Hell’s Kitchen Local

As a rescue dog mom, any dog run is my happy place but I particularly like the one at DWC. I bring my dog Bailey here and in his younger years he could run for hours. Now 14, he just enjoys the canine company. It’s one of those places where you always end up chatting with neighbors and dog people are the best people. In a neighborhood like ours, I value having a space like this to just be outside and unplug.

The Ink 48 Hotel is where my family spent the first three nights before settling into our apartment. It became a home away from home. A lot of the members from our production team stayed here, so we got to know the hotel staff quite well. They took my son and me on a tour of the penthouse suite, and that’s how we found out about the incredible rooftop bar Hudson VU. The views from the rooftop are unparalleled. I highly recommend everyone visit!

There is no place as grounding for me as Pier 84. I love to go sit by the water and read or relax. It’s so peaceful and rarely crowded on the average day. They also have inexpensive kayak rentals available during the summer. I tried it once and was not very good, but I had a fun time!

Lemon flavored doughnuts. Olive bread. Salted chocolate chip cookies. Need I say more? I usually stop by here after canvassing in the neighborhood for a pick-me-up and it never disappoints!

A simple yet sophisticated intimate setting with the most delicious homemade Italian food — and everything is actually gluten free. My hubby and I save this spot for special occasions.

This is my favorite health food store in the city so I’m so happy to have it close to home. I’ve been going here for 26 years and will continue to go for their incredible organic produce, snacks, supplements and clean products.

I absolutely love MNN. It is publicly funded TV and podcast studio that allows anyone who wishes to, to start their podcast or talk show. I have used their facility for over two years now and this is where I produce my talk show Carte Blanche, where I invite guests for unscripted conversations about New York City. At MNN, the commitment to freedom of speech takes a physical incarnation. It is remarkable that the city makes such a robust financial commitment to the freedom of expression.

This place is well equipped with a huge pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and studio. I love taking the water aerobics classes and working out there. I also love teaching Dance Cardio every Monday night at 7pm. All the people that come to my classes are pretty awesome. Their energy always has me leaving feeling better than when I arrived. It’s become a lovely community. People always stay and hang out after class.

I have such a sweet tooth and love to stop by to check out their rotating menu of cookies and other desserts.

I love the Hudson River and spend a lot of time in Hudson River Park, especially Pier 84. It’s such an important green space for our neighborhood and we’re lucky to have it. I’ve spent so many afternoons there with my daughter at the water sprays when she was younger and now with a good book she’s older. As a member of the park’s Advisory Council, I’m especially excited about the improvements coming. It’s only going to make an already special place even better.