Manhattan Sikh Center - Temporarily Closed

Once known as the East 54th Street Public Baths and Gymnasium, the recreation center has undergone some changes in the past hundred years, but its underlying purpose has remained the same: to offer low-cost public bathing and gym facilities to New York City residents. Built in 1911, when most of the city's working class had little access to running water, the primary goal was to provide a place to bathe and a swimming pool that was open to children in the summer and adults during the rest of the year. In addition, a gymnasium was constructed. Today, the history of the Recreation Center can be seen in the building itself: at four stories, the neoclassical exterior is imposing, with brick columns leading to its two entrances. Inside, the staff is welcoming, and a window in the lobby opens onto the pool, which is reminiscent of how it must have looked in the early days of the twentieth century.

The delectable assortment of French pastries was only the beginning of the excitement for me when I first visited Eclair Bakery. Getting to observe and speak with owner Stephane Pourrez, as he was preparing pastries, macarons, croissants and, of course, a variety of eclairs made the experience very special. An alumnus of Ferrandi, the French School of Culinary Arts in Paris, Pourrez worked in New York for a year as a pastry chef before he fulfilled his "childhood dream" of opening his own bakery. No matter what time I chose to pop in, I always found others sipping on their cafe au lait, and mingling with fellow French natives.

At Coffee Project NY, coffee-themed cocktails and high-quality java brewed with a mixologist’s eye are the stars of the menu. The concept was created by co-owners and founders Chi Sum Ngai and Kaleena Teoh in 2015, and has since expanded to having several other locations across the five boroughs. “We are very excited to be part of Hell’s Kitchen! ” Ngai said, adding, “In the opening of this new location we hope to create a community gathering space while sharing our passion for coffee with the neighborhood. ” “I’m a bit of a coffee snob and [Coffee Project] delivers on very good quality coffee, ” shared Paul David, a Hell’s Kitchen local. “I also really like the environment — the seating isn’t too crowded and it’s really peaceful. ”One of the shop’s innovative specialty beverages is its deconstructed late, which manager Jed Baxter said evokes a multi-sensory experience. In addition to deconstructed lates, Coffee Project offers classic lattes (complete with intricate latte art), classic pour-over brews, and teas. The cocktail menu includes drinks such as spiked Irish Coffee made with Teeling Whiskey and the brand’s own Teeling-blend beans. This story was adapted from the W42ST article, "Brew-tiful Transformation: Coffee Project Opens at Ikebana Zen with Day-to-Night Caffeinated Creations! ”

Located in a quiet section of East 52nd Street, I found the Norwegian Seamen's Church, which was originally a meeting place for Norwegian sailors. The Church is now a community space for any Norwegian living in, or visiting, the city. On the day that I looked in, I found musicians, students, and businesspeople gathered in this quiet sanctuary to chatter with their fellow citizens and indulge in Norwegian food and entertainment. The Church also houses the Trygve Lie Gallery.

Through an archway and into a nook of greenery, known as the Amster Yard, the grounds of Instituto Cervantes is hidden in a secret garden. A celebration of Spanish culture, the Institute is the home of the Jorge Luis Borges library, which is comprised of over 85, 000 items. Spanish classes are given and convertible spaces are used for a range of cultural activities. This serene retreat is open to the public and the Institute welcomes anyone to explore its library and other facilities.