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 the second half of our Dilaria double feature, we turn to the production’s indefatigable female understudy, Rebecca Ho. Covering both Dilaria and her bestie Georgia (Tessa Albertson), Ho is “fr like so hype to be making her Off-Broadway debut” in such a fresh and exciting new piece.
A versatile artist, who recently graduated from Columbia University’s MFA Acting Program, she has previously been seen on the New York stage in such works as The Seagull, Love’s Labour’s Lost, The World’s Most Boring Murder (The Player’s Theater), and The Fantastical Fellowship… (Frigid NYC), and regionally in A Christmas Carol (Portland Stage), As You Like It, The Importance of Being Earnest and Eurydice (all at Theater at Monmouth). As a voiceover artist, she can be heard in ads for [bibigo] dumplings and StreetEasy, as well as the audiobook for My Name is Trouble, the first in the Trouble Girl Detective Mystery series. Finally, she’s also a dialect coach, specializing in Australian, British RP and General American accents.
But where does Becky head for a bite?
(792 9th Ave.)
Founded by Pibool “David” Koonvirarak, Teeradej Naruenartwanich, and Apisit Sutthisopaarporn, Three Roosters Thai opened in Hell’s Kitchen in 2020 – just as we were emerging from the first wave of the pandemic.
Having previously launched a Thai rolled ice cream shop at I•CE•NY, featuring a unique Mango Sticky Rice flavor, the triumvirate – who met as friends in college and who all have roots in Thailand – wanted to try their hand at bringing another Thai staple from their childhood to the masses here in the States.
Discouraged by the repetitive menus at Thai institutions in NYC, they aimed to show the city that the food of their ancestors “is so much more than just Pad Thai and curry.”
“We wanted to introduce an innovative chicken dish that was both distinctive and faithful to the Thai background,” they said in a statement. With a restaurant named after the three distinct ways they prepare their main dish (with a fourth additional secret recipe exclusive to their establishment), their wish became a reality.
While seemingly “just chicken and rice on a plate” (according to Ho, when solely describing the dish’s visual appearance), the owners maintain that it’s, again, so much more: “It’s a new way of appreciating chicken with a Thai style that’s culturally refreshing and groundbreaking.”
In other words, as Ho acknowledges, indeed, “they only do one thing, but they do it extremely well.”
Their signature dish is served in four variations - lemongrass grilled chicken, crispy fried chicken, tender poached chicken, and their specialty Zab preparation, seasoned with a “seriously addicting” blend of spices that is sour, salty, sweet and spicy all in one bite — “resulting in a…dish that be enjoyed and savored.”
For her taste, Ho “usually gravitates toward the Fried Chicken.” Topped with sweet chili sauce and served with fresh cucumber and ginger rice — the latter side imported directly from Thailand — “I love the simplicity of it,” she comments. “That juicy, crispy chicken paired with the super flavorful rice… divine!!”
And she’s not just saying that – one professional critic concurs that “it is a spectacular chicken…you’ll want to keep eating,” while another calls the meat itself “a beauty in its own right.”
Of note, the dish, while undeniably crispy, is also distinct in that it’s air-fried, so that “it’s not too heavy and [can] be properly digested without giving anyone the feeling of overeating.”
Meanwhile, the poached chicken, slow-cooked to preserve its juices, is topped with a soybean ginger sauce, while the grilled chicken, marinated in a combination of herbs, spices and soy sauces, is plated alongside tangy tamarind sauce and a robust corn salad. In addition, all four variations come with a clear chicken broth.
Rounding off the menu are two appetizers — satay, or skewered chicken, served in a Thai peanut sauce with fresh cucumber on the side, and a generous plate of Zab fries, doused with that “irresistible” aforementioned seasoning — a Chicken Salad Bowl (add your chicken to a mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, corn and fried shallots) and a variety of standard beverages, including Thai iced tea or coffee, sodas and sparkling water.
Regardless of how you enjoy it, you can rest easy knowing all the chicken is non-GMO and free of antibiotics, hormones, and unwanted preservatives. In addition, the founders also make note of their deep appreciation for sustainability, and their goal is to be a nearly zero-waste establishment with nearly 100% compostable cups and packaging.
