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 present a special Dilaria double-feature, showcasing both Ella Stiller, who plays the pampered princess herself, and Rebecca Ho, Stiller’s indefatigable understudy (who, it should be mentioned, also covers Tessa Albertson’s Georgia).
A proponent of edgy, strong-willed works with fiery females at their center – “essentially created by women, about women,” she elaborates – Stiller makes her Off-Broadway debut in the newly-produced production. She recently wrapped on the film Driver’s Ed, starring Sam Nivola and directed by Bobby Farrelly, as well as the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2, and will appear later this season on HBO’s And Just Like That…
Self-described as engaged and easy-going, in contrast to her manipulative character, she completed her studies at Juilliard (Group 53), graduating in 2023.
But where does Stiller like to sup?
(41 East 11th Street)
“Everybody should go within to find peace. When you have peace within yourself, you find peace with others.” — Eric Lu, Peacefood Co-Founder
Located just a few blocks away from the DR2 Theatre, which Dilaria inhabits, Peacefood has been a leading neighborhood vegan café since it opened in 2009.
“I’ve been vegan for about 10 years now and Peacefood has been a huge part of my life,” Stiller explains. “It’s the best place for vegan comfort food and baked goods!”
Named for the simple idea that “peace begins on your plate” – founders and fellow vegans Eric & Peter Lu tout the mantra that “the awareness of non-violence can be spread through feeding people with delicious vegan food” – its eclectic menu, inspired by international cuisine, offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, dinner entrées, smoothies, juices and more – all made with organic, raw ingredients, and most importantly, with love.
“We give you something [where] people can come in at any time of day and find something they want,” says Peter. “We want to give [the impression] of walking into Peacefood and feeling like you’re in somebody’s home or in somebody’s kitchen… you can just open the refrigerator and find something that you want.”
And they’ve achieved that goal. Noting the lack of vegan variety in the general dining landscape, one reviewer notes that “when you have an opportunity to order anything because everything is vegan, it’s like a jolt to the brain that leaves you starry-eyed and drooling.”
Stiller can certainly concur. For her part, she recommends the PCF Tenders – juicy chicken strips served with housemade Ranch or chipotle sauce – and the Seitan Medallion Panini, made with the titular meat substitute amidst a blend of cashew cheese, arugula, and tomatoes, and pesto.
Other popular items include the “comforting and flavorful” Vegetable Tamale — topped with diced tomatoes and fresh herbs, and large enough for two — and Shanghai-Style dumplings, stuffed with a variety of gourmet mushrooms, chives, marinated tofu and served with a delectably salty-tangy ginger sauce. And, of course, the Chickpea Fries: a Peacefood staple, the massive brick-like item “bursts with flavor” from “the perfect mix of Indian spices” – a must-try at the establishment, especially if you dip them in the accompanying agave and hot sauce.
Dessert presents a selection of cakes, pies, and scones displayed prominently in a pastry case right as you enter the establishment – again, entirely vegan, with Lu adding, “we [don’t use] processed sugar or anything like that.” But, Stiller insists “you need to get their Cookie Sandwich.” Enamored with the thought of two fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies tightly secured by a generous slathering of rich and creamy chocolate ganache frosting, the only, albeit appropriate, response Stiller can manage to muster is, simply: “Yum!”
And though she throws no shade toward the Union Square location (it is nearest her theater, after all), she’s partial to the original location on the Upper West Side. “It’s near and dear to my heart,” she says, with a giggle. “I’m an Upper West Side girl through and through.”
“Food should be peaceful,” Peter says, in conclusion. “We…pair peace and food together.” Furthermore, “a vegan lifestyle can transform not only the lives of farm animals, but also the environment and one’s personal health.” (“Don’t judge, just try it!” Stiller says, encouragingly). And, in speaking specifically about his offerings, at the end of the day, “It doesn’t really matter if it’s vegan or not. It’s just good food.”
Peacefood is open Sunday-Wednesday from 11:30am-9:30pm, and Thursday-Saturday from 11:30am-10pm. Though we listed the Union Square location, Stiller also makes note of the location at 460 Amsterdam Avenue (82nd Street) on the Upper West Side.
(246 W. 48th Street)
Like one of our previously polled participants, Stiller favors P. S. Kitchen among her go-to vegan spots.
Launched by entrepreneur April Tam Smith and restauranteur Craig Cochran in an effort to bring more vegan-friendly options to the heart of Times Square, P. S. Kitchen has established itself as the prime spot for plant-based diners since 2017.
“The vibes in there are so cute and the food is great,” Stiller comments. “It’s so convenient to go before seeing a show or after an audition.”
As for the eats, “my friend and I are obsessed with their Chicken Caesar Wrap,” she continues. Boasting the traditional crispy chicken and mixed greens amongst tomato, red onion and a housemade creamy Caesar dressing, “it’s delicious... and huge!!” the actor says, with a laugh.
Another of her favorites on their entirely gluten-free menu is their signature P. S. Beyond Burger, served with queso, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and Thousand Island dressing. “And it comes on a pretzel bun!!”Stiller points out, enthusiastically. “I mean, does it get any better than that?!”
As explained prior, in addition to offering these dishes and other extraordinary vegan goodies, P. S. Kitchen is unique in that almost all its staff hires come from marginalized and underprivileged communities. The move aims to empower the employees, giving them “a hand up, not a hand-out,” according to Cochran, who also serves as co-owner.
They complete their charitable trifecta by donating 100 percent of their profits to a host of charitable organizations. Both local and international, and in rotation every month, these institutions have included Share Hope, Justice Rising, The Doe Fund, and Restore, among others.
It all comes back to Smith’s mission statement, with which Stiller wholeheartedly agrees – and Dilaria, in her own way, also expresses: “if there’s such a thing in life, [it’s] about affirming significance and inspiring hope.”
P. S. Kitchen is open Sunday-Tuesday from 11am-10pm, and Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-11pm.
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!
