Good morning and welcome to the weekend. The sun is popping its head out today for us, but tomorrow we will be sheltering from the rain for much of the day.
Good news for Hell’s Kitchen residents mourning the loss of neighborhood icon “Love Like Dolly” — a new “friend” has appeared on the corner of W47th Street and 9th Avenue, in a heartwarming tribute to the late icon Betty White. Read more…
Here’s what’s been happening around Hell’s Kitchen this week…
“Mother of Social Security” Frances Perkins found inspiration in Hell’s Kitchen and became the first woman in a US presidential cabinet. Her name is now on W46th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue. Read more…
One of the mayor’s newest appointees got her start right here at John Jay, but her story extends far beyond matriculating at the Hell’s Kitchen college — Ravesa Bajo brings both her policy expertise and her family’s past as political refugees from Albania via Paris to her work as the newest Executive Director in the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Read more…
Pride Island for the past couple of years has been virtual, and before that it was in Hell’s Kitchen at Pier 97 (remember Madonna!). This year it will actually be on an island — Governors Island. Don’t worry, there will still be plenty of reasons to be in Hell’s Kitchen during Pride. Read more…
This week, we went through the archive of posters from the 9th Avenue International Food Festival and they stirred up all sorts of memories. Which do you remember? What stories have you got about the festival to tell us? We’re going to be publishing reader stories, photos and memorabilia from previous festivals in the run-up to this year’s event. Hit reply to share your stories and pics — and check out the posters here…
Tuesday was National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day — and our local retail stores, led by Fine and Dandy, had fun pointing out that Hell’s Kitchen is much more about Pop and Pop and Mom and Mom stores. “It’s kinda like ‘Queer Eye Retail’ where our sense of style, humor and innuendo all merge together for everyone gay or straight to enjoy. It’s an outward expression of our gay selves here at Delphinium Home!” said Michael Quinn. Read more…
NYPD is appealing for Hell’s Kitchen locals to help identify a woman caught on video breaking into a parked taxi cab on W37th Street last week. Read more…
Locals were met with one more roadblock this week as a promotional display for the upcoming TV show Rat in the Kitchen took over W50th Street — which out-of-town organizers called Restaurant Row. Read more…
It was sad to hear the news from Bruce Willis’s family this week that the actor has been experiencing health issues. We look back at his early days living and bartending in Hell’s Kitchen on his way to Hollywood fame. Read more…
As a fourth COVID-19 vaccine booster dose was approved by the CDC for immunocompromised Americans and the over 50s, cases are once again rising to early Omicron levels in the city and across Hell’s Kitchen. We check out the figures by zip code and talk to a local doctor. Read more…
In other news. Back in April 2018, we mourned the loss of BB King Blues Club on W42nd Street. Heading downstairs on a Sunday for a Beatles Brunch was a treat for many. The marquee is still there – but if you head downstairs this Sunday you will step into the world of Target! Read more…
Residents, local politicians and housing activists gathered on W46th Street on Thursday morning to protest the condition of two buildings that have been a living nightmare for apartment renters for years. Read more…
What we’ve been reading
City sues landlord with nearly two thousand violations — and he’s only 28th on the worst landlord list! (6sqft)
New York’s street vendors can face an indefinite wait for permits. (Documented NY)
“Have you got two seats at the bar?” Take a peek inside an exclusive drinking experience. (TimeOut)
Related extends the repayment of Hudson Yards loans by four years. (Commercial Observer)
RPM Underground on W54th Street makes this best Karaoke list. (Curbed)
Freeze Frame
Thanks to Nancy for this lovely spring picture of 9th Avenue. I looks as if there has been a gale blowing to get this tree tilting this way.
Happy birthday to Ashley Albert, Joelle Adams and Ortal Mizrahi — and belated birthday wishes to Cody Lindquist.
