Jenn Saesue, the force behind cult-favorite Thai restaurants Fish Cheeks and Bangkok Supper Club, has a knack for turning meals into moments. As the co-founder of 55 Hospitality, she’s helped shape some of New York’s most memorable dining experiences—from the sultry, late-night vibes of Bangkok Supper Club in the Meatpacking District to the bold, seafood-forward flavors of Fish Cheeks in NoHo. Recently, nearly a decade since it first opened, Fish Cheeks has expanded to include a second location in Williamsburg, offering two exclusive dishes and a cocktail created just for the Brooklyn neighborhood. It’s proof of Saesue and her team’s talent for crafting unforgettable moments through food, flavor, and atmosphere.
Born in Thailand and raised in Queens, Saesue draws inspiration from both her roots and the energy of the city around her. She’s a New Yorker who knows how to find the good stuff, whether it’s a tucked away gem or a view that takes your breath away. Whitewall caught up with Saesue to hear about the spots that inspire her most—from her go-to location for a creative recharge to the city’s best kept secret.
Photo credit Connie Zhou
WHITEWALL: Wheres the best spot to find inspiration in New York?
JENN SAESUE: For me, it’s not about one specific spot—it’s the act of moving through the city that inspires me. Whether I’m walking or driving, New York always offers these beautifully framed moments: crossing from the West Side to the East and catching the NYSE perfectly centered at the end of Rector Street—it’s like a tracking shot from a film. I’ve always been drawn to architecture, so neighborhoods like Malcolm X Boulevard with its sculptural brownstones, the rhythmic symmetry of Windsor Terrace, or the quiet grandeur of Brooklyn Heights all speak to a sense of time, material, and proportion that deeply inspires me.
Even in the more expected corners—like the Upper East Side or the Financial District, where neoclassical facades give way to glass towers—you can feel the strata of the city’s design legacy. There’s tension, layering, contrast. Inspiration is everywhere; you just have to look up—and let the city reveal itself.
Courtesy of Bangkok Supper Club, Credit Evan Sung
WHITEWALL: What’s the best off-the-beaten-path place to see art in New York?
JENN SAESUE: I studied architecture and design at LaGuardia High School, so I’ve always experienced New York as one living gallery. Art is everywhere—in how buildings from different eras coexist, how light catches a limestone facade, or how a rusted fire escape carves a pattern against brick. A curve in an old Bronx archway, the ironwork on a Brooklyn townhouse, the interplay of shadow on a slate stoop—all of it tells a story. Some of the most striking art in the city isn’t on a wall—it’s stitched into the streets we pass every day.
Courtesy of Fish Cheeks
Courtesy of Fish Cheeks
WHITEWALL: What is New York’s best-kept secret?
JENN SAESUE: Queens. It’s one of the most diverse places in the world, but still feels like it’s hiding in plain sight. Part of that is the architecture—rows of modest homes layered with ornate cornices, Buddhist temples tucked between auto shops, and brutalist housing blocks softened by hand-painted signage. Nothing feels designed to impress, and that’s what makes it beautiful. There’s an honesty to the way the neighborhoods breathe—messy, functional, alive.
Some of my most memorable meals have been in Flushing—hot pot at Heidi Lau or Chongqing Lao Zao, steam rising while we linger into the night. Or at Taiwanese Gourmet, where I always order tofu with preserved egg, hug esan, and clams with basil. I crave som tum plara, pork larb, tom zabb soup, and pork liver with scallion—dishes that feel personal, not performative.
Queens isn’t curated, it’s lived in. And for someone building restaurants that reflect culture more than concept, that’s endlessly inspiring. It reminds me why I started 55 Hospitality in the first place—to create spaces that feel rooted, generous, and real.
Jenn Saesue’s Favorite New York Spots
1. Brooklyn Heights
Courtesy of Brooklyn Heights Association.
“In the 1830s, steam ferries made it America’s first suburb. In 1965, it became a National Historic Landmark and the City’s first Historic District. Today it remains a unique neighborhood worth preserving, a special place to live and a destination for visitors from near and far.” via Brooklyn Heights Association
2. New York Architecture
Spring Studios, New York. Courtesy
of Spring Studios and Independent.
“As the largest city in the United States, New York City is one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world, recognized by many as the center for global media, culture, fashion art, and finance. The city was founded in 1624 by settlers from the Dutch Republic and has since grown into “the city that never sleeps. While almost every style of architecture exists in New York City, the metropolis is most well known for its skyscrapers, both in historical styles such as Neoclassical and Art Deco and in their varied contemporary expressions. The first building to bring the world’s tallest title to New York was the New York World Building, in 1890. Later, New York City was home to the world’s tallest building for 75 continuous years, starting with the Park Row Building in 1899.” via Arch Daily
3. Taiwanese Gourmet
Courtesy of Taiwanese Gourmet.
“Taste Taiwanese flavors in the heart of Elmhurst, NY at Taiwanese Gourmet. This neighborhood gem offers a wide range of Asian Fusion, Chinese, and Taiwanese dishes, perfect for both foodies and families. With menu options like stinky tofu and crispy pork chop, every bite is a journey to the streets of Taiwan. The casual ambience and friendly service make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy beef, tender fish, or a satisfying chicken leg over rice, Taiwanese Gourmet delivers authentic Taiwanese cuisine that leaves a lasting impression.” via Taiwanese Gourmet
