A Letter from Corey + Last Week in HK

Good morning! Are you ready for this Hell’s Kitchen heatwave? In fact, we might be facing a “heat dome” — which NOAA defines as “high-pressure circulation in the atmosphere (that) acts like a dome or cap, trapping heat at the surface and favoring the formation of a heatwave.” Keep cool…

Last weekend, W42ST asked Hell’s Kitchen’s Council Member Corey Johnson to share with readers a summary of what he’s heard are the key challenges in the neighborhood — and the actions he’s taken, actions he’s planning to take… and the things that will take time to solve. Today, we publish an Open Letter from Speaker Johnson. “There’s no question Hell’s Kitchen has been facing some real challenges these past 15 months,” he says. Read the letter…

Here’s our roundup of what’s been happening in Hell’s Kitchen this week.

Over the past year, restaurateurs and diners alike have embraced outdoor dining — it’s a fixture of pandemic life that many are happy to see become a permanent part of our city landscape. Now, your favorite streetside spaces can get the recognition they deserve (and a boost to their business) via the Alfresco Awards, a new program that’s been dubbed “the Oscars of outdoor dining”. Read more…

Thanks to Paul Thom (alias @plantmepaul) for welcoming us into PRIDE month with this fun picture. “There was a time when I would hide behind a facade (or plants if I could) of accepting who I was. Falling down a rabbit hole of guilt and constantly asking myself “why me?” Trying to hide from my persona, acting “too gay” and from accepting myself,” Paul shares. “BUT thankfully with some wonderful supportive girlfriends and loving family, I’m unapologetically living my best life. It wasn’t an easy road as a teenager, but it does get better!”

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We brought the food, the flair, and the floating cantina…now you bring the fun! La Barca Cantina is officially OPEN at Pier 81 and ready for a #tacosonaboat fiesta!

Magnolia Bakery is under new ownership! Stephen Ross’s venture fund, RSE, has acquired the iconic New York Bakery. Expect a new branch at Hudson Yards soon. More here…

The Crossroads of the World is getting back to business, and its new summer program includes some familiar favorites for locals and visitors alike. Taste of Times Square (starting Monday), Summer Solstice yoga and more…

What’s your plan for hurricane season? If you’ve not got one, get one! Hell’s Kitchen has many high-risk areas. Check the details out here…

Thanks to Stephanie Jones for contacting our “Where’s Corey” hotline on Wednesday evening. “I saw Corey Johnson leading a big group of people around HK on my way home from work. I’m not positive, but I think I recognized Commissioner Steve Banks and Chief Harrison from NYPD,” she said – and she was right (and has the photo to prove it)! More here about Corey on the “beat”…

Go Go Go! The Javits Center is back as the New York International Auto Show returns in August. Vrooooom…

Lincoln Center is getting its colors on! If grassing over the whole plaza was not enough, they’ve added PRIDE steps and a beautiful rainbow fountain. Thanks to Mahsa Tousi for the photo!

Charlie Todd has been a Hell’s Kitchen resident since 2013. The former Upright Citizens Brigade performer used his talent to start Improv Everywhere nearly 20 years ago. Since then, he’s brought smiles and surprises to the public (like that time with Ben Folds!). Here’s Charlie’s West Side Story…

Are you prepared to share your Happy Hour secret with us? Tell us yours and be entered into the sweepstake for a magnum of rosé from Veritas Studio Wines. Enter here…