Hell’s Kitchen Local

The best bagel I had in NYC. My personal favorite is the sesame bagel its crunchy on the outside and soft inside and its covered with seeds on all sides.

Amalia has been a strong supporter of the theater community — show business runs in the family as her late brother was an actor. Also it is a safe place for gays, trans, and women.

So many of my favorite memories of my life have taken place at the West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre. It is where I produced my first concert, celebrating underappreciated musicals, If It Only Even Runs a Minute. It is where I have collaborated with Joe Iconis & Family for nearly two decades. (Ask me about the night that we did Broadway, Here I Come! in a concert, leading to it being a centerpiece of Smash on TV. John Stamos was there.)

Since I was a child I have been coming here to get breakfast, sandwiches and random munchies. Hands-down one of the best bagels in the neighborhood and, I would argue, the City. You can't go wrong with $1.70 for a toasted bagel with butter! My friend Carlos from Mexico, who works late at night knows my order and makes the best paprika French fries. They are so epically delicious and they don't freeze their potatoes, it's all hand cut!

Stephen Reed, the owner, provides a sense of family at the studio. There’s kindness everywhere. My favorite instructor, Kenny Larson teaches a two-hour contemporary ballet class that is creative yet technical. This palatial studio is my second home and even now at my older age, the wonderful classes still motivate me to dance.

I’ve lived in NYC long enough to remember “the city that never sleeps”. Empanada Mama offers a taste of that, as they are one of the few places left that still delivers 24 hours! The empanadas are next level, baked or fried, and I especially recommend the Romeo and Juliet (guava and mozzarella cheese) for dessert.

This is what I mean when I talk about the neighborhood’s history. This family owned bakery has been operating for over a hundred years. You won’t find better baklava, spanakopita, or strudel! Always served with a smile.

I love dogs. Mine, unfortunately, lives in Ohio for most of the year. But when she’s in town, we make frequent visits here. When she’s not, I’ll route my morning run so that I can pass by and see all the pups at play.

This has been my artistic home from my very first act. I’m proud to have my name on their wall and I’ve had so many incredible nights here, both as a performer and a patron.

Fantastic Brazilian food! It’s incredible that it’s still around and rocking!