Hell’s Kitchen Local

A favorite of mine for decades. When we go to a dinner party, it’s a given we bring a pie from Little Pie Company. I love how W43rd smells like their Sour Cream Apple Walnut pie. What other block has such a pleasantly identifiable scent?

Every Sunday morning, I go for my walk down the Hudson and pick up breakfast from Sullivan Street Bakery. During the early days of COVID they kept us well fed. Our apartment building was going through a renovation and we were without cooking gas for about a year. Sullivan Street Bakery was open once a week and we stocked up on their community loaf, chocolate croissants and other goodies.

This new coffee shop and eco-friendly sundries store has become one of my favorite places to get an afternoon coffee and tea (the hibiscus iced tea is to die for). They also sell a terrific line of vibrantly scented homemade candles — the chocolate covered strawberry actually smells like chocolate covered strawberries. I love supporting this shop because, according to its website, it’s an “employment social enterprise” where most of the employees are on six-month long job placements, “learning new skills and gaining the confidence and resume to find permanent work.”

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.

Homemade Taqueria has been my lunch go-to for the past five Saturdays in a row. Sometimes twice a day. The food is amazing — taco al pastor and aqua fresca watermelon. The background music is hip. The staff are super sweet. And the vibe is both modern and old school. I am already a regular — and plan to continue!

I love catching up with friends or stopping by alone and taking in the vibrant energy of midtown at Worldwide Plaza on a warm summer day.

Incredible food, great atmosphere and staff. Jim Lahey, the owner, is a passionate foodie who travels the world looking for great food, and he loves this neighborhood.

This shop is an absolute gem for finding unique, NYC-inspired gifts for any occasion. Every holiday or birthday, I love stopping by to pick up a fun mug, quirky magnet, stylish candle, or some other unforgettable find.

This has been my deli for 22 years. I’ve watched the kids grow up and get married and have families. When I’ve needed help or wanted to leave keys for a guest, they’re always willing to lend a hand. Hamsa (now at another deli) called me in Oklahoma after my mom passed, to tell me he was thinking of me. I would do anything for these people, they’re just incredible — and it’s a great neighborhood deli.

This fairly new massage parlor right by my building couldn’t be any better. Their practitioners do exquisite bodywork; it’s sparkling clean and it stays open daily until 11pm. I often treat myself to a back massage and reflexology.