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 Emma Hunton, currently appearing as the Lead Actress in Exorcistic: The Rock Musical, currently playing at the Asylum Theatre through November 1.
A campy, self-aware spoof of the Exorcist films from the mind of Michael Shaw Fisher, the show follows a ragtag theatre troupe mounting their own Exorcist parody as part of a cunning and devious money-making scheme. As the process progresses from staged reading to Broadway, the group’s quest for fame and money begins to supersede their art and humanity, as they eventually strategize to ensure their lead actress (Hunton) becomes, in fact, possessed for real.
In addition to her work in Exorcistic, Hunton has appeared on Broadway in Spring Awakening (2006) and Next to Normal, and was flying high as Elphaba in the first national tour of Wicked. Regional credits include Witness Uganda (Wallis Annenberg Center) and Freaky Friday (Signature Theatre). And, of course, on television, she appeared as series regular Davia Moss in all five seasons of Freeform’s Good Trouble.
But where does this demonic diva-portrayer like to dine?
(235 W. 48th St.)
Like another of our previous participants – also portraying a dastardly devil in his own way – Hunton cannot get enough of the meals at La Masseria. “When I say every single dish on the menu is perfection, I mean it.”
She’s not kidding. “If you're a fan of Italian food like I am,” she elaborates, “this place will truly check all of your boxes.”
With a name that translates to “farmhouse” in English, owner Peppe Iuele and his partners Enzo Ruggiero & Pino Coladonato were inspired by these such fortified structures from the Puglia region of Italy, aiming to bring a similarly rustic vibe to their establishment; with a warm, inviting atmosphere and “plenty of old-world charm,” the triumvirate offer new, creative spins on classic dishes using the same few farm-fresh ingredients, all against a backdrop of stone walls, arched ceilings, iron sconces and exposed wooden beams. 
In terms of food, whereas Szot meticulously plans a full meal, Hunton maintains simplicity with her preference, but ventures outside of the box. “This one’s not on the menu,” she admits, in sharing her choice, “but if you're extra nice to your server, they can whip up a fettuccine alfredo that’s on another level.”
Thick-cut fettuccine noodles tossed with butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, cheesy sauce that’s just as delicious and delectable as you’d imagine it to be?! Next level indeed! If we had to, we’d surely possess ourselves to get some!
La Masseria is open for lunch Mon-Sat from 12pm-3pm, and dinner on Monday from 4:30pm-11pm, and Tues-Sat from 4:30pm-12am; hours of operation on Sunday occur from 12pm-10:30pm without a break.
(519 Hudson St.)
“For late-night eats and drinks, you can’t beat Cowgirl on the Lower West Side,” says Hunton with a smile.
Since 1989, this Texas-friendly bar and restaurant, “uniting true Wild West spirit with the independent, creative energy of New York City”, has been consistently “welcoming people of all walks of life” with their friendly service, decently priced food, and “killer margaritas” served in mason jars, to boot.
“The bar side and the restaurant side are separated,” our subject continues, “so you can enjoy [nourishment] to match whatever vibe you’re feeling for the night!”
With its tables outfitted in red-and-white oilcloth to keep with the honky-tonk Southwestern theme, the “spot-on décor” radiates “style and flair in every direction,” according to Hunton, while another reviewer raves the food is “like eating my grandmother’s home-cooked meals!”
No doubt Hunton would concur. “It’s my favorite place to grab chicken nachos and corn dogs after a show,” she gushes. The former of her favorite dishes features the protein in question stewed in tomatoes and spices and served atop tortilla chips piled high with jack cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo & sliced jalapeños, while the latter is a homemade recipe served State Fair-style with ketchup and mustard.
Bonus: Try the Frito Pie, a Southern staple, served with beef or veggie chili, alongside cheddar cheese, onions, sour cream, and jalapeños.
A variety of burgers, salads, and other Tex-Mex favorites round out the offerings.
Cowgirl NYC is open M-Th from 11:30am-11pm, Friday from 11:30am-12am, Saturday from 10:30am-12am, and Sunday from 10:30am-10pm. In addition to lunch and dinner, brunch is served on Saturday & Sunday from 10:30am-4pm.
ONE FINAL PICK: “Unfortunately, we have yet to find anywhere in New York City that serves pea soup the way I do at Exorcistic! Come see me for SOUP at Asylum NYC, Monday through Saturdays at 7PM.”
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!
