Hell’s Kitchen Local

Lino and Gregory are amazing people. The food and service is wonderful. They care so much about the business and have become friends. They also just opened an antique and vintage home decor shop in Washington Depot, CT called Pasquale et Maurice Home if you’re in that area.

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

Great place for quick dim sum, especially when the outdoor seating is available. The dishes come out fast and fresh, and if I ever get a craving, this is the first place I think of for a satisfying bite.

I’ve spent years trying to crack the code on health and fitness. There have been plenty of stepping stones along the way, but MFF is where things really clicked. I learned how to set goals I can actually reach, how to stay consistent, how to stop being intimidated by the gym, and how to not take it all so seriously. This place gave me a foundation I can actually build on — and reminded me how good it feels to show up for yourself.

In a neighborhood with so many Thai restaurants to choose from, LumLum is a cut above the rest with their delicious entrees and delightful cocktails.

I know some people decry it as another “shopping mall” but it’s got some great shops for men’s clothing staples.

It supports notable playwrights, offering residencies to artists from underrepresented ethnic communities and giving them space to develop their work in a secure environment. My favorites are Lynn Nottage and Anna Deavere Smith.

I don’t go there often, but I adore old chandeliers and antiques. They make me happy, the grandeur, the history, the way they SPARKLE. The chandeliers embody the ability to SPARKLE — to emanate light, to revel in one’s majesty, it’s a wonderful metaphor. Shine Bright. Share Your Gifts. Make a Difference. They have absolutely beautiful pieces in there, and just going in feels like a kind of solace to be around such beauty and majesty. They have also advised me on pricing, trends and have suggested different resources. Another great go-to place.

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!

This shop is an absolute gem for finding unique, NYC-inspired gifts for any occasion. Every holiday or birthday, I love stopping by to pick up a fun mug, quirky magnet, stylish candle, or some other unforgettable find.