Hell’s Kitchen Local

A warm, friendly atmosphere and a good place to meet friends for drinks and dinner. It’s a Theater District fixture.

This place knows how to do burgers. Kings of Kobe makes wagyu burgers that come in either quarter pounders or half pounders. This is seriously my favorite burger place in the city. Their burgers are huge, juicy and so high quality. When I say huge I mean like they’re LITERALLY the size of my face. Don’t skip out on the fries here because they’re somehow the PERFECT level of crispiness every time. The shakes are amazing too!! Whenever I want a quality burger, I go to Kings of Kobe — everything I’ve had there has been friggin’ delicious.

Walking through the door of the Astor Mansion on Restaurant Row, I’m immediately transported to another time and place. Old world service and authentic Italian cuisine. When I’m asked to recommend a special occasion evening, without hesitation, I say, “Barbetta”. All have amazing experiences.

I’ve only been to Kitchen Valley Marketplace a few times, I wanted to give them a shout-out because I’m so excited for a new market to open on the corner of my block. It’s a clean and inviting space, and I’ve had a few tasty wraps. I also stopped in late on a rainy Sunday night after a Christmas party for a sandwich and they were open for business. Welcome to the neighborhood, KVM!

Again, it’s the lower prices. We’re all pinching our pennies, so places that don’t gouge their customers of every last cent makes things a little easier. I’m not interested in being in the chicest place (no offense to the Saloon), I want a good product for a reasonable price.

Ollie’s is the most authentic Szechuan restaurant I’ve ever visited. Every time I eat at the lovely Hell’s Kitchen location, the food is fresh and unmatched in the neighborhood.

In a city where a cocktail can go for a whopping $15 (that damn near gave me an apoplexy), the happy hour at Flaming Saddles is pretty easy on the wallet, and the bartenders are pretty easy on the eyes, too. Happy hours are my thing — the prices are lower, as is the volume. Bars can get so loud now. If I am going to meet somebody, I need to be able to hear them. And yes, I do go to bars to meet people. If all I want is a buzz, I can do that at home.

I shoot a lot of content with my hands because of my food blogging so I have been going for a manicure more often. I discovered Nams in the middle of last year and have been going there ever since! I love stopping in for a quick weekend manicure, they do a great job every time, they’re always so accommodating of walk-in appointments and the color selection is amazing!! They always give me tea in a sippy cup while I get my nails done too, added bonus.

Pascual de la Rosa has been keeping the corner of 47th and 9th blooming and bright for years, and is such a welcome sight in our neighborhood. The flowers are fresh and fun, and there is always a great selection. I am proud to say that my husband bought me a plant there TWO YEARS AGO that I have managed to KEEP ALIVE — thanks to Pascual’s advice.

I love walking past and having them wave and say hi, not to mention that the pie is pizza perfect! My first experience was when I ordered online and had it delivered, only to later discover it was just around the corner from my building. Duh!