Hell’s Kitchen Local

This new coffee shop and eco-friendly sundries store has become one of my favorite places to get an afternoon coffee and tea (the hibiscus iced tea is to die for). They also sell a terrific line of vibrantly scented homemade candles — the chocolate covered strawberry actually smells like chocolate covered strawberries. I love supporting this shop because, according to its website, it’s an “employment social enterprise” where most of the employees are on six-month long job placements, “learning new skills and gaining the confidence and resume to find permanent work.”

I discovered swimming when my legs told me to stop running. I’ve enjoyed this gym for many years now.

A Black owned juice and smoothie shop?? YES PLEASE!!! Fresh From Hell is great, from their acai bowls to their fresh juices and smoothies. This place keeps me feeling good and healthy! And did I mention that it’s Black owned?!

I have always loved the various Delphinium Home shops. The owners are great guys and I love having independently owned businesses in the neighborhood. Great place to find a last-minute gift or card.

We order pies from The Little Pie Company for every major holiday, especially Thanksgiving. It is at the heart of our family’s celebratory traditions. This last year we lost my mother-in-law and having that tradition of the pies from The Little Pie Company to honor her on her favorite holiday was so key for our family.

Anybody who knows me knows I love sushi. I love cooking it, but it’s not something I’ve really tried mastering because I love going out for it so much more. Natalie and I are big fans of Fushimi for its great ambience and interior design. The quality of the food easily rivals Nobu (although we still go here), and at a far better price point! You’ll often find us here after a matinee performance.

Homemade Taqueria has been my lunch go-to for the past five Saturdays in a row. Sometimes twice a day. The food is amazing — taco al pastor and aqua fresca watermelon. The background music is hip. The staff are super sweet. And the vibe is both modern and old school. I am already a regular — and plan to continue!

Magick Balay, the demonstrator and owner of Don’t Blink Magic Shop, has such incredible energy! He is so keen to show anybody who walks through the door amazing close-up magic.

I love sitting at the bar at Bocca di Bacco. It is a great place to meet a friend or date for civilized conversation, a glass of wine and appetizers.

I stumbled into this place on a whim a couple years ago when I was doing a show down the street and it quickly became my go-to nail studio. The staff here is so sweet and they always get me together when I need it!