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, our ultimate wish has been granted, as we hear from the latest Broadway Aladdin himself: Ainsley Melham! The actor returns to Agrabah after an initial stint on Broadway in 2019 and a run in Australia as part of the country’s national tour in 2016, for which he was nominated for a Helpmann Award, Australia’s answer to the Tony. In addition to his work in the high-flying Disney spectacle, Melham found himself “knocked out” nightly as Dwayne in Boop! the Musical. He also previously appeared in the Australian tours of Wicked, Pippin, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. (“He is the true triple-threat of this moment,” adds former co-star, Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers, to that end. “He’s my favorite.”) Additional appearances include Australian productions of Kiss of the Spider Woman, Merrily We Roll Along, The Normal Heart, and Xanadu, and as a host and performer on the Australian television series, Hi-5.
But where does Ainsley like to eat?
(630 9th Avenue)
There’s a reason we’ve profiled Nizza three times now. Appeasing eager eaters in Hell’s Kitchen since 2007, it clearly means a lot to everyone, and Melham, with his reasoning rooted in nostalgia after “some dear friends introduced [him] to it,” is no exception. Proudly deeming it “my most frequented restaurant in Midtown,” the actor appreciates the Italian trattoria, with dishes partly inspired by the Riviera cuisine, for being “super cozy, with great food and often open late, so I can make it there to eat after a show.”
Topping the list of shining, shimmering, splendid supper faves is the Chicken Milanese, served lightly breaded & pan-fried, alongside a refreshing chopped tomato & mozzarella salad. “It’s perfect for between shows!” he shares.
“But if I don’t have to run around on stage,” he amends, “I’ll definitely go for a pasta.”
Specialties on the extensive menu, all prepared fresh in-house daily, include spicy vodka rigatoni — with Calabrian chilies and a healthy dose of the titular beverage — and the Sunday Meat Sauce — spaghetti simmered in a blend of meatball, sweet Italian sausage, and braised beef short rib — while standards like Spaghetti Pomodoro, Cacio e Pepe and Gnocchi also pepper the menu. And stop in weekly for Lasagna Thursdays, in which the chef’s special recipe of veal, beef and pork ragu, smothered in béchamel, mozzarella and parmesan, is sold exclusively until it runs out!
Served with ricotta and olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary, “their Focaccia is absolutely scrumptious,” Melham continues, “and you should definitely enjoy a glass of wine if that’s to your liking.”
In fact, if you dine on a Wednesday — perhaps ideal for matinée-goers — you’ll take advantage of their “Wine Wednesday” special, where patrons can “savor select bottles” for just $24. Also in effect on Saturdays and Sundays is their Bottomless Spritz special, wherein the purchase of any entrée garners you unlimited pompelmo, arancia and limone spritz from 11am-3pm, for just $25. (You may also enjoy Aperol spritz for an additional $5).
Whatever your reasoning for visiting, one step in the door, past the bustling bar, and into one of their brightly-lit orange banquettes, and Melham is certain you’ll experience “a whole new world” of delicacies you won’t soon forget!
Nizza is open for lunch Monday-Friday from 12pm-4pm, dinner Sunday-Tuesday 4pm-10:30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 4pm-11:30pm. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday from 11pm-4pm.
(326 W. 46th Street)
In the same vein, as with previous participants, Midtown hotspot Joe Allen strikes a similar chord of comfort for Melham.
“It’s so dimly lit, and has the perfect late-night vibe,” the actor details, of the establishment, colloquially referred to as “Joe’s” since its inception in 1965. “I love perusing the [famous flop] show posters on the walls or bumping into a fellow actor who might have just finished their show at another theatre,” adding it’s “the spot to spy a Broadway performer after a show.”
As for the eats, like those before him, Melham enjoys the Joe Allen burger, cooked to your liking, and served with fries (add bacon and/or cheese for an additional charge), “usually paired with a Dirty Martini,” he chuckles, “prepared with gin, of course.”
But the dish that really takes his tastebuds on a magic carpet ride is, undoubtedly, the Banana Cream Pie, piled high with whipped cream and stuffed with slices of the elongated yellow fruit.
“It’s incredible!” he says, commenting just as much on its enormity as its deliciousness. “You cannot go past it!”
Salivating, he summarizes, with a laugh, “Lucky that I have a Broadway show to work off all this food.”
We’ll say! We couldn’t have planned a better outcome if we wished it!
Joe Allen is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 12pm-11:30pm; Wednesday & Saturday from 11:30am-11:30pm, and Sunday from 11:30am-10:30pm. Consistent with the New York show schedule, the restaurant’s closed on Mondays.
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!
