Model Brent Chua savors every New York moment

New York is often referred to as the Mecca of the World. And I find no reason to disagree. If there is any city in the world where one can never get bored, it is New York. There is something for everyone and, in a city so diverse, there is no shortage of activities and opportunities.

When I am not working or going to castings, I enjoy sitting in cafes, shopping, dining out, skateboarding, and going out with friends. Sometimes, in a city that can be loud and disorderly, all you wish is to seek a little peace and quiet. At times, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a cafe and strolling in a nearby park, as you watch the world go by. My favorite cafe, located a few blocks from where I live, is Cafe Pick Me Up (145 Avenue A at East 9th Street). The old furniture, soft music, beaten, wooden floors, and dim lighting evoke a cozy place to read and write over a nice latte or double shot espresso. Afterwards, if it’s late enough, right across the street lies Tompkins Square Park, where, on certain nights, a homeless guy plays a saxophone around midnight. If you are lucky enough to encounter this, you’ll feel this “old New York” that once existed all around you. It truly is a special feeling that cannot be expressed by use of words. Also, I like to skate and chill at the Skate Park in Tompkins as well as play handball.

In the fashion capital of the world, there are infinite places to shop. I’ve always preferred vintage over big, glossy brands because you know what you are getting is one of a kind and cannot be duplicated. A few of my favorite vintage clothing stores are No Relation Vintage (204 1st Avenue at East 12th Street), Village Style (111 East 7th Street between 1st Avenue & Avenue A), and Beacon’s Closet (88 North 11th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn). These shops are reasonably priced for such a great selection of vintage pieces. You are guaranteed a good find!

Another common nickname for New York is “The Melting Pot.” This applies not only to the variety of nationalities here but to the selection of cuisine as well. A famous New York staple is Katz Delicatessen (205 East Houston Street), founded in 1888. It is most popular for its delicious pastrami sandwiches and hotdogs. Adour (2 East 55th Street at 5th Avenue), located in the St. Regis, is an absolutely decadent dining experience and is just as famous for its wine. A more modest yet equally as fine restaurant is Bianca (5 Bleeker Street) whose intimate setting and homemade Italian food make for a truly unique experience.

With an abundance of events and parties taking place, you could say New York has the most infamous nightlife scene. Whether you want to just chill out with a few beers in a dark bar or party it up at the latest hot spot, you just cannot be disappointed. The New York club scene is ever changing, so what is hot now could be played out soon. Nonetheless, you are guaranteed fun wherever you go. Some venues, however, are picky on who they let in. So you might find yourself waiting in a line if you don’t know somebody. The strip of clubs on West 27th Street used to be all the rage but have since died out. The latest hot spots can be found in, but are not limited to, the Meatpacking District. Two of the hottest are The Griffin (50 Gansevoort Street) formally known as the everexclusive PM, and Tenjune (26 Little West 12th Street). Another one of the latest clubs to hit up the scene is 1 Oak (453 West 17th Street) which stands for ‘One of A Kind.” Of course, nightlife varies greatly in types of venues that cater to all kinds of people.

This city is positively the finest in the world, to my mind. I appreciate every single day New York has given me and will never forget any moment that has occurred here.