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 a few festive folks in the ensemble of Elf the Musical: J Savage and Rodney Thompson. In addition to spreading that “sparklejollytwinklejingly” spirit in this production, Savage previously appeared in Bad Cinderella; Thompson, meanwhile, enjoys his Broadway debut in the show.
In addition to sharing their favorite food spots, given that we’re less than a week away from the big guy’s big arrival, we thought we’d “gift” you with a few of their favorite holiday hotspots for shopping and sightseeing at this magical time of year!
So, where do these elfish ensemblists head for the holidays?
(321 W 51st St.)
“Ramen is quite a creative dish with infinite potential for expansion and diversity,” according to the mission statement on the website of this stalwart staple. “Each [Ramen] dish is born from a chef’s individual and….unconstrained mind.”
A trifecta of soup, noodles and toppings akin to “Japanese soul food,” a bowl of ramen – the statement goes on to say – “contains that special something…..that brings forth the cosmos and transcends all culinary ethnicities and nationalities.”
But it’s not just talk. If your affinity for the noodle is as strong as Savage’s is – and could you make a better choice on a cold winter’s night than a piping hot bowl of Ramen?! – he maintains: “there’s truly no better place to get it than Ippudo!”
Translated from Japanese as “first of its kind,” or, more appropriately, “first wind”, 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, launching both a new restaurant and concept as a way to revitalize it.
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.
Best known for their rich and savory, pork-bone tonkotsu broth – from a recipe originated in Hakata, Japan, it’s made completely from scratch, slow-boiled for 26 hours, and takes two days to prepare overall – the mood of the menu is focused and flavorful, which is all you can ask from “the most famous….shop [of its kind] in the country.”
“I love all the ramen bowls and try to order a different one each time,” Savage shares, “but there's something so classic and crisp about the Shiromaru Motoaji” – featuring Hakata thin noodles, scallions, seasoned bamboo shoots, and tender, slow-cooked pork loin – “you just can’t go wrong!”
“And if I ever see Takoyaki on a menu, I always order it!” The latter dish, popular among the appetizers, boasts balled octopus dredged in bonito powder, sprinkled with seaweed flakes, and served with a signature sauce – “to die for!” Savage adds, with a smile.
So much so it attracts celebrity clientele. Says actor – and Tony winner – B. D. Wong, a frequent customer of the East Village locale, “the noodles are in a class by themselves.”
Other faves include the Akamaru Shinaji, with fragrant garlic oil, onions, bean sprouts, and a touch of Ippudo's house-made umami paste – “the best bowl of ramen money can buy,” according to one customer – and the Spicy Miso, blended with miso, ginger, corn, diced red onions, atop thicker Tokyo-style noodles and Ippudo’s house-made spiced Bolognese sauce. The Karaka Spicy dish, among others, utilizes tofu in place of pork – in addition to cabbage, sesame, kikurage mushrooms – thus accommodating vegetarians. Of note, extra noodles are available for any dish at just $2, but per restaurant policy, you must have enough soup in your bowl to soak up the new additions.
Aesthetically speaking, with a sleek African-teakwood bar for sake and cocktails, a 20-foot-long, tobacco-colored Cheekwood bar for Ramen, and a sultry, stylish bistro-esque lounge, “the cozy vibes inside lend to a perfect atmosphere [for] relaxing between shows,” Savage concludes.
“And,” he appends, “there’s nothing like a walk down spot for a restaurant to make you feel like you’re in your own little hobbit hole.”
Or, perhaps more aptly, a haven fit for an elf.
Ippudo Westside is open M-Th and Sunday from 11am-11:00pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 11am-12am.
(30 Rockefeller Plaza)
While Savage maintains (and Buddy would concur) that Christmas is about “a lot more than just presents” – “it’s about sleeping on a futon, having cold spaghetti for breakfast with your little brother, kissing [your girlfriend] for the very first time under a big, glittery Christmas tree, [and] traveling miles and miles to be with your family,” the elf explains to a crowd at a pivotal point in the show – “they are fun, and a big selling point… and I’m a huge nerd for toys of all kinds.”
That’s why, during the holidays, Savage prefers to peruse the offerings at FAO Schwarz. The legendary toy emporium was founded in Baltimore in 1862 by German immigrant Federick August Otto Schwarz, under the original name “Toy Bazaar.” In 1870, it made its big move to the Big Apple, where it was branded Schwarz Toy Bazaar, and though its shifted to several physical locations throughout the city in the last 150 years, it’s been an anchor ever since for New York locals and tourists alike.
