Hell’s Kitchen Local

On the other hand, my husband is Italian and has a high standard for Italian food. Norma has it. With a wonderful variety of dishes and pastas, the real hit here is the Neopolitan pizza. My favorite is the Norma, it makes sense that both their Norma pizza and pasta hit hard. Their friendly Italian staff and great outdoor seating make this one of my favorite spots to people-watch, enjoy some great high quality food and relax.

Delicious Pakistani cuisine that eases the ache of missing my mother’s cooking in Virginia. Their seekh kebabs and fresh, piping-hot naan from the tandoor oven are like a small homecoming that satisfy the need until I can make it back down to my family in Virginia.

It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a gift with character. The store is filled with so many unique items that I always have a blast exploring. It’s one of those places where you just want to buy everything!

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.

I am a beer-on-tap drinker. Rudy’s is wallet-friendly, unpretentious and welcoming to everyone. No attitude, no judgement. Easy to strike up a conversation. Rumored to have been a speakeasy. One of New York’s first liquor licenses. And the pig in front is iconic!

Living near It’s Him, I know it is a great place to catch up with friends over a drink, or for a nightcap after a long day. I recently held a campaign event here, and we filled the place! I’m so grateful to the workers for their incredible help that night, and it was a great place to build excitement for our growing campaign.

A great place to hang out on a weekend afternoon. The Bianca Buns made from slow-fermented Roman pizza dough are elite. I always grab a coffee and buy extra to take home. Make sure to catch the neighborhood acoustic jams every second Sunday of the month in the afternoons.

The Intrepid is a preserved piece of history that we are so lucky to have in Hell’s Kitchen. The museum holds so many pieces of military history and I always learn something new.

There is a new location for this Italian restaurant at Silver Towers, and I am obsessed with their $7 breakfast special of a pastry and the coffee. The elderly mother of a neighbor described their Pain au Chocolate as "elegant," and when I had it for the first time, I could not agree more. I am also into their focaccia. I am spoiled that this is right near where I live, so it's a good location for a quick late night bite before bed when I've had a long day campaigning.

Hell’s Kitchen Park is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood. It’s a true West Side community hub where you’ll always find dedicated community gardeners tending to the space and neighbors stopping to catch up with one another. No matter when you visit, you’re bound to run into a familiar face. I’m especially proud to have led the team that installed the wall mural there, adding another layer of beauty and vibrancy to this central gathering place for our community.