Hell’s Kitchen Local

This spot is not only meaningful to me and my community because of its San Juan Hill history (MCB4 actually attended a documentary screening about it), it's also where I got engaged — at the Paul Milstein Reflecting Pool. Beyond the pool and terrace, I love the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and the Philharmonic's lobby at David Geffen Hall, both of which are free and open to the public daily — and also great spots to get some work done while supporting the city's public spaces.

If you want amazing Italian pizza, Don Antonio is the place. The pizzas are made in a beautiful wood-fired oven and you can really taste the difference. The waiters are incredibly friendly — it honestly feels like going to a friend’s house for dinner. And the dessert is a must: their fried pizza with Nutella is absolutely unforgettable.

This is actually my favorite Thai restaurant in the entire city. I always bring friends here when they visit just so they can try the crab curry — it’s that good. Every dish feels like it’s made with care, and it never disappoints.

Rain or shine, late night or early morning, this food truck has been a reliable affordable food option. With incredibly friendly habibis (Issam and Sa’id) and the three brothers (Saleh, Mo and Abdul) whose family have run business for generations, they serve what I think is some of the best halal food in NYC.

The food is amazing and the service is always friendly. The vibe is lively and welcoming, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. Whether it’s their pollo adobado, spicy mezcal paloma or their delicious guacamole, I always leave happy!

When I’m craving Korean food, I often visit this neighborhood spot instead of traveling down to Koreatown on 32nd Street. Their Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bibimbap (veggie/meat rice bowl) always hit the spot.

I’m always happy walking into Frisson. The staff are incredibly friendly and somehow manage to create a unique latte art experience every time. The ambiance, the vibes are just uplifting and it feels like you’re home. Having some of my artwork and sculptures on display there certainly doesn’t hurt, but what really inspires me is that it’s run by young Dominican brothers who do an outstanding job.

Cubby’s is run by my good friend Charles, my old coworker at Pastis! I remember we would talk about our futures together on our breaks — his dream of opening up his own establishment and my passion for public service. I visited again recently and it was quite emotional to see where we have both ended up.

Living near It’s Him, I know it is a great place to catch up with friends over a drink, or for a nightcap after a long day. I recently held a campaign event here, and we filled the place! I’m so grateful to the workers for their incredible help that night, and it was a great place to build excitement for our growing campaign.

I love Irish arts and literature, and it's incredible to have a globally significant center for Irish arts right here in the district. It’s also an amazing story of a small but mighty organization that was able to give life to an old historic Hell’s Kitchen building.