Hell’s Kitchen Local

This is my favorite local supermarket for fresh produce. I love browsing the shelves, and often find unique items I wouldn’t expect to find in a typical grocery store.

A hidden gem for a great massage. Tony and the other therapists here really know what they're doing. I've introduced quite a few friends over the years, and they've all come away impressed. No frills, just skilled hands to help relieve some of the stress and pain of our hardworking Hell’s Kitchen neighbors.

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

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.

A coffee shop owned by a Korean-American woman (Vanessa), who researches everything from coffee beans to matcha leaves on the ground in Asia to produce the best-quality coffee and tea in our neighborhood. The owner also started a run club and supports local athletes and sports events. With plenty of seating, it’s a great place to get some work done.

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

Amy Scherber opened her bakery on 9th Avenue in 1992, when plenty of people doubted a small, hand-built business could make it in this part of the city. More than 30 years later it is still here, still turning out some of the best bread and pastry in the neighborhood, and still the kind of independent shop that gives Hell’s Kitchen its character instead of another bank branch.

There is a new location for this Italian restaurant at Silver Towers, and I am obsessed with their $7 breakfast special of a pastry and the coffee. The elderly mother of a neighbor described their Pain au Chocolate as "elegant," and when I had it for the first time, I could not agree more. I am also into their focaccia. I am spoiled that this is right near where I live, so it's a good location for a quick late night bite before bed when I've had a long day campaigning.

I love taking my daughter to neighborhood playgrounds and watching her explore, develop new skills and become more confident with every new challenge. Seeing the world through her eyes reminds me why curiosity, courage and kindness became such an important part of Max's Adventures.

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.