Hell’s Kitchen Local

A place where I can get a drink, celebrate with friends and also take a beautiful picture because the decoration is a 10/10? Definitely Miss Nellie’s. It quickly became one of my favorite spots. It’s warm, cozy, a little fancy, and the food and drinks are great quality. I actually found out about it because a Pilates client of mine from Hell’s Kitchen works there and told me it was a must. After going, I kept wondering why I hadn’t discovered it sooner.

Anybody who knows me knows I love sushi. I love cooking it, but it’s not something I’ve really tried mastering because I love going out for it so much more. Natalie and I are big fans of Fushimi for its great ambience and interior design. The quality of the food easily rivals Nobu (although we still go here), and at a far better price point! You’ll often find us here after a matinee performance.

Fountain House Gallery always has interesting programming. Around the holidays they do a show of artworks for under $100. I always buy a gift for someone and love that they support and nurture otherwise underserved artists.

It supports notable playwrights, offering residencies to artists from underrepresented ethnic communities and giving them space to develop their work in a secure environment. My favorites are Lynn Nottage and Anna Deavere Smith.

Planet Taco is good at 5pm and its great at 2am. I’m from Texas so I love a taco and this place never disappoints. They have a variety of salsas that you can top your tacos off with too. Yum!!

I couldn’t pick my top 10 places and not mention Flaming Saddles. It’s a guilty pleasure. I’m from Texas and sometimes I just wanna have a beer and sing along to Reba, OK!?

B&D Halal is new to Hell’s Kitchen. I’ve tried it twice already and quite enjoyed the various options. The flavors span several cultures and countries. Excellent for take out.

When I had just moved to Hell’s Kitchen, I was once walking down 44th Street in a rush and suddenly saw this big coffee shop where I could finally sit down and take a break. I started talking with the people working there and they were so nice — they even complimented my perfume, which made me feel so welcome. Then I tried the vanilla latte… and since that day it’s been my favorite. Now it’s one of my go-to coffee spots in the neighborhood.

PS Kitchen on W48th Street is a fully vegan restaurant that proves plant-based food in this city can be genuinely great, not just a compromise. Beyond the food, they donate 100% of their profits to charity and hire people who’ve faced barriers to employment; it’s the kind of small business that makes the neighborhood come to life.

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.