The Out NYC hotel is still brand new to New York’s Hell’s Kitchen and, at less than a year old, is quickly carving out a distinct personality in the crowded New York City hotel scene. Since its grand debut in March, the city’s first straight-friendly urban resort is offering new amenities to complete your LGBT getaway. Here’s what’s new.
The Spa
The Spa is the resort’s new day spa, catering to creature comforts of discriminating gay men. The Spa’s signature treatment — appropriately named The Great Alexander — is a 60-minute visit to heaven. The Spa offers body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures and — a must for all gay men — grooming services (trimming and a sugar-hair removal).
Completing the 5,000-square-foot spa is a well-appointed gym (better than most offered by chain hotels in major metropolitan areas), two hot tubs, cabanas and a steam room. To book an appointment, visit www.theoutnycspa.com.
XL Nightclub
XL is more than a nightclub: It is a special-event and performance space. While John Blair’s Saturdays is all about the music and dancing, midweek you’ll find Broadway Mondays, cabaret performances, comedy and entertainment. For a full list of entertainment, visit www.xlnightclub.com.
KTCHN Restaurant
The Out NYC is a very comfortable, affordable hotel with great deals and free Wi-Fi, but a boy has gotta eat! Oftentimes, restaurants seem to offer the same menu. Almost everything on KTCHN’s menu is tailored to the smart, urban LGBT crowd. Visit www.ktchnnyc.com to explore their fresh approach to the menu. To explain the venue’s take on dining, I spoke with Executive Chef Dale Schnell.
PGN: What is your philosophy on your menu? DS: KTCHN Restaurant’s menu features composed dishes that are inspired by the seasons.
PGN: What makes your menu good for a LGBT-dominated clientele? DS: Many of our dishes take on a healthful approach by primarily featuring fresh vegetables and a protein. Starchy items are left to order as side options.
PGN: Having worked in San Francisco, you seemed to flock to gay meccas. Can you recount this experience? DS: I was led to San Francisco after having worked in Sonoma for a year because I wanted to experience the food scene. I found San Francisco to be exciting, challenging and truly a great city. PGN: In a city where Sunday brunch is legendary, what makes the brunch at KTCHN Restaurant different? DS: Execution. I believe our guests would agree. KTCHN Restaurant’s quality of food, paired with a truly fun atmosphere, makes it the ideal spot to grab a bite for brunch. On Sundays, the Haus of Mimosa drag duo joins us for brunch to add extra entertainment to the dining experience. KTCHN Restaurant’s do-it-yourself “Mary Bar” gives diners the chance to customize — and truly spice up — their Bloody Mary cocktails.
PGN: Who has better pizza, New York City or Chicago? DS: I love New York and it is home, but Chicago has better pizza.
Be sure to try the signature KTCHN Restaurant chocolate chip cookie, and bring home some of the special Out NYC bathroom amenities. They are better souvenirs than T-shirts!
Jeff Guaracino is the author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing” and the co-chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.