The Ozian veteran shares his favorite food picks 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.
In celebration of a certain swankified trailer that was recently released, we turn to Broadway’s Biq Boq himself, Daniel Quadrino. Prior to his portrayal of the lovelorn Munchkin, which is a return to Oz for him in itself, having previously performed in the hitmaker’s ensemble, Quadrino appeared in The Who’s Tommy, the 2009 revival of Bye Bye Birdie, and had multiple stints in 2012’s Newsies. National tour credits include Ogie in Waitress and Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, while TV appearances include Truth Slash Fiction and NBC’s Peter Pan Live! Finally, Quadrino has performed at Encores!, Paper Mill Playhouse, and the Muny, and he’s also quite a presence in the cabaret scene. popping up at 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, and The Green Room 42, among others.
But where does Danny like to dine?
(321 W 51st St.)
Like another of our previously polled participants, Quadrino can’t resist Ippudo Westside, exclaiming “[it’s] my go-to when I want something warm and comfy between shows!” And what’s more warm and comfy than a piping hot bowl of Ramen?!
Translated from Japanese as “first of its kind,” or, more appropriately, “first wind”, as stated prior, the Ramen mecca was named as such because in 1985, when the initial establishment began in Fukuoka, Japan, there were “dark clouds over the…Ramen industry” and founder Shigemi Kawahara intended to “blow wind,” so to speak, in an attempt to innovate and revitalize the dish.
“Nobody was looking out for a new style…[but] I had faith in finding a new way,” Kawahara says, of his concept. “I wanted to change the ramen industry….I wanted to bring about a change in that culture and be the winds of change.” And, though he spent a year experimenting to find “flavors I could call my own,” it wasn’t long thereafter that the “first wind” – Ippudo – was born.
Gradually expanding to various other regions throughout the country, with the chain now comprised of 67 restaurants worldwide, the move to the States came in 2008, with their first-ever overseas restaurant commencing in the East Village; the Midtown location, now the flagship, officially opened in 2013.
As for the eats? Like our ensemblist before him, Quadrino also goes for the Shiromaru Motoaji – with Hakata thin noodles, scallions, seasoned bamboo shoots, and tender, slow-cooked pork loin, steeped in Ippudo’s famous 26-hour, slow-boiled tonkotsu broth – but also prefers the steamed Chicken Bun, the titular protein deep-fried, boneless and marinated amongst crunchy Japanese pickles, tartar sauce, and iceberg lettuce. “It is so yummy and filling,” he notes, “but without leaving me feeling bloated and overly full when I have another show to do,” undoubtedly making it easier to dance through life on a two-show day.
Which is exactly the way Kawahara would have it. “Ramen is the foundation of my happiness,” the founder and chef continues. “I’m [not] the top ramen chef, but I aim to set new standards….I can change the world using ramen. [I] can make ramen for people and bring them happiness.” In other words, with just one bite, we can be changed for good.
Ippudo Westside is open M-Th and Sunday from 11am-11:00pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 11am-12am.
(135 W 41st St.)
The more casual, laid-back offshoot of the Michelin-acclaimed Mari, which specializes in the sit-down omakase experience, Mari.ne, opened in 2023, is a fusion handroll bar that intertwines Korean and Japanese cuisines to create a unique blend of sushi flavors.
Its name derived from “Mari,” which means “roll” in Korean, and “ne”, which represents “the house of,” the menu aims to evoke the sensation of eating comfort home-cooked meals, with an equally soothing ambiance to match.
“And it’s all bar seating,” notes Quadrino, adding its intimacy is “what makes it feel so cozy, calm and cool.”
Their approach to the handroll is similar to that of KazuNori, the notable handroll chain from the founders of Sugarfish, or Nami Nori, the West Village sushi staple, which opened in 2019. With just 15 counter seats at the bar, customers can slide up and choose from standard fillings like scallop, salmon, shrimp, spicy tuna, yellowtail, and more, or go for the more inventive fillings – created by Michelin-starred Chef Sungchui Shim and inspired by the aforementioned Mari’s most popular menu items – like uni, wagyu, and caviar. There’s also an exclusive vegan menu, offering creative takes on toppings such as mushroom, broccoli & avocado, asparagus & tomato, curry, and yuba.
Though customers can mix and match with these individual rolls and add-ons a la carte, they’re also available in pre-arranged (and reasonably priced!) sets, served alongside mandu (Korean steamed dumplings) and a small bowl of pho.
“I will usually get the 5 handroll set,” Quadrino says, on the subject – consisting of fatty tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellow tail and spicy tuna – “but often add a crab roll, because they are just so damn good!” With fresh lump crabmeat and avocado balanced on a bed of rice and wrapped in seaweed… we’ve got something to confess-a: we’d go for it, too!
Mari.ne is open Monday-Saturday from 11:30am-9:00pm, with a short closing from 3-4pm; on Sundays, the establishment is closed.
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!
