Hell’s Kitchen Local

Perfect place to grab a drink and dinner before going to catch a show.

This is my favorite local supermarket for fresh produce. I love browsing the shelves, and often find unique items I wouldn’t expect to find in a typical grocery store.

This is actually my favorite Thai restaurant in the entire city. I always bring friends here when they visit just so they can try the crab curry — it’s that good. Every dish feels like it’s made with care, and it never disappoints.

Greenery, people, bikes, kids, dogs, diversity and even some of the tacky kiosks, it’s all part of NYC charm — need I say more?

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 love Westville’s vast array of market vegetables, and I get to have my staples — sautéed mushrooms, roasted beets with goat cheese and walnuts, but then I splurge on garlic mashed potatoes and other treats. Veggies are so yummy, but sometimes in NYC, we don’t take the preparation time we need to have delicious veggies. They also have the BEST gluten-free carrot cake I’ve ever had — dense in the batter and fluffy in the frosting. I love how diverse the menu is too. When I took my niece there she had a hot dog and fries and I had the market plate. The staff really cares that you’re happy. The food is affordable, plentiful, and it’s fun. I also like getting credit for each meal. I’m a thriftista.

The recently re-imagined restaurant atop the Marriott Marquis is an elevated (pardon the pun) updated version of the original. The food is excellent and the relaxed atmosphere makes Times Square seem quaint 48 floors below.

This is my go-to place whenever I’m craving tacos since it’s the closest spot nearby. The tacos are always solid, the prices are unbeatable, and I love that they also serve churros — it’s the perfect combo. Definitely the best-value tacos in the neighborhood.

I couldn’t pick my top 10 places and not mention Flaming Saddles. It’s a guilty pleasure. I’m from Texas and sometimes I just wanna have a beer and sing along to Reba, OK!?

I love catching up with friends or stopping by alone and taking in the vibrant energy of midtown at Worldwide Plaza on a warm summer day.