“Hell’s Kitchen Feels Like a Little Family” — Adriana Greaves Shares Her West Side Story

Red Young, a journalist and lifelong resident of Hell’s Kitchen, discusses his deep connection to the neighborhood and his involvement in local activism. Young was born and raised on W45th Street, a detail he mentions with pride. He describes Hell's Kitchen as his 'heart and soul' and emphasizes that his work there is ongoing. His first job was at the AMC Empire movie theater on W42nd Street, where he earned $7 an hour. Currently, Young works as a journalist, covering culture, technology, and New York City politics. He also founded Down to Earth, a media company that produces podcasts, social content, and a newsletter focused on health, well-being, and community happiness. A significant portion of his time is dedicated to organizing tenants in Hell’s Kitchen, advocating for housing freedom and community ownership, highlighting his commitment to the area's residents and their rights. Young shares a memorable 'New York minute' from his childhood, recalling when a man free-climbed the newly opened New York Times building on 8th Avenue. He observed that the crowd quickly dissipated, with one man remarking that the climb was unimpressive due to hand placements on the facade, suggesting anyone could do it. This experience led Young to realize that it is difficult to impress a New Yorker. He expresses his affection for Hell’s Kitchen by calling it "an engine of novelty and unpredictable outcomes," where people, places, and things are random and memorable. He sees it as the "center of the matrix" and a "living, breathing GTA server." Young personifies Hell's Kitchen as the "kitchen to this hell" if Times Square is the "crossroads of the world," suggesting it's where "the good stuff is cooked up." He highlights the diverse cast of characters from across the globe, each contributing unique qualities and behaviors that might puzzle outsiders but endear them to natives. He notes the architectural variety of the blocks and the distinct mindset of its inhabitants, further stating that the neighborhood’s gritty landscapes and incessant noises become missed when one is away. His personal 'superpower' or hidden talent is being a chameleon, adapting to various situations and blending in seamlessly, along with the ability to wiggle his ears. Young’s life philosophy is rooted in service and sacrifice for the greater good. His primary goals include preserving and developing Hell’s Kitchen communities, ensuring permanently affordable housing, establishing faith and educational institutions, creating parks and green spaces, promoting tech and media literacy, and providing access to reliable healthy nutrition. After achieving these goals in Hell's Kitchen, he plans to extend his efforts to the rest of the city and beyond. The article also lists Young's favorite places in Hell's Kitchen, including Mathews-Palmer Playground, Hudson River Park, Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine, Healthy Market (Abdul’s Deli), his pre-war tenement building, Poseidon Bakery, PDL Vintage, El Mil Sabores Mexican Food, and Kausa, detailing why each spot holds significance for him. #HellsKitchen #NewYorkCity #CommunityActivism #Journalism #TenantRights #LocalCulture #UrbanLife #RedYoung #WestSideStory

