Hell’s Kitchen Local

The arts are the lifeblood of NY-12 and Hell’s Kitchen is home to so many incredible theaters, museums, dance studios, the list goes on. But, if I’m seeing a show, Gershwin Theatre is one of my favorite places to go.

We order pies from The Little Pie Company for every major holiday, especially Thanksgiving. It is at the heart of our family’s celebratory traditions. This last year we lost my mother-in-law and having that tradition of the pies from The Little Pie Company to honor her on her favorite holiday was so key for our family.

When I lived in Hell’s Kitchen, I loved coming to Clinton Cove for a picnic, to read, or just take in the river. It reminds me of the beauty of our city.

Brendan is my go-to for a haircut in the neighborhood. He takes his time, pays attention to the details and always gets it right. Plus, the atmosphere is always good with great music playing and a beverage waiting for you.

Lemon flavored doughnuts. Olive bread. Salted chocolate chip cookies. Need I say more? I usually stop by here after canvassing in the neighborhood for a pick-me-up and it never disappoints!

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.

My late father loved Joe Allen and we often went there before or after theater. It’s a tradition I continue with my friends and my family today. If you know me, you know I love hamburgers, and Joe Allen has a stellar burger. The whole vibe is just old-school New York, and I love it.

In 1978, a group of neighbors on W48th Street looked at a lot that had been a garbage heap for 28 years and decided to build something better. When the city moved to auction the land out from under them in the early 1980s, they fought back. They formed the Committee to Save Clinton Community Garden, ran a “Square Inch Campaign” selling pieces of the garden for five dollars apiece, and in 1984 made it the first community garden in New York City protected as permanent parkland.

Everything about Lincoln Center brings joy to my heart. I have so many wonderful memories there. Amazing people work here, the programming is world-class, and there always seems to be something happening that brings the community together. Whether it’s a play, concert, or ballet, I’ve never left disappointed. And in loving memory of our dear friend Ann Dineen, we’ll always cherish our Lincoln Center memories.

How can anyone resist Amy’s Bread for a sweet treat? Their carrot cake is hands down the best I’ve ever had in all of NYC!