Hell’s Kitchen Local

Pier 84 is an incredible green space where I love to go for walks. It also provides a great view of the Hudson River, where I paddle board whenever I can.

I absolutely love MNN. It is publicly funded TV and podcast studio that allows anyone who wishes to, to start their podcast or talk show. I have used their facility for over two years now and this is where I produce my talk show Carte Blanche, where I invite guests for unscripted conversations about New York City. At MNN, the commitment to freedom of speech takes a physical incarnation. It is remarkable that the city makes such a robust financial commitment to the freedom of expression.

There is a new location for this Italian restaurant at Silver Towers, and I am obsessed with their $7 breakfast special of a pastry and the coffee. The elderly mother of a neighbor described their Pain au Chocolate as "elegant," and when I had it for the first time, I could not agree more. I am also into their focaccia. I am spoiled that this is right near where I live, so it's a good location for a quick late night bite before bed when I've had a long day campaigning.

This is one of those places that just feels good to walk into. Fountain House + Body is doing incredible work creating job opportunities for people living with mental illness. I love stopping in for a coffee or browsing their handmade soaps and candles. Everything is made with care and intention. And if you get a little gift from me, there is a good chance it’s from here.

I really enjoy trying foods from around the world, and this has been one of my favorite spots for Thai-Vietnamese food. I actually used to come here even before I lived in the neighborhood. My favorite dish is the Pad See Ew — I always come back for that one.

Angelina’s bombolones are the best. I like to get two and share with whomever I am meeting with: usually a glazed and one of the many filled flavors.

The owner is such a nice guy — his friendly vibe makes you feel right at home. It’s such a cozy spot, perfect for a laid-back meal. And the food? Wow! Every dish is bursting with amazing flavors that make it hard to resist going back. Seriously, if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!

BDC makes me happy because it’s a place I’ve always dreamed of. Even when I was very young in Argentina, I had heard about it and imagined what it would be like to take classes there. Now, being able to go whenever I want, take any class I want and learn from teachers who are truly amazing and rare gems — it’s honestly a dream come true. Just being able to walk through those doors feels like a dream.

Hell’s Kitchen Park is a real neighborhood park, made even more so by the local volunteers who help maintain the plantings, and those who promoted the new mural on the east building facing the park. This is exactly the kind of public space this City needs more of. It became one of my favorite places and a core memory from this campaign: standing in that park surrounded by the labor leaders and rank-and-file members from the unions backing this race, looking out at a crowd of working New Yorkers who built this city and still fight to make it work for everyone. That’s the coalition I’m running with, that’s the neighborhood I’m running for, and Hell’s Kitchen Park is where it all came together.

I'm here every day at least once, since my rescue dog Ruthie loves the doggie pools in the summer and is a social bug. There is an amazing dog owner community that often hosts holiday events and social hours there, and great neighbors who help clean and maintain that space (thank you).