Hell’s Kitchen Local

The life within that building combines world-class artistry with true community access. The Ailey building is home to one of the greatest dance companies in the world and yet its doors are open to everyone. My son spent 10 years dancing there from 4th to 12th grade. I spent most afternoons and every weekend hanging out there, meeting other dance moms (and dads), exploring the neighborhood and watching these incredible kids do their jam. The Ailey tradition represents our city’s legacy and our future.

I love theater and I love to write about theater, which is why this gem of a bookshop is one of my favorite places to sit and write or sometimes just plain read. Their book selection is fantastic but I’m also a big fan of their Broadway-themed lattes and Broadway-themed wifi passwords.

It supports notable playwrights, offering residencies to artists from underrepresented ethnic communities and giving them space to develop their work in a secure environment. My favorites are Lynn Nottage and Anna Deavere Smith.

Small businesses keep Hell’s Kitchen and our city great. The Little Pie Company boasts incredible pies, made from scratch with fantastic ingredients! What’s not to love?!

I go to Dave’s fruit stand especially when I need heavily speckled bananas — very soft to the touch and intensely sweet and fragrant — for baking my vegan oatmeal raisin cookies. I’ll be doing a lot of baking for the coming holidays.

I love Empanada Mama because there are so many different flavors to try, and it’s an easy place for everyone in the family to find something they enjoy. As someone who loves cooking, I’m always interested in the different fillings, seasonings and cultural influences behind the food.

Another favorite restaurant is this small Thai spot on 10th Avenue. It’s a friendly family-run business, and they always make us feel welcome. You can’t go wrong with their moist chive pancakes, one of the vegan curries with mock duck and a mason jar of Thai iced tea.

A hidden gem for a great massage. Tony and the other therapists here really know what they're doing. I've introduced quite a few friends over the years, and they've all come away impressed. No frills, just skilled hands to help relieve some of the stress and pain of our hardworking Hell’s Kitchen neighbors.

Baking is something I genuinely enjoy, so I love walking into Amy’s Bread and smelling the freshly baked bread and pastries. It often inspires me to go home, get back into my own kitchen and try making something new.

How lucky am I to have a fresh fish market a few blocks from my apartment? These markets have become almost extinct. I love walking in and they know exactly what I want and are so welcoming. There are some very good people working behind that counter.