One more
IAN SCHAFER • Ensemble
WORK • Friday Routine
IAN SCHAFER • president & co-founder • Ensemble, a HOORAE Media Company
Neighborhood you work in: Newark & Meatpacking
Neighborhood you live in: Westfield, NJ
It’s Friday afternoon. How are you rolling into the weekend?
I’m still recovering from Game 4 at MSG, one of the most incredible events I’ve ever witnessed in person. It’s definitely a work/life balance Friday; having just launched the most popular microdrama in the world (SCREEN TIME on TikTok), there’s a ton of interest from brands for sponsorship, so will be working into the night to respond to the demand. But not to bury the lede, I’m fixing to fly to San Antonio for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. #Knicksin5
Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
After game 4 in NYC, I celebrated with Knicks legends at the iconic Sei Less on 38th/7th. This weekend? I plan on returning to Acenar on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, which was excellent when I stopped in before Game 1.
How about a little leisure or culture?
If I wasn’t in San Antonio, I’d be hopping between Sei Less and Knicks superfan Shaun Geddes’s Game 5 watch party at Diamante’s in Midtown.
Any weekend getaways?
Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May, NJ, is a wonderfully quaint and peaceful stay in one of my favorite resort towns within driving distance, and within walking distance from some fantastic local restaurants and (literal) haunts.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
NBA Finals Game 5 tickets. I hope it ends well!
What store or service do you always recommend?
It’s summertime, so I’d suggest following whatever Siegelman Stable has planned for NYC and the Hamptons, but I’ve fallen so hard for the brand that I invested in the company. They bring together some of the most interesting people for some of the most clever retail pop-up activations.
Where are you donating your time or money?
I’m currently on the board of The Rialto Center for Creativity in my hometown of Westfield, NJ, as we renovate a historic movie theater and turn it into a much-needed multimedia center for the arts for our community and the region.