The Fallen Angels funny lady shares her fave food spots for before or after a show.
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 Tracee Chimo, currently yukking it up as cheeky housemaid Saunders in Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony-nominated revival of Fallen Angels. She previously appeared on the Roundabout stage as Poppy Norton-Taylor in the 2015 revival of Noises Off, and in 2012’s Harvey; other Broadway credits include The Heidi Chronicles and Irena’s Vow. Off-Broadway, she was awarded the coveted Lucille Lortel for her performance as Daphna in Bad Jews (RTC), while her performance as Lauren in Circle Mirror Transformation earned her both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Film credits include roles in Private Life, Black Hat, Side Effects, and Sully, while her TV work includes stints on Dying for Sex, Madam Secretary, and Orange is the New Black.
But where in New York does Chimo like to chat and chew?
(680 8th Ave.)
“I eat a lot of soup when I’m in a show," Chimo admits. "I think that's because it’s easy to eat, it’s warm and cozy, and it fills me up!" And her #1 spot to get it? The Times Eatery.
A convenient café serving coffee, classic sandwiches, and the like, The Times Eatery has been “a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan” since it opened in 2019.
While seemingly a spot for a quick “grab-and-go” meal, it’s actually quite quaint and cozy, offering a complete and thoughtfully-arranged seating space to any guests who wish to break away from the bustle for a moment, take in the view, and enjoy the energy of Times Square from a distance while indulging in their meal.
“It's also just across the street from our stage door, so it's super convenient!” Chimo continues. “I always run in to get a protein pick-me-up.”
“Quality meals at a reasonable price,” boasts an ad, noting that each menu item is crafted with care, and prepared fresh in front of the customer to ensure that each meal meets the expectations of its consumer.
And with burritos, bagels and omelette platters among the options for breakfast, and specialty sandwiches, salads, burgers, and deli classics filling out the offerings for lunch and/or dinner… boy, do they have quite the array of options!
“The lentil soup is really great!” she says, of her aforementioned pick, packed with carrots, onions, and of course, the eponymous legume. Selections also include the chicken noodle, beef barley, matzoh ball or Yankee bean, among others. Other standout specialties include the Nova Scotia Smoked Salmon Bagel – “the best in the city, hands down,” according to a customer review – made with slices of the titular lox and a heaping helping of cream cheese, and topped generously with capers, tomatoes and red onions.
Further staples include the iconic Reuben sandwich – traditionally prepped with either corned beef or pastrami, melted Swiss, hot sauerkraut, and mustard on grilled Jewish rye – or the Jackhammer Special (Peppermill turkey & pepperjack cheese with lettuce, tomato, and herbed mayo on a sesame baguette), and more, each, again, with an emphasis on freshness and quality.
Whether you’re on the go or want to stay for the vibes, with its excellent combination of delicious food, warm ambiance, an ideal location, and “truly the most welcoming staff in New York” (who make diners feel like family, to boot!), Times Eatery is undoubtedly the place to be!
The Times Eatery is open Monday from 7:30am-5pm, and Tuesday-Sunday from 6:30am-9pm.
(717 8th Ave.)
Just a short walk from the Times Eatery stands Carve Café and Pizza, another one of Chimo’s go-tos, “and my favorite place to get a salad,” the actress remarks.
Originally opened as Carve’d Unique Sandwiches in 2005, by two immigrants “with nothing but passion” and a deep yearning to bring authentic high-quality food to the city that never sleeps, the business expanded in 2011, rebranding with a second location just up the street, and an addendum to their name. Today, Carve Café and Pizza serves up the eponymous Italian delicacy – in specialty Barbecue Chicken, Hawaiian-style, Meat-Lovers’, Scillian, and other varieties – alongside additional “fast, fresh [and] flavorful” options like barista-grade coffee, burgers, signature sandwiches, desserts, and, as Chimo notes, a custom salad bar, allowing customers to craft their own healthy creation.
“They [end up] huge," she says, in reference to the finished product, “and there’s always a great selection of veggies, nuts and seeds, and dried fruits and excellent grilled chicken. It’s super filling between shows for lunch or dinner.”
Start with your greens – “I always get the romaine lettuce with cilantro & cabbage,” Chimo recommends. Toss in some toppings, of which Chimo prefers “red kidney beans, chickpeas, cucumbers, Parmesan cheese, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, red and green peppers, and grilled chicken,” and top with your dressing of choice: “Olive oil with red wine vinegar.” Finish with salt and pepper, if, like Chimo, you prefer. “It’s so good!” she exclaims, “and gives such clean energy!”
And as housemaid Saunders, she certainly knows about “clean” energy best!
For eats at any time of day, Carve Café & Pizza is open Sunday from 5am-1am, Monday from 6am-1am, and Tuesday-Saturday from 6am-2am.
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!
