-day, are there any in particular you think we should be keeping an eye on?

Most recently, I was introduced to Joel Threadgold by Kirk Blake (agent extraordinaire). He was immediately booked by IMG Models Australia after his first casting and now noticed by a major fashion house. We are in the process of working on a shoot together so watch this space.

How do you define your style of photography?

I am trying to figure out my style – or at least describe it. My photography is a medium for personal expression and it constantly evolves and changes. I do try to design my photographs to reveal an emotional presence and keeping it bold, clean and crossed with experimental art.

When do you feel at your most creative?

Travelling definitely fuels my creativity – it heightens my visual and auditory senses and I draw inspiration from everything around me wherever I go. I am also inspired by my partner-in-crime/hair styling prodigy Shannon Williams (@shannonjjwilliams). Without him, I would have never been able to produce some of my strongest work. We continue to exchange shoot concepts daily and always preparing for the next production.

Did you always want to be a photographer?

Not at first, honestly, I just fell into it because of my obsession with men’s fashion and counter-culture. I’ve always considered myself as an artist, exploring different forms of fine art at a young age – film photography, painting, conceptual art and music. I am much more expressive visually and this medium allowed me to be conversive – or cathartic. After university, I was inspired by the works of Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Nick Knight and Steven Klein. The two common elements in all their works was their obsession with the human form and exploration of dark undertones. I was mesmerised by how they interpreted their subjects so profoundly through their own dialogue. That compelled me to enter the world of photography with my own voice.

How do you make someone you are shooting feel comfortable?

If time permits I would try to catch up with the model or arrange a go-see prior to a shoot. This breaks the first meeting nerves and allows the model and myself to learn about each other and build that rapport. I shoot in studio a lot so I encourage the models to bring their own music. They become more comfortable when they hear familiar tunes.

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Where have been your favourite cities to travel for work?

I have a soft spot for London and will make the annual pilgrimage where possible. The other is the craziness of New York City for obvious reasons.

It’s the unspoken law of attraction in London and New York, I am presented with so many creative, talented people, which is exciting and they elevate you to think bigger and focus on materialising your vision.

Where will you be going next?

A sojourn in Tokyo then to Paris. www.iancphotography.viewbook.com

PHOTO: Ian Chang

Instagram - @ianconline

STAY

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PHOTO: MONTAGE BEVERLY HILLS

Editor Calum Donoghue picks some of the best places to stay in New York, whether you are visiting for a long work assignment or to enjoy a short city escape‌

STAY

THE NEW YORK EDITION Ian Schrader’s luxury hotel for today’s modern traveller is simple in its design and sits on the border between uptown and downtown, north of the Meatpacking District. The New York EDITION evokes a new age of American Glamour.

Inspired by New York City’s turn of the 20th century private clubs, Fifth Avenue’s Gilded Age Mansions and Stanford White’s architectural masterpieces, the hotel has a residential feel and is housed within the worldfamous ‘Clocktower’.

The 273-room hotel’s restaurant is led by chef Jason Atherton and has floor to ceiling windows which overlook Madison Square park. Three intimate dining rooms, a parlour with a billiard table and a library serving cocktails, after dinner drinks and desserts, all have a masculine and signature Edition design.

Many of the suites have 180-degree views of Manhattan and the 1,400 square foot penthouse apartment has 360-degree vistas. Each room has a classic, extra long and deep floating white oak desk, inspired by JeanMichel Frank, and a bed with a dark walnut headboard and a custom-built walnut platform with bespoke walnut nightstands.

The New York Edition To make a reservation call 212-413-4200 or visit www.editorionholes.com.

5 Madison Avenue New York, New York, 10010

PHOTO: AKA BEVERLY HILLS

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STAY

BACCARAT HOTEL NEW YORK The hotel’s Parisian influenced interiors mix with the contemporary aesthetic of its midtown location. Each of the 114 guest rooms and suites feel like a private pied-à-terre, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sitting areas, white marble bathrooms and exclusive amenities created for the hotel by Parisian perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

Located at street level, the signature contemporary French restaurant, Chevalier, takes its name from Baccarat’s creative director, Georges Chevalier, who was responsible for ushering the crystal company into the modern age. Executive Chef Shea Gallante, who earned a Michelin star for his work at the Manhattan restaurant Cru, helms the kitchen.

Baccarat has partnered La Mer to create Spa de La Mer, its first spa in the United States, with four treatment rooms to provide sumptuous treatments.

