Canadian Dale Aucoin is a solutions engineer at a technology company, and his specialty is looking at rooms and visualizing the best furniture layouts and storage solutions. Although he has lived in many different places, Hell's Kitchen is where he truly feels at home. This is Dale's West Side Story.
So what's the New York story? Were you born here or did you just come here?
I've become a bit of a nomad. I was born in Canada, but have also lived in Michigan, California, and North Carolina. I moved to New York City from Vancouver, Canada in 2006 and have lived here ever since. Before living in New York, the longest time I lived in the same place as him was 8 years. I feel like I've finally come home.
What was your first job? What are you doing now?
In high school, I was the church organist during my senior year. I also worked in the air cadet cafeteria selling junk food to young cadets who were on base during the summer. I grew up on an Air Force base.
I'm currently a solutions engineer for a nonprofit software company that supports the arts and culture industry (opera companies, theaters, museums, etc.). I also have a side business called Clean and Queer. We provide consultation on organizing homes and offices and small spaces.
What is your favorite moment (or moments) in New York so far?
I can't list my favorite times in New York. I once had the opportunity to attend the Tony Awards ceremony held at Radio City. It was a very special experience.
Why do you love Hell's Kitchen?
I have lived in Brooklyn's West Village, LIC Queens, and Flatbush. I've only been in Hell's Kitchen for five years, but it's my favorite so far. I love the convenience of being right next to so many theaters, music, culture, and so many great restaurants. Perhaps the best part is the neighborhood's diversity and strong LGBTQ+ presence.
What is your superpower or hidden talent?
I've lived in over 35 different homes and apartments, so I'm good at looking at rooms and figuring out the best furniture layouts and storage solutions. I also have a background in classical music, so in addition to being a multi-instrumentalist, I'm also a pretty good conductor.
What else should we know about you?
I'm an extreme minimalist. I only have two pairs of shoes and three pairs of pants. I also buy almost everything second hand.
Dale's Favorite Hell's Kitchen Place
westway diner — 614 9th Ave (West 43rd/44th Street)
The Westway is by far my favorite diner in the city. It's a classic rustic place with fast, friendly service and consistently delicious food. I always feel comfortable there. I think that's the best indicator of a good diner.
Manhattan Hardware and Housewares — 688 9th Ave (W. 47th/48th St.)
I'm probably at Hardware & Houseware in Manhattan at least once a week. This little shop literally has everything you need for any kind of home repair or maintenance project. This is not an exaggeration. There is so much stuff that it can be a bit overwhelming, but the staff are great at steering you in the right direction.
little pie company — 424 W43rd St (bw 9/10th Ave)
Sometimes, especially during the holiday season, I walk down 43rd Street just to smell the Little Pie Company. Sour cream apple walnut is amazing. If I had to have one dessert for the rest of my life, it would be this one.
ritter army
The Litter Legion is not a place, but a nonprofit organization created to keep the streets of Hell's Kitchen clean during the pandemic. This group of volunteers meets several times a month, usually on Sundays, to pick up trash and recycle. I volunteer with them as much as I can. It's very satisfying to see the result of several hours of work.
second stage theater — 205 W43rd St (bw 8/9th Ave)
Second Stage (2ST) is my favorite non-profit theater in New York. The company operates primarily at the Kaiser Theater (Off-Broadway) on the 43rd and 8th, and in the recently renovated Hayes between the 8th and Broadway on the 44th. 2ST specializes in new American theater and living playwrights. This is my favorite musical setting. Dear Evan Hansen — and everything they create is innovative and interesting.
dolly varden — 302 W51st St (bw 8/9th Ave)
Dolly Varden has the cutest outdoor dining shack (in the shape of a train car) in the neighborhood. It also has a really nice indoor space with lots of interesting spaces on multiple levels and atmosphere. Their menu is small, but everything I've ordered is flavorful and high quality.
You can follow Dale's small space transformation at @cleanqueer. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or would like to nominate one yourself), please fill out this form at w42st.info/WSSminations.
Check out W42ST's Hell's Kitchen local app for more West Side Stories and reader recommendations.
