The Moulin Rouge! The Musical high-kicker shares her favorite food spots before or after a show.
Though we understand their circumstances may have been a bit different, like Oliver and his clan of orphan boys, we’ve all fallen into a daze dreaming of “food, glorious food” at one point or another.
After all, it’s been said that food is the great equalizer, connecting us and bringing us together, either with family or friends, colleagues or companions, or any others from all walks of life, to dine often at a communal table or gathering space wherein we share stories and reveal the most authentic parts of ourselves.
In our continued effort, however, to find our way into others’ hearts (and stomachs!), sometimes it helps to venture beyond our tables and into the kitchens of others — especially in a city with such a diversified abundance of eateries as New York.
And of course, you can’t spell “theatre” without “eat.”
So, in our food-based series, we continue to poll some of the Great Bright Way’s best to “dish” (get it?) on where they love to eat, drink, and take in the vibes either pre- or post-show, while also answering why they love to sup there, sharing a favorite dish or two, and more.
Today, you gorgeous collection of reprobates and rascals, we continue with Moulin Rouge! The Musical’s Sophie Carmen-Jones, who originated the role of Nini in the West End, before being brought across the pond to strap on the boots and tango on Broadway last Spring.
Though her stint at the Rouge marks her Main Stem debut, she’s been a prevalent performer on the West End, appearing in Wicked, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, and Viva Forever! and on tour as Velma in Chicago. Additional TV and film credits include appearances in One Day, Dark Money, White Gold, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.
But where does this (other) sparkling diamond like to sup?
(311 W. 48th Street)
Sweet dreams are made of this! (And who are we to disagree?!)
Founded by namesake Emily Hyland and her partner Matt, also the eatery’s executive chef – in partnership with Howard Greenstone and Ken Levitan – on a self-proclaimed “unconditional love of well-made food,” Emmy’s Squared Pizza has been dazzling excited customers as “a serious pizzeria masquerading as a casual neighborhood hangout” since 2016. (The owners come to Hell’s Kitchen having previously opened the Brooklyn-based Emily Pizza two years prior).
Praised by reviewers as “must-try pizza” and “a welcome addition” to the Big Apple’s multifaceted pizza scene, Emmy’s proudly offers unique twists to the classic Italian staple.
Combining a New York “grandma”-style with a traditional Detroit deep dish, Emmy’s pillowy pies are notable for its distinctive square shape and signature sauce stripes, complemented by a satisfyingly crispy caramelization on its “generously cheesy” frico crust.
From their inventive takes on classics like Hawaiian and pepperoni pizza to a mouthwatering original topped with four cheeses, hot honey and bacon crumbles, there’s no shortage of irresistible options for everyone at Emmy’s.
Of course, “they’re all delicious,” gushes Carmen-Jones, “but it’s the MVP pizza for me.”
Fusing house-made vodka sauce, red sauce, and their signature garlic parsley pesto on a sesame seed crust, “it’s super saucy… and that’s just how I like it!”
What’s more? All pizzas can be prepared gluten-free.
But they don’t just stop at the slice. They’re also known for their irresistible burgers – “among my fiancé’s fave here in the city,” our subject continues. “He goes for the Le Big Matt Burger,” named after the chef and recognized upon opening as one of the Best New Burgers in NYC, with pickles, fresh mizuna, American cheese and a generous squirt of signature Sammy sauce – a blend of mayo and salsa fresca, also named for the chef who prepares it – piled high atop double-stacked beef patties on a Tom Cat pretzel bun, alongside a heap of crispy waffle fries.
If he’s not feeling the beef, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich is another go-to – with the titular poultry topped with pickles, mizuna, radish and Ranch – as are the others on their ever-evolving menu.
Round it out with a selection of approachable appetizers, salads, and other sandwiches, all served – as is their signature – on a pretzel bun with a pickle on the side. Waffle fries are available for an additional charge.
Other notable offerings at Emmy’s? Their curated beverage program, which includes popular brews from Sloop Juice Bomb and Warwick Doc’s as well as original, cleverly-named cocktails.
Emmy Hour, with rotating drinks and app specials Sunday-Thursday from 9pm to closing, is another reason to rejoice…. as is their bottomless brunch, with breakfast staples and Bloody Marys.
With locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Louisville, Emmy’s looks to continue expanding their profile of establishments.
