Happy humpday. We cycled around to check the Hell’s Kitchen gas stations this morning — and are pleased to report that the long lines seen along the east coast are so far not being replicated here.
Back in December, a humpback whale was spotted playing in the Hudson River at Pier 84. Yesterday, Jim Lahey from Sullivan Street Bakery videoed a seal swimming off the same pier. Check out this and other Hudson wildlife…
We asked W42ST readers where their favorite empanadas were in the neighborhood, and while some places were obvious, other hidden gems in Hell’s Kitchen completely surprised us. Here is our list and all the reasons why these places are the best.
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What we’ve been reading
GLAAD reports on anti-LGBTQ hate on social media. (New York Daily News)
Speed limits are being lowered on 45 miles of New York streets. (NY1)
Governor Cuomo took a walk on the west side to check progress at Pier 76 and announce the completion of the Javits Center extension. (W42ST)
Macy’s pledges $235m investment in the neighborhood as it works to get approval for a new tower. (Commercial Observer)
Tour guide and comedian Tom Delgado takes a trip around Hell’s Kitchen and explores the neighborhood’s history in this neat video.
Freeze Frame

Soon you’ll be able to experience Hell’s Kitchen from soaring heights — via One Vanderbilt’s immersive observatory, Summit One Vanderbilt, which will include two fully transparent glass boxes that jut out from the building and overlook W42nd Street for a dizzying but spectacular view. Details here…