The Play that Goes Wrong player shares his favorite food spots 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 the talented Brent Bateman, currently causing havoc at Haversham Manor as the bumbling Robert Grove in The Play that Goes Wrong (who, in turn, portrays Thomas Colleymore in the play-within the-play).
In addition to his hijinks at New World Stages, he’s been seen regionally as Willie Conklin in Ragtime (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Harry Brock in Born Yesterday (Eccentric Theatre Company), the title role in Sweeney Todd (Anchorage Concert Chorus) and notably, as the jolly old St. Nick himself in Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. TV and film credits, meanwhile, include roles on The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, Birdman, and Boardwalk Empire.
But where does Bateman grab a bite?
(42 E 20th St.)
“I spend so much time in Times Square during the week that I take every opportunity to venture out whenever possible,” Bateman explains. “When I’m looking for an excellent restaurant experience to be part of a special celebration, I almost always choose Gramercy Tavern.”
Opened in 1994 by restaurateur Danny Meyer, the restaurant – a leading pioneer in the distinguished farm-to-table movement – has earned nine James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Chef in America, in addition to three-decade-long raves from customers. The kitchen was first run by co-founder Chef Tom Colicchio, before Chef Michael Anthony took the reins in 2006.
“This restaurant has succeeded in being a beacon for its community,” says Meyer. “I'm not sure actually when I come here if I'm coming to a family or to a restaurant….and I don't think our guests are sure whether they're going out or coming home.”
Serving local New Yorkers to guests from far and wide and first-timers to frequent customers, “people come here very spontaneously and very regularly.”
But, at the same time, as Anthony points out, it has also been “in a constant state of evolution,” tweaking not only dishes and drinks to keep up with the changing times, but also design aspects like chairs and curtains, and chef, manager, and personnel alike all step up to the plate. (Says Meyer: “Good enough is never good enough at Gramercy Tavern.”)
“This restaurant has attracted legions of people with incredible enthusiasm to push not only themselves, but this restaurant to continuously evolve,” he continues. The proof is in the pudding: In July 2024, Meyer and crew proudly celebrated the establishment’s 30th anniversary.
That evolution, of course, extends to the food, which continues to be top-notch 30 years later. Bateman even describes spending a recent birthday celebration at the establishment simply because he was craving the Tavern Burger: “No exaggeration — it’s reliably the best burger I’ve ever had.”
A 70/30 chuck/brisket beef blend sourced from a collective of farms in upstate New York and Vermont, the burger’s topped generously with Shelburne Cheddar and three strips of succulent bacon, before being tucked into a toasted bun.
Served with the Tavern’s signature smoked onion aioli and a generous portion of duck fat-fried potato chips, “this burger is substantial and satisfying.”
Customers agree – it’s one of the more popular menu items – so it’s funny to uncover, especially given the establishment’s storied history, that the dish wasn’t always among the offerings. Chef Anthony admits he was reluctant to add a burger, worried such an American staple might overshadow the rest of the menu, which also offers a Wood-Fired Bass, Brick pressed chicken, and an inventive Duck Meatloaf. After years of requests, Anthony relented, initially offering the sandwich at a specific time, and capping the orders after a certain amount were made. As its popularity increased, so did its availability.
“What I really love the most about it, though, is that it’s a miraculously tidy burger,” he continues, lost in fantasy, “[meaning] it doesn’t fall apart… it doesn’t make a mess. It stays a burger until the very last decadent bite.”
If burgers aren’t your thing, Bateman also recommends the Greenmarket lunch – “a very lovely, very vegetable-forward indulgence” – with an optional four-course pre-fixe for special occasions.
Dinner showcases a five-course menu ($175, with optional wine pairings for an additional charge) that rotates with the season. Current offerings include a corn caramelle, Caraflex cabbage and a Concord grape tart.
“Gramercy Tavern is an exceptional restaurant,” Meyer touts. “It’s an exceptional business. More than anything, it’s an exceptional group of relationships.”
But don’t just take his word for it. “I can’t say enough about the level of service here,” Bateman echoes, as if on cue. “I believe everyone deserves to feel special from time to time… and Gramercy Tavern certainly never disappoints.”
Gramercy Tavern Dining Room is open for lunch daily from 11:30am-2:30pm, and dinner Sun-Thurs from 5-9pm, and Friday-Saturday from 5-9:30pm. The Tavern, offering a selection of soulful fare in a more casual setting, is open daily from 11:30am-10:30pm. The restaurant is part of the renowned Union Square Hospitality Group.
(252 W 51st St.)
But despite all the uptown hullabaloo Gramercy incites, “when I’m meeting friends after a performance and staying close to the theater, I’ll very often steer us to Vanguard Wine Bar.”
Hailed by customers as “a friendly wine bar” with “cozy and quality wines” and “a generous pour,” the wine card speaks directly to casual drinkers, offering a robust selection of vino ranging from the familiar (California Merlot) to the bold (Bordeaux Medoc) the surprising (Upstate NY Riesling), all with the option of being served in a custom Vanguard glass.
With its open layout, bustling atmosphere, and plenty of room for groups, the warm and welcoming wine haven “is perfect for a post-show hang,” according to Bateman, but could also serve as a mutual meeting place to kick off a night with friends, or a solo venture to gobble down a meat and cheese plate all by yourself.
“The menu is also chock-full of tasty food options,” Bateman continues.
On his list of must-haves is the pimento cheese plate, featuring a portion of sharp cheddar alongside crunchy baguette chips, and any of the savory tartes, including ham & gruyere, goat cheese and onion, or mushroom, ricotta & truffle, or tartine mini-sandwiches, fig, jambon sec, and goat cheese among them.
Of course, the ever-popular digestif is the Champagne float, served in a classy coupe glass, features a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream swimming in the titular bubbly beverage.
But the service is (wine) bar none. “I’ve never not been impressed,” Bateman confesses, detailing how they’re knowledgeable about everything and can easily match a wine to one’s palette just by asking a few questions.
“And, again,” he reiterates, “the convenience [of location] really can’t be topped.”
In other words, though Haversham Manor may be in shambles — no thanks to the antics of the Cornley Drama Society members — Vanguard is one place you truly can’t go wrong.
Vanguard Wine Bar is open Monday-Saturday from 5pm-2am, and Sunday from 3pm-10pm. On Monday-Saturday, the kitchen closes at midnight; Sunday, closing’s at 10pm. No reservations are required.
