Photo Credit: Jason Kim
As Director of Luxury Marketing for Pernod Ricard, Jason Kim is an expert in all things luxury. Having been with the company for four years and working on its prestige range of products, including Perrier-Jouët Champagne, Absolut Elyx, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, and Royal Salute, the New York native has always aligned himself with high-end hospitality partners, starting his career in producing nightlife events and later building his own creative agency. Today, Kim’s responsibilities with Pernod Ricard are varied; not only does he spearhead the French-based company’s luxury partnerships, he also works on brand alignments, influencer strategy and luxury commercial growth. Needless to say, his immersion in New York’s (and the world’s) finest offerings are what make his haute guide to the city that never sleeps (and his personal Instagram account, @jasekim), one worth checking out.
Where were you born: Queens, New York
How long in New York: Born and raised in New York
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Occupation: Director, Luxury Marketing at Pernod Ricard
Favorite restaurant: Mr. Chow Tribeca. Ask for Csabi and Agnes. They’ll make you feel right at home.
Best sushi: Shuko for the true kaiseki experience. The omakase bar at Sushi of Gari Tribeca for your every day sushi needs.
Best Italian: Scalinatella, Mamo, Cipriani Downtown, Bar Pitti, Raos. Too many great Italian places in NYC to call one a favorite.
Best new restaurant: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
Best hidden gem: Although not as hidden these days as it used to be, the Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien is the spot.
Best healthy eating spot: Café Clover run by the legend David Rabin.
Best dessert: Affogato alla vaniglia con fragile calde aka Vanilla Ice Cream with Hot Strawberries at Mamo! The Vanilla Meringue at Cipriani Downtown is a close second.
Best cocktails: Baccarat Hotel. The French 75 with Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé and Absolut Elyx is the go-to drink.
Best wine list: Matthew Conway at Marc Forgione never fails to disappoint with his vast knowledge of estoric wines from around the world.
Best place for a romantic date: West Village. Start off with a glass of wine at Anfora, then head over to their sister restaurant dell’anima next door and take a seat at the chef’s counter with Chef Andrew Whitney.
Best Sunday brunch: The Feast at Soho House NY
Best place for a power business meeting: Uptown, Casa Lever. Downtown, Cipriani Wall Street.
Hotel recommendations for visiting guests: Uptown, Mandarin Oriental. Downtown, The Crosby.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: SoHo
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Material Good
Best spa: Aire Ancient Baths in Tribeca
Favorite charity event: amfAR
Favorite cultural event: The Met Ball in May and New York Fashion Week in September are both great moments for the city. NYFW really kicks off the fall season in NYC when everybody is returning from their summer holidays.
Favorite cultural institution: Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY
Best steakhouse: As much as I do love our west coast import, Mastro’s, for a classic steakhouse, your best bet still sits with the porterhouse at Wolfgang’s.
Best pizza: The White Truffle Pizza at Mamo and The Spicy Spring Pie at Prince Street Pizza
Best lunch: Estiatorio Milos
Best gym/athletic facility: SoulCycle and Rumble
Best massage: Mandarin Oriental Spa
Best museum/exhibit: The Met
Describe your city in three words: Home of legends.
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The energy inside the old Yankee Stadium was one of the best places to be during the late 90s and 2000s.
All-around favorite spot in New York: The waterfront at Dumbo has really come up over the last year or two with the openings of Cecconi’s, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, and Dumbo House. This has become one of the most iconic destinations in New York, although Central Park will always be a classic.
Best aspect of New York: Regardless of wherever I travel in the world, New York City will always be home. New York never fails to disappoint with it’s melting pot of cultures and the new experiences you uncover day to day.
