a walk through Hells Kitchen

Its probably been 25 years, since I first heard of Hell's Kitchen. The name offered furtive interest. I recall about 5 or more years ago, the area was settled by contemporary pioneers and home steader"s. A walk on W 46th clearly indicates Hells Kitchen of yore is only in the memory of earlier residents. New restaurants flanked both North and South sides of W46 St. 9th Avenue reminds me of A and B of East Village in the 80's. 9th Avenue has a distinct immigrant flavor, many Brazilian and Thai restaurants, a Greek, Puerto Rican and Mediterranean eateries, and frequently overheard Arabic, Persian, and Spanish languages. There is a mix of trendy, bordering on trendy bars, clubs, and downtown restaurant satellites. VNYL has a branch, Eatery resembles a brethren on 6th Avenue made infamous by the serial Sex in the City. It is conceivably the Chelsea annex of the under 30 gay/bisexual/questioning young people.

I recall Therapy was perhaps the first Lounge outpost, likely to have visited in the late 90's. Now there is Vlada, Ritz, Posh, and Pacha, across the street from the Hudson Terrace. With the first warm and dry day of my visit, I trekked 5 blocks (Avenues are regular street block, 4 = 1 mile)and stood in line at the Terrace. It had sweeping views, 3 glass walls enclosed the edge. The third floor is an open terrace dance floor. Crowded from its buzz, celebratory New Yorkers and friends enjoyed the anonymous though "group" oriented socializing. After an hour and a $13 TnT (Tanqueray and Tonic, no cover), I proceeded up street to Therapy.

Therapy, was well maintained, it was as I remembered. Sleek with its wood walls and stainless steel accents, a stairwell that invites you to the 2nd level loft. I liked it for its thoughtful use of material and space. I would characterize it as quiet sophistication in how it occupies time and space. This is in contrast to my responses to other venues, whereby quickly turning around and leaving Vlada (shrill with intoxicated fruit flies), Ritz (intolerable loud music) and passed Bamboo.

Hells Kitchen is a neighborhood to consider living in. An asset is its closeness to the Hudson. It will necessarily grow and evolve its architectural style, a mix of contemporary and few post 30's structures, hopefully with not too many uninspired boxes. Perhaps residents will plant more trees, move the city to provide bike lanes for both uptown and downtown thoroughfares. I can imagine a few multi-national chains setting up small retail outlets: Zara, BR, CB2. The current residents fit those profiles. I wish that it won't be sanitized as other neighborhoods have become.

I'm curious what my next visit will bring.