Adjacent to the spa, luxurious day beds in alcoves surround the black-andwhite marble-tiled pool. Available to both hotel guests and residents, the 24hour gym features cutting-edge equipment and personal trainers.

Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York Located at 20 West 53rd Street. Rates begin at $899. To reserve, call 1-844-294-1764 or visit baccarathotels.com

STAY

MARMARA PARK AVENUE Centrally located, the new U.S. flagship for the Marmara Collection was designed by artist and designer Joe Ginsberg and opened in summer 2015.

From the lobby’s hand-blown glass to the vestibule assembled using 670 pieces of faceted steel, and the 14-foot fireplace, almost everything at Marmara Park Avenue has been custom-designed and individually produced by artisans.

Along with traditional guest rooms, there is apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens ideal for extended stay travellers. 40 of the hotel’s rooms have private terraces to enjoy a secluded evening cocktail.

Beneath the lobby, Marmara Park Avenue’s Wellness Centre offers a haven from Manhattan hustle: there’s a lap pool, cleansing steam bath designed to help relax, and fitness centre.

Whether you are visiting New York City for an international engagement, work assignment, or a business trip, the Marmara Park Avenue is the perfect place for an extended stay.

Marmara Park Avenue To make a reservation visit www.park.marmaranyc.com. 114 E 32 Street between Park and Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10016

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THE TECH FIVE Whether you're struggling for somewhere special to eat or looking to stay in a hidden treasure, Tech Editor Anthony Francis picks the top apps to assist you on your travels...

ONAVO EXTENT By directing all of your data (excluding data used via WiFi) through their own servers, Onavo is able to use compression technology to reduce the amount of data being used during your app and web usage. This means you won't overdo your data usage and be charged an increased rate. And yes, it compresses your emails too.

Free, App Store & Google Play

SKYSCANNER This flight (hotel and car hire) app allows you to quickly search hundreds of flights to find the best deal for you. Even though this comes in extremely useful when searching for the best flights out of your homeland, it also acts as a flight checking tool for those more explorative holidays when you don’t know where your next stop will be until the day before.

Free, App Store & Google Play

FOODSPOTTING Visiting Italy and fancy a carbonara? Trekking in Thailand and craving Pad Thai? Better yet, ever fancied simply trying what people are shouting about wherever you are? You'd think it would be easy to find a nice restaurant to enjoy some of the local cuisine in, however, we’ve all been proven wrong.

Foodspotting changes this by giving you access to a ‘visual guide to good food and where to find it’. The app allows you to browse through photos of nearby specific dishes, see what looks good and will tell you where to get it from.

Free, App Store & Google Play

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LOUNGE BUDDY When travelling, sometimes all we need is a place to sit back, enjoy a G&T and catch up on the latest news. Luckily for us, LoungeBuddy can help. If your ticket doesn't come with instant access to an airport lounge, use this app to direct you to your closest lounge, pre-book, and see what's in store for you whilst en route.

Free, App Store & Google Play

GOOGLE MAPS No matter how well we think we know a city, we can all make use of a map in our pocket. Google Maps is a reputable app that no traveller should be without, and if you're worried that you may not have any signal (or about the roaming costs) it's wise to know that Google Maps allows you to store maps on your device for viewing while offline. Our advice, download the Google app and make use of all of its services.

PHOTO: PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE AT LONDON HEATHROW

Free, App Store & Google Play

QH QUESTIONABLES

Mr Dan Rookwood

In a league of its own, the NET-A-PORTER e-commerce platform is an international fashion powerhouse. Its stylish brother, MR PORTER celebrated its fifth birthday in 2016 but has fast become the gentleman’s best friend.

The US Editor at the helm of MR PORTER’s immensely successful Journal is a British expat now based in New York. Mr Dan Rookwood has been sharing his sartorial knowledge on both sides of the pond for over a decade, working with some of the worlds most celebrated titles. QH chats to the Brit abroad.

Interview by Calum Donoghue

As a British expat, how have you adapted your personal style to suit New York?

When I first moved to New York just over two years ago, I was still wearing a Savile Row suit and benchmade shoes every day, just as I had done when I lived in London. But unlike in W1, that look began to feel a little ‘costumey’.

I remember the first dinner I hosted for Mr Porter in LA, where the look is even more casual than New York. I wore a three piece Prince of Wales check suit. Everyone else was dressed much more casually. I looked ridiculous – there was too much of a disconnect. As the overarching feel in menswear has eased towards athleisure, my look has relaxed. I now wear sneakers and deconstructed tailoring a lot more. Plus, New York has four distinct seasons and you really have to dress appropriately for each one. No man in his right mind would wear a suit, collar and tie in a muggy Manhattan summer if he doesn’t have to. And it’s not practical to skid about in leather-soled shoes and a Crombie coat in an icy winter when everyone else is in sturdy snow boots and arctic parkas. So yes, I’ve had to adapt my wardrobe.

