New York Said

02/28/2025

Walking through Shibuya, Tokyo, with photographer Matthew Jordan Smith was a conversation about vision, faith, and the power of personal projects. We talked about his years working with Aretha Franklin, the lessons she passed down, and how faith has guided his journey behind the lens. His move from New York to Tokyo opened up a new way of seeing, and we explored all of it in both a feature article and the latest New York Said podcast. Tap in as we walk, talk, and capture Tokyo in real time. Read and listen now: NewYorkSaid.com

Photography by

01/03/2025

Tag’em if ya know’em

12/29/2024

As we close 2024, I kicked it with Juan to reflect on a year of meaningful moments in NYC culture over a Davidoff Millennium cigar. From my interview with hip-hop pioneer Bill Adler to teaching at the New York Public Library, New York Said has evolved tremendously since starting as a photography series 10 years ago. In our year-end wrap-up, we discuss life’s challenges leading to unexpected growth, the impact of American Fiction and Percival Everett’s literature, and how New York Said has grown to include a podcast and multi-platform cultural archive while maintaining its photographic roots. As Juan puts it, “When I describe your website, I always tell people, just think of the Washington Post, think of the New York Times, think of Times Magazine, think of all these things in one and more.” It’s humbling to hear that from someone who’s been there since day one.

Full story on books, cinema, cultural preservation, and the art of documentation at newyorksaid.com

Photography by

12/16/2024

Finding Calm in the Chaos: Dennis Turcinovic and the Modern Spirit of Delmonico’s

My latest piece explores how the son of Croatian immigrants became the steward of an American culinary institution. At Delmonico’s, where Presidents dined and Nikola Tesla contemplated his inventions, Dennis Turcinovic is writing a new chapter in the restaurant’s 187-year history.

The story traces his evolution from a 21-year-old navigating the pressures of fine dining to a leader who transformed both himself and this historic institution. Through meditation walks and quantum thinking, Turcinovic reshaped not just his approach to hospitality but his entire philosophy of leadership.

It’s a storyyabout resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected ways tradition and innovation intersect in modern New York. From overcoming personal struggles to spearheading revolutionary bread initiatives, Turcinovic’s journey offers insights into how historic institutions can evolve while preserving their essential character.

Read the full story at newyorksaid.com to discover how one of New York’s oldest restaurants is embracing its future while honoring its past.

Photography by Simon Tchoukriel

12/12/2024

NEW ON NEW YORK SAID

“I have a dark mind but a light heart.” - Antino Crowley-Kamenwati

On a rainy night in the West Village, actor Antino Crowley-Kamenwati (Law & Order: Organized Crime, Gotham, Clean) shared his story of transformation. Beyond the tattoos and powerful on-screen presence is a narrative about turning pain into purpose.

This conversation goes deeper than the typical actor interview. It’s about survival, authenticity, and the power of owning your truth.

Content Warning: This episode contains mature themes and discussions of trauma. Support resources in bio.

Photography by HARVEY JACKSON & ALEX KOROLKOVAS

Full Episode and Feature Story available now

11/12/2024

In New York Nico’s Guide to NYC, Nicolas Heller—widely known as “New York Nico”—goes beyond a typical guidebook to create a vivid, deeply personal portrait of the city. From iconic small businesses to colorful characters, Nico offers locals and visitors an insider’s view, capturing the grit, humor, and heart of New York’s hidden gems. Known as the “unofficial talent scout of NYC,” Nico has spent a decade spotlighting underrepresented stories and sharing the lives and resilience of everyday New Yorkers.

In our interview, Nico shared that his journey began organically, driven by a love for his community and a desire to uplift local businesses. During the pandemic, he used his platform to feature independent businesses navigating tough times, rallying community support and showcasing the strength of New York’s small business owners.

Read his feature story and listen to our conversation at NewYorkSaid.com (link in bio)

10/30/2024

In New York, few embody resilience quite like Dan Rossi, the “Hot Dog King” of the city. His journey from the Bronx to the Marines and eventually to the streets of Manhattan reads like an American fable of grit, loss, and determination. Once the operator of 499 hot dog carts, Rossi now holds his ground outside The Met – a location he fought for, inch by inch, defying odds and authorities.

In our conversation, Rossi reflects on the path that led him here: his early days in a close-knit Bronx neighborhood, harrowing experiences as a machine gunner in Vietnam, and the highs and lows of his street food empire. He shares lessons on duty, honor, and survival, shaped by years of service and countless challenges in business and life.

For Rossi, life is about more than hot dogs. It’s about integrity and doing the right thing, no matter the obstacles. Read his story and listen to our conversation at NewYorkSaid.com (link in bio) to discover what it takes to build – and rebuild – a legacy in New York, ten feet at a time.

10/26/2024

10/24/2024

Fashion photographer and model Jenny Lee shares her journey from Korea to New York City and how her experiences shaped her creative vision. Her work is currently featured in the group exhibition In Flux at the SVA Gramercy Gallery, where she explores identity and fashion through a series of striking portraits.

Explore the full feature story at newyorksaid.com (link in bio).

10/22/2024

I had a conversation with Stephen R. McFadden, a long-time friend and creative professional, about his 25+ year journey from Jackson, Mississippi to New York City. We explored the key principles that have guided his career—from producing videos on cruise ships to freelancing and working with brands like IFundWomen. Stephen shared valuable insights on creativity, resilience, and what it takes to thrive in the ever-changing creative industry.

You can read the full article and listen to our candid conversation over at newyorksaid.com (link in bio).