Hell’s Kitchen Local

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.”

Suzy Darling is a small business inspiration. It’s remarkable what she’s done with her tiny spaces. They’re much more than having a beer or a glass of wine. She creates an experience. Christmas Eve several years ago, we had dinner at a neighborhood restaurant and had “one more” at Pocket Bar. Suzy showed up dressed as Mrs Claus, with a tray full of hotdogs to share with everyone at the bar. Random? Totally. But it was an unforgettable night.

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.

Wood fired pizza. Quality cheese. Fragrant crust.

This relatively new market actually has fantastic, organic produce and fresh herbs — even lemongrass! Really well-stocked and super friendly.

This is actually my favorite Thai restaurant in the entire city. I always bring friends here when they visit just so they can try the crab curry — it’s that good. Every dish feels like it’s made with care, and it never disappoints.

Frozen here is the way to go! Lots of tasty flavors to choose from and try. Their frose is actually killer, so don’t have more than two.

Their margaritas are consistent an sooo good

Always Fresh ingredients. Plus the speciality flavors like hibiscus and coconut are as delicious as the classic.

A long-standing neighborhood staple allows for the accumulation of many happy memories over the years. And I have a decade-plus of memories of tipping back a mama sized marg at Arriba Arriba. It’s just quintessential Hells Kitchen.