Neighorhood

neighborHOOD

T H I S I S S U E :DA R E D E V I L , H E L L’ S A N G E L S , T H E H O O D, I N D U S T RY,

J E S S E E I S E N B E R G , M U S E U M O F A RT & D E S I G N

VOLUME 1: HELL’S KITCHENT H E W I N T E R I S S U E

2. CONTRIBUTOR’SWELCOME

meet the neighborHOOD team

3. TIMELINE

4. DO’S&DON’TS

proper Hell’s Kitchen Etiquette

6. MOBSTERS

7. PLAY/SHOP/EAT/DRINK

12. JESSEEISENBERG

being uncool has never been so in

16. THEN&NOW

18. HELL’SANGELS

the angels of hell’s kitchen lift off

24. ITINERARY couple days to spend in HK?

we’ve got your itinerary

28. HOLIDAYSTYLEGUIDE

everything and the Kitchen chic

30. ART

31. Q&A:DAREDEVIL

your neighborhood superhero

32. INDUSTRY

33. AROUNDTHECORNER what you can look forward to in spring 2012

C O N T E N T S

neighborHOOD

j u l i a H I LT Z I Kc h i n a t o w n

b e n j a m i n S T E L LYu p p e r w e s t s i d e

Twenty years ago if we’d been asked our honest opinion of Hell’s Kitchen we

would’ve replied, “We’d only be caught dead there... literally.” Today however, New

York City’s most notorious criminals no longer occupy the space between 34th

and 59th Streets (from 8th avenue to the Hudson River). The neighborhood is

now home to hundreds of restaurants, actors like Jesse Eisenberg, and several

show studios. Hell’s Kitchen has been transformed from the gritty and tough to

the richly historic and up and coming. Want to know the best place to eat at two

in the morning or the do’s and don’ts of the local scene? neighborHOOD cor-

dially invites you to peruse our premiere quarterly. Welcome! We hope you find

Hell’s Kitchen as enjoyable as we do.

c h r i s t i n a B I A G G Iw e s t v i l l a g e

e l i z a b e t h B R O C K W AYw e s t v i l l a g e

c a r o n L E Eg r e e n w i c h v i l l a g e

t a m a r a Z V E R I N S K AYAc o n e y i s l a n d

C O N T R I B U T O R S

1800 1849 1870

19501959

1976 1998

20092009

1946

1979

2011

Irish and German immigrants setlle into Hell’s Kitchen

Influx of Puerto Rican immigrants

trigger the return of gang violence

The Daily Show moves to NEP Stdio 54 in Hell’s Kitchen

Hudson River Rail-road completed

Rival between the Irish and Puerto Ri-cans lead to “Cape-

man” murders

“Hell’s Kitchen” gets replaced with

“Clinton”

Area west of 8th avenue between

30th and 59th street is officially named

Hell’s Kitchen

The Annex/Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market opens for the first

time

Nobody refers to the area as

“Clinton”

Infamous Hell’s Kitchen mobster,

Bill Dwyer aka “Big Bill” Dwyer passes

away

Hell’s Kitchen Park opens up to the

public

Refurbishing Belkin’s mural in Hell’s Kitchen playground may cost

up to $70,000

TIMELINEhell’s K itchen

3

DO N’T complain about small aisles at Amish Market because it’s Amish and that is why you are there.

DO N’T go to a bar to flirt with the bartender if you’re a girl. Some bartenders are straight but they make more tips from the gay patrons.

DO N’T call Hell’s Kitchen “Clinton” or “MiMa” or anything else invented by real estate brokers or politicians to gentrify the area.

DO N’T pick anything up off the street. If it can’t absorb urine, it already has. And it has bedbugs.

DO check out the restrooms at VyNL Diner, especially “Cher” and “Dolly”, And have a watermellon lemonade while you’re there.

DO buy Christmas trees from the Canadian guys on 9th Avenue and 57th Street.

DO register your softball team for playing at the Clinton Park on 53rd Street and 11th Avenue.

DO work out at Club H Fitness on 55th Street. It has the best facilities and the best looking trainers.

DO go to Renaissance Diner for after-hours binge eating. 24 hour home-cooking service.

