Haute Secrets: New York City With Amir Korangy

 

Ever heard of The Real Deal? We thought so. Behind the world-renowned business magazine is the extremely successful Amir Korangy. The multifaceted publisher started with humble roots in Tehran, Iran. In 1979, after the Islamic Revolution, Korangy and his family fled as political refugees seeking a safer life in Paris. They then went on to Madrid before finally establishing a home in Washington DC. From here, Korangy was able to earn his way into Boston University where he would receive a BA in Journalism and Foreign Policy.

Straight after college Korangy moved to Baja, Mexico where he began his soon-to-be successful career in publishing. It was in Baja where he began his first weekly newspaper which targeted expats living in the area. South Of The Border was such a hit that within the first year it was bought out by another local publication. He then went on to create The Washington Free Press in DC and eventually moved to New York to pursue graduate studies at Emerson College and a budding career at Yahoo Inc. It was in New York where he began delving into real estate. In 2003 Korangy developed the first edition of The Real Deal, the rest is history.

Here are Amir Korangy’s top New York destinations:

Where were you born: Tehran, Iran

How long have you been in NY: 18 years

Neighborhood: Hudson Yards

Occupation: Publisher

Favorite Restaurant: Raoul’s, 180 Prince St

Best Sushi: Nakazawa, 23 Commerce St

Best Italian: Del Posto, 85 10th Ave

Best Dessert: The Nomad, 1170 Broadway & 28th St

Best place for a romantic date: My apartment

Best Sunday brunch: Cookshop, 156 10th Ave

Best place for a power business meeting: Jean Georges, 1 Central Park West

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Viceroy, 120 W 57th St

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Ralph Lauren Mansion (Men), 867 Madison Ave

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Tan Li’s basement in Chinatown

Best Spa: Aire, 88 Franklin St

Favorite Charity Event: Ronald MacDonald House

Favorite Cultural Event: Governor’s Island Ball

Favorite Cultural Institution: The Morgan Library, 225 Madison Ave

Best Steakhouse: Strip House, 13 E 12th St

Best Pizza: Gotham

Best Lunch: Breslin, 16 W 29th St

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Title Boxing, 455 W 37th St

Best Massage: Nice try, but my girlfriend.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: The Picasso exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, 2010 

Describe your city in three words: Not For Everyone

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue

All-around favorite spot in New York City: My apartment

Best Aspect of New York: It has the poorest millionaires and the richest dreamers.