Hell’s Kitchen Local

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.

The neighborhood go-to for freshly made sushi, well-composed salads, guacamole, and just about anything else you might need in a pinch. The vegan EatPastry Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough has become a personal indulgence.

Their whole-food, plant-based dishes are incredibly flavorful and visually appealing.

I love sitting at the bar at Bocca di Bacco. It is a great place to meet a friend or date for civilized conversation, a glass of wine and appetizers.

It’s an off-Broadway complex offering a variety of plays and musicals. I especially enjoy UnitedSolo.org, where up-and-coming writers and solo performers give heartfelt, expressive performances.

Pier 84 was a life saver during the pandemic. I could sneak out the back entrance of my building, walk one block and be out in the open air. And I love to watch all of the dogs in the doggie playground.

TJ is my grocery boyfriend. The staff want to be there and they are so helpful. I love how generous they are, and they donate so much food. And even when I’m in a long line, I never wait long, and people are pretty pleasant. Good food, good prices, and they are very cheeky with their humor, which I love. I also adore that you can try a product, not like it, and they’re totally cool about it. They inspire variety, adventure, and I love how much food to donate to locate communities.

The Ink 48 Hotel is where my family spent the first three nights before settling into our apartment. It became a home away from home. A lot of the members from our production team stayed here, so we got to know the hotel staff quite well. They took my son and me on a tour of the penthouse suite, and that’s how we found out about the incredible rooftop bar Hudson VU. The views from the rooftop are unparalleled. I highly recommend everyone visit!

“The Kash” as my sweetie Marty and I call it. I love how the Middle Eastern theme connects so many different regions and culinary delights. The kale salad is by far the best I’ve ever had — what do they massage it with? I’ll never know. But they add roasted walnuts, pecorino cheese and dried figs. The diversity of texture and flavor is delish! Plus the octopus skewers, beet skordalia, walnut pepper spread and spinach feta tapas. My favorite area is the garden room in the back.

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.