Good Morning! 🌞

It’s no secret that I have a passion for New York City and its communities.

The chaotic whirlwind of the city (and the people strong enough to tolerate it) fuels my life force like none other.

NYC, and my hometown of Hell’s Kitchen specifically, are the foundations of my worldview. They motivate my creative and political efforts just by existing.

So when W42ST reached out with a request to feature me in their magazine, I was more than ready to tell my story.

Through conversations, podcasts, journalism and social media, my pride for Hell’s Kitchen is obvious – but this piece brings many of the hidden gems I rave about to life.

I am thrilled to share these pieces of my heart with you today. And shout out to W42St for the feature – Check out their awesome local journalism for a deeper dive into HK.

Hell’s Kitchen: The Engine of Red Young⚡️

I’m born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen. On W45th Street specifically — the same street as Daredevil.

This place is my heart and soul, and my work here is just getting started.

My first job was at the AMC Empire movie theater on W42nd Street, where I would scoop up spilled popcorn and half-digested chicken tenders with a wiry broom for $7 an hour. 

They should make a sitcom about the unspeakable things that occur in that theater. Now, I’m a journalist who covers culture, tech, NYC politics and more.

I founded a media company called Down to Earth — we produce podcasts, social content and a newsletter about health, wellbeing and community-based happiness. I also spend time organizing tenants here in Hell’s Kitchen for the cause of Housing Freedom and community ownership. 

There was a guy who used to free-climb skyscrapers in the 2000s.

When the New York Times opened its new headquarters on 8th Avenue, he climbed it, and I was there to witness.

Hundreds gathered around to catch a glimpse, squinting at this tiny moving speck, clinging to just a few inches of material.

Even though this man was juggling with his life hundreds of feet above an ocean of concrete, I remember hearing a man mention that he was unimpressed.

The facade of the building had placements for his hands and feet.

“Anyone could make that climb.” 

Despite this massive feat, the crowd dissipated after a few minutes.

So much for Spider-Man.  

That’s when I realized there’s nothing you can do to impress a New Yorker.

Just another day in Hell’s Kitchen.

Time goes on. 

Hell’s Kitchen is an engine of novelty and unpredictable outcomes.

People, places and things here are just random and memorable.

It’s literally the center of the matrix.

It’s a living, breathing GTA server.

HK is aptly named — if Times Square is the crossroads of the world, the manic ballroom where twisted magic seems to ooze from every crevice, then Hell’s Kitchen is, well, the kitchen to this hell, the place where the good stuff is cooked up.

Much like the kitchen of a bustling restaurant, the neighborhood has a cast of characters from all across the globe with special contributions and charming quirks, many behaviors being so bizarre that it puzzles outsiders and endears the natives.

No one block looks the same in Hell’s Kitchen, and neither does the mind of anyone from here.

Vacation away from the rank smells, gritty landscapes and incessant noises of the neighborhood for too long, and you’ll begin to miss it.

And, as in any kitchen, there’s always something great to nibble on at any time of day or night. 

I’m a chameleon.

I can adapt to look or sound like anything or anyone, fit in anywhere, and alter myself enough that you may not even notice I’m there.

Also, I know how to wiggle my ears.

You should know that I live my life on the basis of service and sacrifice on behalf of others and the greater good.

I fear God and none else.

My goals in life are to preserve and develop the communities of Hell’s Kitchen, and provide them with permanently affordable housing, faith and educational institutions, parks and green space, tech and media literacy, and a dependable source of healthy nutrition.

Then, I’ll move on to the rest of the city and beyond.

Red’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places📍

Mathews-Palmer Playground 🏀
The heart and soul of the W40s quadrant in Hell’s Kitchen is Mathews-Palmer Playground known by locals as simply “46th.”

I learned to shoot a basketball there, ride a bike, and defend myself when push became shove – I give a sincere portion of credit to 46th for shaping me as a boy, and eventually to a man. 

Hudson River Park 🌳
The westernmost border of Hell’s Kitchen – I call it my outdoor temple.

Even when it’s crawling with cruise liners and tourists, there’s a natural stillness here that you can’t ignore.

Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine 🏝️
Between the bumping DJ sets, authentic homey atmosphere and the massive ribeye, it’s clear why this little spot is always packed to the brim.  

Healthy Market 🥯
While it might look like a run-of-the-mill deli, Healthy Market (aka Abdul’s Deli) has served as a hub of Hell’s Kitchen’s community for over three decades.

It’s the watering hole of HK – here, you’ll find locals catching up on the latest hood politics, transplants enamored by the authenticity of the place, and late-night bar crawlers craving either a chopped cheese, a conversation they won’t remember, or a shoulder to cry on.  

My Building 🏡
It’s a pre-war walk-up, classic tenement style, and it has more character than any luxury build could ever dream of.

The building is a living, breathing organism, alive in every way, like a tree of life filled with people and memories.

Poseidon Bakery 🍪
Say what’s up to Lili and Paul as you grab a few almond shortbread cookies and baklava for the road – trust me, you’ll never forget it.  

PDL Vintage 🎽
When I first saw a vintage shop opening on 49th Street, I was puzzled – what a random spot for this, I thought.

Two years later, Pat and I are good friends, PDL is one of the best vintage shops in NYC, and HK finally has the nostalgic clothing store it deserves.  

El Mil Sabores Mexican Food 🫘
The authentic Mexican food and grocery spot is a gem buried in plain sight on 9th Ave.

It’s family-run, so when you get your chicken soup on a sick day, don’t be surprised if one of the kids politely hands your order over.  

Kausa 🐔

This authentic Peruvian joint has become my go-to recommendation for anyone who asks about the best food in NYC.

The Aji De Gallina chicken dish is a sensational classic, along with the bombshell Salmon Costeño — and my personal favorite, the Parrillada meat platter, is the best bargain you’ll find in HK.  

You can follow Red on Instagram at @redisdowntodearth and check out Down to Earth on YouTube.

You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App.

Just one piece for this week’s newsletter. It was a hearty one!

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