Every time I meet someone new in New York, I drill them with questions about how long they have been here, where they moved from, their favorite restaurants, favorite part of the city, more about restaurants, if they have discovered any secret little spots or shops, etc…It’s just so much fun talking to other people who love New York City and learning what they love most about it. All of these thoughts, plus my blog’s namesake, led me to the idea of sharing an interview with you every few weeks of a person who has also moved from Alabama to New York City. I am superrrr excited about this because you will have the opportunity to hear other people’s perspective – other than yours truly! – on this incredible city.
So, meet Sam Masters, my first interview!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in NY? I am from Gadsden, AL and I have been in New York for a little over two years.
Current job? I am currently the Bell Captain at Robert DeNiro’s Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa.
Dream job? I’d love to be the creative director of a large specialty home furnishings company as well as having my own design studio which collaborates with different designers on home products and textiles.
Favorite neighborhood in the city and why? Nolita- It’s just enough blocks from the center of Soho to reduce the tourist traffic and the shops are for the most part independent. It’s has a friendly neighborhood vibe and the shop owners and vendors are willing to talk to you when you start up conversations. Some of my favorite restaurants and shops are nearby- Cafe Gitane, La Esquina, La Colombe, Unis, Le Labo, Aero.
What do you miss the most about Alabama? The space! I love going home and having enough space to stretch out in. Also, how quiet and peaceful it can be at night. I love when I’m home and can have the windows down and see open sky- it’s cheesy but that’s when I feel really inspired and happy to be alive. And, of course, the food too.
If you could only go to three restaurants in the city over and over again, what would they be? Cafe Gitane in Nolita, Locanda Verde in TriBeCa, En Japanse Brasserie in West Village.
Is there anywhere in NY you are able to find a little piece of home? Doc Holidays on 9th and A is a great dive bar with a country jukebox. It’s completely unpretentious… they serve Dixie beer.
What websites or blogs do you check out every day? I love Gawker for news and the Blind Gossip is hilarious. I check A Continuous Lean on occasion and I like Habitually Chic for home decor.
Style icon? Fashion wise, I think Bradley Cooper always dresses well- usually in Tom Ford- and Ashley Olsen always looks inspired. Bottega Veneta and Lanvin both do some fine, detailed menswear and the garments look special and rich. For the home, Thomas O’Brien and Kelly Wearstler create styles that I most affiliate with. Both designers have a pretty different aesthetic- O’Brien more curated and masculine; Wearstler more grand and visually exciting.
The last book you read? I just finished The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton. A friend gave it to me as a graduation present from NYU. Architecture and beauty are subjective but they can totally impact your personal sense of achievement and satisfaction. “The materials around us will speak to us of the highest hopes we have for ourselves.”
What’s your most treasured possession? When I was in college, my grandfather built me a desk. He was a talented craftsman, taking the time to turn the columned legs by hand and to learn an advanced wood stain technique to make it perfect. Even though the desk is too big for my apartment, it is something I will keep forever.
Do you see yourself still living here in 5 years? I sure hope so.
