Hell’s Kitchen Local

MC is my second home. Tonya Jacobs is a fantastic manager, Paulie Scalia is an EXCELLENT trainer, and Michael “Gucci” Sherman is the best de facto “Mayor of Mercedes” anyone could ask for. I can spend 10 hours at MC and not even recognize that time has passed. It’s my office, my gym, my community and my playground. It’s HK’s not-so-secret hidden gem

Great neighborhood spot — try the cannelle, warmed up.

This tiny, wonderful shop is packed floor to ceiling with high quality scented products from places like Tibet, Nepal and India. Great for yourself or as gifts. The owner, a sweet man named Mo, curates everything — oils, incense, candles, sage, jewelry, tarots, books and so much more. It’s just a bit off of 8th Avenue and set back from the sidewalk so don’t miss it!

I could eat their Killer Bee pizza and a beer every other meal.

There are many great coffee shops in Hell’s Kitchen, but Ground Central has a special place in my heart for two reasons. The first reason being they have a cozy lounge / seating room that is perfect for small group gatherings. I love the staff’s book list and display. The soft leather armchairs would be great for someone to sip coffee and read. The other important reason is that they carry a variety of delicacies from local food providers, including scones from my friend’s bakery shop “The Hungry Gnome”! I love a cold brew with extra oat milk, and a blueberry white chocolate scone. My life is complete with these two in my hands.

It’s been a while since I’ve taken ballet class there, but I love the studio spaces, teachers and energy there.

I am loving all of the new Chinese food restaurants in HK, but my favorite is Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles. If you’re feeling under the weather, or even if you’re feeling great, their wonton noodle soup is sooo good, and their pan fried noodles are also excellent. Highly recommend it.

They have the best staff, many of whom have worked there for a very long time, which is a positive reflection of its management and ownership. I’ve made some wonderful friends through its members. In addition to the pool and working out, I take dance class there with Lillian Colón. I’m there about five or six times a week.

Growing up in LA, it was easy to find yummy, affordable and authentic pho — Vietnamese noodle soup. In New York, the Vietnamese community is smaller and it's not easy to find a good authentic bowl of pho. One day, I went to the post office on 52nd Street and I passed by Cha Pa. I checked out their menu and saw an offering of bone-in short rib pho bowls. That's a clear sign that this place is serious about their broth. That day I picked up a Super Bowl and Chicken Pho. And I pretty much order the same things every time I go.

My home away from home. You can find me here playing 4-5 times a week. PingPod has the best conditions for table tennis — lots of space, high ceilings, great lighting, top-level tables, lots of balls — and some of the best coaches in the Western Hemisphere.