This article features Brian Bice, a new tour company owner, and his journey to establishing BFAB Tours, which specializes in walking tours of Hell's Kitchen, New York City. Bice shares his diverse background, starting with his birth in Hawaii to an American military father and Japanese mother, followed by a childhood in Wisconsin. His early career involved teaching English in Japan and working as a tour guide in Guam, before transitioning into luxury retail. Over a decade, he worked for prominent brands like Louis Vuitton in various international locations, including Hong Kong, Paris, Honolulu, and Los Angeles, before a role with Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver. He then became the East Coast Regional Manager for Bottega Veneta, which brought him to New York City. Bice also held the position of Retail Director at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a significant development on the west side of Manhattan. After being laid off from his position as VP of Guest and Retail Experience for American Dream in New Jersey, Bice decided to leverage his past experience and passion for connecting with people to create BFAB Tours. His initial offering is a walking tour of Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood he deeply appreciates for its creativity, energy, diversity, history, and grit. Bice believes that understanding Hell's Kitchen provides insight into the authentic New York City. The article details two memorable "New York minutes" for Bice: an unexpected encounter with former designers from *Project Runway* while living at Gotham West, and performing with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus at the 75th Tony Awards, where he met Bernadette Peters and was in close proximity to Lin-Manuel Miranda. The article also highlights Brian Bice's favorite places in Hell's Kitchen. These include Schmackary’s, a cookie shop he likens to the “Ben & Jerry’s of cookies,” appreciating its founder's Broadway-to-baker narrative as a symbol of reinvention in the neighborhood. He also mentions BUF Training, a personal and intimate fitness studio; Queen of Queens Nails & Spa, valued for its friendly owner and quality service; and Valla Table, a Thai restaurant praised for its authentic and beautifully presented “elevated Thai cuisine.” For social outings, Bice enjoys FLEX, an unpretentious and welcoming gay bar in a neighborhood known for its diverse gay nightlife. He also frequently visits All Seasons Body Work for affordable and effective foot and back massages, a routine he picked up during his time in Hong Kong. Fountain House + Body is another significant mention, not only as a cafe/store but also as a social enterprise providing transitional employment for individuals with serious mental illness, whose handmade products are sold there. Lastly, Bice recommends Molyvos for Greek food, particularly their pita and dips, and the Little Pie Company for its namesake dessert. He offers a discount to readers for "The FABulous Hell’s Kitchen Tour" through the end of August. Bice also shares a personal detail about his tripod dog, Peggy, whom he rescued and often takes on walks through Hell's Kitchen, noting her love for attention. This profile provides a comprehensive look at Brian Bice's personal and professional life, his deep connection to Hell's Kitchen, and his new entrepreneurial endeavor. #BrianBice #Hell'sKitchen #BFABTours #NewYorkCity #WalkingTours #Entrepreneurship #CommunitySpotlight #LocalBusiness #WestSideStories

This blog post features Matt Fox, co-founder of Fine and Dandy, sharing his personal experiences and deep connection to Hell's Kitchen. Fox, who has lived in the neighborhood for over two decades, considers it the last area in Manhattan with a small-town feel, fostering a tight-knit community despite its proximity to Times Square. His journey to Hell's Kitchen began during childhood visits to his uncle, an actor residing in Manhattan Plaza, an experience he describes as glamorous for a small-town kid. After studying Theatre Management at Ithaca College and interning at Carnegie Hall, he moved to Jackson Heights, Queens, before settling in Hell's Kitchen, where he has remained ever since. Fox's professional life in New York City started with two years in ticketing and company management at Manhattan Theatre Club, followed by a 12-year tenure as Associate General Manager at Jujamcyn Theaters. Currently, he co-owns and operates Fine and Dandy, a haberdashery, with his husband, Enrique. He recounts a memorable New York moment during the 2003 blackout, describing a surreal pier-wide picnic where strangers shared food, creating a sense of communal unity akin to the aftermath of 9/11. Beyond his professional endeavors, Fox reveals a passion for history, particularly collecting old NYC restaurant and bar memorabilia from the 1900s to the 1970s. He finds that these items offer a glimpse into how people lived, ate, and socialized in the past. He highlights his favorite local spots in Hell's Kitchen, including Back Pocket Bar, praised for its unique experiences like a Christmas Eve visit from Mrs. Claus serving hotdogs; Birdland Jazz Club, where he enjoys the Cast Party open mic nights featuring both legends and emerging talents, along with some bizarre performances; Hudson River Park, a favorite for walking and appreciating the city's island geography; Sullivan Street Bakery, a go-to for breakfast and a source of comfort during a year-long apartment renovation without cooking gas; and Little Pie Company, a cherished spot whose Sour Cream Apple Walnut pie gives W43rd Street a distinct and pleasant aroma. He also mentions PDL Vintage, a neighbor and friend's shop that brings energy to the block, and Delphinium Home, recognizing its owners as retail pioneers in Hell's Kitchen, having been in business for nearly 30 years. Lastly, Romer Hell's Kitchen is noted as a neighborhood-focused hotel that supports local businesses, including stocking Fine and Dandy's items and hosting events. Fox expresses gratitude for W42ST, emphasizing its role in keeping the community informed and connected. Readers are invited to follow Matt Fox on Instagram and nominate individuals for future "West Side Stories." #Hell'sKitchen #NewYorkCity #LocalBusiness #Community #Manhattan #WestSideStory #FineAndDandy #NeighborhoodLife