They say pumpkin spice has gone too far. They say it’s overkill. It’s been abused to excess as a predictable orange fad. Hell, I’ve said it too.
Well, forget about them. Forget about past me as well. Clinton Hall’s new Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle is the pumpkin spice offering we deserve this season.
The Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle is part of a three-part series of deserts from The Lure Group, Clinton Hall’s parent company. The series celebrates and promotes three different Broadway shows: The Waitress, Chicago, and Oklahoma!. The Waitress, the first of the series, is the story of a small-town pie-maker dreaming of a life outside of her small marriage in a small town. She copes by making pies themed around her life, like The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie.
I was skeptical when I showed up. I don’t need to repeat my expectations. I’m not sure what I expected it to actually LOOK like, but when I arrived at Clinton Hall I was greeted by a tower of dessert more than a foot and a half tall. It was the kind of pretty that made you feel bad for trying to eat it. A half dozen other reviewers had arrived, but they hadn’t gotten past the “pictures” phase of the meal. I don’t blame them.
I did my due photographic diligence, but the pumpkin pie was calling to me. With the delicacy of an art restoration specialist, I worked the pie off of the top of the tower. It was exactly what I hoped it would be: a gimmick-free slice of pie supported by graham crackers and marshmallows. Off to a good start.
Once I’d broken the spell, my table-mates were quick to dig in, bisecting the tower. In the picture, you can see the stacks of cinnamon-flavored waffle and vanilla bean ice cream. None of it was clown-car orange. The waffles worked well with the ice cream and the whole thing was gone in two minutes. It makes you appreciate the inventor of the waffle cone.
Check out all of the layers.
If you want to enjoy a little pumpkin spice guilt-free, Clinton Hall’s delicious tower of dessert is the way to go. At $25 it is an expensive dessert for one (though I wouldn’t blame you), but it can easily serve four or more people. The offer only lasts through Tuesday, October 1st, so get it before it melts away.
There are still a few days left of Broadway Week — and last week Restaurant Week started! And if we know one thing for sure, it is that dinner and a show never gets old.
Since these two overlap a bit, we thought it ideal to give you some ideas for perfect pairings. Depending on the show and its theme, we’ve found some great ideas of where to eat before, after or grab a drink in the same style and feel as the show.
For this beautiful story about Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, we suggest heading to The Russian Tea Room for an authentic experience — and keep you enthralled in Anastasia’s world just a little longer!
The musical is written by Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri, who also happens to have a restaurant participating in NYC Restaurant Week, Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant. This one is a no-brainer — and make for an amazing mix!
Carole King was raised in Brooklyn, so perhaps choosing a spot in this borough could be very fitting. We suggest checking out a cozy and cute café, such as Buttermilk Channel in the lovely Caroll Gardens or Yellow Magnolia Café in popular Prospect Heights. Stroll around the neighborhood before or after the show to imagine taking a walk in Carole King’s shoes.
This one, you should choose authentic, historic American cuisine. Why? Because Chicago is the longest-running American musical on Broadway. And that should be honored. JP Morgan is a historic American figure, so where better to dine than the Morgan Dining Room? The one-time residence of the financier offers a taste of 19th-century luxury life — Interestingly, JP Morgan Chase pledged 40 million to underserved Chicago neighborhoods as of 2017. The Tuck Room in South Street Seaport could also be fun for post-show drinks, as the diverse cocktail menu highlights the unique culture and liquid history of New York City, thanks to master bartender and sommelier Adam Seger.
Set in a post-apocalypse Britain, our minds, of course, went to the UK. But since flying over there might take up a little too much time, there are some great places that’ll make you think you’ve stepped off a plane in Britain, but you’re actually still right here in NYC. The Clocktower for one, right next to Madison Square Park, has true British flavors as it’s a collaboration between acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr and Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton. The Shakespeare in Murray Hill is also an excellent option. It offers a sophisticated yet unfussy menu of traditional British fare with American influence and classic cocktails and evokes an early 19th century English gentleman’s club.
The book centers on a Spanish monarch, so we’ve found it to pair well with either Amada, an Andalusian tapas bar and restaurant in Battery Park City, or what about the Socarrat Paella Bar? With three locations, one in Nolita, Chelsea and Midtown East, you’ll easily find the right one to serve you an extraordinary paella!
