Hell’s Kitchen Local

Rice and Beans makes me happy because it makes me feel at home in Brazil. I remember when Rice and Beans was still on 9th Ave, and I'm glad they're still going and serving delicious caipirinhas and other Brazilian dishes. Also, try their brigadeiros! They're amazing.

A lovely restaurant with a romantic lower level lounge — have a seat on the sofa by the fireplace.

Restaurant Row is one of those streets where you can find every cuisine imaginable, along with some great hidden gems. I especially love it at night, when the whole area comes alive with energy and so many delicious options to choose from!

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!

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

An iconic establishment in Hell’s Kitchen, the West Bank Cafe has been the home to Broadway stars, fans and West Siders alike. I have seen countless incredible shows at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and many fulfilling meals with friends and family at their restaurant — don’t even get me started on their Risotto Balls! Tom and Michael are great owners and friends.

I love the Hudson River and spend a lot of time in Hudson River Park, especially Pier 84. It’s such an important green space for our neighborhood and we’re lucky to have it. I’ve spent so many afternoons there with my daughter at the water sprays when she was younger and now with a good book she’s older. As a member of the park’s Advisory Council, I’m especially excited about the improvements coming. It’s only going to make an already special place even better.

I love that in the middle of Manhattan you can suddenly find a place that feels peaceful and surrounded by nature. I discovered this park while walking around the neighborhood when my parents were visiting me in New York. We were all fascinated by it — how calm it felt and how it exists thanks to the community that cares about it. It’s one of those little hidden places that make the city feel special. I haven’t been there in a while and I really miss it there.

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.

BDC makes me happy because it’s a place I’ve always dreamed of. Even when I was very young in Argentina, I had heard about it and imagined what it would be like to take classes there. Now, being able to go whenever I want, take any class I want and learn from teachers who are truly amazing and rare gems — it’s honestly a dream come true. Just being able to walk through those doors feels like a dream.