Today, the flagship location – officially christened FAO Schwarz in 1963, and subsequently recognized as “the oldest toy store retailer in the United States” – lives on three levels in the heart of Rockefeller Center, where it’s been stationed since 2018.
With their holiday catalog published annually since 1876, the store has become a must-stop shop for Santa and other families during the festive season.
Shop the FAOMG! Holiday Toy Collection – in store or online – which includes a variety of plush toys, porcelain dolls, puzzles, games, cars, trains, rocking horses, holiday gift sets, and more. Or play on the “Big Walking Piano,” á la Josh Baskin in the 1988 film, after snapping a photo with the toy soldiers who man the main entrance.
There’s an in-store Build-a-Bear Workshop for those anxious to create a cuddly friend, or an FAO Schweetz section, if you’re craving an assortment of classic candy at any point throughout your shopping trip.
Whatever your nostalgic needs, this whimsical wonderland has it all. And though it’s opened to the public year-round, there’s a special sparkle in the atmosphere at Christmastime, making it the perfect destination to add to your New York holiday excursion.
“Plus, as long as you’re in the area,” Savage pipes in, “you check out the LEGO Store and the American Girl Place.”
“Oh,” he backtracks, with a laugh. “And see the tree, I guess. I hear that’s kind of a big deal.”
FAO Schwarz is open daily from 11am-7pm, though, given the holidays, expect lines at the entrance.
(355 W. 46th St.)
There’s nothing quite like a cozy comfort meal in the heat of the holiday season, and Thompson asserts, as other Broadway Eats contributors would agree, there’s no better place to indulge than Becco.
A Restaurant Row staple since 1993, perfect for any occasion or dining companion, “its calm and classy interior [makes] for a cute date night,” Thompson relays, “while still feeling warm enough to bring the whole family.” Not to mention the food – like those polled prior, he seconds the symphonic Sinfonietta de Pasta (screaming, “12/10 highly recommend!!”), which issues an unlimited tableside delivery of unique pasta preparations.
A longtime specialty of Executive Chef William Gallagher, December selections include Taglioni alla Primavera, Pasticciata alla Bolognese (with bechamel, to boot!) and radiatori with tomato, fresh basil & ricotta salat, all on a rotating basis.
And though it may not be served with sugar or syrup (or any ingredient out of the five major food groups), we’re certain Buddy would enjoy it nonetheless!
Becco is open for dinner Tues-Sun, and lunch on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday; see website for exact hours.
(40th and 42nd Sts. & Fifth and Sixth Aves.)
“There is nothing like Bryant Park at this time of year,” Thompson says, of his can’t-miss holiday hotspot.
He’s not the only one who thinks so – with others deeming it the “best Christmas market in all of NYC.”
Modeled after a traditional German Christkindlmarket, which, in itself, is a term describing the German version of Santa Claus, the shops first launched in 2002 as a way to lure people into the space during a time unsuitable for sunbathing or summer lawn concerts. The inaugural iteration featured only 80 vendors, while the total today now tops 170 retailers!
Stroll through each one – or at least a few, if time allows – in addition to food halls, lounge areas and cozy igloos, or strap on the skates and take a spin around the Rink, the 17,000-square-foot centerpiece of this mystical wintry wonderland!! Introduced in 2005, it’s become an enticing attraction each year in the village – for this reason, reservations are strongly recommended.
The shops, sheathed in custom-designed kiosks made specially for each merchant, offer local crafts, artisan provisions and small bites from around the world. Also included in this roster is a “small business spotlight,” where New York City-based, minority-owned markets are able to showcase their products in rent-free booths.
From handmade clothing and mittens to jewelry and decorations, to tasty churros and hot cocoa, “it's the best way to shop, hang with friends, try new foods, or even grab a sweet treat,” Thompson continues. “Sometimes, on two show days I’ll go to the park in between [performances] to make my spirits bright for that second show.” And though we know these pauses are intended to allow performers a break, if you’re an advocate for belting out a Christmas song while browsing, you know we wouldn’t be opposed. (It’s the best way to spread Christmas cheer, after all).
On that note, should you want to shout, “Santa! I know him!” like our favorite eccentric human elf, visit Santa’s Corner through December 20th, aptly, from 10am-12pm.
Buddy simply wouldn’t have it any other way!
The Bryant Park Winter Village, sponsored by Bank of America, remains open through March 2, 2025. The holiday shops are open M-F from 11am-8pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 10am-8pm. The Rink is open daily from 8am-10pm, with extended hours on select weekends and holidays; see website for further details.
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!