Frustrated by the lack of Latino heroes in the pages of his adolescent son’s history book, comedian John Leguizamo embarked on his own research mission and emerged with a critical curriculum. To pair up this show with dinner, we’ve chosen to La Fonda Del Sol because of its unprecedented menu of modern Spanish cuisine, with a focus on tapas.
While there are no French Antilles/West Indian restaurants participating in Restaurant week, we did find some restaurants that offer island-centric cuisine. These include the modern Hawaiian restaurant Nooretuh in the East Village, and Victor’s Café that bursts with Cuban flavor.
There are many great French restaurants in this year’s Restaurant Week. So which to choose? For this pairing, we suggest checking out La Sirene or Gaby Brasserie Francaise for some authentic Parisian style dining.
As the longest running Musical on Broadway, which was first played in London’s West End, The Phantom of the Opera is a classic — and a must-see! To pair it up with a dinner, The Breslin Bar & Dining Room in Nomad offers a delicious meat-centric, British menu.
This wild water ride adventure calls for something fishy, don’t you think? We’ve found two great restaurants for dinner and one for brunch! Farmer & The Fish is a great option for a cozy, yet fresh seafood dinner — as is Dock’s Oyster Bar. Mhhhm, oysters anyone? As far as weekend brunch go, CATCH is famous for its brunches and simply a must-try!
A Chicago native who studied music at the University of Southern California, Ross Golan has worked with many of music’s biggest artists. His credits include Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Michael Bublé, Keith Urban, One Direction, Idina Menzel, and Linkin Park. Ross has also had multiple record deals as an artist, and is the writer of Ovation Award-winning musical The Wrong Man, which will soon be recorded and released by Interscope Records.
Those credits would be enough for most artists, but Ross is also the host of the And The Writer Is podcast. Launched in January, And The Writer Is — as produced by fellow hitmaker Joe London (Thomas Rhett, Jason Derulo, Pitbull) — features exclusive conversations with other notable songwriters. The first episode, for example, featured Benny Blanco, as known for his work on Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t,” Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok,” Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” In turn, listeners get to hear great creative minds talking shop and plenty more.
How did you wind up in the co-writing game? When did you realize it exists?
Ross Golan: There are two kinds of songwriters — the ones that were artists and the ones that want to be artists. Both Joe and I were in bands. We had been collaborating with other musicians for years but you get in the game when someone introduces you to the game. For me, it was Evan Bogart and Ryan Tedder. Evan, who wrote “SOS” for Rihanna and “Halo” for Beyoncé, was my booking agent and Ryan, lead singer of OneRepublic, and I played shows around L.A. While I was handing out CDs at shows one club at a time, their songs were getting played around the world. Songs tour faster.
What was your first cut that had you excited?
RG: I co-wrote a song called “Here Comes Trouble” for the band Honor Society. They were opening for the Jonas Brothers during their prime arena days. They named their headlining tour Here Comes Trouble. That was like getting called up to the pros from the minors and pinch hitting a single. In itself, it didn’t move the needle much. But it assured me that with enough at bats, I might be able to hit one out.
When it comes to songwriting, do you treat it like a day job where you can do it anytime? Or do you need to feel inspired?
RG: Amateurs look for inspiration. If you’re an artist, you can do whatever you want. But if you want to be a professional writer, act like one.
RG: Depends on the month. Anywhere from one to twenty. But never zero.
What was the impetus for this podcast? Has there been a highlight for you so far?
RG: I have a book that everyone signs at the end of a session. It’s basically my yearbook. It has signatures from Bon Jovi to Michael Buble and Lamont Dozier to Max Martin. These people are fascinating. What are the odds that a kid from the north suburbs of Chicago would end up in a room with them? I suppose that’s the question I’m trying to answer. So, in that sense, all of the interviews are highlights.
Podcast aside, what’s coming up for you career-wise?
RG: The Wrong Man, my musical, signed to Interscope at the end of last year. We’ll be recording it this summer. That’s a 15-year project that keeps on ticking.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
RG: I’m a husband. I have a pug. I play ice hockey and golf. I eat. I drink. I feel like there’s a concept in all that.
