Hell’s Kitchen Local

Magick Balay, the demonstrator and owner of Don’t Blink Magic Shop, has such incredible energy! He is so keen to show anybody who walks through the door amazing close-up magic.

I’m endlessly fascinated by it visually — the neon, saturated colors, characters and sheer absurdity of it all. I may not always love navigating the tourist crowds, but as a visual storyteller, it’s difficult not to be fascinated by the spectacle.

I enjoy visiting the Intrepid because it brings history, exploration and imagination together in one place. Seeing families discover the aircraft, submarine and space exhibits reminds me of the same curiosity I hope to encourage through Max's Adventures.

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.

It is so new and sparkly — love walking through it to Whole Foods or to the High Line.

Their Ceviche Limeño with diced corvina, lime juice, red onions, cilantro and rocoto pepper is not to be missed — every visit feels like a quick, fun trip to Peru.

This is the only place in the neighborhood where I can find passion fruit juice! As a good Latin boy who grew up in Brazil, I have to get my passion fruit fix.

My favorite neighborhood deli. It’s convenient, familiar and one of those places that becomes part of your everyday routine.

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).

54 Below is an iconic Broadway supper club. I have performed there many times! It has great ambiance, wonderful tech and stage managers and a rich show business history in our beloved Hell’s Kitchen. It’s an honor to have my appearances there as part of my performance résumé!