Hell’s Kitchen Local

Baking is something I genuinely enjoy, so I love walking into Amy’s Bread and smelling the freshly baked bread and pastries. It often inspires me to go home, get back into my own kitchen and try making something new.

Pier 84 gives me a chance to slow down and enjoy the waterfront with my family. I love watching the boats, taking in the open views and sometimes letting my mind wander toward a new adventure for Max.

Valla is my favorite Thai restaurant in HK! Their drinks and dishes are delicious ALWAYS!

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.

This place makes me happy every time I walk by thanks to the local artwork displayed in the windows. I’ve worked with them for years, and it’s always been a pleasure. I usually do my own framing, but whenever I’ve entrusted them with a piece, they’ve done exceptional work. It’s an efficiently run business, and I’m glad to see it still thriving in a neighborhood that has lost so many great businesses since the pandemic. If you have a photograph, painting, or treasured piece of art that needs framing, I highly recommend them.

Our neighborhood is full of historic places that have helped ‘write’ the history of NYC. I love acting and graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. My first love was a member of the Actors Studio. I have attended productions there many times, featuring extraordinarily talented actor friends and directors. It’s awesome that it’s just one block away from where I live.

This is a truly unique arts space created by ChaShaMa and its founder, Anita Durst. They provide artists with opportunities throughout the city by partnering with property owners who have vacant storefronts and unused spaces. Instead of letting those spaces sit empty, they give them new life by offering artists and small businesses a chance to transform them into galleries, studios, and creative spaces of their own. It’s a brilliant idea that supports both artists and neighborhoods.

This cute cafe next to the wonderful MCC Theater has incredible food (my fav is the avocado toast!) and a chill relaxed vibe.

Mamma Mia! I told you I love to eat! We are so fortunate to have a whole row of great restaurants in our ‘hood. Actually, I have so many favorite Hell’s Kitchen restaurants, I figured I would choose the block that has the most to choose from. I can walk right over any day or night of the week to listen to great jazz, have a delicious dinner or enjoy lively discussions with neighbors over happy hour, cocktails or coffee. Plus, I have met so many wonderful tourists enjoying the same thing.

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!