This week marks the official launch of Whiskey & Wine NYC. On Wednesday, Mar. 29, the pop-up cocktail club open the doors to its launch event at Pouring Ribbons.
Downtown met up with Owen Meyer, founder of Wine & Whiskey NYC, for some questions about Wine & Whiskey and his second concept Liquor Lab; Liquor Lab was recently tested out in Chicago and will soon launch in New York City.
Owen Meyer: There is a huge market of people out there who are very interested in learning about craft cocktails and the evolution of the industry but are intimidated by it. [Wine & Whiskey NYC] offers a platform for people to come experience cocktails without the pressure of picking a cocktail off a menu or not knowing what the ingredients are and then use it as a stepping stone to go out to a great cocktail bar and order what they have learned to like.
What has been the hardest part about starting up Whiskey & Wine NYC? And what’s been the best?
OM: I think the hardest part is getting the message through to people that we aren’t trying to be a substitute for going to their favorite bar. We are simply a middle man between those bars and the curious consumer who wants to learn something through an experience. People should look at W&W and say, “I can go to a cool private pop-up event, learn about some cocktails, meet some fun people, have a little bite to eat.” You really can’t beat that deal for the value and experience.
How do you go about creating events? Do you seek out the bars and bring the bartenders and members, or how does it work?
OM: We seek out established and upcoming bartenders and great private locations, then we create a one-time menu with that bartender, put up the info for our members to see and then we all meet at that location for the event. We’ll start out with 1-2 events per month and scale up accordingly to the point where we are doing several each month including brunch events and events out east in the summer with some of our partnership companies.
Wine & Whiskey NYC wants to create a platform where bartenders can test out menus and tell stories – how exactly do you do you ensure this?
OM: That really lies within the bartenders we work with. There are so many talented bartenders out there and these events put the focus directly on them. It allows talented bartenders to test out some new — and proven — things that really tell their story in their own liquid way.
Who are your members? How do you ensure a variety in members?
OM: The whole membership thing isn’t meant to be cheesy or exclusive. It just means that you’re a quality type of guy or girl who seeks out cool experiences and the membership fee comes with free tickets to offset the cost. So, it really is just a barrier to entry to ensure we have a good group of people with similar interests. Nothing more.
OM: Why not? New York is the capital of the world, it’s the greatest city on earth — some will argue London, but I argue London is a city that sleeps. W&W is a concept that really, only works where you have people that seek out new and exciting things, and that has New York City written all over it.
OM: Working with the Pouring Ribbons guys for a location, Freddie Sarkis and one of our favorite craft distilleries of all time, CH Distillery. Some of us are from Chicago, so this launch event is sort of a Chicago to NYC theme with Freddie and CH.
I heard a little bird singing about bringing Liquor Lab to New York City. Can you reveal anything about that?
OM: Yes! Liquor Lab is a concept we piloted in Chicago for a year to sort of test the waters and it was amazing. We are currently closing a round of funding needed to expand across the country as well as open our flagship Liquor Lab location here in New York City. This concept is like nothing you’ve seen or done before, and there are so many different experiences that we offer at the space so we are really excited to get the HQ Lab opened!
Wine & Whiskey NYC’s annual subscription fee of $175. The membership includes invitations to secret, exclusive pop-up events with an exciting menu of drinks and bites. You can learn more about the upcoming events on their website and social media.
James McCartney / Photo courtesy of Grandstand Media & Management
James McCartney / Photo courtesy of Grandstand Media & Management
While James McCartney notably played on the acclaimed Flaming Pie and Driving Rain albums of father Paul — also co-writing two songs on the latter studio release — 2010’s Available Light was his first crack at recording his own solo effort. Since that debut, James has put out two studio albums and one EP. His latest release is 2016’s The Blackberry Train, as helmed by Steve Albini, a man well-known for his work with Nirvana, The Pixies and PJ Harvey.
In support of The Blackberry Train, James will be performing at Rockwood Music Hall on Apr. 5 on the Marshmallow Maiden Tour. James spoke to Downtown about a variety of topics, including his history with New York and how he likes to spend his non-musical time. More info on James McCartney can be found at www.jamesmccartney.com.
Where was the first live gig you ever played in New York? What do you remember about it?
James McCartney: Rockwood? I think. Can’t remember. Atmospheric.
Did you spend a lot of your childhood in New York?
