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 versatile vocalist Nick Cartell to celebrate his recently-released easy listening album, A Thousand Spotlights. Boasting a diverse mix of Broadway standards, Disney classics and cinema faves, all brought together with a jazzy twinge, the album “not only speaks to me and who I am as a person,” shares Cartell, “but also who I want to be as a performer moving forward in my career.”
Currently headlining as 24601 himself, Jean Valjean, on the national tour of Les Misérables, Cartell has been seen on the Main Stem in such shows as Paramour, Scandalous, and the 2012 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, the latter in which he made his Broadway debut. He has also toured the U.S. and Canada in the title role of The Phantom of the Opera.
In addition to his stage work, Cartell has hit the concert circuit with the South Coast Symphony, the Phoenix Symphony and as a member of the critically-acclaimed Broadway Boys.
With his wife, Christine Cartell — a notable actress and singer in her own right — he produces concerts for Broadway Fights Ovarian Cancer to raise funds and awareness for the titular disease.
And fun fact: He is the godfather of Back to the Future’s Casey Likes.
But where does Nick like to nosh?
(204 W. 55th St.)
“It’s just one of those spots that has it all!” shouts Cartell, of the Midtown Irish-influenced pub.
Indeed – whether you’re craving a post-theatre cocktail with a group or a quick bite to eat with a partner before a show, Tanner Smith’s is the place to get it.
Named after the leader of the 1920s Marginal Gang, whose club was located above a saloon on the Lower East Side, the interior of today’s restaurant mirrors that of its namesake’s private hideaway.
Weathered brick walls line the back room, outfitted with big booths and cozy tables tucked away from the action for those who prefer a private dinner. “But we also just hosted a big post-show gathering,” notes Cartwell, “and [they] had plenty of room for more than twenty friends,” noting the downstairs bar area has open space, a separate sound system, and dimmer lighting to accommodate live music and larger parties.
The location can’t be beat, either: “It’s just outside of the hustle-and-bustle of Times Square, but also close enough to capture the excitement of the area if you’re staying close by.”
But, on that note, it’s the food and buzzy bar scene – ringing emphatically, but not irritatingly, into the night – that keeps customers coming back.
“We provide our guests with a truly unique dining experience,” reads the ad plastered across their website, and Cartell would heartily agree.
“You can’t go wrong with the BBQ Brisket Nachos,” he says, beaming; made with 12-hour smoked brisket, black beans, jack cheese, Alabama white sauce, cello radish, and shaved jalapeños, “they’re perfection,” and the “dynamite” Everything Pretzel Bites, served with a creamy IPA cheese sauce and spicy mustard for dipping, “are great for sharing.”
If you’re craving a sweet treat, consider the drool-inducing Caramelized Banana Tacos, or the fan-favorite classic Carrot Cake, with walnuts, ginger, and bee pollen cream cheese… aligning with the “thoughtful food selections with a twist” their website promotes as well.
They’re also known for their extravagant, one-of-a-kind brunches, including the Bottomless Prohibition Bunch (90 minutes of unlimited cocktails) and their exclusive Tipsy Tea, featuring the booze-infused titular beverage in teacups (natch), served five days a week.
On the topic of libations, the bar prides itself on its entertainment-based approach; the focus is not on being high-end or overly elaborate, but on having fun and creating “delicious and well-thought out” drinks, and – quite literally – “lighting things on fire.”
“If you want a great drink, you can have a great drink,” says Kevin Doherty, who previously served as bar consultant. “But, in addition to the alcoholic beverages, this is a place where all the employees are always happy.”
“The way we conduct [ourselves] at Tanner Smith’s, we want to make the guest the main focus,” adds Tiarnan O’Gara, mixologist at the bar. “We see everyone as equal. We want to shake somebody’s hand, we want to have a conversation… and ultimately, we want to make sure they’re happy.”
As a customer, what more could you want? Which is why, as Cartell reiterates, this place is truly “one....that has it all!!”
Tanner Smith’s is open Monday & Tuesday from 2pm-2am, W-F from 12pm-3am, Saturday from 10:30am-3am, and Sunday from 10:30am-3pm. From 4pm ’til close daily, the establishment is strictly 21 and over.
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!