DOs & DON’Ts:

4

DO N’T start a converstation with the crazy lady with the one-eyed dog.

HOWARD, THE NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTIGATOR, got to the nitty gritty of Hell’s Kitchen this winter.

DO get your groceries at Westerly Natural Market over Gristedes or D’Agostino

DO order chinese take out from Mee Noodle shop for delicious dumplings, noodles and beef fried rice

DO pick up your morning latte from Biscolatte and grab a homemade muffin or biscotti warmed for your pleasure

DO N’T walk in the parks after 10pm or else you’ll be endanger of park patrols and potential fines

DO N’T pay more than $6 for an umbrella from a bodega or deli

5

MOBSTERScheck out the notorious gansters and criminals that used to haunt the neighborHOOD earned hell’s kitchen its name

DWYER WAS A PROHIBITION ERA GANGSTER AND ONE OF THE LEADING BOOTLEGGERS REPORTEDLY HAVING A FLEET OF OVER 20 RUNNERS WITH A SMUGGLING BUSINESS RUNNING STRAIGHT FROM EUROPE TO NEW YORK CITY. HE RECEIVED PROTECTION FROM TAMMANY HALL WITH MEMBERS OF THE POLICE FORCE AND COAST GUARD UNDER HIS PAYROLL. HE USED HIS EARNINGS TO BUY VARIOUS SPORTS TEAMS BUT DIED PENNILESS AT THE HANDS OF THE US GOVERNMENT.

WILLIAM “BIG BILL” DWYER

1883 -1946

MADDEN WAS A GOPHER GANG MOBSTER NOT SHY WITH A GUN. HE MADE HIS FORTUNE BUYING SPEAKEASIES, MOST NOTABLY, THE COTTON CLUB. IN 1932, MADDEN WAS INVOLVED WITH THE MURDER OF FELLOW HELL’S KITCHEN GANGSTER VINCENT COLL BUT MADE HIS WAY INTO THE POLITICAL SCENE MARRYING THE DAUGHTER OF THE CITY POSTMASTER.

MCGRATH WAS AN IRISH-AMERICAN WAS THE HEAD OF THE HELL’S KITCHEN BRANCH OF THE IRISH MOB AND WATERFRONT DURING THE 1940S. AFTER A SERIES OF ARRESTS FOR OFFENSES RANGING FROM ROBBERY TO MURDER, HE SERVED A LONG TERM AT SING SING PRISON. HE BECAME THE ORGANIZER FOR THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’’S ASSOCIATION BUT WAS FORCED OUT OF NEW YORK AFTER THE MURDER OF A DOCKWORKER THAT SPAWNED THE INVESTIGATION OF QUESTIONABLE WATERFRONT ACTIVITY.

BORN UINSEAN O COLLA IN IRELAND, COLL WAS A HITMAN AND ENFORCER FOR THE GOPHER GANG DURING THE 1920S UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DUTCH SCHULTZ BUT AFTER A CONFRONTATION, HE CREATED HIS OWN RIVAL GANG. COLL KILLED IRISH MOB BOSS GEORGE DEMANGE AND EARNED THE NAME “MAD DOG” AFTER KILLING A FIVE YEAR OLD BOY DURING AN UNSUCCESSFUL KIDNAPPING. HE KILLED BY HENCHMEN OF FELLOW MOBSTER OWNEY MADDEN, BEING SHOT OVER 15 TIMES IN A PUBLIC PHONE BOOTH.

EDDIEMcGRATH

1906 - ?

OWNEY “THE KILLER” MADDEN1891 -1965

VINCENT“MAD DOG”

COLL1908 -1932

check out our favorite hell’s kitchen hot-spots to:

hit us up on twitter @neighborHOODmagwith your comments and additions

234 W 42nd St New York, NY 10036 (212) 812 - 2700

C I T Y S I G H T S H E L I C O P T E R T O U R S

#play

8

654 10th Avenue New York, NY 10036 (212) 974 - 9121

M U D , S W E A T & T E A R S P O T T E R Y

#shop

9

533 West 47th St # 1 New York, NY 10036 (212) 265 - 5580

S U L L I V A N S T R E E T B A K E R Y

#eat

10

627 9th Avenue New York, NY 10036 (646) 707 - 0890

R U D Y ’ S B A R & G R I L L

#drink

11

JESSE EISENBERG**Disclaimer: This interview never actually happened. All events and quotes are made up. Jesse, please don’t sue us.**

