Hell’s Kitchen Local

Hudson River Park technically isn’t a business (but it is a non-profit, so similar?). One of my favorite places in Hell’s Kitchen is Pier 84. It’s my happy place, basically. I start and end all my morning runs here, and I often come here to sit and contemplate. Watching the river go by is a good reminder that life is fleeting, that nothing lasts forever, and the best thing to do is enjoy it as much as possible.

This location routinely hosts the Imperial Court, which is an amazing group that has adopted and supported me during the campaign. I have gotten to know the members of this club, and one of their longtime hosts, Summer, routinely picks Industry Bar — given their support of the LGBTQ community and amazing space for drag performances.

I love to cook, and when I crave making ox tail or lamb neck stew, this is where I go. They stock cuts you won’t find in the more curated parts of Manhattan, along with produce that still assumes people actually cook. It is also remarkably affordable. I love walking into their meat refrigerated chamber. I admit to visiting the store with ulterior motives in the very hot summer months just to be able to walk into the refrigerated meat chamber. During a heat wave, it amounts to finding heaven, (only to be sent back to hell).

I’ve spent many sunny mornings cheering on my son Ben from the sidelines of Dewitt Clinton Park as he played little league. This is a fleeting period in our life as a family and I know I will miss it enormously once it’s passed.

I don’t go there often, but I adore old chandeliers and antiques. They make me happy, the grandeur, the history, the way they SPARKLE. The chandeliers embody the ability to SPARKLE — to emanate light, to revel in one’s majesty, it’s a wonderful metaphor. Shine Bright. Share Your Gifts. Make a Difference. They have absolutely beautiful pieces in there, and just going in feels like a kind of solace to be around such beauty and majesty. They have also advised me on pricing, trends and have suggested different resources. Another great go-to place.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a show here, you’re guaranteed a great time. The 52nd Street Project does so much for children and our community. The mentorship they provide—connecting kids with professional theater artists and helping them develop their creative voices—is truly remarkable. I would absolutely recommend seeing a performance there.

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.

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.

Angelina’s bombolones are the best. I like to get two and share with whomever I am meeting with: usually a glazed and one of the many filled flavors.

Tannen’s Magic Shop is so historic, dark, mysterious and everything you want a magic shop to be. You’ll regularly find me here browsing the huge bookshelf of magic books. I just can’t get enough!