Omar Hernandez Brings His Midas Touch To A Series Of Moveable Fêtes

Omar Hernandez is a curious character - a New York nightlife shaman of sorts whose spirit is ever in pursuit of what's fun, what's new, what's unexpected. 

Since opening his first place, Omar’s La Ranita, back in 2013, he's lent his distinct put-on-a-show sense of occasion to a number of projects, settling post-pandemic into a sweet spot creating moveable fêtes. On any given night you'll find Hernandez hosting a series of soirées at La Goulue, the Aman, catching the attention of guests with everything from burlesque performers to jazz bands to tap dancers. 

All good fun in the glittery world of "Haute Entertainment," you see...

Were you always drawn to the world of nightlife?
It was a happy accident how I bumped into nightlife after graduating as an Electric Engineer, I met people in the hospitality industry while visiting New York and fell in love with it, met who became a mentor in the business and organically got more involved in it and discover a passion for hosting and entertaining people. I never went back home to Venezuela where I am originally from and the rest is history.

What do you think is special about the way you approach planning parties?
I treat each event/party as if it was the Mise en Scène of a theatre production, always trying to imagine how it will serves the story we are trying to tell. Everyone plays a role in it from the guests to the talent involved in the entire production. I try to visualize how it will all flow from beginning to end to get the gist of it then I run with it.

Your parties have a distinct feeling of intimacy, what goes into curating a guestlist?
Since I started my first private dining club in the West Village a decade ago, I've had the privilege to meet and befriend incredible people from all around the globe whom I consider and treat as friends, if I don't know a guest personally more likely there is a 1 degree of separation between us. The curatorial aspect of a guest list is the most fun and stressful since its very personal and I need to truly look into what type of party I am hosting and what type of guests will enjoy the most that particular happening. I believe high camaraderie always keeps the civilized aspect of a party in check, of course always leaving a little room for misbehaving which ultimately becomes the catalyst for a legendary night.

In your professional opinion, what's the best night of the week to go out?
As of Fall 2023, for me, it's Tuesday nights.

More and more of New York's scene is now behind closed doors at private clubs. Do you think exclusivity is at all inhibiting the diversity of crowds at these spots or one's ability to have fun there?
New York social scene has always been very cyclical, a post pandemic trend to gather among people that share similar social and economic interests has taken off and the proliferation of Members only establishment have seen a renaissance. New York City itself has always been a pseudo private club, you needed to know( or take care of ) the Greeter, Maitre or Key person at any exclusive, chic , trendy or bespoke type of establishment in order to gain access and enjoy if for a brief moment the privacy and exclusivity of being among people like minded . There are private clubs that celebrate diversity and creativity for example, others are more career and business oriented. Ultimately what connects everyone and levels the playing field is the idea of having FUN. If a place whether is a private club or not is FUN people will naturally gravitate toward it, embrace it and pass along the word to others.

Is there such a thing as being too exclusive?
Nowadays, I can't help to associate the word too exclusive with financial privilege with little consideration for culture and the luxury of being in the company of people from all walks of life who have made a point of living here creating a sense of belonging which ultimately represents New York City at its best.

What kind of nightlife experience do you think New Yorkers are currently craving?
The one they don't know they want yet.

What are your hospitality pet peeves when you're out and about?
When I get asked if I have any allergies, I cant help to joke about it and answer: Only to long waits for my food and drinks. Interruptions: Is everything ok with your meal? Baristas not knowing what a Cafe Cortado is. (This one I am rather biased...) When you ask a bartender a suggestion on a drink cause I don't want to make that decision: It depends what you are in the mood for. I can keep going...

How do you maintain discretion for your guests in this snap-happy society where everyone is constantly on their phone?
It's a balancing act. (No Photography) private clubs should market that as one of the main perks of becoming a member. In my case I try to create spaces and ambiances that hijack your attention and invite you to connect with others, enjoying a very present feeling of being alive.

What influence would you say social media's had on nightlife?
Social Media has transformed nightlife by creating FOMO. For better or worse Social Media is here to stay and we have adapted already. I am more intrigued to see what AI will do to it.

So much of the energy of your events comes from the entertainment, who have been some of your favorite performers to collaborate with?
Entertainment is always a way to get people’s attention and give them a sense of place. I personally love spontaneous, rapturous moments where I get an artist involved without much production, if any, at all. I love to instigate priceless moments in my spaces, like getting Alicia Keys and Maxwell to bring the birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday a cappella to a friend of hers while the entire room listened. Having Spike Lee leave his dining table and carry the birthday cake while singing Happy Birthday to Harry Belafonte. Caroline Vreeland performing at my place on top of the bar was an iconic moment I will always treasure among many others.

Uptown or downtown?
Uptown, with a Downtown Vibe.

Drink of choice?
Blanc de Blanc Champagne

Best surprise?
I don't like surprises LOL.

Party foul?
Not dressing to match the theme of a party. Guests to a party inviting other guests without asking. Guests arbitrarily changing place cards without asking the host.

Dream guest?
My better half.

What time do things get really fun?
As soon as I start clapping 

Where can we catch you next?
To be announced pretty soon...

[Photos via BFA, Aman]