OMG. You have to tell me EVERYTHING. Was he cute?! Smart?! I bet he was perfect …

s I relaxed on my couch and opened my laptop, this Facebook message was waiting for me from a friend. Her words read like a perfect transcription of the thoughts in my head the entire ride downtown. I had an embarrassing smile plastered across my face, annoyingly chipper, and completely unprofessional. It was the smile you have when you meet a cute guy, who also happens to be nice, and funny, and smart, and witty, and charming, and blah, blah, blah. Oh, and not to mention, a talented and famous movie star. I had a crush.

I met Jesse Eisenberg at The Coffee Pot in Hell’s Kitchen on a late fall afternoon. The spot was his choice. Only a few blocks from his apartment, the guys at the counter knew him, not necessarily as an Oscar-nominated actor, but definitely as a regular. After I dashed through the door—frazzled and nervous—I was surprised to see Jesse already sitting down with a cup of coffee. He had been there for a few hours already, “catching up on some reading.” After brief introductions and formalities, we began the interview process.

EB: This year was not a bad one for you. First, you get nominated for an Academy Award and currently you’re starring in your own play. JE: Yeah, I think 2011 has been pretty great so far. You know, I’ve had a lot of good things come my way, so I’ve been pretty lucky.

As I compliment him, he seems uneasy, as if the statements of pure fact are too much flattery for his comfort. He shifts in his seat, uncrossing and re-crossing his legs, running his hands through his hair, and he looks at his drink as he deflects my statement.

EB: I’d say you might have finally outshone your sister and her ‘90s Pepsi commercial glory.JE: [Laughs] Well, I don’t know about that….

Jesse Eisenberg is 28 years old and handsome. Maybe not in the obvious heartthrob sense like his Social Network costars Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield, but certainly appealing, in a dorkier and less polished, camera-ready Seth Cohen sort of way.

A

BEING UNCOOL HAS NEVER BEEN SO IN

A S

TORY

BY

ELIZ

ABE

TH B

ROCK

WAY

He looks like the nerd you went to high school with, but who grew up really well—the awkwardness still shining through. His stubble-free face and moppy white-boy fro make him look young for his age. He’s dressed in an unassuming outfit—jeans that are not too skinny, a shirt sans-flannel, and a navy hoodie—making him seem like a normal guy, which, I suppose, he is.

“I don’t have the fantasy to play the army guy onscreen because I’m not that guy, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy wrItIng them”EB: I just saw your play, Asuncion. It was wonderful. JE: Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Asuncion is a play that Jesse wrote that is currently being preformed in the West Village’s famous Cherry Lane Theater. The story follows Edgar (Eisenberg)—a loser, self-decreed master of all things Southeast Asia, and wracked with white guilt—and his roommate Vinny (The Hangover’s Justin Bartha)—a delusional African studies PhD candidate stoner—and the change in their relationship when Asuncion (Camille Mana)—Edgar’s new Filipina sister-in-law—unexpectedly shows up for a few days.

EB: It’s funny. I think that you generally get typecast in some sense, but after seeing the play, it is clear that you easily understand many different types of characters.JE: I don’t know. I mean people might see the characters that I play as very similar and I can understand why, but each character is someone different and I like to focus on that. I like thinking of the minutia behind a character’s motivation.EB: Right, and I think that comes through in your play.JE: Good, I mean, I don’t have the fantasy to play the Army guy onscreen because I’m not that guy, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy them.EB: So you didn’t write the part of Vinny for yourself?JE: [Laughs] No, that was always for Justin, but it was definitely fun trying to get into the mind of that kind of person and writing it. EB: I have to say, I’m not sure I see you as an African studies pothead, but who knows, you definitely surprised me in 30 Minutes or Less. JE: Yeah, that movie was really fun.EB: Why? Because you got to play a self-absorbed asshole?JE: [Laughs] Basically.

