Hell’s Kitchen Local

The atmosphere is incredible and the drag queen is hilarious!

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.

Great no-frills neighborhood bar with even better bartenders.

It’s a nice place to grab cocktails while people-watching on the street.

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.

Again, I know I’m partial because I work there, but their facility is outstanding, with views overlooking the Hudson while you work out. Plus I teach a killer Pilates mat class on Thursday mornings, and the outdoor pool deck is also a bonus.

We order pies from The Little Pie Company for every major holiday, especially Thanksgiving. It is at the heart of our family’s celebratory traditions. This last year we lost my mother-in-law and having that tradition of the pies from The Little Pie Company to honor her on her favorite holiday was so key for our family.

Incredible food, great atmosphere and staff. Jim Lahey, the owner, is a passionate foodie who travels the world looking for great food, and he loves this neighborhood.

My home away from home from the time it was on 55th and Broadway to now, on 45th Street. I did many student showcases and though I missed participating this year because of my bodybuilding comp, I’m planning to participate next year.

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!