Where are the best places to work outside the office in New York?

One rising trend at the moment is the communal work space. We are living in a time when the regular 9-5 has morphed into a freelance flexi-time. Often the boundaries between work and play are blurred. Is that afternoon coffee or after-work drink social, or is it professional? Often it’s both. Not many people want to set up their mobile office in a Starbucks each day so there are now some interesting work spaces in New York that cater to this modern worker – especially those who work in creative industries. There is a members’ club called NeueHouse which is a bit like Soho House meets WeWork – aimed particularly at entrepreneurs and creatives. It’s a place to work but also to network. They set up their first house in New York a few years ago, and they now have one in LA with a third space in London due to open this year. I know that the Soho House Group is also launching Soho Works globally to provide its members with an environment that is more conducive to work than play.

Over your career as a journalist, who has been the most thought provoking person you have interviewed and why?

Alain de Botton, the founder of The School of Life, was pretty inspiring.

Russell Brand had some very interesting things to say. Balmy but interesting.

I’ve interviewed Malcolm Tucker, Borat and The Fat Jew all in character – all of whom were extraordinary.

I interviewed the street artist Banksy over email once and that was an experience. It took a lot of setting up.

And Tom Ford – that was a great interview. He asked me to turn the voice recorder off at the start so that we could get to know each other first. And then he gave me a thoroughly entertaining interview.

Just recently I interviewed Steven Gerrard for Mr Porter and that story went viral. He was so much cooler than I thought he would be.

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How is menswear evolving? And what are some of your favourite recent trends?

Fashion is cyclical as we all know. Five years ago it was very much London’s turn in the spotlight and the look was quite buttoned-up. The overaccessorised Pitti Peacock had his moment as street style took off on Instagram. Then a few years ago it became about all bearded and tattooed hipsters. Now the trend is towards athleisure which is more casual and relaxed look – and this is also very much a US look. So brands such as Public School in New York and John Elliott in LA are booming.

Mr Porter recently celebrated its fifth birthday, what does the next five years hold for the brand?

That’s the wonderful thing – who knows? The landscape is evolving at such a pace that it’s impossible to predict more than a year in advance. It’s like the road ahead is being pieced together like a satnav map on spotty wifi. I know what 2016 looks like and it’s very exciting but I am not at liberty to reveal details. We will continue to innovate and grow, to surprise and delight. It’s been a great first five years but the growth potential is enormous. We’ve only just got started.

What part of your role as US Editor gives you the most satisfaction?

The variety. In past jobs I literally developed RSI from being so desk-bound.

But in this job I get to do a little bit of everything from writing, editing and commissioning to directing short films, art directing photoshoots, interviewing interesting people, meeting designers and artisans and looking at what they produce.

I really enjoy meeting talented people who are passionate about what they do because I feed off that enthusiasm. And it is my job to communicate their story to a wider audience which is often a great privilege. There’s no insidious agenda to what we do which means people are usually very happy to work with us because they like what we produce. And it’s true, the quality of the content we produce gives me immense pride in the work we do.

Where have been your favourite places to travel for work? Where are you off to next?

As I tap out these very words, I am on a flight to LA – which is my most common destination. New York and LA are our two biggest markets in the US, and they are also the places where we do most of our editorial shoots and interviews. Tonight I am hosting a dinner at the Sunset Tower hotel. I shall be sitting between Steven Gerrard and Patrick Stewart and opposite Jeremy Piven. Tomorrow I am hosting an event at Soho House West Hollywood with the new designer John Elliott. I am producing a photo shoot with a movie star, and I’ve got various meetings set up with talent agents.

I’m not travelling too widely for the next few months because my wife is shortly to give birth to twins but we’re doing a sailing shoot in Bermuda and a shoot with a climber in Vancouver.

I also come back home to London six times a year to work in the London office which is something I very much enjoy. I stay in a different part of town each time and enjoy being a tourist in my own city and catching up with friends.

Where must QH readers visit when in the Big Apple?

Where do I start? OK, my barber is a guy called Mike Sposito Fellow Barber in Williamsburg. I would also recommend Blind Barber and Persons of Interest.

You’ve got to have a New York slice from Joe’s Pizza.

