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.
We continue now with Taurean Everett, currently appearing as Viola’s vivaciously vicious right-hand man, Chagall, in the ten-time Tony-nominated Death Becomes Her. He comes to the mansion having previously inhabited the Moulin Rouge in the smash hit of the same name. Other previous credits include The Cher Show, Miss Saigon (2017 revival), and Mamma Mia!, while regional credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert (first national tour) and Swept Away (Arena Stage/Berkeley Rep). He’s also sissied that walk as a promo model on RuPaul’s Drag Race and has modeled on Project Runway as well.
He may live to serve onstage (and serve he does!), but offstage, where does Everett like to be served?
(240 West 52nd Street)
Since March 2018, Haswell Green’s has captured the spirit of Broadway’s energy and creativity, fusing Beer Hall casual with craft cocktail culture to create a warm environment where “the rhythm never stops, the drinks always flow, and every night feels like a celebration.”
This description, according to its website, but Everett wouldn’t disagree.
Live music permeates the air seven nights a week, either through their nightly open mics (check website for details), Dueling Piano Nights (Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 10pm), which see hardcore pianists battle it out for glory, or Bottomless Piano Brunch (Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm), in which those same instrumentalists take to the keys (and take requests!!), in a more subdued manner, while patrons sip a cocktail and enjoy a mid-morning meal (Try the Fruity Pebble Pancakes, with vanilla syrup and spiraling whipped cream or Cannoli Stuffed French Toast, with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips, or the BBQ Brisket Hash, with egg and avocado, if you’re looking for a dish you can’t get anywhere else).
Off the regular menu, customers recommend the Smash Burger – a double patty with American cheese, pickles, caramelized onions & a special sauce – or any of the specialty pizzas, including the Bee My Honey – mozzarella & pepperoni drizzled with Mike’s Hot Honey, or the Cacio e Pepe, prepared as it promises, with black pepper, pecorino romano and a drizzle of olive oil.
Specialty cocktails are also the rage: try the PYT, a mix of Mezcal, passionfruit, Ancho Reyes and lime, or the aptly-named Curtain Call, with gin, elderflower, raspberry and lemon.
But if you want perfection – especially as a performer before a show – go for the “amazing” Seared Ahi Tuna with a sesame crust, wakame salad & ginger soy dressing, dusted with chili, cilantro, and green onion. “It’s a great source of protein and clean eating,” says Everett, adding that he deems it his special weekly treat. “And the portion is just enough to leave you satisfied without making you feel full.”
In other words, it’s, appropriately, “to die for.” Take a sip bite and drink eat it in!
Haswell Green’s is open M-W from 4pm-3am, Th-F from 3pm-4am, Saturday from 11:30am-4am, and Sunday from 11:30am-3am.
(756 9th Ave.)
Sandwiched between A Side and B Side Pizza, ‘ritas HK was opened in May 2019 by owners John Dempsey and Maren Powell. Also maintained in part by hospitality veterans Chow Down Restaurant Group, this popular Hell’s Kitchen hangout has lured in locals with its relaxed vibe and A+ cuisine (and of course, the titular beverage is a knockout).
“The food, the vibes, the drinks!! Tens across the board!” raves one review, while another declares, “The frozen margs are fire….Hands down, ‘ritas rocks!”
On its drinks menu, both the spicy cucumber and mango Tajin margaritas come customer-recommended, as does the Frozé (“Frozen is the way to go!” with housemade strawberry puree, fresh-squeezed lemon & grapefruit juices, tequila, Aperol, and, of course, rosé) “but [it’s] actually killer,” its consumer cautions, “so don’t have more than two.” Specialty cocktails, like the Spring Spritz – gin, rosemary, fresh lemon, and prosecco – or the Mexican Coffee – cinnamon reposado tequila, ancho reyes, and coffee liqueur – and draft beers and wine are also available to imbibe.
For Everett, the appeal of the establishment lies in its airiness — “The windows are open, the seats outside are perfect for people watching, and you are always sure to run into someone you know” — but also maintains the food can’t be beat.
For eats, choose from a variety of Mexican dishes, including burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas (all “a decent size for the price” and with a variety of protein top it with); Everett is quick to mention their daily 4-6pm taco Happy Hour, which sees customers acquire two tacos for $12, or mix-and-match any three tacos for $15. (“If it’s your jam,” he adds, “help yourself to a $9 margarita, or $7 draft beer” during this time as well).
“My favorite [item] is the Red Snapper Tacos. Or maybe the Shrimp Tacos. Or the Short Rib Tacos. But also, maybe the Brussel Sprouts tacos.” Cackling, he quips: “I clearly can’t decide, so I eat them all.”
With the exception of the latter tacos on his list, served exclusively with a chipotle cashew salsa and pickled fresno chilies, all tacos are served with some variation of pico de gallo, chipotle aioli, queso fresca, and micro greens. “They are all a light, small portion and, again, for me, that is perfect before a show” because, as he cautions, for health and fitness, especially in such a high-octane production as Death Becomes Her, “what you put in your body pre-show really does matter!”
That said, however, “after the show, I’m devouring the Nachos. Full stop.” Smothered in chihuahua, muenster, and Monterey jack cheeses, black beans, salsa roja, pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo and avocado salsa, customers can top the indulgence with steak, chicken, shrimp or veggies, for an additional price.
The kind of meal that makes you wish you could be siempre viva!
‘ritas is open Tues-Thurs from 5pm-11pm; Fri from 5pm-12am; Sat from 4pm-12am; and Sun from 4pm-11pm.
We’ll continue to present a new performer with a new restaurant and a new menu, so keep checking back to see who we poll and what’s on their mind at mealtime! Until next time, bon appétit!
