Joey Silvestera

Occupation Hairstylist, Owner of Blackstones, Founder of Five Wits

Hometown The suburbs of Philadelphia

Current Residence Park Slope, Brooklyn

We asked hairstylist and entrepreneur Joey Silvestera about his hobbies and interests and he said, “Riding motorcycles, surfing, being a dad.” You can also find him leading the charge at either one of his Blackstones locations or working on his locally produced hair care line, Five Wits. A self-described coffee snob, Silvestera knows the best spot in the East Village for espresso and pastries, and the tried-and-tested downtown spots for brunch and dinner.

WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
The Older I Get, The Less I Know.

WHAT CAN’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT AND WHY?
My Chemex, because I’m a coffee snob.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY?
The Springs of East Hampton, my home away from home.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON?
Go to Brooklyn parks with my son.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE PERSON TO SHOW YOU “THEIR NEW YORK CITY,” WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
The late, great Anthony Bourdain. I don’t think anyone would know it better, and I love his taste.

WHO OR WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOU RECENTLY?
My five-year-old son, Luka, because of his maturity and inquisitive nature.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NYC RESTAURANTS? WHAT DO YOU ORDER THERE?
The Beatrice Inn—the flaming duck is my favorite.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO SPOT IN NYC FOR DRINKS?
La Colombe.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BRUNCH SPOTS? WHAT DO YOU ORDER THERE?
Veselka in the East Village. I always get two eggs over medium, a potato pancake, and a side of rye toast.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR ART FIX IN NYC? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ARTIST?
There’s a no-name graffiti artist who does character illustrations on the trash all over the city.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR LATE-NIGHT HANGOUTS IN NYC?
If I’m not in my bed by 9pm (which I usually am), then Paul’s Casablanca.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR UNDER-THE-RADAR MUST-DO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NYC VISITORS?
Abraço Coffee in the East Village, for their espresso drinks and delicious pastries. I always make sure to tell visitors to go for a corner square slice with spicy pepperoni from Prince Street Pizza.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE NYC STORES?
Pilgrim Surf Supply; they have handmade clothing from Japan that’s unassuming and looks great.

WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO THESE DAYS? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
The Smiths, Miracle Legion, Gang Starr, and KRS-One.

WHAT ALBUM OR SONG WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR PERSONAL SOUNDTRACK TO NYC?
That’s Amore by Dean Martin.

WHEN YOU THINK OF NYC, ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR EMOTIONS OR MEMORIES THAT IMMEDIATELY COME TO MIND?
Anxiety and inspiration.

PHOTOGRAPHY Thaddeus Rombauer