Hell’s Kitchen Local

For Napoli style pizza hands down Don Antonio by far. Gluten and vegan options. Their pies are out of this world.

From the perfectly grilled onions to the sesame bun and how can you forget that every time you walk in they make you feel like family.

I love Greek food, and this place is really good. I will sometimes go to the bar and just get a glass of Assyrtiko wine and some pita and dips. Their taramasalata (caviar spread) and tirokafteri (red pepper and feta dip) are fantastic.

When I walk back from Westerly Health food, I know if my bags are heavy, I can stop in the little open plaza by The Sheffield and take a break. Or have my soup, or make a call. I love the statue, I call her "Nippertiti" (a take off of Nefertiti), except she looks like she's had a nip and tuck, LOL! I adore the greenery and all the wonderful dogs and the openness of the space. I get to connect with nature, people watch, and I’m so grateful for all public spaces in NYC — they ground us.

Step into Nepal — right on 10th Avenue. It’s become a ritual for me and one of my best friends to get pedicures here. We turn into giggling teenagers, getting our nails painted while sipping water or wine (and sometimes eating chocolate or bananas). Tibetan monks chant softly in the background, and everyone calls the owner “Mami.” The place is clean, welcoming, and full of good vibes.

Great for a quick sugar fix or bringing a party dessert and they always have a few gluten free options for my oldest son.

"Amazing food! Best onion rings I have ever had. Great atmosphere and super friendly staff. Always a welcoming environment"

The bartenders work incredibly hard to provide amazing cocktails for the bottomless brunch patrons while also serving up fancy cocktails at the bar.

Fountain House, a groundbreaking clubhouse providing community and purpose to its 1,200+ members living with serious mental illness, is one of the stops on my tour. They recently opened up Fountain House + Body nearby after their SoHo location closed last year. I just love everything about this cafe/store, which is more than meets the eye. Many of the goods they sell, which include products like handmade soaps, candles, and cleaning products, are made by Fountain House members. They also source products from partners that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and in the case of their coffee, fair trade and organic. Most importantly, the shop provides opportunities for transitional employment for Fountain House members. I decided to include the store in the middle of my tour to support this fantastic social enterprise, but also because it’s a perfect place for my tour participants to take a break!

The spinach and goat cheese omelette is my absolute favorite, and even though I haven’t had alcohol in over 3 1/2 years, they still have the best Bloody Mary (Virgin Mary for me these days) in town!