The 25 blocks west of 8th Avenue that make up Hell’s Kitchen include parts of the theater district, garment district, and midtown businesses, making it quite diverse. Diversity seems to be a prominent characteristic of the neighborhood throughout history. Hell’s Kitchen got its name when dominated by working-class Irish Americans. Later, when Puerto Ricans moved in, the conflict between the new and the old immigrants provided the inspiration for the musical West Side Story (a show that would eventually appear on Broadway just a stone’s throw away from where the real action took place). No longer as gritty as it once was, one could say the diversity of Hell’s Kitchen today lies in the variety dining options, as well as in the variety of districts it covers. In between shopping for fabric, attending shows or even sitting in on business meetings, it is possible to eat like you’re in Paris in Hell’s Kitchen.
Breakfast
Bouchon Bakery inside the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle sits at the northeastern corner of the neighborhood. For a late breakfast (Bouchon doesn’t open until 11:30 a.m.) that’s sure to combine you’re favorite parts of Paris with one of your favorite parts of New York, order some Viennoiserie and find a bench Central Park. Try to enjoy your morning indulgence while watching the runners and cyclists go by.
Lunch
La Bergamote Patisserie (there’s also one in Chelsea) offers table service and a lunch 
menu featuring light, French staples. From among the selection of quiche, assiettes, salades and tartines, you’re sure to find one of your favorite French lunch dishes. And La Bergamote is first and foremost a patisserie so make it a point to stay for dessert.
Dinner
The chefs behind La Silhouette, an upscale restaurant on 53rd Street, hail from French culinary giants Le Bernadin and Daniel. The focus at this venture is the food, so while you might not feel the sleek décor is reminiscent of the your favorite French bistro, you will be reminded of the best meals you enjoyed in France as soon as you take a bite of La 
Silhouette’s foie gras, for example.
For a livelier evening, visit Chez Josephine. Owned by Josephine Baker’s adopted son, the restaurant pays homage to one of France’s most famous ex-pats. On the menu you’ll see a mix of French and American cuisine, from Trout Almandine to Maryland Crab Cakes. Go for the warm atmosphere, nightly live music, and Josephine Baker memorabilia, of course.
By Monica Burton
