Hell’s Kitchen Local

Anybody who knows me knows I love sushi. I love cooking it, but it’s not something I’ve really tried mastering because I love going out for it so much more. Natalie and I are big fans of Fushimi for its great ambience and interior design. The quality of the food easily rivals Nobu (although we still go here), and at a far better price point! You’ll often find us here after a matinee performance.

We order pies from The Little Pie Company for every major holiday, especially Thanksgiving. It is at the heart of our family’s celebratory traditions. This last year we lost my mother-in-law and having that tradition of the pies from The Little Pie Company to honor her on her favorite holiday was so key for our family.

This was my home for 10 years while dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the early 2000s and again for the past six years as I’ve been teaching at Ailey Extension. I love teaching Pilates Fusion on Sundays at 11am. My students are of all ages and levels but are all so open and receptive to my unique style which combines Pilates, dance, yoga, mobility, stability, muscle activation and breath work. I have people in-studio and from all over the world online as well. Then I get to teach dance classes to the kids and teens. I love getting to help shape young dancers and share what I’ve learned throughout my journey as a performing artist.

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 late night restaurant and bar makes specialty cocktails, has yummy bottomless brunch (if you choose) and lots of space for throwing parties — which I’ve done a few times.

The Marshal is the perfect cozy brunch spot. It has such a warm, welcoming vibe — especially on weekends. The food is soooo delicious and the drinks are even better. It’s the kind of place where you want to sit, relax, and enjoy a long brunch with friends. One of my favorite cozy spots in the neighborhood.

I was close friends with Jim Houghton and his wife, Joyce. Jim was the visionary who started Signature Theatre, and though both he and Joyce have now passed away, their presence is woven into the very fabric of that space.  Every single time I walk into the complex, I am struck by a wave of beautiful memories.

I walk the High Line from home to the gallery — love people watching the people who are making selfies of themselves.

Libraries connect us with our community. So much knowledge, legacy and the power of our history, the arts and the programs they offer, in addition to the vast collection of books. I believe deeply in the importance of libraries. The staff at that library is so lovely, helpful, and welcoming. I feel sanity wash over me in a crazy world. I adore the Libby app, because I try not to order that much from Amazon, given their recent political leanings. YAY NYPL!

Can you tell how much Carnegie means to me? I mean, Carnegie is THE temple of music!