Happy Pride!

I will never forget the first time I was aware of Homosexuality. It was back in Israel when I was a kid and I was watching Dynasty. When the handsome Steven Carrington came out of the closet to his dad I realized I too had a secret.

Even after coming out I never thought that I, a gay man, would be able to marry my partner. It still amazes me that the option is getting closer and closer to reality. But to me it seems like a natural progression in our modern times, why in the world has it taken so long???

With fingers crossed it seems like the possibility is right around the corner and hopefully the legislation will sweep the nation!

With that said, HAPPY GAY PRIDE! I long for the day that we don’t have to celebrate and raise awareness of homosexuality and it will simply be a non-issue, although we have come a long way.

Here are seven ways I am celebrating Gay Pride:

1. Commitment Ceremony
I had the honor to plan and cater a commitment ceremony for two lovely ladies.
They both are smart, successful and delightful to work with. They entrusted me to provide them and their guests exceptional design, service and cuisine. The dinner was no small affair with over six courses. It was such a special event manifesting their love, style and commitment to each other.

2. Broadway Bares
Every year I purchase a pile of tickets to the late show of Broadway Bares and invite a bunch of close friends. Broadway Bares is an annual event that combines burlesque and Broadway sparkle featuring sizzling actors from Broadway. All the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS fund.
This year’s theme was Alice in Wonderland so needless to say the costumes and color were eye popping.
Nathan Lane, Julie White, Andrea Martin were OK, but nothing beats Cindy Lauper and her strap on two years ago!

3. Keeping it Sexy
Hey I told you all that I would give a peak at my new Red Carter bathing
suit. TADA! This was taken after my first practice run at water skiing. (THAT is a work in progress)
I love these suits as you know, they don’t sag, have great designs and holds everything in place (most important!)

4. Café Grumpy
Ignore the name, I promise. This gay friendly spot in north Chelsea has the best cappuccino in the city. The texture and flavor is perfect!
And the atmosphere is very low key, so that you can savor your beverage in peace. Now you know my little secret!
224 W 20th St.

5. La Bottega at the Maritime Hotel
Doesn’t everyone always ask you where to go eat outside? Well I always say La Bottega! The main reason is they have such a huge outdoor area you are almost guaranteed a spot! The dishes are always fresh; full of flavor and the staff is cute and attentive. The pasta’s aren’t high on my list of faves but the Fava bean salad; Branzino and grilled jumbo shrimp salad are delightful. Cute eye candy too!
La Bottega 212-243-8400

6. The GLBT center "Garden Party" on Monday, June 24th
This event was great fun. It took place on Pier 54 (14th St.) where different food vendors have tables including Jean George, Klee and Suenosopen. There is also an open bar and handsome New York man and women
enjoying a great sunset. I went with my friends: Lance Lin, Matthias Kirwald
and Orlando Reece

7. Water Skiing
As you know, I ride a horse better than most, and I am a big time yoga lover but water skiing is NOT for sissies!
I gave it a go for the first time last weekend in the choppy North Haven water and had a hard time even getting up!
I gave it the old college try though and had a great time attempting looking like a super water sports star.

BONUS entry- Here is a great pink champagne I tasted last weekend. A Laurent -Perrier, Cuvee Rose Brut. Divine!