If Dilaria had any empathy, she’d be so proud!
Three Roosters Thai is open 7 days a week, from 11:30am-4pm, and again from 5pm-1opm.
(400 W. 50th Street)
For a special occasion or celebration, or perhaps, “if you’re just feeling a little bougie,” Ho wholeheartedly recommends Omakase by Korami.
A form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of the chef, Omakase, literally translated in English to “I leave it up to you,” originated during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868) and has since become a symbol of Japanese dining worldwide, typically using the best and freshest ingredients available.
But how does this Hell’s Kitchen hotspot distinguish itself from the dozens of other omakase establishments across Manhattan? Through its attention to embracing simplicity, and removing unnecessary possessions that serve to clutter rather than cleanse.
With just 10 stools placed around a U-shaped counter and chef at its center, it taps into Japanese minimalist traditions by “creating serenity and harmony amidst the pace of the city.”
The 15-course, $89-per-person meal also comes with a 60-minute time limit, “and they stick to that very exactly,” Ho notes, “which makes it perfect for a pre-show meal, or if you’re an actor on a break.”
And then, of course, there’s the food itself. Again, there’s no avoiding the fact that the price is steep, but with the chef shaping the meal before your eyes – a meal consisting of fresh Shia Aji (Striped Jack Fish), Hamachi (Yellowtail), Ikura (Golden Eye Snapper), Akami (King Salmon), Uni (Fatty Tuna) and more – it’d be an understatement to say, as Ho does, “this sushi is TOP NOTCH,” affirming it’s worth the hefty price.
“The fish is flown in fresh every day,” the actress continues, adding that the individual pieces each have the “melt-in-your-mouth delicious” taste to support that reality. “Each piece is better than the last,” she raves, “which you might not think is possible, but here, it is.”
Which is likely why she admits that, even though that she first dined with her parents at the restaurant almost a full two years ago, “we still talk about that meal today,” before reiterating, with a telling smile – as her endorsement can attest – “Yes, it was that good.”
Omakase by Korami is open Sunday-Thursday from 5pm-10pm, and Friday & Saturday from 5pm-11pm.
ONE FINAL PICK: Continuing on the “Thai train,” just as it was for a previous participant before her, Yum Yum Too is a must for Ho, especially when it comes to Thai food. “Who knew you could find top-notch Thai food right here in Midtown?!” she says, of the bustling Bangkok-inspired restaurant, in business since 2014.
Mentioning she was introduced to the establishment by a friend who went to school with the Yum Yum owners’ daughter – “That [revelation] just upped the charm even more for me,” Ho admits. “It really does feel like a family restaurant” – the place cemented itself as a staple for her when she brought her visiting relatives in over the holidays for repeat visits.
“I’m a basic girlie when it comes to Thai food,” she says, on the food front. “My go-to dish is the Pad Thai.” Featuring stir-fried rice noodles betwixt egg, tofu, peanuts, bean sprouts and scallions, “it never fails. It’s always so, so good!”
Other favorites within her fam include the Red Curry, served atop bamboo shoots, basil, bell peppers and eggplant – with diner’s choice of protein (pick from duck, shrimp, chicken, pork, or vegetables) and either Jasmine or brown rice – and the specialty Crispy Basil Red Snapper, with the titular fillet on a bed of bok choy and bell peppers topped with tamarind and roasted chili paste, but “you can’t go wrong with anything here,” Ho reiterates.
Cocktails are also aplenty, including specialty libations like Lychee Lemonade (vodka, lime & lychee juice), Blue Hawaii (coconut rum, blue curacao & pineapple juice) and a Thai Tea Boost (with vodka) in addition to Thai beer and house wine (red or white); the former can be ordered as part of a bar special (every cocktail order comes with one free appetizer), while the latter two are popular picks at happy hour, offered daily from 4:45-6:30pm.
Yum Yum Too is open for lunch and dinner M-F from 12pm-3:45pm & 4:45pm-10:45pm, respectively, with closing on Friday at 11:30pm. Saturday hours are 12pm-11:30pm and on Sunday, they're open from 12pm-10:45pm, without a break.
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!
