Most of you may know Justin's Restaurant as P. Diddy's place. Some of you may know it for it's exquisite Caribbean and Southern food menu and fewer of you may know it for its lavish Sean John fashion shows. Most recently, Hanging Out New York covered Anthony Eastwick's fashion show at Justin's. Check it out on our site
www.hangingoutnewyork.com I got the pleasure of getting to know a bit about what kind of people it takes to make a classy and diverse hang out spot like Justin's tick.
For those of you who haven't gone to Justin's, go! But, I will still clue you in on what to expect. Lavish maroon drapes decorate the windows, ceilings and walls. High-top tables surround the elevated dinner seating area in the center of the room. The bar is elegant and simple with a small fish tank in the center.
Formerly manager of the downstairs hang out at the Coffee Shop in Union Square, the new assistant manager of Justin's emerges at the perfect time. This Phillie born and raised actor is hot,ladies.As Justin's preps to go into the season of Fashion shows, celebrities, agents and sports idols parading through their doors, Blair Hicks gets some training from an oh-too-familiar atmosphere.
Blair's first job as a waiter was at Justin's in 2000. John Vasquez(head manager) hired him then and now still feels he is the man for the job! Blair speaks of Vasquez with great respect and emphasizes how much opportunity his life has experienced thanks to Vasquez. Right now, Blair will be responsible for the floor and making sure everything runs smoothly with employees. Blair will also be involved in booking events at the fabulous venue.
What does it take to make a place like this tick? People with personality, who are worldly and passionate about life. "My dream is to be open to brilliant people and experience life, not materialism," Blair comments on what makes him happy. Waitering at and now managing Justin's has definitely introduced his life to some brilliant people. Blair returned to New York in 2000 from playing professional American football in Europe for a year. He definitely is a man who believes in seizing the day!
Justin's has something for everyone. If you are a vegetarian, like me, you can indulge yourself in huge portions of southern style grilled vegetables, large colorful salads and for you meat lovers the options are endless! From deliciously glazed bar-b-que chicken to variations on fish, crab cakes and of course the traditional soulful side dishes. This is a great place to bring the girls for dinner and pre-gaming! Guys, it's the kind of chill place you want to order some wings, a few brews and shout at the T.V. while you watch the game and some eye candy!Justin's is located at 31 West 21 street between 5th and 6th avenues, convenient to the 23rd street F train. For reservations call: 212-352-0599.
Today you can find Blair not only managing Justin's, but in the performing arena playing the part of "Tookie" in "Conversations with a Kleagle." The play is written by Rudy Gray and directed by Cristina Alicea. A "kleagle", for those of you like me who were not aware, is a recruiter for the Ku Klux Klan. The play reveals a compelling story of a Chicago reporter who although he is black is able to pass for white. He goes under cover in the 1920s to expose the truth within the operations of the Ku Klux Klan in the deep south. Performances will be held at the 13th street Repertory Company on Thursdays and Fridays at 7PM. You can buy tickets at
, which will be playing through the first week of April.
article by Shareshten
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