I met Jou-Yie through a close friend and compatriot Jay Carroll, of OneTripPass.com, a few years back. From the moment we met, we discovered a shared mutual excitement for all things vintage, design, craft beers, and surrounding ourselves with inspirational people.

Jou-Yie, a cultural engineer for Ace Hotel, has been a key component in the quick rise and compelling marketing of the hospitality brand. In visiting each one, I have found that they each embody the local area but speak to a heritage and welcome people with a unique sense of community among travelers and locals alike. These are qualities of Jou-Yie also- his kind words, devout friendship, and joyous sense of adventure are gravitational to those around him.

His creative prowess is unending with each project he takes on. Our brand, Apolis, has been honored to work alongside Jou-Yie a few times and he encourages us to strive for the best in quality and impact. Above all else, I am glad to call him a friend and look forward to the chance to connect every few months in person.

— Raan Parton

Favorite Neighborhood: Red Hook

Best cheap eats: Latin American Restaurant on 26th. Shredded Beef with Moro

Favorite bar: Sunny’s

Favorite coffee shop: Café Pedlar

Best record shop: Other Music

Favorite place to buy threads: Smith & Butler

Favorite tourist attraction: The Brooklyn Promenade

Favorite bike shop: Horse Cycles 

Best place with outside seating to get a drink: valentino pier

Best museum or gallery: Neue Galerie

Favorite place to ride your bike in the city or skate spot: dumbo to red hook along the Columbia waterfront

Favorite food spot: Frankies 457

Favorite hidden gem in NYC: Montero’s Bar & Grill

Favorite skate shop: Shut or Homage

Favorite locally produced food or beverage: Stumptown

Favorite living NY legend: David Byrne

Favorite annual event in the City: Go Skate Day June 21st

Guilty pleasure in NYC: HOT 97.1

Best live music venue: Wetlands (RIP)

Favorite park: Cobble Hill Park

Best pizza: Lucali

Best barber shop: Astor Hair

Best tattoo shop: BK Adorned

Best shoe shop: Daves Quality Meat

Best camera rental: Milk

You’d only find this in New York City: bathtubs in the kitchen

Yankees or Mets?: Mets