Haute Secrets: Alexis Sarkissian’s Guide to New York

WHERE WERE YOU BORN: Geneva, Switzerland

HOW LONG IN NEW YORK: In the U.S. and NYC since 2004

NEIGHBORHOOD: Upper East Side

OCCUPATION: CEO of Totally Worth It, LLC

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Auberge du Lion d’Or in Geneva

BEST SUSHI: For Francis, who took me there for the first time to celebrate our first big sale, and Masami, the owner’s daughter who became our friend, Fukusushi in Roppongi.

BEST ETHNIC FOOD: Persian food at Shalizar on 81st Street and 3rd Avenue.

BEST ITALIAN: At home or she’ll kill me, but aside from that, Elio’s on 2nd Avenue at 84th Street.

BEST PLACE FOR LATE NIGHT DINING: J.G. Melon on 74th Street and 3rd Avenue.

BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DATE: At home, without the kids for an evening, knowing they are safe and happy!

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH: Any local greasy diner will do, but only if the whole family is around to share it, as well as the New York Times.

COOLEST CLUB/LOUNGE: M2 UltraLounge

BEST PLACE FOR A POWER BUSINESS MEETING: Fig & Olive at 10 East 52nd St- everyone goes to Four Seasons already!

ALL-AROUND FAVORITE SPOT IN NEW YORK: Meatpacking District to Soho to Little Italy

IF YOU HAVE OUT OF TOWN GUESTS, WHICH HOTEL WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? Four Seasons Hotel

FAVORITE SHOPPING VENUE/BOUTIQUE: Hermès for the goods, Brooks Brothers for the goods and service

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY/WATCHES: My friends at Golden Door and Martin Pulli.

BEST SPA: Ajune on 3rd Avenue and 74th Street.

FAVORITE CHARITY EVENT: Children of Armenia Fund.

FAVORITE CULTURAL EVENT: Private gallery exhibitions and I have a soft spot for Carmen Marc Valvo shows from my past life.

FAVORITE CULTURAL INSTITUTION: MOMA, the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for the cherry blossoms, and the butterfly exhibit at the American Museum of natural history.

BEST BROADWAY SHOW: Hair

BEST STEAKHOUSE: Jacques Brasserie at 204-206 East 85th St.

BEST PIZZA: Delizia 92; ask for the owner who wishes to remain anonymous…

BEST LUNCH: For those in the watch and jewelry business, restaurant Katsu-Hama is worth the trip to 11 East 47th Street.

BEST GYM/ATHLETIC FACILITY: Sorry, wrong guy to ask.

BEST MASSAGE: No gym, no massage!

BEST LIMOUSINE/DRIVING SERVICE: I seriously use New York Yellow cabs. Cabs are regulated, limos are not and there is no waiting for your driver to show up. You even have a chance to get the “cash cab” and become famous.

BEST MUSEUM/EXHIBIT: Gustav Klimt at Neue Gallery in the fall of 2007; The Gates in Central Park; and The Art of the Motorcycle at the Guggenheim Museum.

FAVORITE HISTORIC/LEGENDARY PLACE TO SEE OR EXPLORE: Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, The Garage, as well as behind the scene tours of NYC.

BEST ASPECT OF NEW YORK: No driving, all around walking and public transport. Most impressive: the endless straight avenues are a marvel of planning to the Swiss in me.

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