Hell’s Kitchen Local

The spice bins, good cheese, the Taramasalata — yum yum yum!

Sometimes you just need some pancakes.

These ladies pulled up, parked and entrenched themselves into HK. They are kind and welcoming to everyone who enters their shop. And you can ALWAYS, ALWAYS find a gift there. Whatever your price range.

Delicious dim sum.

You open the door and a bell sounds. Then, "Hello Mr Ira Lee. What do you need today?" Whether I need awkward repairs or stains removed, they simply say "it will be OK" and it always is. So welcoming, helpful and cheerful. No job is too big or too small. They'll deliver if you ask them to — and when they arrive, they are equally as jolly. Wonderful people who always make me happy!

A more recent find for me. Romantic and cool. Anything west of 10th always feels like it has an extra dose of tucked-away intimacy.  

You can find me there several times per week with friends, browsing and shopping for fun home decor and rare holiday finds. It is such a fun place to peruse on a lazy afternoon.

Their pizza and pasta is superb and the clam chowder is to die for. Whenever I get home late and feel hungry but too tired to cook, there will be Claudio's pamphlet staring at me from my fridge door. They deliver with service and a smile. They have been in Hell's Kitchen forever and never get tired of their passion for quick, tasty, Italian signature offerings.

One of my favorite parts of helping out at the food cupboard is when my friend Eve and I find a mini-sized fruit in one of the bags and then wait to give it to a child on the food line who is proportionately mini. Something about the perfect match of hand-littleness and fruit-littleness melts my heart every time.

The best no-frills, classic NYC breakfast in the neighborhood. The coffee is in your hand practically before you sit down.