Each time he laughs, I laugh too—maybe a little much. I catch myself seeming like a total dork, and maybe even a creep. But he doesn’t seem to notice. Because we’re around the same age and both single, the interview seems kind of like a date. He would occasionally make eye contact that would last a little too long—at least in my mind—then look away and shift again in his seat. I’d like to take all his charming awkward quirks as signs that the “date” was going well, because I liked him from the moment we sat down, but if I’m being totally honest with myself, it is probably just the way he is with everyone, especially in a formal interview setting. But who wants to be honest with themself? It was a date and it was going well—on both ends.

JE: Well, my mom was a clown and my dad is a professor. They were always very supportive of my sister and me.

EB: [Laughs] I like that you just casually mentioned your mom was a professional clown.JE: [Laughs] Yeah, I guess that one can’t go totally unnoticed. But no, I mean, I guess it’s not your average maternal profession, but it was great. She certainly influenced me in my desire to be a performer and my dad’s profession definitely influenced me in my desire to write.EB: And you’re still in school, yeah?JE: Technically. It’s been a long road to getting my degree.

I giggle a little, catch myself, and drink some coffee.

EB: So, why not LA? It seem like that would be an easier location for a film actor.JE: Yeah, definitely. But my family is from New York and I go to school downtown at the New School.EB: So then why Hell’s Kitchen instead of an area nearer to your school? JE: I like it here. It’s kind of secluded, but not too far away that it’s a pain to get places. Also, it’s affordable.

Because that is obviously a serious concern for an in-demand actor.

JE: A lot of my friends live here. You know, there are a lot of actors in the neighborhood because its right near Broadway, so when I got a place of my own, I figured it’d be nice to be near friends.

There were several times when he was talking that it became abundantly clear that he was just a “regular guy.” Sure, he might be famous, but he chose his neighborhood the same way I chose mine. And his average 20-something status only became further established as his nervous nature emerged more.

JE: How am I doing?EB: Good. JE: Good?EB: [Laughs] Amaaazing.JE: Good. You’re not doing too bad either.

So Jesse, let this article be an open letter to you. I’m laying my cards on the table, or rather, 1,500 words on four pages of a mass-produced and circulated magazine. Your move need not be so public. You have my number; if you ever want to get another cup of coffee, you should use it.

THEN

1890

46TH

STRE

ET AT

10TH

AVEN

UE

THEN NOW

2011

46TH STREET AT 10TH AVENUE

HELL’ S ANGELSthis winter, the angels of hell’s kitchen lift off

photographed by elizabeth brockway & benjamin stelly

54th street between 9th and 10th avenue

“O WELCOME... THOU HOVERING ANGEL GIRT WITH GOLDEN WINGS.”

-JOHN MILTON


50th street and 8th avenue


8th avenue between 45th and 46th street

Grab lunch on the roof at the Hudson Hall. Half Ivy League cafeteria, half trendy meetup spot. Be sure to get the macaroni and cheese and mashed potatos!

Take some time to find some of the best deals at the Housing Works Thrift Shop. This particular location always seems to have Brooks Brothers samples and lust-worthy Alexander Wang coats (with tags on) for cheap!

If you’re a coffee and pastry kind of person, Donna Bell’s Bake Shop has some delicious baked goods and they know how to make a full bodied latte.

Try Pam Real Thai for lunch. It’s not flashy but it serves up authentic Thai food. A good meal choice: the classic Pad Thai, or if you’re more adventurous, choose a dish that’s a crazy color.

A rare Manhattan find, the HK Flea Market is a great place for holiday gifting inspiration. Take your time wandering through booths of broaches, gramophones, and even some communist tchotchkes.

ITINERARY

BREAKF A S TDONNA BELLS BAKE SHOP

301 wESt 49tH StrEEt

NEw yOrK, Ny

EMPIRE COFFEE & TEA568 9tH AvENuE

NEw yOrK, Ny

HOUSING WORKS730-732 9tH AvENuE

NEw yOrK, Ny

PAM REAL THAI404 wESt 49tH StrEEt

NEw yOrK, Ny

FLEA MArKEt406 wESt 39tH StrEEt

NEw yOrK, Ny

tHE HuDSON CAFEtErIA356 w 58tH StrEEt

NEw yOrK, Ny

Although there’s a Starbucks on every corner of this city, opt for your morning brew from Empire. Unique flavors, interesting atmosphere, friendly baristas.

