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, we turn to Anna Zavelson, currently featured as Younger Allie Nelson, one third of one half of The Notebook’s central couple.
A consistent performer since the age of nine, the 2022 Jimmy Awards standout — and recent winner of the dance-centric Clive Barnes Award — comes to Broadway following a critically acclaimed portrayal of Clara Johnson in Encores’ The Light in the Piazza, and a much-lauded turn as May Dempsey on Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why. Additional credits include stints onstage at the Williamstown Theatre Festival Cabaret, and on television in NBC’s Revolution. She’s currently pursuing a BFA from the University of Michigan, with graduation set for 2026.
But while she’s here… where does Anna like to eat?
(662 9th Ave.)
Admitting to being a Broadway newbie still learning the ropes (and her way around the city), Zavelson confesses to getting most of her food recs from fellow cast and crew members.
But friends won’t steer you wrong, and Andréa Burns, who also, it should be noted, appeared with our subject in Piazza, hit the jackpot with Yum Yum Too Thai Cooking: “It’s become a weekly standard for me,” says Zavelson. “I am always in the mood for Thai food and it’s only a short walk from the theater.”
Since 2014, Yum Yum Too – the sister restaurant of the original Yum Yum Bangkok, also once located on 9th Avenue, which closed amid the pandemic – has been the go-to place for Thai cuisine, enticing both Eastern- and Western-developed palates with fresh ingredients found in both Thailand and the United States.
“We thrive for excellent service, a friendly atmosphere and high-quality food” at prices that won’t hurt your wallet, according to a statement from Executive Chef Rong.
“They have so many options from curries to noodles,” says Zavelson. “I can always find something I am in the mood for!”
Popular dishes among regular customers include the Atlantic Salmon and Emperor Duck, both balanced on a bed of vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, string beans, broccoli, and bok choy, with the latter served in a piquant smoky garlic sauce.
But Zavelson, a self-proclaimed sucker for spicy foods, prefers the Papaya Salad. Loaded with chili oil, peanuts and a lime dressing with a kick, “it is so consistently wonderful.”
“Sometimes restaurants go easy on the spice,” the actress admits, “but [as] a huge fan of everything spicy, I’m always happy to go anywhere that doesn’t hold back.”
On that note, she also vouches for the Green Curry, “which I usually get with the vegetables and tofu,” though she emphasizes “the beauty is” you can add whatever protein you’d like, be it shrimp, chicken, pork or duck. (All curries are served with Jasmine rice).
Served atop bamboo shoots, bell peppers, basil and eggplant doused in sautéed coconut milk, it’s easy to see why it’s at the top of her list. Says Zavelson: “I order Green Curry at almost every Thai place I [visit], so trust me when I say that this one is fantastic.”
Cocktails are also aplenty, including specialty libations like Mango Fizz (gin, basil, lime and the titular fruit juice) and Jungle Fever (coconut rum, melon liqueur, mango & pineapple juice), in addition to Thai beer and house wine (red or white); the former can be ordered as part of a bar special (every cocktail order comes with one free appetizer), while the latter two are popular picks at happy hour, offered daily from 4:45-6:30pm.
Also available are two different five-course prix-fixe menus, with choice of soup, salad, appetizer, main course and dessert.
It’s no wonder why Zavelson’s strong advocacy for this spot is “rushing up… pouring out… [and] flying through the air!”
Yum Yum Too is open for lunch and dinner M-F from 12pm-3:45pm & 4:45pm-10:45pm, respectively, with closing on Friday at 11:30pm. Saturday hours are 12pm-11:3opm and on Sunday, they're open from 12pm-10:45, without a break.
(12 W. 32nd St.)
Continuing her quest for restaurants off the beaten path, Zavelson notes that “the recent (unseasonably warm) Fall weather has incentivized me to venture a little further for food during my breaks on two-show days.”
One of these recent post-show strolls found the actress in Koreatown, where she discovered Woorijip (pronounced “Oo-Ree-Jip”), a homey haven offering pre-made – but undeniably authentic – Korean dishes since 2000.
“I grew up eating Korean and other Asian foods at home with my grandmother,” Zavelson recalls. “The food at Woorijip reminds me of rummaging through her refrigerator for snacks as a child!”
With a name that translates to “our home” in English, and the owners’ asserted aim of sharing the flavors of her – and her children’s – childhood, Zavelson’s memories couldn’t be more apt.
What’s more? With the grab-and-go aspect, “it’s super convenient! I usually get a great walk in on the way down there, pick up food, and then head back to the theater to enjoy it… and I love all the options!”
A typical haul includes stocking up on sides – Zavelson opts for eggplant, steamed eggs and spicy cucumbers (natch) – though customer favorites off the main menu include grilled tofu, kimchi fried rice, simmered pork belly, baked mackerel with lemon and a variety of Korean pancakes called “Jeon,” pan-fried and filled with minced fish or meat.
“I also can’t get enough of their tofu soup!” she exclaims, of the dish arranged in perfectly portioned plastic containers on the opposite side of the shelf. Said to be “softer and silkier than anything [one] could buy in a grocery store,” we can safely say, with Zavelson’s endorsement, it’s sure to be a sure bet.
In other words, if this is love… there’s no unsteadiness here!
Woorijip is open M-W from 9am-9pm, and Th-Sat from 9am-12am. On Sundays, the food hall is closed.
ONE FINAL PICK: “Really, I’ll eat anywhere in K-Town, but the sit-down spots like BCD Tofu House or Five Senses are places I like to go with a group after a show.”
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!
