Yes yes...there really is a place in Manhattan lovingly referred to as Hell's Kitchen. Generally the area on the west side of the island between 42ndish and 59thish and 8th Avenue to the Hudson River. Termed because awhile back when the area was run over with Irish gangs, etc. police were summoned in to break up some sort of fight or whatever, and one officer said he wouldnt dare go in that area because it was "hot as hell", and another officer replied saying "no, its as hot as hell's kitchen". Thus its name. People also know it as Clinton, but you'll probably get a "you're not from here" look if you say that. And they may "escort" you past 8th Avenue if you dare call it Midtown West.
Sorry....nothing to do with Yorkies...except that my little one will be living there
...happily and safely as the area has become rather gentrified and sought after in the past few years!!