Regardless of where they are, “in every neighborhood we join,” says Hyland, “our team is committed to contributing to the community and practice our company ethos of inclusivity and unparalleled hospitality.”
We certainly know Carmen-Jones and the Moulin Rouge! The Musical crew can-can-can attest!
Emmy’s Squared is open M-Th from 11am-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am-11pm, and Sunday from 11am-9pm.
(305 Bleecker St.)
“I have the best memories of nights spent eating pasta and drinking wine at Suprema [Provisions] with the cast,” Carmen-Jones, says with a laugh.
Featuring small plates, savory dishes, exemplary cheese boards, and a vast selection of wines and cocktails – prepped to perfection by renowned sommelier Joshua Wesson – Suprema Provisions tracks a delectable culinary course through Europe.
Emulating the salumerias of Rome, the tapas bars of Spain, and the sidewalk cafés of Paris, the journey includes “stops” at truffled deviled eggs to start to pork shoulder lasagna for a main to a creamy crème brûlée for that sweet and satisfying finale.
As for eats, “the best dish is their Pistacchio Pesto Pasta,” says Carmen-Jones. Featuring freshly made rigatoni coated in basil, garlic, and olive oil, and finished with a sprinkling of the titular nut, the herby aromatic item is a hit among customers and restaurant staff alike. In terms of flavor and texture, says Suprema chef and owner Stephen Werther: “The difference in swapping out pine nuts for pistachio nuts is huge!”
“And they make a mean cocktail,” Carmen-Jones adds, be it their signature espresso martini, with Grey Goose vodka, Mr. Black Coffee liqueur, espresso, amaretto and simple syrup, or a Bacon-Washed old fashioned, with Evan Williams bourbon and maple syrup, finished with both angostura & orange bitters. or standards like the East Side Rickey, made with Hayman’s gin, simple syrup, a splash of soda, and finished with cucumber and lime, or a good ol’ Aperol Spritz.
Other beer and hard cider is available, as are negronis and non-alcoholic selections.
But it’s more than just the restaurant proper that she finds alluring, sharing, “We recently had a party there at their Midnight Spaghetti event and it was so, so good!”
Inspired by the Italian tradition of cooking pasta at home for friends and neighbors after a festive night out, Suprema’s Midnight Spaghetti event offers an exclusive quartet of pasta and libations for just $12 and $10 each, resulting not only in a high-quality, affordable alternative to the standard slice and other late-night grub, but the perfect nightcap to an evening out.
“Sometimes, when you have too many options on [a menu], you sort of glaze over it,” explains Sarah Raffetto, of the family-owned Raffetto’s Pasta shop, with which Suprema’s has partnered for the nightly Italian extravaganza. With just four simple choices, each uniquely prepared – “something that’s meaty, something that’s nutty, something that’s cheesy, something that’s spicy…” – “Midnight Spaghetti’s is the perfect menu, especially for late-night…. We really put a lot of thought into curating the team of four pastas that we have.”
“Sometimes, when you have too many options on [a menu], you sort of glaze over it,” she continues. With just four simple choices, each uniquely prepared – “something that’s meaty, something that’s nutty, something that’s cheesy, something that’s spicy…” – “Midnight Spaghetti’s is the perfect menu, especially for late-night.”
“This is New York, after all,” Werther adds, with a laugh. “The city that supposedly never sleeps… so why should the food?!”
As Nini might, appropriately, say, “Voulez-vous manger avec moi, ce soir?”
Suprema Provisions is open M-Th from 5pm-10pm, Friday from 5pm-11pm, Saturday from 12pm-11pm, and Sunday from 12pm-9pm. The Midnight Spaghetti event occurs every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10pm-1am. For inquiries, contact info@eatmidnightspahetti.com.
ONE FINAL PICK: Madame George, at 45 W. 45th Street, for cocktails after a show. “It’s electric… and beautiful inside, but with a quiet vibe. Quiet and classy. Not too loud and boisterous like the rest of this city can be.” Happy hour, featuring a weekly rotation of innovative, New York-inspired cocktails runs 5-7pm nightly, and live music — an array of smooth jazz, soul and funk — is offered Tuesday through Saturday nights. “It’s intimate,” says Carmen-Jones, before adding, with a laugh: “Very demure. Very mindful.” And, apparently, very apt.
We’ll continue to present a new performer with new restaurants and new menus, so keep checking back to see who we poll and what’s on their mind at mealtime! Until next time, as always, bon appétit!
