Dining with "celebrities"

[Nathan Detroit2]

Posted: 11/5/21 at 10:22am

Coming with some friends to see American Utopia at 5 pm the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  They would like to have dinner afterward at an "ultra swanky 50s style bar with celebrities."  They said that jokingly but thought it would be fun to take them someplace like Joe Allen or Bar Centrale.  Any other suggestions?  Timing is probably off for "celebrities," since it will be between shows, but will give it a go anyway.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/5/21 at 1:11pm

Any actor working in a show doesn’t have the time to eat at any restaurant between shows. Meals are usually brought to the theatre or they do take-out. Chances of seeing NY based “celebrities” is rare in midtown between shows is unlikely. Many live is areas of Brooklyn, lower Manhattan or mid-Central Park. I see Rose Byrne, Bobby Canavale, Christina Ricci, and Adam Driver regularly in my area but I live in Bed-Stuy as do they.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 11/5/21 at 1:15pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Any actor working in a show doesn’t have the time to eat at any restaurant between shows. Meals are usually brought to the theatre or they do take-out. Chances of seeing NY based “celebrities” is rare in midtown between shows is unlikely. Many live is areas of Brooklyn, lower Manhattan or mid-Central Park. I see Rose Byrne, Bobby Canavale, Christina Ricci, and Adam Driver regularly in my area but I live in Bed-Stuy as do they. "

Hahahahahahahahaha.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/5/21 at 3:40pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Any actor working in a show doesn’t have the time to eat at any restaurant between shows. Meals are usually brought to the theatre or they do take-out. Chances of seeing NY based “celebrities” is rare in midtown between shows is unlikely. Many live is areas of Brooklyn, lower Manhattan or mid-Central Park. I see Rose Byrne, Bobby Canavale, Christina Ricci, and Adam Driver regularly in my area but I live in Bed-Stuy as do they. "

This isn't always true. I have my share of actor friends and after a matinee we've been able to have a simple dinner at Junior's or the now-closed Emmett O'Lunney's.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/6/21 at 1:32pm

Yes, unless it's a particularly long show, they very easily can dine out between a mat and an evening show.  If they want to.

 

 

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/6/21 at 2:29pm

There are some casts who rent a movie and have their food delivered so they can watch the film and eat in the green room.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/7/21 at 1:04am

Maybe the upstairs bar at Sardi’s (is Sardi’s open yet?)? Granted you’d be more likely to spot celebs there after the evening performances let out. 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/7/21 at 10:38am

If the “celebrity” or “actor” lives in NYC then unless it’s a special occasion they don’t always do swanky. They live in this city, so you’re probably more likely to see a celeb at a hole in the wall. I’ve seen more stars at Club Cumming (I was at the bar with SJP), The Cock, Marie’s Crisis, Cowgirl and the Cubbyhole. Also well known folks aren’t likely to dine on Restaurant Row or in the tourist areas unless they want to be irritated by looky lous. 

I’ve always seen stars when I went to restaurants outside midtown. I ate next to Bennifer at Toloache (the downtown location.) 

As far as theatre actors, again, forget expensive. They aren’t going to hop in Joe Allen to play $25 for a chicken Caesar. Back when Cafe Edison was open it was packed with theatre stars. I ate beside Sutton, Danny & Rebecca, Beth Leavel, Patti LuPone, and more folks than I can count. Carole Shelley offered me a seat in her booth when the place was packed. I miss that place. Also lots of theatre actors in Pongsri (quick, yummy and cheap). 
 

I think it’s the “stars” and often older ones that don’t leave the theatre between shows. The ones with tricked out dressing rooms where they can nap and have their food brought in (ie Bernadette, Angela, Etc). 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/7/21 at 11:01am

I’ve seen plenty of “celebrities” at Joe Allen. I also just sat next to a very recent Tony Award winner at Dallas BBQ, before their show. So any place in midtown before a show  is as good a chance as any to see actors grabbing a bite before or after their show. 

[JayElle]

Posted: 11/7/21 at 1:08pm

Saw Utopia Sat, Nov 6 at 5pm. Didn't start till roughly 5:10 and ended roughly 6:50p. Next show at 9. Gives them roughly 2 hrs.

Thanksgiving Saturday night within that 2 hr window when folks are eating pre-8pm shows?  

I left Phantom at 3:45. Juniors was mobbed at 4. I normally get a table, but no time. Was able to get quick appetizer at the counter and out by 4:40p to make the Utopia show.

I know one of the managers at Junriors. He told me  they're understaffed so delays are typical. Bartender said the Marriott has kept Juniors pretty busy. Not surprising. Considering it charges $40 just for the breakfast buffet, no wonder J gets spill over.  Marriott has alot of conventions this month.  Hopefully Juniors staffing will increase by Thanksgiving, but given the overall labor shortage in the restaurant business, it may not.

Show was great. Will likely see it again. Funny Dave had to tell audience they could stand and dance if they liked.  Alot did so, but just for one song.  Tired crowd I guess!  Long lines for merch post-show and bar pre-show.

[Speed]

Posted: 11/7/21 at 4:18pm

When I was on Broadway 22 years ago, Sardi’s offered a discount to Bway actors between shows.  In fact, Nathan Lane sat next to me one day.  

[jenn328]

Posted: 11/18/21 at 1:01pm

Is O'Lunney's closed for good?

[jenn328]

Posted: 11/18/21 at 1:02pm

Miles2Go2 said: "Maybe the upstairs bar at Sardi’s (is Sardi’s open yet?)? Granted you’d be more likely to spot celebs there after the evening performances let out."

No, they aren't. They were supposed to be a few months ago but nothing yet.