Hell’s Kitchen Local

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

I have been going to this news stand since the very first day I moved into Manhattan Plaza. I have a bit of a scratch-off situation so these guys see me every day. What makes it special is that it feels so neighborly. It’s nice to be asked “where have you been?” when I’ve been away. I ask them the same when they go visit their native country and return. It’s not the shop but the people that make it special.

I love FLEX mainly because of my favorite bartender Gio. I have known Gio since 2010, so coming to FLEX for a beer (or three) always feels like the perfect LGBTQ+ home!

As a native Texan, I am always on the hunt for wonderful tortillas. I am very pleased to proclaim this gem on 10th Avenue as not only really excellent authentic Mexican food, but also, and more importantly, homemade tortillas and salsas. Get the lengua and barbacoa! Shout out to Irma xo

I’ve spent more time working at The Actors'Temple Theatre than I have in any other venue in the city. It feels like an artistic home base to me. I’ve performed in five different productions at the Temple since 2021, four with Vital Theatre Company. The house is intimate and beautiful, featuring stained glass. I love the photographs of famous entertainers that line the staircase just inside the main entrance. It’s amazing to feel both the history and spirituality present in the building every time I’m at work.

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.

I am addicted to their Thai Iced Tea. It is unbelievably good, like no other I have ever had. It really tastes nothing like other Thai places I’ve gone to. And the staff is so friendly and sweet.

Another favorite restaurant is this small Thai spot on 10th Avenue. It’s a friendly family-run business, and they always make us feel welcome. You can’t go wrong with their moist chive pancakes, one of the vegan curries with mock duck and a mason jar of Thai iced tea.

My husband Bobby runs this theater company, The Actor’s Gym, there every Thursday.

I love this place. In a sea of chain stores in Port Authority, this shop is an oasis of creativity. It’s filled with one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories from local designers. I always pop in to see an ever changing stock of unique pieces. I love that it’s in Port Authority.