James McCartney: Not really. Went there for Summer holidays.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in our city?
James McCartney: Not really but love all the veggie and vegan ones. Hampton Chutney Co.?
I remember watching you perform on Letterman. Was that performance one of your proudest moments? Or is appearing on television not the biggest deal for you?
James McCartney: Not one of my “proudest” moments but was cool exposure. Love appearing on television, if it’s the right thing to do! Loved being on Letterman though. He’s a cool guy too.
Steve is known to call himself an engineer, not a producer. But does he get involved with the arrangements or craft of the songs?
James McCartney: Not at all, really. The whole point is to do it oneself.
Dhani Harrison appears on your latest album. Have you two always been friends?
James McCartney: Yes. We grew up together, inadvertently.
I know that you played on the Flaming Pie album. Had you recorded anything in a studio before that? Did you play in garage bands growing up?
James McCartney: Demos but not professional recordings which have been released. Didn’t play in garage bands growing up. Wish I had, but also kinda glad I didn’t and was thus different.
Touring aside, what’s coming up for you?
James McCartney: Everything? Yes, everything!
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
James McCartney: Doing Art! Yoga. Being in nature. Going to gigs. Traveling. Reading. Learning. Studying. Practicing in my own way. Living.
What was your favorite album of 2016?
James McCartney: None of them? Seriously, I don’t really listen to loads of music, but to give you an answer, A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead.
Finally, James, any last words for the kids?
James McCartney: Be strong, wise, stay true to yourselves, learn, have fun, enjoy, be peaceful, listen to your heart, be open-minded. Play, write, don’t think about it all too much, but keep at it! Play, play, play — write, write, write!
When it comes to comedies, few films are as universally-respected as 1993’s Groundhog Day. The movie — co-written by Danny Rubin and director Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray — manages to be very funny, while maintaining both heart and originality. All these years later, it retains a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes while holding top honors from BAFTA, the Writers Guild Of America, and the American Film Institute.
Last year, a theatrical adaptation of Groundhog Day opened at The Old Vic on London’s West End. The production was critically-acclaimed as can be, earning various “best” nominations from the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, the Critics Circle Theatre Awards, and the Laurence Olivier Awards. Fortunately for New Yorkers, a Broadway production of Groundhog Day begins previews at the August Wilson Theatre on Mar. 16; the show opens Apr. 17.
The team behind the Groundhog Day musical is very impressive, even by Broadway standards. Director Matthew Warchus was nominated for “Best Director” at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards for his work on Pride, also succeeding Kevin Spacey as the new Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theatre London that year. Choreographer Peter Darling worked on Billy Elliot The Musical and Matilda The Musical. Designer Rob Howell won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design for Ghost The Musical and an Olivier Award for his work on Matilda The Musical in 2012. Composer Tim Minchin is another award-winning member of the Matilda team, although you may recognize him as Atticus Fetch from the show Californication. Andy Karl — who plays the Bill Murray-helmed “Phil Connors” role — received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in Rocky The Musical. And those are just a few of the cast and crew members that have received major honors.
Downtown had the pleasure of chatting with Groundhog Day actor John Sanders, who will play the lovable Ned Ryerson role, as originated by Stephen Tobolowsky. John is another former Matilda cast member, beyond spending time on Broadway in Peter and the Starcatcher. Prior to moving to New York, he was a veteran of the Chicago theater scene. Beyond his work with Groundhog Day, John can be seen in the upcoming Netflix series Iron Fist.
More on John and the rest of the Groundhog Day cast can be found at www.groundhogdaymusical.com. The show can also be followed on Twitter via @GHDMusical.
Do you remember the first time you saw Groundhog Day? Was it in the theater?
John Sanders: Groundhog Day was one of my favorite movies when I was younger. I don’t remember my first viewing, I’m pretty sure it was on VHS. I’ve always loved the combination of comedy and mind-bending metaphysics in this story.
Do you have a favorite scene in the movie?
John Sanders: I love watching Bill Murray stuff pastries into his face while contemplating whether he’s a god. Who wouldn’t want to be able to eat like that with no consequences?
Aside from it being a musical, are there any major differences between the movie and the play? Or will fans of the movie be pleased either way?
