Good morning and happy Thursday. We’re already in the 60s, and temperatures will touch 80 degrees by mid-afternoon. Enjoy this sunny day in the neighborhood…

Crispy, Korean-style fried chicken is here in Hell’s Kitchen! Say hello to Koji Chicken, a new venture combining two restaurateurs’ passions for fried chicken and bubble tea in a friendly, well-lit counter cafe. Read more…

Koji Chicken

SPONSORED POST

Rachel Duda VIVVI Midtown West

Discovering #NYC through a child’s eyes! Vivvi is transforming Midtown West strolls into dynamic early learning experiences. From counting skyscrapers to observing the Hudson River’s waves, every neighborhood exploration becomes a stimulating adventure for the little ones. Read more…


Baker Jim Lahey is a familiar face around Hell’s Kitchen, and his award-winning Sullivan Street Bakery is a firm favorite in the neighborhood. Read Jim’s West Side Story…

Jim Lahey Sullivan Street Bakery

What we’ve been reading

* Stories that might be behind a paywall are marked with a 💰

As migrant numbers swell, the city considers using streets and cruise ships for housing. (CBS)

With office space the size of 26 Empire State Buildings lying empty, NYC turns towards becoming a playground. (New York Times💰)

A new Lidl grocery store is coming to Manhattan. (Eater)

Oh Boy! Congrats to Buddy Holly for winning Best of Show at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club dog show. (NPR)

Photoville is back in June — and part of the exhibit is in Bella Abzug Park. (Broadway World)

Freeze Frame

Jim Lahey Mandy Oser

I’ve enjoyed the “golden hour” photo sessions the past couple of evenings with folks who have told their West Side Stories. Last night, Jim popped by to say “hi” to Mandy Oser at Ardesia and I bumped into a couple of readers who kindly bought me a Wobbly Vespa!

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.

Happy birthday to Wesley Salim and Sandi Atkinson.