Boston gets a lot of attention for its classics—lobster rolls, Boston cream pie, clam chowder. How would you characterize the diversity of Boston’s food scene?
One of the things I love most about Boston is how many different cultures are represented through food. People think of us as lobster rolls and clam chowder, and of course those are here, but you can also find incredible Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and so many other cuisines. That’s one of our city’s greatest strengths.
Do you have a favorite Boston neighborhood?
I spent several years living in Chinatown, and I absolutely loved it. It’s busy, energetic and full of life. It’s not a quiet, tucked-away neighborhood—there are students, tourists, and locals all moving through it at all hours.
I lived there from 2019 to 2022, which meant I spent the lockdown years in Chinatown. Professionally, it was a strange time because I was working on projects and releasing music, but I was also isolated like everyone else. What really grounded me was spending mornings nearby in the Public Garden. I would sit on a bench around nine o’clock in the morning, take in the scenery, and prepare myself for the day. It became my ritual.
Do you have any favorite spots in Boston’s Chinatown?
One of my favorite places [is] Hong Kong Eatery. Whenever I didn’t feel like cooking, I’d stop in for roasted duck, barbecue pork, rice and vegetables. It was affordable, delicious, and became one of my go-to comfort meals.
Club Café has long been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ community in Boston. What makes it special to you?
Club Café is great because it offers something for everyone. If you want to dance, you can absolutely do that. But if you’re looking for something more relaxed, there’s the Napoleon Room, where you can hear incredible singers, including people who’ve performed on Broadway. I appreciate that balance. You can have dinner with friends, listen to show tunes, and still be part of the energy of the space and the community.