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.
We now continue with Chad Carstarphen of Hell’s Kitchen, in which he appears as staunchly overprotective doorman Ray, deadset on assisting Jersey (Shoshana Bean) to reign in an unruly Ali (Tony-winning Maleah Joi Moon) as she explores her notable New York neighborhood.
The singing actor makes his Broadway debut in the Alicia Keys tuner, having previously played Ray in the show’s Off-Broadway outing at the Public Theater last year. (On Broadway, he also understudies Jersey’s former flame, Davis). In addition, Carstarphen has also enjoyed turns in the first national tour of In the Heights, in the premiere production of John Leguizamo’s Kiss My Aztec! and on TV in CBS’ The Equalizer.
But where does Chad like to chow down after a show?
(324 W 46th St.)
A hidden gem tucked away in a brownstone above Joe Allen, Bar Centrale, the “it” place for actors, is serving up speakeasy vibes and classic cocktails reminiscent of the Prohibition era.
It’s small, almost to a fault — so reservations are a must, especially if you want a table — but customers agree: that (and its uber-friendly staff) is what makes it special.
If you’re eagle-eyed, there’s nary a night when you won’t spot a star, and its secluded, “classified” location is also part of its charm, as is its buzzy, “in-crowd” ambience, exuding an aura of exclusivity.
When it comes to the food, go for the customer-recommended buffalo chicken dip, served with house-made taro chips & Ritz crackers, the fresh Guacamole, mixed with tomato, jalapeño and lime juice and served with crunchy corn tortilla chips, or the Mexican Street Corn, made with mayonnaise, epazote leaves, cotija cheese and a lime.
Carstarphen, who seconds the establishment’s “great, intimate vibe”, recommends starting off with a classic cocktail — their menu includes the standards, like a Vodka martini, Manhattan, or Sidecar, but also boasts “off-the-beaten-path” options with ingredients you wouldn’t expect — and the Spoonbill Caviar, served with taro chips or potato skins and topped with scallions and crème frâiche.
“We’re just the kind of place where you would generally know what you like to drink,” says General Manager Mary Hattman.
While best-known for drinks and small plates, Carstarphen suggests — if you’re up for it — diving into their pasta of the day, a rotating selection of the Italian staple at market price, which include, but are not limited to, cacio e pepe and rigatoni Bolognese, or the luscious Lobster Quesadilla, loaded with Monterey Jack cheese, avocado salsa & sour cream – the perfect post-show meal for an actor in a show of Hell’s Kitchen’s caliber… and in our subject’s opinion, “the perfect way to end a night.”
Bar Centrale is open Mon-Sat from 5pm to 11:30pm, and closed on Sundays. As mentioned, reservations are strongly recommended and are taken up to one week in advance of your desired dining date.
(592 9th Ave.)
“Once in a while, when I’m craving Thai food, @Nine is my go-to restaurant,” Carstarphen says.
It’s easy to see why. With its “cozy, unpretentious atmosphere” and “exquisite tastes by talented chefs,” it’s the best the city has to offer when it comes to Thai cuisine… and that’s not just a line; the customers agree: “One of the top three Thai places I’ve been to” reads one review, while another extols: “Out of 5 stars, I give it ten!”
And while it’s a bit small — perfect to accommodate a date night, some may say — diners can tell they take full advantage of the space, lining every inch with ornate decoration, framed mirrors and lighting fixtures.
Furthermore, they switch it up with the season; summer brings a citrus theme, as lemon trees — associated with prosperity and health — envelop the walls, ceilings, and door frames, while the Fall season will see leaves and pumpkins adorning the interior.
At night, happy hour’s in full swing with drinks aplenty — try the lychee martini, the signature Hello Kitty or a Thai-inspired Long Island Iced Tea!
Or blow off your brunch plans earlier in the day to take advantage of the $16 lunch special — one starter, one main course, and bottled water, Thai iced coffee, or the highly-recommended Thai iced tea with milk and a hint of orange.
“In between a two-show day, my favorite is their Spicy Pad Kee Mao,” which translates to drunken noodles, stir-fried in the titular spicy sauce, with onions, bell peppers, fresh chili and egg; Carstarphen adds chicken, but shrimp, beef, squid, salmon, vegetables, or duck are among the proteins, too.
Other signature dishes include Kow Soi Ped — tender, succulent duck in a rich and creamy coconut curry broth, infused with an aromatic blend of spices — the Lava Chicken, over which your server pours flaming liquid while standing tableside, crab rangoon, stuffed with kani and cream cheese, red or green curry — over your choice of protein and simmered in coconut milk — or Hormok mixed seafood: shrimp, prawns, muscles and more, mixed with egg and vegetables.
Snacks and appetizers are equally popular. Light eaters will enjoy the signature @Nine dumplings, made from homemade rice paper and stuffed with ground peanuts and turnips, or the house-made Curry Puff, a small pie stuffed with curry powder, onions and sweet potatoes, served in a deep-fried or baked pastry shell.
For a cozy pick-me-up, choose from an array of soups, like the “bold and spicy” Tom Yom noodle soup, the savory Udon Noodle Soup, or the signature Tom Kha Soup, blending coconut, galangal, lime juice, and mushrooms. Gluten-free options, including a specialty @Nine Pork Chop, Garden Delight and Baked Tilapia Fantasy, are also available.
@Nine Restaurant & Bar is open M-F from 11am-4pm and 5pm-10:30pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 12pm-4pm and 5pm-10:30pm; it closes for its own lunch break from 4pm-5pm daily.
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!
