The versatile performer picks his favorite noshes in NoHo ahead of the return of his acclaimed solo show.
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 summon actor John Kevin Jones, who takes the NoHo area by storm, not only with his food recs but with the return of his spine-tingling solo show, Killing an Evening with Edgar Alan Poe. The production, playing live at the Merchant’s House Museum from March 25 through April 5, sees Jones narrating and performing four of Poe’s most terrifying tales: “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Angel of the Odd,” and the evermore-popular “The Raven” from the heart of the preserved institution’s candlelit double parlor. Prior to each show, “Saw Lady” Natalia Paruz will enchant audiences with performances on the “singing saw” and medium Heather Carlucci will pop in after select performance, bestowing psychic readings upon interested audience members.
In addition to his bone-chilling work with Poe, Jones has appeared in the long-running A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House, as well as Nothing But Trash (TFTNC) Jeffrey (Lincoln Center), and The Winter’s Tale (Hipgnosis Theatre). Regional credits include The Pavilion (American Stage), Angels in America (Playhouse on the Square), All My Sons (Kentucky Rep) and Othello (Arkansas Rep). Lastly, he serves as Executive Director of collaborative theatre company Summoners Ensemble, which produces the Poe evening.
But where does Jones journey for a meal?
(34 E 4th St.)
Often applauded for “one of the finest selections of Irish whiskey in the city” and its unrivaled ability “to pull the perfect pint of Guinness” – for an equally perfect price, at that – Swift Hibernan Lounge has quickly risen to fame as “the quintessential Irish Pub for the modern age.”
Established in 1995 by Danny McDonald and Mike Jewell, who were later joined by Anthony Malone, Swift, named for Irish patriot and writer Jonathan Swift, offers “a wee bit of Dublin in NYC,” at least, according to Jones.
Murals depicting scenes from Swift’s work pepper the walls, while barstools, large, wooden tables, church-pew booths and a pulpit from Swift’s own parish in Laracor, County Meath complete the rest of the homey, convivial atmosphere.
“Swift’s is my go-to comfort-pub,” the actor continues, adding that while any time’s a good time at the lounge, he prefers to pop in in the afternoon hours “to continue a good read at the bar.” Or perhaps, “after a performance, [when] a few of us will sometimes go over….I’m always starving, and they have the best comfort food menu.”
Of his must-haves? Spicy potato wedges, served with a side of curry sauce: “Curry and beer were meant to be together,” Jones asserts. “If you haven’t had this combo before – get on the train and go there now!” (For an added bonus, go from 3-5pm Monday-Friday to take advantage of special happy hour prices).
But when dining with another person or a group, he admits to indulging in a larger board for sharing – be it the Smoked Salmon board, with Irish brown bread, onion & capers; the Veggie board, boasting roast artichokes, harissa carrots, hummus & grape leaves, or a mix of both. “And a pint,” he adds, with a smile.
Which, of course, Swift’s delivers in spades. Ales and lagers are always on tap, with beer and wine flowing both consistently and generously; seasonal brews are top-notch, but change with the calendar, and if you’re craving a cocktail, go for the Irish Pub Martini (gunpowder gin, the Muff potato vodka, olive, pickled onion, Dubliner cheddar) or the signature Captain Gulliver (Jameson whiskey, ginger beer and lemon), the latter labeled for the namesake’s most iconic literary creation.
To quote Swift himself – as an ad on the website touts “better belly burst than good liquor be lost.” And it’s clear Jones and the regulars would agree.
Swift Hibernian Lounge is open 7 days a week from 11:30am-4am. For specific events and nightly happenings, see the official website.
(36 E 4th St.)
“I love the energy of New York City. Every day is an opportunity,” says Misirizzi founder Alessandro, detailing the philosophy behind his restaurant. “But I hate the rush of it, the fact that sometimes it forces you to run even when you just want to breathe,” a stark contrast to the relaxed outlook that encompassed his childhood in Italy, where people stop to take in “the [company], the smells, the sounds, the slowness of real things.”
The solution? A happy medium combining the two philosophies, with an added touch of nostalgia. In other words, “A perfect blend of authenticity and international vibes.”
Named for Alessandro’s beloved childhood toy – one that always bounced back, no matter how far or long it was pushed – the restaurant is rooted in the idea of resilience, balance, “and the joy of simplicity…. the simple pleasures that bring us back to ourselves.”
A strong believer in the concept that “food—just like childhood—has the power to unlock memories,” igniting recollections from the sound of laughter echoing through Nonna’s kitchen to the thought of Sunday dinner tables brimming with warmth and tradition, and general “moments of comfort and magic you forgot you remembered,” Alessandro infuses his menu with the creativity, stories, affections and memory of his youth.
“I respect tradition deeply, but I think reinterpreting it with affection is the best way to bring it to life,” the founder says of his philosophy, reiterating how an environment exuding warmth and intimacy remains paramount to his providing an unforgettable experience for his guests.
That sense of intimacy is certainly felt by his customers, Jones included. “Whenever I’m having dinner [here], they make me feel like they opened up just for me,” he muses. “It feels so exclusive when I eat here.”
And what he eats here is just as enticing. Among the most coveted staples are the Polpette – beef and pork meatballs in a rich tomato sauce over mashed potatoes – the Mafaldine Carbonara, with crispy guanciale and “a lot of love,” according to the menu, and of course, Lasagna Della Nonna, adapted from Alessandro’s own grandmother’s secret recipe – again, the one he indulged in as a child.
But take it from Jones, who is unwavering in his selection: “You’re gonna wanna start with the Carciofi Fritti,” he instructs. The dish, consisting of artichokes with shaved parmigiano reggiano, crumbled pistachio nuts, and what Alessandro dubs “magic sauce,” is “crispy and savory artichoke deliciousness,” Jones rhapsodizes, salivating and lost in thought. “It gets my appetite revved up for dinner.”
Sharing he’ll sometimes go post-show with friends to take advantage of the three-course family style menu, exclusively for tables of seven or more – “it makes for a great conversation while we serve each other” – he’ll then favor the Gnocchi Gorgonzola and Walnuts, describing how “the blend of textures and flavors on this will make you feel like you were just transported to Milan.”
Finally, if you’re a diehard carnivore, “they make a steak that will have you singing opera at your table.” Captivated by the thought of the grass-fed Bistecca, served alongside roasted potatoes and mustard sauce, he amends, with a laugh: “Well, maybe you just hear the music, but it feels like it’s coming from inside.”
And he may not be wrong. After all, as Alessandro puts it, Misirizzi “is not just a place to eat, but an environment where one can feel welcomed, pampered and part of a community.” So, pull up a chair and buon appetito!
Misirizzi is open Monday-Thursday for dinner from 5pm-10pm, Friday for dinner from 5pm-11pm, Saturday for brunch and dinner from 12pm-11pm, and Sunday for brunch and dinner from 12pm-9pm.
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!
