Hell’s Kitchen Local

Having a great local izakaya nearby just makes Hell’s Kitchen that much better. The food and drinks are always on point, and they recently opened a small speakeasy-style bar in the back that’s become one of my favorite spots to unwind.

“The Kash” as my sweetie Marty and I call it. I love how the Middle Eastern theme connects so many different regions and culinary delights. The kale salad is by far the best I’ve ever had — what do they massage it with? I’ll never know. But they add roasted walnuts, pecorino cheese and dried figs. The diversity of texture and flavor is delish! Plus the octopus skewers, beet skordalia, walnut pepper spread and spinach feta tapas. My favorite area is the garden room in the back.

There is no place as grounding for me as Pier 84. I love to go sit by the water and read or relax. It’s so peaceful and rarely crowded on the average day. They also have inexpensive kayak rentals available during the summer. I tried it once and was not very good, but I had a fun time!

I go to Dave’s fruit stand especially when I need heavily speckled bananas — very soft to the touch and intensely sweet and fragrant — for baking my vegan oatmeal raisin cookies. I’ll be doing a lot of baking for the coming holidays.

I love bringing relatives here for breakfast when they are in town, or stopping by with my co-workers for brunch after an early morning matinee. Great pancakes!

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.

A perfect location for a celebratory dinner and drinks — great vibes and fabulous margaritas!

I try to visit once a month for live music. The second you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped into a new scene, a different era, and completely out of the city. It draws a great crowd of all ages hanging out, dancing and enjoying music. Plus, Butch Phelps has been playing there since 2021 and always puts on a great show.

I have such a sweet tooth and love to stop by to check out their rotating menu of cookies and other desserts.

Libraries connect us with our community. So much knowledge, legacy and the power of our history, the arts and the programs they offer, in addition to the vast collection of books. I believe deeply in the importance of libraries. The staff at that library is so lovely, helpful, and welcoming. I feel sanity wash over me in a crazy world. I adore the Libby app, because I try not to order that much from Amazon, given their recent political leanings. YAY NYPL!