The best bar with a view is at the top of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg which looks out over Manhattan. There are some good cocktail bars around like Please Don’t Tell or Attaboy.

I love taking visitors to see live jazz or live comedy in the West Village.

And the best touristy thing to do is the Observatory at One World Trade for spectacular views across Manhattan. It’s really well done.

If you could only give someone just one essential grooming tip what would it be?

Never underestimate the importance of fresh breath.

PHOTO: Jonathan Daniel Pryce

The best place for celebrity spotting is the Polo Bar uptown or the Waverly Inn downtown. For lunch I like to go to ABC Kitchen or ABC Cocina. For dinner I like Freemans.

CUISINE It’s hard to keep track of the hottest restaurants to check out when in New York, so we have enlisted Food Writer, Theo Tritsarolis, to guide you through the best in Big Apple cuisine‌

CUISINE

TAKE ROOT

CHARLIE BIRD

Take Root opened its doors in 2013 and quickly gained notice on New York’s foodie scene, for all the right reasons. Its unusual and fresh approach to dining - offering a mere 12 seats per night, three nights per week and bookings available only a month beforehand - created an air of exclusivity difficult to duplicate. The restaurant won its first Michelin star in just two years.

Boasting a website that’s more reminiscent of a friendly marketing company, Charlie Bird appears to be a fresh break from the tired, tried and tested monotony of other food and drink hotspots blatant allusions to chic.

Despite its meteoric rise in popularity, the restaurant had not thoroughly cemented its place in Brooklyn. During a several month hiatus last year, the restaurant’s loyal following waited with bated breath - permanent closure was rumoured to be on the cards. Eventually Take Root reopened its doors in Autumn. With a thorough aesthetic renovation, gone were the hand-medown furnishings, to be replaced by a fresh lick of paint, newly renovated bathroom and cushioned seats.

Presumably rejuvenated after the break, owner - operators, Chef Elise Kornack and Anna Hieronimus who run a tight ship (it just being the two of them who staff the restaurant) are back once again with a superb, locally sourced 12 course taster menu, priced at $125 per person. Wine and beer are available by the glass and bottle in addition to the fixed price.

If you manage to snag a reservation here, expect expert culinary delights, crafted by just one pair of hands, and an intimate service that deserves the bragging rights that, naturally, go with it.

Take Root, 187 Sackett Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 www.take-root.com

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It’s no surprise that the restaurant’s open and welcoming attitude has garnered it a loyal following from the local, well-heeled SoHo elite. In a neighbourhood oriented restaurant avoid nudging shoulders and elbows in what can become a very crowded bar area by ensuring you book a table.

Those in the know will visit in the spring or summer when they can find themselves at ease in a light and airy (thanks to the French doors) dining room with exposed brickwork that almost seems a salute to Central Perk.

However don’t be fooled by the comfortable setting, as with a hip hop based “insanely good playlist” curated by their “most famous” bartender and server, Charlie is perhaps one of the coolest places to be seen in NYC. While the surroundings may indeed be hip, the Italian-American menu is not underrepresented, demonstrating solid dishes such as Tuscan Beef Ribeye Anchovy, Ricotta Salata & Wild Watercress, with critics waxing almost lyrical over chef Ryan Hardy’s farro salad. A closer look at the drinks list reveals a coruscating selection of wines, that promises to delight the palate. Of course Robert Bohr, sommelier, and Grant Reynolds, wine director, cater to New Yorkers’ grape-of-the-minute, with a wide selection of rieslings from home and abroad.

5 King Street, New York, NY10012 www.charliebirdnyc.com

PHOTO:Bar PHOTO: Bouchon Bouchon Beverly Hills

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ACME Also having experienced a brief period of closure, ACME is a trendy hotspot for downtown dining in the heart of NoHo. In the wake of former chef Mads Refslund’s departure, Brian Loiacono is now at the helm. With a complete menu overhaul that reflects Loiacono’s classic French training and Brooklyn based Italian-American upbringing, this New York stalwart has been reintroduced as a contemporary, seasonal bistro.

The classy interior will still be familiar to experienced guests, but new art has been installed, curated by Jon Neidich, one of the partners.

Enjoy pieces from notable names such as Julian Schnabel, Chuck Close and Alex Katz alongside newly created cocktails from a list compiled created by Dev Johnson of Employees Only.

Book a table in order to experience a delicious range of dishes, with stand out plates such as crispy pork rillette with togarashi & herbs served with tonnato sauce; a house made pasta of Loiacono’s creation, veal agnolotti with Salva Cremasco & truffle and of course a menu would not be recognisably American in taste without a steak, Skirt steak with caramelised endive.

