Hell’s Kitchen Local

It’s centrally located and a cocktail bar, with a daily happy hour of good drinks. Essentially, it’s a meeting spot for my friends. I usually organize via text chains to meet up.

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.

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.

Sullivan Street Bakery (both locations) has basically become our campaign headquarters. Jim and Maya are a big part of what makes Hell’s Kitchen so special and they’ve created a place where people gather and feel at home. Their breads and soups got me through this frigid winter and I love walking in and seeing familiar faces. Also, they might have the best playlists in the neighborhood.

When I lived in Hell’s Kitchen, I loved coming to Clinton Cove for a picnic, to read, or just take in the river. It reminds me of the beauty of our city.

I don’t find myself in bars too often (I’m such a morning person!), but Vers is definitely one of my more frequent nightlife haunts. I have many fond memories of grabbing drinks with friends here before seeing a Broadway show. I recently attended their monthly musical theatre trivia night and had a great time. I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable and was very much challenged.

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.

Joe Allen has been my pre-theater or after-show drink go to for my whole life. It’s reliable, stress free and changes little. It celebrates flops and it just turned 60 (like me). I ate there before I saw A Chorus Line for the first (of eight) times. Original cast.

This place makes me happy every time I walk by thanks to the local artwork displayed in the windows. I’ve worked with them for years, and it’s always been a pleasure. I usually do my own framing, but whenever I’ve entrusted them with a piece, they’ve done exceptional work. It’s an efficiently run business, and I’m glad to see it still thriving in a neighborhood that has lost so many great businesses since the pandemic. If you have a photograph, painting, or treasured piece of art that needs framing, I highly recommend them.

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.