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 Tatianna Córdoba, who’s flying away nightly as Ana Garcia in Real Women Have Curves through June 29th. The Bay Area native makes her Broadway debut in the production, and to say she’s exhilarated is an understatement. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is show other young Brown girls that we have a place here,” she said in a post to Instagram. “That we belong. That theater needs us…To get the opportunity to do that on this scale means so much to me….In a world that wants to tear us down, we share our heart, our story and our joy as an act of resistance.”
But while she’s busy writing, sewing, ironing, hustlin’, and jugglin’ all her duties onstage, when she eventually steps off, where does Tatianna turn for a bite? Or, what tantalizes Tati’s tastebuds?
(20 W. 40th Street)
With a name that translates to “the white sheep,” La Pecora Bianca, from restaurateur and owner Mark Barak, offers a relaxed dining experience with top-notch Italian food in a stylish and comfortable environment. At least, according to press notes, though Córdoba is quick to concur. “It has such good vibes, great service and amazingggg food!” she exclaims. “Not to mention, it’s a great date night hang.”
The favorable Italian hotspot, which first opened in Nomad in 2015, expanded into Bryant Park in 2017, introducing additional specialties from a wood-fired oven and paninis, pastries, and fresh focaccia from an adjoining pastry kitchen. All, of course, alongside their signature array of pasta & antipasti offerings.
To that end, Córdoba recommends the Rigatoni, made with vodka sauce & stracciatella cheese, or the Campanelle, with roasted shrimp, parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon. “Both of these pasta dishes are perfectly portioned and so delicious!” Customers also go wild for their signature gramigna, prepped with sausage, broccolini & chili flakes, or the tagliatelle, buried beneath a beef and pork bolognese. All pastas are prepared daily in-house, courtesy of Chef Cruz Goler, and for just $6, customers can add a fresh burrata ball atop any pasta, a move Córdoba wholeheartedly recommends, as “It makes the already-perfect dish even better!”
For a festive summer beverage, inspired by the traditional aperitivo hour on the Piazza, Córdoba goes for the refreshing Lemon Basil Soda, but if you’re in need of more of a kick, a La Pecora house organic rosé, beer, and signature cocktails are also available (try the Spicy Limoncello Margarita with tequila & Fresno chili, or the Montenegro Mule with dimmi & ginger).
“Italian is not just a cuisine, it’s a way of life,” reads the restaurant’s fitting mission statement. “It’s an attitude that emphatically celebrates life and views food as a way in which to share joy and foster human connection….a social ritual centered around food and drink that makes every day feel a little more fully lived.”
And nowhere is this philosophy more true than at La Pecora Bianca. With Córdoba’s endorsement, you’ll only need one meal – if that – to find out.
La Pecora Bianca at Bryant Park is open Monday-Wednesday from 7am-10pm and Thursday & Friday from 7am-11pm. Saturday and Sunday see breakfast served from 8:00am-10:45pm, brunch from 11am-3:45am, and dinner from 4pm-11pm on Saturday, and 4pm-10pm on Sunday. See website for more information, including hours at other locations.
(222 E. 53rd Street)
Offering “Thai and Vietnamese comfort foods with a twist,” OBAO has honed the concept of “Modern Thai” since it opened in 2009, bridging the gap between Southeast Asia and New York City. (With the success of the flagship on Midtown East, they launched a second location, this time in Hell’s Kitchen, in 2013).
“Nobody is on the cusp of innovative culinary concepts like OBAO,” boasts Chef Michael Huynh, who’s opened over 430 restaurants in addition to the pan-Asian noodle nucleus.
Córdoba, in agreement, raves it’s “some of the best Asian fusion I’ve ever had in the city… and,” she laughs, “I’m from California, where we have some of the best Vietnamese food, so obviously my standards are high.”
Topping her list of menu must-haves is the Pho Bo – rumored to be the dish that garnered them the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand Award three years in a row – which consists of thinly sliced rare beef brisket and thin rice noodles steeped in a slow-cooked beef broth, stewed from scratch for 12 hours, and served with a side of bean sprouts, jalapeños, and a lime wedge. (Should you choose, add beef meatballs for an additional charge).
“I’d also highly recommend their Cashew Chili Chicken dish,” she says, deep-fried in a blend of onion, scallions, white wine, butter and finished with a sweet chili sauce and a sprinkling of the titular nut. “If you love a lunch with a lot of flavor,” Córdoba continues, “this dish is perfect for you. Trust me, it’s beyond yummy.”
Other customers favor the “fantastic” Crispy Pork Belly Pad Kaprow (served with baby corn, long beans, Thai basil, onion, and bird’s eye chilies), while even more agree the Beef Pad See Eew, with its ample amount of noodles, grass-fed beef, egg, and Chinese broccoli over pickled jalapeños, “is pretty much everything I was hoping for!”
Whatever the dish – be it pad thai, pork buns, or anything in between – OBAO is steady in staying true to its promise: “Taking traditional dishes….and [adding] a touch of luxury and elegance,” without, of course, “ever compromising on authenticity.” Which is just the way Córdoba – and, as proven, the rest of New York City – likes it.
OBAO Midtown is open Monday-Sunday from 11:30am-10pm.
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!
