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 multi-award-winning producer and impresario Jack Viertel, who recently released his debut thriller, The Glass Eel, co-written with his environmentalist son, Josh.
The story centers on Jeanette King, a middle-aged cancer survivor and crab picker, who discovers her ex-husband’s secret stash of baby eels and is unexpectedly pulled into “a violent underworld of elver smugglers, political corruption, and ecological exploitation,” according to press notes.
“My son, Josh….came up with the idea for The Glass Eel,” explains Viertel in a statement. “He turned to me because, after three decades of helping develop stories for Broadway shows, he knew I was a storyteller too. We never considered working together before, but we’ve always loved a lot of the same things….We both know Maine and the people and the atmosphere, so we thought… why not a book?”
But it’s not the only thing cooking on his plate. He recently concluded an extended world premiere of his self-conceptualized Let the Good Times Roll at Phoenix Theater Company, which he’ll prep for a Broadway transfer in the 2026-2027 season. Set against a soundscape of songs associated with New Orleans – a city known for resilience, culture, and conviviality – the story follows a young woman’s journey as she rediscovers life. The production will be directed and choreographed by Sara Edwards (Pirates! The Penzance Musical), with casting to be announced.
In addition to his current work on both the page and the stage, Viertel is currently Senior Vice President Emeritus of Jujamcyn Theaters, having previously served as the company’s Creative Director from 1987-2021.
Given that he oversaw the development of plays and musicals, both new and revived, his tenure includes such Tony-winning successes as Angels in America, Guys and Dolls (1992), City of Angels, Jelly’s Last Jam, Death of a Salesman (2000), The Producers, Proof, Doubt, Gypsy (2008), and The Book of Mormon. Furthermore, he served as dramaturg for such shows as Hairspray, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Outsiders, and both the stage musical, The Prom, and its Netflix screen adaptation were developed from his original concept.
From 2000 to 2020, he also served as Artistic Director of the Encores! series at New York City Center, where he administered the development of Damn Yankees, Follies, 1776, The Most Happy Fella, and Merrily We Roll Along, to name a few.
But where does Viertel venture for a meal?
(228 W. 52nd St.)
Founded in 1927 by former Ziegfeld girl & namesake Helen Gallagher with the help of devoted gambler Jack Solomon, Gallagher’s Steakhouse soon became the “it” place for both high-rollers and high society to mingle and imbibe in the heat of Prohibition, when alcohol was more scarce and harder to come by. (In fact, Gallagher’s customers used to code-order “soup” and receive their booze of choice disguised in a soup container to throw off authorities). When Prohibition ended in 1933, with liquor now legal, Gallagher’s quickly established itself as a high-end, “new style of steakhouse”—the first of its kind on Broadway, at that—catering to the New Yorkers of the moment, a standard they still proudly uphold today.
In recent years, following an initial threat to close in 2013, the steakhouse was purchased by its current owner, restaurateur Dean Poll, who also maintains Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse, and relaunched in 2014 – with a fresh interior – including a glass-enclosed kitchen – and an even fresher menu.
“It’s not a bargain, but the steak is great, the bar is wonderfully welcoming, and the drinks are definitive,” says Viertel, who likens his love of the establishment to its similarities with “the places with red banquet [and] tuxedoed waiters” he frequented with his parents in his youth. Of the latter, try Helen’s Diamond Fizz – a blend of cognac, apple brandy, lemon, honey, egg white, and sparkling wine, named in tribute to Gallaghers’ founder, or the popular 52nd Street Old Fashioned, both courtesy of mixologist Dominic Venegas.
In terms of steak – all grilled at Gallagher’s over hickory logs – diners can choose from a porterhouse (for two, three, or four), sirloin, filet mignon, and more, or go for the specialty Veal Chop Parmigiana, topped with fresh mozzarella. For the steaks, opt for a bleu cheese, bone marrow, or pepper crust, while mushroom garlic butter and/or cajun rub can add an additional kick.
Viertel, for his part – who, again, comes from a family of self-proclaimed “steakhouse and lobster people” – begins with a Beefeater Martini, which he chases with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail, the latter piled high with pieces of the titular crustacean, as juicy as they are colossal.
Though he asserts “the ribeye is first-rate,” Viertel admits to ordering the “incredibly crisp” grilled half-chicken – stewed in lemon and olive oil and served with couscous – on more than one occasion… with no regrets.
To complete the meal, “a little cheesecake or pecan pie,” the latter topped with vanilla ice cream. (“Though don’t tell my cardiologist,” he laughs).
Nostalgic, noting how “the walls are decorated with black-and-white photos of sports heroes and prize-winning horses that I sometimes think I’m the only one to be able to identify,” he emphasizes, “if you want a taste of old-timey Broadway, this is the place to be.”
Gallagher’s Steakhouse is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:45am-10pm, and from 11:45am-11pm on Friday & Saturday.
(607 10th Ave.)
“On the other hand, when I’m more in the mood for tomorrow than yesterday,” Viertel continues, “I often find myself at Mémé Mediterranean.”
Named after the mother of owners Alon and Jacob Cohen – the two brothers and their cousins affectionately called her “Mémé,” a French-Moroccan spin on “grandmother” – the restaurant, opened first in the West Village in 2010 with a Hell’s Kitchen offshoot following shortly thereafter, offers a wide variety of Mediterranean tapas and Moroccan-style entrées, in a cozy, casual, and, appropriately, familial setting.
Having emigrated from Morocco to Israel with his family as a kid, head chef Jacob pulls from both backgrounds in his cooking, while also infusing his own classical training from France.
As a result, menu items are equally “hard to choose from and [just as] hard to resist,” according to Viertel. Still, he maintains, “the food is just delicious” – igniting a “party in your mouth” as the mission statement promises – advising prospective diners to “order a bunch of things to share around the table, and everyone will be happy.”
In terms of must-haves, “I never go without ordering the Laffa taco with chicken shawarma,” says Viertel, of the dish topped with onion, peppers, hummus, and tahini. (If you prefer, you can substitute fish and other toppings for an additional charge). “[It’s] a soft pita presentation that really isn’t a taco in the classic sense,” Viertel admits, “but it sure is tasty.”
The Mémé Chopped Salad, with crisp vegetables, chickpeas, feta, zahtar, lemon & olive oil, and served with pita “is equally terrific,” as is the tuna tartare (scallion, lime, jalapeño, avocado, cucumber and radish on grilled flatbread). And, of course, “the hummus, served with tahini, pita and Falafel, is every bit as enticing.”
Not to mention the location – “very convenient and close to shows,” reads one review, but far enough away from the bustle “that it feels like you’re….having an isolated meal.” (Weather permitting, you may also choose to dine outside on the patio, adding to the ambience).
Throw in the stocked bar, offering a variety of “wonderful wines by the glass,” and it’s easy to see why the Mémé experience, bolstered by the brothers’ flair for exceptional hospitality and culinary creativity culled from fresh ingredients and special Israeli spices, invites “a party in your mouth” indeed!
Mémé Mediterranean is open M-Th from 11:30am-10pm, Friday from 11:30am-10:30pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 11am-10:30pm, though it’s closed daily from 4-5pm. Additionally, weekend brunch is offered Saturday & Sunday from 11am-4pm.
We’ll continue to present a new performer with a new restaurant and a new menu, so keep checking back to see who we poll and what’s on their mind at mealtime! Until next time, bon appétit!
