Hell’s Kitchen Local

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.

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.

Great place for quick dim sum, especially when the outdoor seating is available. The dishes come out fast and fresh, and if I ever get a craving, this is the first place I think of for a satisfying bite.

I always recommend this restaurant to friends and family before a show. It’s a fabulous restaurant, with a great staff and a super nice owner. They often keep the kitchen open late for Natalie and me, so it’s our go-to spot.

Hells Kitchen Pilates makes me happy because it’s more than just a place to train — it’s where I’m building a new pilates community. I’m meeting friends who are also my neighbors, and I’ve found the perfect space to focus on my body and practice what I love. I actually discovered it by chance one day while walking through the neighborhood. I decided to take a different street than usual and saw Nadya, one of the owners, with her beautiful dog Lucky, cleaning a new space that said “Pilates.” I asked her about it and told her I would love to work there — and now I get to be part of this amazing community every day.

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.

This restaurant has delicious catfish, Cajun fries, lobster mac and cheese and cocktails to-go, which I’ve packed for summer picnics in Central Park. The mango margarita has a real kick!

This is my favorite local supermarket for fresh produce. I love browsing the shelves, and often find unique items I wouldn’t expect to find in a typical grocery store.

This place is well equipped with a huge pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and studio. I love taking the water aerobics classes and working out there. I also love teaching Dance Cardio every Monday night at 7pm. All the people that come to my classes are pretty awesome. Their energy always has me leaving feeling better than when I arrived. It’s become a lovely community. People always stay and hang out after class.

I’m so grateful to have a wonderful, knowledgeable, caring vet, Dr Liff, so close to home. My fur baby Starr gets so much love from everyone there when we go.