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 the 12-time Tony-nominated Schmigadoon!’s somber-but-not-silenced Reverend Layton — who also cameos as the impish Leprechaun: Maulik Pancholy.
Perhaps best known for his performance as loyal assistant Jonathan on TV’s 30 Rock, Pancholy’s also enjoyed roles on such shows as Phineas & Ferb, Weeds, Whitney, The Good Fight, and Only Murders in the Building, to name a few. He is the creator, co-writer and star of Murder at the Patel Motel, now available on Audible, and has authored three novels, Nikhil Out Loud, The Best at It, and Will They, Won’t They, the latter out in Spring 2027. Off-Broadway credits include To My Girls and Good for Otto. Having previously appeared on the Main Stem in Grand Horizons and It’s Only a Play, Schmigadoon! marks his Broadway musical debut.
But what does Maulik like to munch on (and where)?
(20 Christopher Street)
“Working at the Nederlander means the 1/2/3 trains are literally across the street, [so] I can grab a quick pre-show bite in the West Village and be at the stage door in under 15 minutes!” Pancholy laughs.
Therefore, Fonty’s Deli + Dukaan — hailed by influencers as “the most viral sandwich shop in all of New York City” — is undoubtedly the place to be.
Co-founded by fellow South Asian actor and Pancholy’s personal friend Arjun Gupta, it’s an "Indian-ish" fusion sandwich shop with a small “dukaan” (Hindi for “shop”) “where you can pick up small Indian snacks and groceries,” Pancholy adds. Though intentionally small, there is a makeshift dining room, with “a few cozy tables and a serene atmosphere,” points out one reviewer.
For the best bites, check out their specialties: a varied selection of Naanani (naan pressed like a panini), including Chicken Tikka and Korela Beef, among others; the Vada Pav – spiced potatoes and chutney dusted with garlic and fried chillis on a fresh potato roll; or the Lamb Meatball Sub, featuring the titular Italian-Indian staple bathed in a tomato butter sauce and stuffed in a baguette alongside buratta and crispy onions, sprinkled with cilantro to finish. The Tuna Melt’s also a fave, laden with a “zippy lime mayo” and peppered with enough Indian green chiles to pack a serious punch.
And if that’s not enough to make your mouth water, Pancholy wholeheartedly recommends the Bombay sandwich, prepared on fresh-baked Country Pullman bread and loaded with spiced potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, spices, his "favorite” Amul cheese, and a tangy cilantro-mint chutney that’ll keep you drooling long after the first bite. (“I mean, come on!” Pancholy exclaims in response).
Or perhaps, what entices you is Pancholy’s other rec, the Chana Masala Naanini, featuring curried chickpeas with a yogurt spread, hot sauce and pickled onions on the aforementioned “perfectly grilled” naan, in Pancholy’s opinion.
“And you just can’t go wrong ordering a classic Grilled Cheese with chutney,” he concludes; prepared on hot sourdough with tomatoes, it can be served with either a cilantro-mint or tamarind variety of the condiment (or your choice of tomato of garlic spread, if that’s more your speed).
In short, blending bold and intriguing Indian flavors with classic deli- and bodega-style creations in colorful designs, Fonty’s offers a “unique, elevated take on comfort food” customers won’t soon forget.
A great alternative to the rhubarb squares and apricot éclairs you were ordered to stay away from!!
Fonty’s Deli + Dukaan is open 7 days a week from 7am-11pm.
(324 W 46th St.)
Though he’s not “the only one,” (no matter what he thought), Pancholy also appreciates the homey hideaway nestled above Joe Allen.
“It's the perfect way to unwind,” he comments, “and the atmosphere” — an intentional shift from spectacle to subtlety — “is conducive to actually catching up with friends.”
Indeed, you can leave the noisy bustle behind and imbibe in this intimate space, with classic cocktails like a Vodka martini, Manhattan, or Sidecar, or even craft your own concoction, but “as someone who doesn’t drink,” says Pancholy, “I appreciate that they have a couple of non-alcoholic options on the menu as well.”
Of course, the food is top-notch, too. Our subject will often opt for the Potato Skins — “sans the bacon, of course,” but loaded with a sharp New York cheddar, scallions and sour cream — or the baked rigatoni, with fresh peas, mozzarella, and vodka sauce, “especially if I’m feeling a little extra hungry post-show,” he adds, with a giggle.
As we’ve said before, it’s long been established as the gathering place for industry insiders — “people who understand exactly where they are” and what the vibe is — so, “it’s inevitable that you’ll run into other theater folks while you’re there,” says Pancholy. “It’s nice to get to hug someone you haven't seen in a while.”
On that note, here’s hoping Mayor Menlove may stop in sometime soon!
Bar Centrale is open Mon-Sat from 5pm to 11:30pm, and closed on Sundays. Reservations are strongly recommended and are taken up to one week in advance of your desired dining date.
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!
