Hell’s Kitchen Local

Azalea has a grand room with a high ceiling and expansive windows that seems like an island of tranquility in Midtown. It's the perfect place for a meeting over lunch or drinks; they don't play any music so conversations can be had quietly. The menu is Italian with a bit of a surprising twist here and there — I find the lasagna irresistible. The staff is warm and welcoming and eager to please.

The barber shop is next door to my gallery. Alex is my favorite, he comes by sometimes for a coffee and to chit chat between clients.

UT47 is a place I love to go with my kids after play time at Ramon Aponte Playground. I love that they have a creative menu of vegan and vegetarian food that is Korean-inspired. The kids love their mandu and taco from the sit-down restaurant. On their cafe / to-go side, we like their macarons and mermaid latte.

Delphinium has been my family's go-to birthday/holiday card/gift shop for as long as I can remember. Every time you go there, you are bound to laugh and smile at the new cheeky cards and gifts. The people there are very friendly. If I give you a birthday card, there's a 100% chance that I got it at Delphinium.

One of my favorite parts of helping out at the food cupboard is when my friend Eve and I find a mini-sized fruit in one of the bags and then wait to give it to a child on the food line who is proportionately mini. Something about the perfect match of hand-littleness and fruit-littleness melts my heart every time.

Sometimes you just need some pancakes.

Walking into Fine and Dandy Archives is like walking into Enrique’s personal closet, and in some ways, that’s exactly what it is. Everything is thoughtfully sourced from all over the world, each piece has its own back story and Enrique combines pieces together in really creative ways. I love the artistry and style. 

I lost 18 pounds and put on 18 pounds of muscle at The Manhattan Plaza Health Club!

Delicious spot for a weekend bagel and coffee before a walk along the High Line.

At risk of alienating 95% of your readers, I’ll admit I’m not actually a coffee drinker. That said, my dad and I will go here often to chop it up about art and life. I can vouch for the calming ambience, kind staff, and delicious sandwiches + hot chocolate. My dad can vouch for the coffee.