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, in honor of their recently released cast album, we take flight with The Lost Boys’ trio of terrifying vampires - Brian Flores (Marko), Sean Grandillo (Dwayne) and Dean Maupin (Paul), who collectively present a plethora of restaurants and dishes they’re dying to sink their teeth into!
In addition to his role in The Lost Boys, Sean Grandillo previously appeared on Broadway in the company of Deaf West’s 2015 Spring Awakening revival, in which he also served as the production’s conductor. Tour credits include Curly in Oklahoma!, while TV work consists of stints on The OA, Condor, and The Real O’Neals.
But where does Grandillo grab his grub?
(502 Amsterdam Ave.)
Since 2002, the small and homey red-sauce trattoria has welcomed Upper West Side neighborhood locals and tourists with a warm, lively energy and “classic Italian dishes made with care.”
With just 18 little tables and a narrow porch in the front, the brick-walled main room outfitted with old-fashioned terra-cotta floors may seem “charmingly cramped” at first glance, but rest assured – it’s regularly teeming with customers at both lunch and dinner. It’s all anchored by a large wood-fired oven, into which a cook will occasionally “throw a log” or, more often, out of which, extract a pizza.
As for eats, the menu is plentiful. Divided into 12 sections, there’s no shortage of pizza, pasta, salads, specials, antipasti, fish, chicken, steak, sides, and dessert. Of note, all pizza and pasta can be made gluten-free for an additional charge, or can be further adjusted to accommodate other dietary restrictions.
“I will usually get their Focaccia ripiena pizza,” says Grandillo, on the subject. Thin-crusted, drizzled with truffle oil and generously stuffed with robiola cheese – “yes, the cheese is baked on the inside!” the actor reiterates with enthusiasm – “it’s just so special, singular, and amazing.”
Other must-haves recommended by customers are the Involtini Di Melanzane (eggplant rolls stuffed with prosciutto and pecorino, and baked with tomato sauce – perfect for sharing), the ever-popular Tagliatelle with shrimp, cabbage, and sheep’s milk cheese, Ippoglosso Al Limone (halibut sautéed with lemon and capers, served with spinach and roasted potatoes), and, of course, their trademark Carciofi Fritti – fried artichokes, “served crackling hot and meant to be shared.”
On the drinks front, there’s no printed wine list, but folks can still purchase affordable wines available by the bottle. “And it’s cash-only,” Grandillo cautions, “so be sure to come prepared” and even with a reservation, you’ll likely face a short wait with time to kill… but as the vamps know, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Celeste NYC is open Monday-Thursday from 4:30pm-9:30pm, Friday from 4:30pm-10pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 12pm-1opm, with a break between lunch and dinner from 3pm-4:30pm.
(85 Washington Place)
A uniquely cozy, self-described “Bitcoin bar” in the heart of Greenwich Village, Pubkey has been serving up smashburgers, hot dogs, bar snacks, and beer since it opened in 2022.
With its 1930s ceiling, exposed brick wall, and a classic checkered floor – with skylights and TVs mounted in the back – it's a fun, festive spot, that caters especially well to crowds; full back room and banquette options are perfect for hosting private events, birthday parties, company outings or other social gatherings.
“There’s a very dedicated and passionate group that doesn’t have that many places to go in New York City,” says co-owner Thomas Pacchia, who joined forces with Peter Richardson and Greg Minasian, former proprietors of the Lower East Side’s Spreadhouse Café, to purchase and operate the establishment, of its attracting a certain assemblage of people. Even so, despite the apparent branding, “You don’t have to like bitcoin [to come here],” he assures. “It’s for everyone.”
Like the venue itself, the menu, crafted by Chef Greg Proechel, who previously trained at Eleven Madison Park, is equally buzzed-about and impressive. Though renowned for “NYC’s tastiest burger,” available as a single, double or triple stacker, with signature pub sauce, lettuce, onion, tomato and cheese, Grandillo goes for the “to-die-for” hot dogs, available in seven varieties, including a New Jersey ripper (fried with chili on a potato bun), a Chicago Classic dog (with onion, tomato, pepper, relish and yellow mustard), or the New York Dirty Dog, (topped with Wagyu chili, Coleslaw, fried shallots and hot sauce). “Get any or all, and you’ll be happy,” the actor enthuses. “They’re reasonably cheap and absolutely delicious.”
Buffalo chicken, chop cheese, fried mozzarella and nachos round out the offerings, with additional customized food options available upon request. Essentially, if you make it through the night... it’ll be a night well spent at PubKey!
PubKey is open Monday-Thursday from 3pm-2am, Friday from 3pm-4am, Saturday from 12pm-4am, and Sunday from 12pm-2am.
ONE FINAL PICK: Javelina on the Upper East Side – “Get the Queso Sampler: in my opinion, the only true Tex-mex style queso I’ve found in the city!”
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!
