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In late 2016, Seamless unveiled an interesting study as part of its “How New York Eats” campaign. The company compared the ordering habits of its regular customers versus that of Broadway casts, including Kinky Boots, The Color Purple, Hamilton, Waitress, and The Book Of Mormon. The cast of Kinky Boots, for example, ordered 847% more shrimp tacos, 795% more croissants, 324% more shrimp tempura rolls, and 286% more vegetable dumplings than the rest of New York City.
Downtown had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with both Kaitlyn Carl, Grubhub’s media relations and trends specialist, and Kinky Boots cast member Blair Goldberg. The interviews were conducted prior to Kinky Boots attracting even more A-List stars to its show, including Taylor Swift and Kevin Costner. Grubhub — which merged with Seamless in 2013 — can of course be visited online at www.grubhub.com, while Kinky Boots is on the web at www.kinkybootsthemusical.com.
Where did the idea for this survey come from?
Kaitlyn Carl: Seamless launched its “How New York Eats” campaign a few months ago, which highlights how different neighborhoods choose from their local favorites that we have to offer. With the Theater District being located in the heart of Manhattan , we wanted to see how exactly how theater companies and their casts fuel themselves through the day.
Were any of the results especially surprising for you?
Kaitlyn Carl: Seeing the variety of foods across multiple shows was a pleasant surprise! It makes you think if perhaps each show’s demands, ranging from rehearsal schedule to genre, could give different cravings per cast. The most ordered foods at each theater ranged from shrimp tacos to sushi to grilled cheese sandwiches — representative of the diversity among casts.
The Grubhub survey said that your cast orders shrimp tacos 847% more than the rest of New York City. Is there a particular spot that you favor for tacos?
Blair Goldberg: Absolutely. You all MUST check out Otto’s Tacos — 705 9th Avenue — for some of the most delicious, cheap tacos you’ll ever have! My favorite is the Carne Asada Tacos. And the Churros? TO DIE FOR! Heaven!
What about for fried chicken sandwiches? Grubhub’s survey said that your cast orders those 226% more than the rest of New York City.
Blair Goldberg: I dig Lenwich — formerly known as Lenny’s — for sandwiches. Awesome and quick delivery, and a million options to choose from!
Are you proud of Grubhub’s survey results? Has anyone at your shows talked about the survey to you?
Blair Goldberg: Yes! We were actually all buzzing about it backstage when the survey came out! We LOVE to eat over at Kinky Boots, and you will consistently hear our stage doorman over the loudspeaker all throughout the show saying that more food delivery has arrived every night! Besides performing, I’d say eating is certainly my other passion. I’m hardcore.
Do you have a favorite restaurant on Grubhub?
Blair Goldberg: At work, it would have to be Schmackary’s, best cookies in the world. At home — FiDi, woohoo Downtown! — it would have to be Harry’s Italian.
Kaitlyn Carl: When I’m visiting our New York office, my favorite lunch is from Chop’t Salad. Always arriving quickly, their customer craft salads are my go-to! Another midtown favorite of mine is Alidoro. Their subs offer fresh ingredients, hand-sliced meats and cheeses and is one of the best sandwiches I’ve had while visiting New York.
Your show recently added Todrick Hall to the cast. Had you been familiar with his work before he was cast?
Blair Goldberg: Absolutely. Todrick is incredible and his viral videos are on another level. They are definitely worth checking out! As a huge Taylor Swift fan, my favorite is his “4 Taylor” video. Todrick has been nothing but gracious and wonderful to work with! We are so happy to have him as a member of our Kinky family.
Kinky Boots attracts a lot of celebrities. Who was the last visitor that had you starstruck?
Blair Goldberg: Katie Holmes! Or RuPaul! Both amazing!
Do you have a favorite moment within the Kinky Boots show?
Blair Goldberg: Yes! “Everybody Say Yeah” is our Act I finale, and it’s one of most phenomenally staged numbers I’ve ever been lucky enough to watch, let alone be a part of. I love looking at the audiences faces when we are performing that number. They usually have the biggest smiles plastered on their faces! I also love the finale (“Raise You Up”) because it is the heart of our show, and is all about the message to, “Just be who you wanna be.” It’s such an important message about learning to love and accept yourself and I consider it an honor to sing every night.
What’s coming up for Seamless in the New York area? Any new restaurants? Promotions?
Kaitlyn Carl: Seamless is constantly adding more local options for New Yorkers to choose from. For example, we just brought on Ivan Ramen and Westville, which are favorites amongst New Yorkers. Additionally, we recently just launched Gift Cards. Now it is easier than ever to give the gift of Seamless with friends and family by going to Seamless.com/giftcards.
Blair Goldberg
Aside from Kinky Boots, how do you like to spend your free time?
Blair Goldberg: I spend lots of time in the Downtown area where I live with my husband and one-year old daughter, Lyla. We love exploring Manhattan together, especially now that she’s at such a fun age! Our neighborhood is so wonderful for families-we love having the Seaport right across the street!
Kaitlyn Carl: Food has always been a passion of mine, and whenever I have free time, I love to explore different neighborhoods and their unique restaurants. With Singaporean roots, I’m on a mission to find the most authentic Hainanese chicken rice in town. I will also gladly accept suggestions for the next time I am in New York!
Kaitlyn, do you often get to catch live events? Do you have tickets to any upcoming concerts or plays?
Kaitlyn Carl: Because I am based out of Chicago, most of my time in New York is spent working in our Midtown office. However, every time I do come to town I make sure I explore the city as best as I can. Last time I was in town, I visited Central Park and Lincoln Center and consumed some of the best food I have ever had in Chinatown and Williamsburg. I am a huge fan of the theater though! I was able to get my hands on a pair of Hamilton tickets for the Chicago show and am counting down the days until I go.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Kaitlyn Carl: We were delighted to see that eating healthy was a priority among all casts — based on sheer volume, we found that the Theater District turns to Seamless for salads and protein-centric dishes. It’s representative of the fact that we have everything on the platform to fit every craving, whether it be something to fuel you for a busy rehearsal schedule, or something for your a cheat day, like a delicious cheesesteak from Shorty’s.
Blair Goldberg: Come check us out at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre! And bring some tacos, please! We’re hungry!