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’re all aboard the American Express, with two of Two Strangers’ extraordinary standbys, Vincent Michael and Phoenix Best.
In addition to her navigating New York in this production, Best previously appeared on Broadway in the 2015 revival of The Color Purple, as well as Dear Evan Hansen (Alana Beck), while Michael, who enjoyed regional credits such as Mystic Pizza (Paper Mill Playhouse) and Rent (The Muny), makes his Main Stem debut in the show.
And, as its name foretells, these two companions carry a cake in the show after all, so, in addition to restaurant and menu picks, we thought it only apt to poll our pundits on the prime place to snag a slice of that titular treat, which we’ve also included below.
So, where do these dessert-toting travelers take in a meal?
(378 Park Ave. South)
Founded in Nashville in 1977, Hillstone Restaurant Group — which may go by a different name depending what state you’re in — has a single location in NYC, just a few blocks from Madison Square Park.
“Their sister restaurant, Houston’s, was my favorite spot growing up,” says Michael, who explains, because of the chain aspect between the locations, the menu is identical. “It was a ‘special occasions only’ place for me as a kid, and it brings me such profound joy and nostalgia.”
With a dark, expansive interior boasting “jacuzzi-sized booths” and a lively bar area, outfitted with high stools and slatted blinds “straight out of a film noir,” “the aesthetic is such a vibe,” he gushes.
In short, it’s cozy-casual, but maintains a chic, upscale vibe; individual lights at every table make it intimate — enough to “[make] you feel like you’re in your own little bubble,” but not so much to the point that you feel isolated from the hum of the crowd.
As for the eats, you simply can’t go wrong with the French Dip sandwich — thinly sliced roasted prime rib on toasted French roll, served au jus with fries, cole slaw, or tabbouleh — the Thai Tuna roll (with shards of avocado, crunchy macadamia nuts and a hint of jalapeño), among any of the other impressively exotic sushi offerings, or the “impeccable” house Cheeseburger, with its thick slice of melted cheddar glistening beneath a fluffy homemade bun — all according to regulars.
But for Michael, it’s all about the pairing of the Grilled Chicken Salad with the Grilled California Artichokes: “Absolutely my #1 death row meal.”
The former dish features strips of the eponymous protein piled high atop a bed of field greens, doused in peanut sauce and an “irresistibly tangy” honey-lime vinaigrette; The latter, specially imported from Castroville, CA every year, are “heavily charred,” but “debilitatingly good,” Michael enthuses.
Unfortunately, they’re a seasonal item, available March-August (approximately), but as one might have observed, though “there’s snowflakes falling sleepily” onstage at the Longacre, there’s no doubt Spring is in the air outside the theatre, so the artichokes are on their way!
The dish of dreams... and you don't even have to wait under the mistletoe to get it!
Hillstone Park Avenue is open Sunday from 11:30am-9:30pm and Monday-Saturday from 11:30am-10pm.
Where’s the best cake? “This one’s cake adjacent, but the Banana Pudding from Magnolia Bakery [is a] no-doubter. I’ve crushed whole pints in one sitting. Okay, stop judging me.”
(307 W. 47th Street)
Named for the veteran policeman known as “Dutch Fred,” who, after witnessing a street riot on West 39th Street and Tenth Avenue, made a comment to his partner that ultimately gave Hell’s Kitchen its name, Dutch Fred’s is a lively Midtown haunt serving up top-tier innovative cocktails alongside a delectable menu of cozy faves.
Owned by brothers Michael and Pat McNamee — the same duo behind sister bar Tanner Smith’s, named for the equally notorious gang leader with whom Fred was rumored to have had a run-in — the pair embrace the era of their locale’s namesake, furnishing the floor in vintage mosaic tiles, peppering the walls with framed portraits of Fred, and showing classic black-and-white films on flat screens across the bar.
These elements create an “energetic, yet cozy, ambiance” which, when combined with the restaurant's prime location in the heart of Midtown, make it “the perfect spot for theatregoers,” according to Best.
But the biggest reason “this is the place” for Best?! “The staff!” she gushes. “Every time I have gone here, the staff have always been so kind and wonderful.” It’s clear customers concur, as evident by the fact that the eatery, not unlike Bump ‘n’ Grind Coffee, “is always filled with people”; Best adds, to that end, reservations are strongly recommended, “especially if you’re having a pre-show meal.”
As for eats, “Freddie’s Happy Meal would be my biggest recommendation,” Best advises. Dubbed “the ultimate girl dinner,” the offering consists of either their Kale Caesar Salad, topped with croutons and parmesan cheese, or their signature Guinness Wagyu Beef Sliders — infused with Guinness, as the description suggests, and topped with Brie cheese, bacon jam, and garlic aioli — with fries on the side, all topped off with either a house gin or, as Best prefers, a vodka martini.
“A little classy, a little cheeky,” according to its advertisement, at just $27 and available daily from 4-11pm, “it’s the perfect post-show meal bundle,” Best asserts.
Wings, flatbread, and their signature smashed burrata – topped with Serrano ham, balsamic glaze & hot honey, on sourdough bread – round out the specialties, while Broadway-themed libations, like “Kinky Boots” (Finlandia vodka, St. Germain, lemon, raspberries), and exclusive cocktails like Dutch Punch (Finlandia vodka, St. Elder, strawberry, rose water, lemon, burlesque bitters, prosecco) and La Diabla (Ghost Pepper Tequila, Aperol, Lime, Cinnamon Syrup, Pineapple) allow customers the chance to imbibe.
And like their sister bar, they’re also open for a Tipsy Tea Bottomless Brunch, featuring the booze-infused titular beverage served in teacups – $30 for 90 minutes, with the purchase of a brunch entrée – on weekends from 11am-3:30pm, in addition to Taco Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays and a live DJ on Fridays & Saturdays from 10pm-2am.
In short, it may not have “ten-dollar shoes, fake nails, a broken record player, [and] Cuban quesadillas,” but Best is certain after just one visit, this’ll be the place for you, too!
Dutch Fred’s is open Monday & Tuesday from 4pm-2am, Wednesday from 12pm-2am, Thursday & Friday from 12pm-3am, Saturday from 10am-3am, and Sunday from 10am-2am.
Where’s the best cake? “Honestly, I love any slice of cake! But recently for Christiani’s birthday, she had an amazing cake for Birthday Club – the red velvet cake from Amy’s Bread. (Not so) coincidentally, It’s her favorite cake, too… and now, I can’t stop thinking about it!”
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!
