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 “blast off” with the ultimate “girl with something to do”: Becca Suskauer, who currently appears as Rhoda Tanklow in Off-Broadway’s A Walk on the Moon. One might think just landing a role in the show alone would be a dream come true for this natural-born theatre kid (and, for the record, you’d be right). But, in this production specifically, Suskauer has an extra-special reason to celebrate each night: for the first time in either of their professional careers, she’s sharing the stage with her sister, Talia, who plays Pearl.
“It’s a lifelong dream come true,” Becca says, of the serendipitous moment, “especially for the 10-year-old little girl who loved playing dress-up and singing showtunes with her big sister. I always thought she was simply the greatest at those things… and still do.” And the bond doesn’t end there. In addition to interacting onstage – “in our silly scene where I get to wear Rhoda’s pink babydoll PJs and giggle with T on a bench,” she laughs – the two are also living together offstage. And if that weren't enough, Becca also serves as Talia’s understudy.
Furthermore, beyond bringing the powerhouse sisters together, the show also offers an exploration of Jewish bungalow culture, a world that is deeply rooted in Suskauer’s family history, and close to her heart. “My grandmothers on both sides of the family went to the bungalows in the ‘60s, and therefore, our parents did, too!” In fact, from her gestures and mannerisms to even the way she’s dressed, Becca sees “such an intentional and yet natural parallel” of her grandmothers in Talia’s portrayal of Pearl, in addition to other moments peppered throughout the production: “There’s lots of my Nona and my Grandma Rose in this show.”
In addition to her work in A Walk on the Moon, Suskauer has previously appeared onstage in the national tour of Pretty Woman, Waitress (Dawn, Actor’s Playhouse), 59E59’s How My Grandparents Fell in Love, and Relapse (Theatre Row). Screen credits include Jesse Eisenberg’s upcoming A24 film The Debut (premiering this Fall, the film stars Julianne Moore, and Suskauer plays her daughter!), and HBO Max’s Pretty Little Liars: Summer School. Perhaps most meaningful for Becca, she’s also a burgeoning singer/songwriter, with several original singles now available online and streaming on all platforms.
But where does Becca grab a bite?
(1177 6th Ave.)
“I love a delightfully hearty Mediterranean meal that I can customize,” says Suskauer... so it’s no surprise that her absolute “go-to rehearsal day lunch spot” is noted customizable counter-service eatery, NAYA.
Established in 2008 – and with one location conveniently situated just a block away from the Laura Pels – NAYA was inspired by the bold and vibrant Mediterranean flavors that made up the childhood of its founder, Hady Kfoury. Raised primarily in Beirut in a family “where hospitality was second nature,” Kfoury came stateside during the summers, when he lived with his aunt in Midtown East, presumably stoking the flame for him to pursue New York as the eventual premiere NAYA location.
Aiming to bring to New Yorkers the same “freshness, brightness, and generosity of Lebanese cooking” that enlivened his youth, Kfoury originally established the venture as NAYA Mezze & Grill, a full-service restaurant boasting the Lebanese recipes inspired by those of his mother and aunt. Overtime, as it gained popularity and necessitated an “easier access” option, it became NAYA, the fast-casual offshoot it’s known as today, offering “Middle Eastern goodness” through authentic quality ingredients at a reasonable price, with 40 locations across five states, including New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
The chain’s mouthwatering menu centers on “create-your-own” meals in the form of rolls, bowls and salads, to which customers can add their choice of protein, and a plethora of unlimited toppings, sauces and dips.
For her part, Suskauer constructs a bowl “with a ½ quinoa, ½ rice base,” topped with chicken shawarma, pickles, cauliflower, pita crunch, hummus, tzatziki, “and just the right amount of lemon tahini [sauce] to tie it together.” Complete the meal with a Coca-Cola – “it’s chef’s kiss,” Suskauer declares. And she can’t resist adding the mini baklava they keep at the register to her order. Packed with pistachio and hints of lemon, rose water & orange blossom, she admits, with a giggle, “They get me every time.”
Frequent diners can also take advantage of NAYA’s rewards program, earning one point for every dollar spent through the apps. After 100 points, members receive a $9 reward, with birthday perks, exclusive offers, and a $3 welcome reward for first-time users rounding out the incentives.
We’re sure Betty Friedan would approve! Oooh oooh!
NAYA at 46th & 6th is open Monday-Friday from 10:30am-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 12pm-8pm.
(106 E. 60th Street)
With a name that translates to “little kitchen,” Piccola Cucina is the brainchild of Italian chef Philip Guardione. As a child, Guardione helped his grandmother, whom he hails as “a true master of Sicilian cuisine,” cook lunches for weekly Sunday dinners, as well as the larger, food-centric holidays like Christmas and Easter, igniting a lifelong passion for food, and bolstering the pursuit of a career in the industry.
After gaining success in Central Europe, he made the move to the United States, with his eyes on the Big Apple.
“I had come to New York just for a visit, but the energy and dynamism of these people bewitched me,” said Guardione, in a statement. “Today, the Big Apple has become my city, where this unexpected adventure began.”
Armed with a “mission to bring the pleasure of the rich flavors of my country here [to America],” he established the first Piccola Cucina location in SoHo in 2008. Spring Street followed in 2013, with the final Upper East Side location debuting in 2020… and standing strong amidst the pandemic.
It’s a good thing, too, as it’s quickly become one of Suskauer’s must-visit “nice restaurants spots” especially “when friends and family are in town.”
Having the aforementioned How My Grandparents Fell in Love play the theater at 59E59, which Suskauer explains is “a stone’s throw away,” she articulates how she “loved being able to meet loved ones for a bite and make it back to the theater in a hot sec.”
While the menu is filled with “so many luxuriously yet homey, well-made Italian dishes,” from the Maccheroni alla Norma (macaroni pasta with tomato sauce, ricotta, and eggplant) and the Lasagna della Mamma Rosa (with meat ragu and bechamel sauce) to the Branzino alla griglia (grilled sea bass with lemon oil and capers) and Braised beef short ribs, served with mashed potatoes and sun-dried tomato gremolata, Suskauer insists, “the non-negotiable starter is the fried zucchini.” Served with no-frills and just as it’s written on the menu, it’s a customer favorite praised for its crispiness and authentic flavor. But while its essential perfection leaves little need for alteration, Suskauer again insists on offering a hot tip: “Use the lemon they give you on the side,” adding, matter-of-factly, “just trust me.”
She also backtracks to rave about the “to-die-for” focaccia with prosciutto, but stresses that any of the focaccias on the menu – all thin-crusted, served plain, or filled with either stracchino cheese or black truffles – will satisfy your craving. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a highly coveted, customer-recommended homemade Sicilian cannoli for dessert.
Overall, it’s “an escape to Italy without leaving New York City,” perhaps in the same way a (ahem) certain production is an escape to the Catskills without leaving New York City. In other words, it’s like… a walk on the moon.
Piccola Cucina Uptown is open 7 days a week from 11:30am-11pm.
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!
