Travel 1 minute 30 April 2024

Mikhail Baryshnikov's New York Is an Ode to the City's Artists

The artist and Hell's Kitchen resident champions the city's artisans and creatives, from old-school meat purveyors to Three Starred chefs.

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From Diane Arbus to Jean-Michel Basquiat, New York has long been a canvas for boundary-pushing creatives—Mikhail Baryshnikov is no exception. A towering figure in dance, choreography, and acting, Baryshnikov has made his mark on Manhattan since the mid-1970s, first as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and later with the New York City Ballet. He most recently founded the Baryshnikov Arts Center in Hell’s Kitchen—a cultural hub that mirrors his commitment to artistic innovation.

But Baryshnikov’s New York extends far beyond the stage. From the vibrancy of Flatiron to the frenetic energy of Chelsea and Hudson Yards, he navigates the city’s neighborhoods with the same discerning eye he brings to his art. Each of his favorite spots—from restaurants to galleries—offers a taste of creativity, on the plate, the canvas, or even the butcher’s block.

Here, the legendary artist shares what makes these places so special to him.

What's one New York City restaurant you dine at again and again?

Txikito—this unassuming Basque restaurant is truly our home away from home. It is not only close by, but chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero share Baryshnikov Arts’ mission to foster experimentation, creativity, and community. Their welcoming staff and refined dishes are always surprising and fabulous.

Where do you go to celebrate a special occasion?

For a special night out, I'd choose Eleven Madison Park. I am not vegan, but chef Daniel Humm’s dishes are exciting on every level. The service is immaculate and the setting is opulent. And it is quiet, which is a rare and welcome commodity in New York City restaurants.

Basque cuisine is the specialty at Txikito (© Ned & Aya Rosen)

Seasonal vegetables are delicacies at Eleven Madison ( © Evan Sung | Eleven Madison Park)

If you're craving some cultural inspiration, where do you go?

The Sean Kelly Gallery, on the street level of one of the most beautiful buildings on the West Side of Manhattan. I check in regularly to see what's on exhibit when I'm on my way to work at Baryshnikov Arts. Kelly invariably chooses contemporary artists whose work looks great in the airy space.

What about when you're in need of a dose of wellness?

When my body is complaining, I book an appointment with Evan at the West Side location of Health SOS, a physical therapy group. It's clean, well organized, welcoming, and obviously convenient.

For cooking at home, where do you source high-quality supplies?

I'm not a big cook, but my wife often sends me to Esposito Meat Market and Ninth Avenue International Foods—two venerable New York institutions—to pick up supplies for dinner. The butchers at Esposito are pros who will happily prepare any cut of meat, but our go-tos are the fresh sausages and chicken thighs. International Foods sells mostly Greek items with open bins of aromatic spices, buckets of feta cheese, homemade tamarsalada, and prepared spanakopita in the back—all fabulous. Both places harken back to when Hell's Kitchen was a gritty neighborhood of immigrants who made—and continue to make—New York an exciting place to be.