WHO AM I?

My name is Matt Wade and I am the founder of Hidden NYC.  I am an entrepreneur who has founded two technology companies focused on solving problems within the educational system.  I am also a college professor, teaching senior level business and entrepreneurship to engineers.  My success in all endeavors has stemmed from my passion, energy, and creativity, traits that have led me to craft a unique and fun food and history tour experience for you.

My wife and I love to travel, but we have a different approach than most.  Minimal sightseeing. We try to avoid the crowds and instead roam the local districts. We also love food!  During our travels, what resonates the most are the people we meet while enjoying a good meal.  Simply put, food brings people together.

If we have to choose between touristy and real, we always choose real. Always.

WHY DID I START Hidden NYC?

I started Hidden NYC based on a gut feeling: a visitor wanting to seek greater depth of understanding of this touristy metropolis we call New York City.  

What are the people of New York City like? What values do they hold dear? What do they eat?  Where did these neighborhoods come from?  My team and I are going to help you find out.

WHAT ARE MY CORE PRINCIPLES?

We have core principles for which there is no compromise:

  • Small groups only. I don’t particularly like large, organized tours; that is why ours are different. Groups of 20 are not small groups in our book. So, it’s ten people maximum.  We don’t want to overrun the sidewalks of New York City nor do we want to overwhelm the establishments who cater to us.
  • No kickbacks. I am proud to run an independent operation. I will never take you to a place just because I get some perks for it. Although this is standard behavior in the tourism industry, I do not subscribe to it and think it’s doing you a disservice.
  • Honesty about recommendations. I know how precious vacation time can be, and I treat your vacation as if it was my own. That is why I will never recommend a place if I don’t like it or feel that it doesn’t fit the culture of the neighborhood, no matter how popular or hyped it may be.