The skillful singer-songwriter shares her fave food spots ahead of her sophomore solo show at Chelsea Table + Stage.
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.
We continue now with singular singer-songwriter — and actress extraordinaire — Analise Scarpaci, who’s utilizing “resilience, growth and passion” to shed light on Where I Belong at Chelsea Table + Stage on February 24th.
Fusing the best of Broadway, pop, and possibly an original tune, she (with the help of some very special guests!) presents a deeply personal show about self-discovery and how life’s seemingly surprising twists and turns can actually lead you right to where you’re supposed to be.
As an actor, who recently appeared as Debra in Empire Records at the McCarter Theatre and as Liesl von Trapp in Paper Mill Playhouse’s The Sound of Music, Scarpaci is also known for her turns on Broadway in Mrs. Doubtfire, A Christmas Story, and Matilda, the latter of which she also performed in on tour. TV appearances include the voice of Hela, Odin’s Eldest Daughter in Marvel’s What If…?: An Immersive Story, and an upcoming arc as Gia Spezzano on Law & Order: Organized Crime. As a singer-songwriter, she’s released the original EP, Pathetic Little Dreamer, and a single, “Flashbacks,” with more music on the way.
But where does Analise like to eat?
(252 W. 47th Street)
Situated on the heels of Times Square, in the heart of the Theatre District, Glasshouse Tavern has been a warm, comfortable, and inviting space for locals, visitors and celebrities alike.
Offering a contemporary American menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients, it’s a perfect pick whether you’re looking for a quick bite pre-theatre or a more sumptuous sit-down meal post-theatre.
“It’s definitely one of my favorites, just because I’ve been going there for years,” says Scarpaci. “The staff is amazing, drinks are great, and the food is delish.”
Indeed, considering she’s a former child actor, it’s not hard to see why her ties to the establishment run deep: “I grew up going there before, during and after monumental times in my life, and it’s super special to me to have a place like that.”
For a quick bite, Scarpaci recommends the Little Gem Caesar Salad – consisting of baby romaine hearts, house-made dressing tossed with parmesan and brioche croutons – “with a side of fries, because… girl dinner,” she giggles.
Also on her list is the Fresh Atlantic Salmon Filet, prepped with chiles in a blood orange vinaigrette, and served atop their famous roast corn and couscous “risotto” (the latter “a must-try in itself!” commands one customer.)
Shrimp Fettucine – with heirloom tomato, garlic, basil & parmesan – and Slow Braised Short Rib – with butternut squash, rainbow Swiss chard & fried sage – are also coveted dishes, and for the sophisticated palate, the Long Island Duck Breast (brussels, baby turnips & a citrus redux) – and the Lamb Bolognese – prepped with pappardelle, tomato, and a touch of cream and mint – also can’t be beat.
Drinks, as Scarpaci mentions, are also aplenty – try the signature “Staycation” (Maker’s Mark Bourbon, triple sec, almond extract with mint & lime juice), the Jalapeño-Cilantro Martini (Hendrick’s Gin, jalapeño-infused Cointreau, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime & lemon juice), or the Glasshouse Sangria, with passion fruit and seasonal mixed berries.
What’s more? Should you need to book one, private parties and events have been a staple of the establishment since its inception. With exclusive rooms able to accommodate intimate diners of 20, or cocktail receptions for 350, it’s the perfect place for your next event.
Glasshouse Tavern is open Monday from 3pm-11pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 3pm-12am, Thursday & Friday from 3pm-1am, Saturday from 10am-1am, and Sunday 10am-11pm. Additionally, a Wednesday matinée lunch is served from 11am-3pm (including two-course prix-fixe for $35), and brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from open-3pm.
(903 8th Ave.)
A charming “old school” Northern Italian restaurant praised for its “outstanding service” and “classic, delicious food [at] reasonable prices,” Da Tommaso Ristorante has been “one of the most hopping venues in Midtown” and the perfect place for pre-theater dining since it opened in September of 1988.
Named after its chef, “it’s super traditional Italian food,” Scarpaci explains. Hailing from a “huge Italian family” with roots in the boot-shaped country herself, the establishment is, therefore, “like home to me, so I always recommend it to everyone!”
Our subject recommends the Linguette Ortolane, topped with fresh broccoli, zucchini, and a sprinkle of parmesan, but maintains that “literally any of the dishes are insane!”
Try the Pollo Romana (chicken with mushrooms, peas, ham, and baby artichokes), Grilled Veal Chop, or classic Eggplant Parmigiana.
If fish is more your style, go for the Salmone Alla Mostarda (salmon in a whole-grain mustard sauce) or Gamberi Portofino (shrimp sautéed with prosciutto, mushrooms, sherry wine & cream).
On the pasta front — it’s their specialty after all, says owner Paul Da Tommaso, Chef Tommaso’s first cousin — other options include Fussili Alla Laura (with garlic, spinach, prosciutto, and parmesan), Linguine Puttanesca (black & green olives, capers and anchovies in a light tomato sauce) or the classic Spaghetti Bolognese, with a heap of house-made meat sauce.
Newer additions to the menu include Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti Carbonara, and a specialty risotto, and, for an additional charge, any pasta can be made gluten-free. “We’re very customer-oriented,” says Da Tommaso. “We modify and make dishes by request all the time, regardless of how It is presented on the menu. Any alterations you need, Chef Tommaso will [honor].”
It’s family-orientated, too – and in more ways than one! Paul’s son, Matt, now mans the bar, and sister Lola pops in from time to time as well.
They have quite the celeb following, too. Billy Joel, Madonna, Goldie Hawn, and Jennifer Lopez all flock to the restaurant when they’re in town, as do Celine Dion, Adele, Jon Bon Jovi, and Bill Murray, the latter a pal of Paul’s since 1981. (“It’s honestly too many to count,” laughs the owner.)
Still, they proudly uphold their values over anything else: “Good cuisine, good company, and that genuine family touch,” Paul reiterates. “At Da Tommaso, it’s the real deal.”
Da Tommaso Ristorante is open M-Th and Sunday from 3pm-1opm, and on Friday and Saturday from 3pm-11pm.
Thumbnail Photo Credit: Rebecca J. Michelson
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!
