Hell’s Kitchen Local

This pizzeria is anything but ordinary. Claudio’s and its staff feel like family to me. They know exactly how I like my Sicilians and have catered many pizza parties for us over the years. They’ve gone above and beyond for us time and time again, which is why I’ll always be grateful for their friendship and support.

Sullivan Street Bakery (both locations) has basically become our campaign headquarters. Jim and Maya are a big part of what makes Hell’s Kitchen so special and they’ve created a place where people gather and feel at home. Their breads and soups got me through this frigid winter and I love walking in and seeing familiar faces. Also, they might have the best playlists in the neighborhood.

OMG! It’s culinary history — from the push cart to the vast array of foods from all regions. I’m currently reading a book about the history of Zabar’s by the late Lori Zabar. I also heard three generations of Zabar’s speak; they were real, raw, authentic and wickedly funny. When I’m traveling, sometimes I’ll have my white shopping bag, and people will say, “OMG, I’ve been to Zabar’s,” and we bond immediately. They show up in movies, plays, and are part of the NYC tapestry.

Midnight Recovery Face Oil Serum feels so good, especially when you wake up in the morning.

Have you even been to Hell’s Kitchen if you haven’t had dinner at Arriba Arriba? The Mama Marg is calling your name!!

“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.

This place is just fantastic, and my daughter gets to eat for free! The quality of the food is incredible, and the small sushi bar that they have on the island is surprisingly good.

When I walk back from Westerly Health food, I know if my bags are heavy, I can stop in the little open plaza by The Sheffield and take a break. Or have my soup, or make a call. I love the statue, I call her "Nippertiti" (a take off of Nefertiti), except she looks like she's had a nip and tuck, LOL! I adore the greenery and all the wonderful dogs and the openness of the space. I get to connect with nature, people watch, and I’m so grateful for all public spaces in NYC — they ground us.

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!!

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.