1 2 3

7 8 9

MORNING LUNCH

Right after lunch, run over to the studio housing “The Daily Show with Jon Stewar t” and get in line to claim your yellow wristband.

Hungry yet? Grab dinner at Sushi of Gari, it’s on the pricey side but said to be the best sushi in New York. Tip for worried stomach’s: choose the omaKase, the chef ’s choice of freshest fish.

Cap the night off with a drink at Bar Centrale, a super secret basement where you’re sure to mingle with Broadway stars as you sip something sinfully complicated made by a mixologist.

Get ready to party tonight. If it’s date night, stop by Burgers & Cupcakes, because they’ll have something for both you and your date.

If you’re into jazz, then you absolutely must spend a night at Birdland, a Hell’s Kitchen original for more than 50 years. In its time, it has seen Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, and still pulls in popular talents today.

i t ’ s n o t a s g r i t t y a s t h e F o u n ta i n h e a D a n D n o t a s r o m a n t i c a s w e s t s i D e s to r y , b u t i t ’ s p r e t t y e a s y t o c a r v e o u t y o u r o w n n i c h e i n h e l l ’ s K i t c h e n . s o g r a b y o u r c a m e r a , s t r a p o n y o u r F a n n y p a c K a n D m e e t m e i n h e l l .

DAILy SHOwStuDIO 52 - 733 11tH AvENuE

NEw yOrK, Ny

USS INTREPID12th Ave & W 46th St New

York, NY

SUSHI OF GARI 46347 wESt 46tH StrEEt

NEw yOrK, Ny

BurGErS & CuPCAKES458 9tH AvE

NEw yOrK, Ny

BIrDLAND315 wESt 44tH StrEEt

NEw yOrK, Ny

BAr CENtrALE324 w 46tH St

NEw yOrK, Ny

Visit the USS Intrepid, a genuine World War II aircraft carrier, permanently docked at Pier 86 since 1982. Fun fact! After the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2011, the FBI used the ship as it’s New York City base of operations.

AFTERNOON DINNER EVENING

4 5 6

10 11 12

25

A MAP FOR YOUR ITINITERARY

11th avenue

10th avenue

9th avenue

8th avenue

34th street34th street

42nd street42nd street

1

6

8

11

11th avenue

10th avenue

9th avenue

8th avenue

23

4

5

7

9

10

57th street57thstreet

12

50th street50thstreet

SIGNS, RO

BERTRAUSCHEN

BERG,1970

MCLOSED,T-F11-9,S-S11-6GENERAL:$15.00

MADMUSEUM.ORG

If you find yourselves in the neighborhood, make your way over to Columbus Circle and THE MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN for a trip you surely won’t forget. The nine-floor museum boasts not only a permanent collection, but also featured exhibits, a shop on the first floor, and a restaurant, Robert, on the top floor promising delicious food and wonderful views of Central Park. This winter, our favorite exhibit is the show on the fourth and fifth floors, “Crafting Modernism: Midcentury American Art and Design,” open through the middle

of January. Showing an array of pieces mainly from the 1960s and ‘70s, it made us nostalgic for a period of time before we were even alive. With works like Robert Rauschenberg’s Signs (pictured above), concert posters from Jefferson Airplane and Buffalo Springfield, and Howard Klotter’s Peacemakers plate, the feeling of the power of the youth and counterculture that the show so brilliantly conveys makes this exhibit seem incidentally apropos to the events and protests of our current state.

Be sure to save ample timefor The Store. As the holiday seasonquickly approaches, the MAD Store is sure to have an interesting gift for even your grinchiest loved one. And if you love the museum as much as we do, be sure to check back frequently: new exhibits open every few weeks.

ART REVIEW:2 columbus circle, new york, ny, 10019 212.229.7777

THE MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN

28

NAMEmatthew michael matt murDocK

“the man without Fear”

DATE OF BIRTHapril 1964

DAY-JOBLawyer

SPECIAL ABILITIESraDar senses, martial arts

WHY HELL’S KITCHEN?hell’s Kitchen is iDeal because i can Do

what i gotta Do without seeming suspicious. the restaurants are also superb!

