Welcome back to our interview series A Tryst About Town, where we ask a provider to take us through their favourite spots in their home city. Today we're joined by New York BDSM Provider Empress Wu to take us around The Big Apple!
What makes this town special to you?
The city is just so… alive! It’s vibrant and multifaceted. There is always something new to discover, and there’s something so beautiful in watching people have that experience collectively. New York is a cruel Mistress but I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
Tell us about a place you love to eat at to fuel up for session.
I need something light beforehand and something hearty after! Current faves are: Genesis House (gorgeous ambiance) and Cote (some of the best meat I’ve ever tried in NYC), but honestly there’s something so satisfying about stopping by a no-name spot and scarfing down a huge cheeseburger or halal food on the way home.
Currently on my list to try: Jean’s (which I’ve heard turns into a club) and Yingtao! Can you tell how much I love Asian food?
For the intrepid newcomer, what’s the best gateway into kink in NY?
Great question! I would say the easiest way to get into kink is to attend kinky events! Kink can be a solo practice but NYC has a thriving and historied community that is incredibly welcoming to respectful newbies. I’m biased, but Kink Out Events throws some awesome parties that often feature icons of the NYC scene doling out mini sessions in public. Follow people on socials who seem to be living the kinky life of your dreams and see if they ever are hosting or performing at parties or events. And you never have to participate on the first visit if you’re nervous; it is always okay to watch from a respectful distance.
If being out and about feels too much like jumping into the deep end of public play, I would recommend hiring a BDSM professional you admire.
Who throws the best kink parties?
The best kink parties are the ones thrown privately ;)
Where can we hire a playspace?
I have my own playspace in east brooklyn, so I don’t often rent anymore, but I believe Hit Me Up NYC is open for rentals! The facilities are huge (2 floors) and they have a variety of rooms for different ~vibes~.
Can you recommend a quiet place to have drinks after a session?
I am not a drinker, but I do *love* afternoon tea. I recently visited Lady Mendl’s and had a lovely time – it is a gorgeous space and the teas they have are fragrant and delicious. I would love to try the high tea at the Baccarat hotel.
What’s the best sex/fetish shop?
Purple Passion BY FAR. Run and staffed by incredibly kinky people who are incredibly knowledgeable. They sell leather, latex, kink toys, sex toys, and even have an entire bottom floor for shoes alone.
What’s your recommended hotel for people who are visiting?
I was really wowed by the Chelsea Hotel and would absolutely recommend it to out of towners – I’ve certainly stayed during a staycation or two. The hotel was built in the 1880s and used to be a housing co-op. Throughout the decades it has housed artists and cultural icons like Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, William S Bourroughs, and so on. They’ve updated it since the old days, so the rooms feel as luxurious as a swanky boutique hotel, but you can still feel the rich history of the building and everyone who has run through it. Sure you can visit New York and stay at a Holiday Inn or an Airbnb or even a boutique hotel, but the Hotel Chelsea is just *so* New York.
What’s your perfect New York day out?
I’m daydreaming about that period of time when New York transitions from spring to summer.
Coffee. Saturday morning farmers market at Fort Greene Park. Read for an hour in the park. Take a train into Chinatown for lunch and just start meandering generally north. Nolita first – all of my favorite perfume shops are on Elizabeth street – grabbing samples of my favorite perfumes at Le Labo, Malin and Goetz, and Scent Bar. Perhaps East Village for snacks along St Marks or West Village for massages at my favorite massage joint (Shun Fa relaxation center). Union Square farmers market and Sephora shopping across the street. Pedicures at Golden Tree spa. Detour to Purple Passion for some vigorous fetish shopping. Follow Broadway up to Koreatown and grab some bubble tea and some snacks. Take a rest at the New York Public Library in Bryant Park. Take the train back to Brooklyn for dinner then dessert with friends in Prospect Heights. End the night in endless laughter.
Are you a sex worker or client with tips or experiences to share? We'd love to hear from you!
The Good Client Guide destigmatizes sex work while providing guidance on how to be a better client and ally. Better experiences for workers mean better experiences for clients! To make this happen, we’re welcoming submissions from both providers and their customers.
