Hell’s Kitchen Local

I’ve been going to Glass House Tavern for YEARS. It’s my go-to spot for a post-show drink or snack and I’ll always find a friend here. It’s like my own personal Cheers. Even with the change of management over the years I’ve always felt at home here.

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.

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.

This was my home for 10 years while dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the early 2000s and again for the past six years as I’ve been teaching at Ailey Extension. I love teaching Pilates Fusion on Sundays at 11am. My students are of all ages and levels but are all so open and receptive to my unique style which combines Pilates, dance, yoga, mobility, stability, muscle activation and breath work. I have people in-studio and from all over the world online as well. Then I get to teach dance classes to the kids and teens. I love getting to help shape young dancers and share what I’ve learned throughout my journey as a performing artist.

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.

I really enjoy trying foods from around the world, and this has been one of my favorite spots for Thai-Vietnamese food. I actually used to come here even before I lived in the neighborhood. My favorite dish is the Pad See Ew — I always come back for that one.

As a rescue dog mom, any dog run is my happy place but I particularly like the one at DWC. I bring my dog Bailey here and in his younger years he could run for hours. Now 14, he just enjoys the canine company. It’s one of those places where you always end up chatting with neighbors and dog people are the best people. In a neighborhood like ours, I value having a space like this to just be outside and unplug.

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.

The Little Pie Company makes the most delicious, old fashioned pies. The classic apple is amazing but their seasonal flavors are just irresistible. At the moment, the strawberry-rhubarb is on the board and I urge everyone to run before they take it off the menu. I've already inquired and the next seasonal pie is cherry. But the best of all is the summer special: Georgia peaches. I will forego summer travel plans in order to not miss it!

It’s the perfect place to grab a pastry and some Colombian bites while I enjoy reading my book. The ambiance is cozy, making it easy to lose track of time. Plus, I love that I can bring my dog along, and they even have treats for her! It’s a great little haven for both of us.