Hell’s Kitchen Local

Great coffee, amazing food, lots of tables. I’ve written many songs sitting at this coffee shop.

The Vanilla Gorilla Cafe is my go-to coffee shop for meeting up with friends. It’s spacious and bright with great beverages and bakery treats. My current favorite is the Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea.

This Korean Vegan restaurant and cafe is my go-to for yummy vegan breakfast, delectable matcha and cocktails with special ingredients like homemade candied ginger, my favorite. Mi-Young Yu, the owner, is an incredibly inspiring woman and entrepreneur who is also quite funny. She makes you feel like you’re a guest in her home and it’s very comfy, yummy and fun.

This fairly new massage parlor right by my building couldn’t be any better. Their practitioners do exquisite bodywork; it’s sparkling clean and it stays open daily until 11pm. I often treat myself to a back massage and reflexology.

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!

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.

It’s an off-Broadway complex offering a variety of plays and musicals. I especially enjoy UnitedSolo.org, where up-and-coming writers and solo performers give heartfelt, expressive performances.

What’s not to love? A gay-owned vintage clothing shop!!

Easily my favorite bar in the area with great staff and ambience. If you want to snack, I’d highly recommend the brussels sprouts. They’re fabulous!

Incredible food, great atmosphere and staff. Jim Lahey, the owner, is a passionate foodie who travels the world looking for great food, and he loves this neighborhood.