PHOTO: ACME NEW YORK

9 Great Jones St., New York, NY 10012 www.acmenyc.com

QH QUESTIONABLES Phil Winser

Cofounder of one of New York's leading lifestyle agencies, Phil Winser is the creative mind behind the design of three of the city's trendiest restaurants. With the help of fellow Brit and partner, Ben Towill, the duo has opened The Fat Radish, The East Pole and The Leadbelly. Interview by Calum Donoghue

QH QUESTIONABLES

The Fat Radish has a Covent Garden feel, what was the reasoning behind this?

We referenced Old Markets of London because when we stripped the space down to its bones it had that feeling, this however, was just a small part of it. I like to design spaces taking the features of the existing space as a starting point so you are not starting with a blank canvas.

Your most recent project is the private dining space 58 Gansevoort, can you tell us more?

It was built for fun. Its set up as an apartment so people can feel at home. It can be used for all kinds of things. We are going to do some great collaborations with chefs from out of town in the spring.

How important is design to the success of your restaurants?

It is incredibly important. Every component in a restaurant is important to the success as it all needs to work seamlessly together to create the experience.

Where do you like to travel? Where should QH go next?

I love to travel when I can but not to one particular place. I spent time in Cuba and Brazil last year. Two countries I love very much.

The New York restaurant scene is notoriously ruthless, as a Brit how did you manage to crack the game?

Wish I knew the answer to that! However, we have to work hard every single day on trying to improve and not become complacent. We are constantly working on new projects and I believe that keeps us interesting and relevant in both the NYC restaurant scene and abroad.

What is your favourite dish to cook at home?

The Sunday night pasta from our cookbook, The Fat Radish Kitchen Diaries (see a recipe from the book here). I love to cook at home and Sunday is when I get a chance to do it!

Any plans to venture outside of New York that you can tell QH about?

We are definitely looking at projects outside the city. Nothing is set in stone yet. I will definitely let you know though as soon as something is... www.silkstonenyc.com

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RECIPE

CARROT AND AVOCADO SALAD WITH HIJIKI AND CRISPY KALE Courtesy of The Fat Radish, New York The Fat Radish, a trendy restaurant which has successfully put British dishes on map in New York, has kindly shared the recipe of one of their most popular dishes. Serves 6.

1⁄4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1⁄4 cup mirin 2 teaspoons fish sauce 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger 1⁄2 ounce dried hijiki (about 1⁄4 cup), rinsed and soaked in warm water for15 minutes, drained 1 bunch curly kale, leaves torn into small pieces, stems discarded 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1⁄2 teaspoon chinese five spice powder 1⁄2 teaspoon coarse salt 2 pounds heirloom carrots, scrubbed, ends trimmed 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and cut into wedges In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, mirin, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add the drained hijiki and set the mixture aside.

Preheat oven to 325oF. Place the kale on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Sprinkle with five spice powder and salt. Place the kale in the oven and bake, turning the leaves once, until crispy, about 20 minutes. Set the kale aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the carrots. Cook until they’re nearly tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer the carrots to a paper towellined plate to drain and cut them in half lengthwise.

Place the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add the carrots to the pan and cook, stirring until caramelised, about 10 minutes. Transfer the carrots to a large bowl.

Spoon the hijiki and its marinade over the carrots, add the crispy kale and the avocado wedges and stir gently to combine. Serve immediately.

See more recipes from The Fat Radish restaurant in The Fat Radish Kitchen Diaries available on Amazon.

GETTING THERE Make sure you arrive in New York well rested and ready to take on what the city has to offer. Thanks to the new Virgin Atlantic 787 Dreamliner, the eight hours across the Atlantic couldn’t be easier.

There is a refreshed Premium Economy cabin with an even more comfortable seat design and a social space to stretch your legs and mingle with other passengers.

As one of the most efficient aircraft in its class, a key to its performance is its new technology and innovative design. Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with Panasonic and T-Mobile to offer all customers eXConnect KU Band wifi connectivity onboard. Whether on a laptop, tablet or mobile phone, customers can connect their devices to the wireless onboard internet with just a few clicks and start surfing the web and take care of business.

The 787 Dreamliner sees Virgin Atlantic role out Vera Touch 2 inflight entertainment system throughout all cabins, boasting over 400 hours of carefully curated, on demand award-winning entertainment.

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PHOTO: Virgin Atlantic

For further information or to book please visit www.virginatlantic.com