The versatile actor, soon to be seen in Aftermath, shares his favorite food spots for before or after a 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 turn to dynamic performer Danny Kornfeld, appearing in Off-Broadway’s Aftermath beginning October 19th, as journalist Josh Goldman, who returns to his childhood home to recover after being taken captive in Afghanistan, while chasing a breaking news story. As Josh struggles to reconnect with his family and make sense of what he’s endured, the ever-timely production explores the complexities of global conflict, personal convictions, and family dynamics, while uncovering how the young journalist “found the courage to take on his most dangerous assignment.”
In addition to his work in this prevalent play, Kornfeld previously appeared on Broadway as Young Rabbi in Harmony, and as Mark in the 20th anniversary tour of Rent. Other New York theatre credits include Renascence (Transport Group, world premiere) and Wringer (City Center, dir. Stephen Brackett). Regional credits include work at Barrington Stage Company and Aspen Music Festival, while concert work includes performances at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Library of Congress. On screen, Kornfeld recurs on FX’s American Horror Story: NYC. He has completed his short film, MOMMY, and is now in development for his first feature film.
But where does Danny like to dine?
(265 W 52nd St.)
Founded in 1997 by a pair of waiters who previously worked at the neighboring Russian Samovar, the Russian Vodka Room & Lounge offers a distinct dining experience that captures the timeless elegance of the Russian tradition. “With its Christmas lights glowing all year round, this festive, windowless Midtown restaurant….feels,” as Kornfeld puts it, “like a little escape from the city.”
Indeed, designed to resemble a cozy Moscow den, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that exudes “a wonderfully old-world, Russian charm” – so much so that if you, at Kornfeld’s suggestion, settle in the back with a horseradish martini, “it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Midtown Manhattan.”
With its sturdy green banquettes, elegant chandeliers, and works by Picasso, Chagall and their contemporaries gracing the walls, the expansive bar “reflects the essence of a traditional Russian home.”
The menu, meanwhile, “is full of hearty, deeply comforting Russian flavors that make you want to linger over every plate. Sometimes there’s even a piano.”
Kornfeld meticulously plans his meal, urging readers to follow his lead: “Pair the food with an infused vodka, keep the martinis coming, and settle in.”
First, start with the gravlax, or salt-cured salmon. “Served alongside crisp potato pancakes and bright pickled vegetables, it’s silky, delicate, and delicious,” Kornfeld gushes.
“Pile everything together,” he instructs. “The salmon, crunchy potato, tangy pickles, and a little of the accompanying fixings. Altogether, it [makes for] the perfect bite.”
Next, share an order of the most “comforting and pillowy” dumplings. Choose from a variety of options – including savory (beef, lamb, potato) and sweet (cheese or sour cherry) – though Kornfeld is partial to the lamb.
Hearty borscht, served hot or cold, and buttery chicken Kiev, served in a creamy white sauce, are also among customer favorites.
And of course, at the Russian Vodka Room, vodka is a must. Boasting over 50 different kinds of the celebrated spirit, from classic Russian labels to lesser-known gems (and all organic, at that!), the eatery prides itself on its premium collection. Go for the Sweet Russian Doggy, with red grapefruit-infused vodka and red grapefruit juice, garnished with a sprig of mint and a brown sugar rim; the Lindsay Lohan Cocktail (French sparkling wine and St. Germain blackberry puree, finished with mint); or any other specialty drink on their extensive menu if you want to mix it up. But rest assured, the classics hit just the same. You’ll be equally at home with a Martini (available in sour apple, peach, pomegranate, watermelon, raspberry, and chocolate varieties) or their take on a Summer Twist Cocktail, with Aperol, gin and fresh lemon juice.
In terms of infusions, “if you’re into savory, go with the Horseradish, as I do, or the garlic dill,” suggests Kornfeld. “For those who like fruit, pineapple or ginger are my favorites.” Or, if you’re indecisive and have the means to indulge, heed his other advice: “Try a bunch and see what you like.”
“It’s the kind of place that allows for that,” he continues, summing up. In terms of aesthetic, “it feels wonderfully removed from the city... a little hidden, a little nostalgic, and incredibly special. By the end of the meal, you’ll feel as though you’ve been wrapped in a warm hug, both belly and soul.”
Russian Vodka Room is open Sunday from 4pm-12am, Monday-Wednesday from 4pm-1am, and Thursday-Saturday from 4pm-2am. Happy hour is offered from 4pm-7pm daily.
(749 9th Ave.)
A recipient of a much-deserved 2025 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, the lively Southern Thai restaurant Chalong has been delighting diners with inventive dishes since it opened in January 2023. “The room is energetic, the cocktails are seriously good, and every dish comes bursting with bright, bold flavors and incredibly fresh ingredients,” Kornfeld gushes.
With a name meaning “to celebrate,” the vibe is appropriately festive throughout, bathed in warm earth tones, with dark wood and “touches of blue” at the bar and rattan light fixtures gracing the ceilings.
The extensive menu, courtesy of Surat Thani-born Chef Nate Limwong, celebrates traditional Southern Thai flavors “that are bold, unexpected, and completely addictive,” Kornfeld reiterates. “This is not the place for your standard drunken noodles or familiar takeout classics,” he continues. “Chalong is exciting precisely because it takes you somewhere else.”
Curries, rice-and-noodle dishes, and seafood plates are among the offerings, and Kornfeld knows exactly what to order: “If you’re an oyster fan, start with the Lumpu Salad.” Loaded with fresh scallops, seafood sauce, chili paste, fried shallots, cilantro, mint, and pea shoots, “it’s briny, refreshing and packed with contrasting textures.”
Next, go for the Sator Goong, “especially if you like a little heat,” Kornfeld advises. “The shrimp, pork, and pungent sator beans bring a deep, funky flavor that lingers in the best way.”
Customers also laud the baerng golae – grilled shrimp tossed in a rich coconut curry and topped with fried coconut crisps – or the “exceptional” Crab Curry, which swaps the succulent shrimp for both jumbo lump crab meat and deep-fried soft-shell crab.
Drinks, of course, are also aplenty, among them specialty cocktails such as “Leonardo on the Beach” (coconut rum, Pedro Ximénez, matcha, pandan & kinako, served over pebble ice), “After School” (butterfly pea vodka mixed with pear, rambutan, Génépy & lemon), and “Biryani Passion” (tequila, ancho chile, passion fruit, cumin, turmeric, agave, shallot, Tajín, cilantro). If you’re feeling less adventurous, traditional wine, beer and soft drinks are also available. Depending on the day, you might even find a Broadway show-themed cocktail, a fitting nod to the typical pre-show crowd.
Whatever you order and whenever you go, take a page from Kornfeld’s book: “Make a reservation as this place gets busy.”
And clearly, with good reason. As Limwong notes, for “anyone who has tasted the real freshness of spices and seafood in Southern Thailand,” a meal at Chalong is sure to evoke those fond memories and, fittingly, lure you back.
Chalong is open Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-10pm, and Friday & Saturday from 12pm-11pm, with a daily break from 4pm-5pm.
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!