INITIAL REACTION TO BEN AFFLECK CAST TO PLAY YOU?

i’m still really FlattereD i’m DeFinitely better looKing

ROLE MODELmy Father anD Quincy magoo

ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

my specially DesigneD billy club that’s DisguiseD as a blinD man’s cane

Q&A: DAREDEVILINTERVIEW aNd ILLUSTRaTION: CaRON LEE

h o l i D a y s t y l e

stanD out against the the grungy streets oF hell’s Kitchen with your heavily seQuineD cocKtail Dress - the more seQuins the better when heaDeD to a holiDay party. a splash

oF color is always Fun too!

throw on a seQuineD carDigan any olD Day to brighten everyone’s spirits! a Fur hat will also be sure to Keep you cozy anD glamorous in

the icy weather.

A GUIDE TO :

30

h o l i D a y s t y l e

slip into some warm socKs For a moDern taKe on pumps anD you’re reaDy to go! For a classic winter looK, we love this tweeD sKirt paireD with a silK blouse.

we’re loving the Floppy hat this season. Dress it up or Down, but For the winter there’s nothing that says ‘Festive’ liKe some sparKle anD a

luxurious Fur!31

r i v e r D a l e

7:20 Wake up with time to eat breakfast, check the weather - 55° and raining - do my hair, and watch the news. Time to pick out an outfit, which will probably the most difficult task of my day. I’ve realized trying to look fashionable in this kind of weather is impossible so I throw on a huge Alexander Wang sweatshirt.

9:00 Leave my apartment and head to the subway. Get off the A train at 34th street and walk to 38th. Walk past the pizza place on the corner and without fail I hear a whistle from the workers. What a lovely start to the day. I arrive at the old and dilapidated office building and wait for the elevator, which is actually working today. The Louboutin showroom is the diamond in the rough of a pre-war building. Anything goes in the fashion district.

9:30 I make it up to the 14th floor and I am the first person to arrive, as usual. I walk through one of the showrooms to find amazing red-soled shoes everywhere: this season they’re patent leather and spiked. Market Week must be around the corner. All of the buyers from Bergdorf, Barneys, and other high-end retailers will come to the showroom to buy the merchandise they will feature in their stores for the Fall Winter 2013 season.

9:45 Before everyone else gets here, I check the office email -only 20 messages - and have time to input a record of yesterday’s loans into Excel, a program I’ve become extremely fond of. 10:00 My boss brings in 8 brown paper bags returning from the Victoria’s Secret Angels shoot at Elle. I unpack 15 pairs, check them in and return them to their boxes, praying that none of the merchandise is damaged.

11:00 The phone rings. It’s a celebrity’s assistant who wants to borrow shoes. My boss, the PR Coordinator, replies, “Ew” – as if she is annoyed to be doing her job. She passes it to me and I tell whomever to email their request so we can turn them down nicely. If we don’t know you, you’ll have to buy our shoes.

12:00 Pull samples, send a messenger, receive samples, check them in, put them back in the racks. Sample trafficking has become one of my least favorite tasks. My education thus far is coming in handy.

2:00 Time for lunch! I’ve become accustomed to the eating habits of the office - everyone brings and stares at their computer screen. I’m monitoring the media and press. I’ve adjusted to this weird environment, but talking or socializing would be nice.

6:00 Finally 6:00 rolls around and I wait for my boss to dismiss me. Sometimes she forgets and I end up staying another 40 minutes. Working 8.5 hours 5 days a weeks has become extremely tir-ing, but as much as I complain, this internship is an opportunity of a lifetime. It has given me in-sight into the workings of the fashion industry and great experience in a high stress environment. It doesn’t hurt that I have only 3 more months left.

xo CHRISTINA BIAGGI

NDUSTRY: an inside look at the life of a fashion pr intern

neighborhood

CHECK THE NEWSSTANDS IN SPRING 2012 FOR THE NEXT ISSUE

VOLUME II: RIVERDALET H E S P R I N G I S S U E

AROUND t h eCORNER

r i v e r D a l e

S E E Y O U I N T H E S P R I N G

T W E E T U S @ n e i g h b o r h o o D m a g

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