Mr
PIG
STAFF SURVEY
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He mans the door of the neighborhood's newest rooftop bar, but there's more to Henry Cordova than just good manners and a fancy suit ... Job description Stylish host of the Polynesian tiki bar, with a sideline in pig wrangling. Today’s outfit My favorite work outfit is a floral print suit from Mr Turk. My friends call me Botanical Gardens when they see me in it. The colors range from green to pink, and I pair it with a plain white Hugo Boss dress shirt and gold Prada wing tips.
IMAGE: PHIL O'BRIEN
But on my day off … I wear a plain white, deep V-neck with drop-crotch tuxedo pants, black hat on backwards, along with my new sock sneakers. They’re the same model that Balenciaga sells but I got them from the manufacturer for way less before they put the branding on it. I don’t do branding. I just moved to Harlem and the best-dressed title is always for grabs – I can’t be caught slipping out here. Who has style? You, me … it’s how people see themselves or would like to be seen, the whole package, from dress, to the way they walk
and talk. It’s a reflection of the person’s attitude and beliefs. A day in my life Starts off with my mini pigs Pickles and Boogie. They usually get the jump on me. Breakfast for all of us …. we’re all vegan so that’s easy. I try to give them some love in the morning so they feel great all day – maybe a walk in the park – then I go to Chelsea Piers for some basketball and swimming. I grab lunch and head straight to work. A perfect day … Would start off very similar, maybe with some additional morning activities, but every day begins by being grateful for all the people and pigs that have helped me make it here and for how much further I still need to go. Food heaven Cooking with friends, coming up with vegan recipes of our favorite old-school dishes. The food can look like anything. Vegan arroz con pollo was the dish this Sunday and we nailed it.
Above: Henry, Mr Turk, Prada, and pigs Boogie and Pickles.
Food hell A traditional chef who won’t substitute. Don't limit my choices. You have to be versatile to survive. You want to buy me a drink? Why thanks … My choice is simple … mezcal on the rocks, no training wheels. Fantasy dinner party On the guest list are my best friend #1 Cheo Vidal, best friend #1.5 Alan Vladusic, my mom, the Obamas, Jimi Hendrix, Pickles, Boogie, Alexander McQueen, Lance Armstrong, The 1993 NY Knicks, Oprah, and Notorious BIG. When I’m not working … I hang out at Toloache, which does the best mezcal cocktail in Manhattan; Merilu, for the best pizza in the hood, Blue Ribbon, On The Rocks, and anywhere that is OK with mini pigs.
POLYNESIAN TIKI BAR W42ND ST - 9TH AVE thepolynesiantiki.com
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