Evelyn Yang is a Hell’s Kitchen mom and activist who has lived in the neighborhood for 18 years. As a leading member of the “Yang Gang”, she’s supported husband Andrew in his campaigns for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States and to become New York Mayor. This is Evelyn’s West Side Story.
So, what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I was born and raised in Queens. I’ve lived in NYC basically my entire life and in Hell’s Kitchen for the past 18 years.
What was your first job? What do you do now?
It was at The Bagel Club in Queens — I made and served breakfast foods. Now I’m an advocate for issues I care about.
What’s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
Walking across the Brooklyn bridge with my husband Andrew.
Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
The food!
What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
Hula hooping
What else should we know about you?
I recently helped pass the Adult Survivors Act. Survivors of sexual assault in NY have from now until November 2023 to take action against their abusers— regardless of when the abuse happened. For more info visit: www.safehorizon.org/ASA
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Evelyn’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places
Amy’s Bread — 672 9th Avenue (bw W46/47th St)
This is where Andrew and I went for dessert on our first date. We try to celebrate there every year. I love everything there but my favorites are the pistachio twist and brioche toast.
Corner Slice — 600 11th Avenue (at W45th St)
Delicious and feeds the whole family easily— a lifesaver on many nights. We always get their brownies for dessert.
Little Pie Company — 424 W43rd St (bw 9/10th Ave)
Sour cream apple walnut pie is what you’re missing in your life.
Mémé Mediterranean — 607 10th Avenue (bw W43/44th St)
The whole menu is delicious but I always have to include their chopped salad with pita bread.
DD Soup Dumpling — 690 9th Avenue (bw W47/48th St)
This one is relatively new and I love the owners’ backstory. The menu is extensive and the food is consistently good. The best part I think is that there’s no wait and the food comes out super fast.
Taco Mahal — 653 9th Avenue (bw W45/46th St)
Naan tacos! You can mix and match everything. It’s like an Indian chipotle. Love the chips and chutney.
Mari —679 9th Avenue (bw W46/47th St)
Went for the first time recently and it was an uplifting experience. Creative takes on some of my favorite Korean flavors.
Tim Ho Wan — 610 9th Avenue (bw W43/44th St)
I was so excited about this dim sum place when it opened and still order in from here regularly. The congee is comfort food any time of day. Also appreciate the chicken feet. You can tell how well it’s made by the way the sauce congeals — very rich in collagen.
Pio Pio — 604 10th Avenue (bw W43/44th St)
The green sauce and garlic sauces have changed recently (they might have switched to a more industrial process) but it’s still good and fun for feeding a larger group.
CoCo Bubble Tea — 646 9th Avenue (bw W45/46th St)
My 7 year old and I love Wintermelon iced tea, which is a staple beverage in Taiwan but can be hard to find here. It’s a great non-caffeinated option for kids. He drinks it fast, gets really cold and then needs to hug me for warmth 🙂
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
There are so many more places I love in the neighborhood. These are the ones that came to mind first. But I still think about the places we’ve lost in Hell’s Kitchen, like Pam Real Thai and Market Diner. I still miss them.
You can follow Evelyn on Instagram @evelynyang. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself) please fill in this form — w42st.info/WSSnominations
You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App.
I love Hell’s Kitchen, born and raised there phenomenal community back in the 50s and 60s we had so much fun there. Best restaurants are on 9th avenue!!!
That’s not a West Side Story … that’s an entitled millennial. I wouldn’t be caught dead in any of those places (except Market Diner). I can’t be caught alive because like many people in this neighborhood, I can’t afford what it’s become, and what this publication keeps pushing.