John Sanders: Fans of the film will not be disappointed. First of all, we have the same writer as the movie, the brilliant Danny Rubin. He’s brought so many of the iconic lines and moments that fans of the movie will love to see and hear. But telling the story as a musical opens up a lot of new possibilities. We never attempt to explain the same-day phenomenon, but we do get to hear so much more about what’s inside these characters’ heads and hearts. And I must say my character Ned has some really surprising depth that isn’t in the film, and that’s really fun to play and to sing about.
Had you worked with any of the Groundhog Day cast before being cast in this production?
John Sanders: I have. A number of actors from my time at Matilda are here, at least five or six of us from that production. And most of the creative team from Matilda are the ones behind Groundhog Day. And of course there are the dozens of backstage crew who I’ve worked with before, and many that I’m getting to know now. I’m a California boy who worked in the Chicago theater scene for 11 years, so I sometimes have to pinch myself that I get to be part of this Broadway community.
Do you have a theory on the time loop duration of Groundhog Day? I’ve heard that it’s 10 years, and I’ve read Harold Ramis say that it was 10,000 years.
John Sanders: I think it must be longer than 10 years, since Phil changes so profoundly. It’s like we get to witness someone live an entire alternate lifetime and come out the other end a changed man. Sort of like, dare I say it, that episode of Star Trek when Patrick Stewart lives a whole life on this other planet in the space of 20 minutes. Did I just up the dork factor in here? Yes, yes I did. But I also think 10,000 years seems a little long — Phil would just be comatose and insane at the end of that, like Leo DiCaprio near the end of Inception.
John Sanders: Only through his work, which I love. But he certainly seems like a fascinating and well-rounded guy. My first encounter with him was watching him as Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day. Since then I’ve loved him in Californication, Silicon Valley, and his Tobolowsky Files podcast. He also has a fantastic episode on The Nerdist, which I highly recommend.
Although you have worked in television and have appeared on film, what is it that draws you to theater?
John Sanders: My parents were great and took me to theatre in San Francisco when I was young. I remember being blown away by the original touring production of Les Miserables. We also saw a version of this farce called Charley’s Aunt at ATC back in the 80’s, and I remember marveling at the lead actor’s skill and physical precision. He seemed to be juggling eight things at once and walking the line between control and chaos. He had us all on the edge of our seats, and I just remember thinking I wanna do that! I wanna have an audience in the palm of my hand like that! Camera acting can be very fulfilling, but there’s nothing like performing live.
Is Broadway what inspired you to move to New York?
John Sanders: Actually, it was luck that got me here. I was a working actor in Chicago back in 2012, with a gig lined up down in Indianapolis and no plans whatsoever to move to New York. Then the casting director Jim Carnahan made a trip through Chicago looking for new people, and I wound up getting cast in the Broadway premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher. They called me up and asked if I could be at rehearsal in New York in 10 days! I had to drop everything, look for a place to live, and try to find the rehearsal hall. It was a shock to the system, but I’m so happy here now.
What was the first acting credit you ever landed that made you feel like this was a career, not just working for a little bit?
John Sanders: Well, I had always been a pretty good student, but I purposefully didn’t develop a backup plan for my acting career. I knew that if I had one, that’s what I’d end up doing since starting out in this business is so difficult. So I guess I always knew I was in it for the long haul. But the impostor syndrome started to subside when I joined the union and started paying my bills as an actor, though that didn’t happen until my early 30’s.
Groundhog Day aside, do you have any projects coming up? Appearances?
John Sanders: You may be able to see a little of me in the upcoming Netflix Marvel series Iron Fist. Other than that, I’m consumed with living the same day over and over again for now!
When not busy with acting, how do you like to spend your free time?
John Sanders: My favorite thing in the world is skiing, and I just spent a week in Aspen with my dad and a few old friends before rehearsals started. I love travelling and can’t wait to hit somewhere tropical soon.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
John Sanders: There are two places on the same block in Chelsea that I love. Dinner at Salinas on the patio. Then late nite drinks at Bathtub Gin, a crazy speakeasy hidden behind a tiny coffee stand.
What about go-to lunch spots near your theater?
John Sanders: I’m a pretty utilitarian eater when I’m working, so when I want something tasty and healthy I usually head to Dig Inn on 8th & 52nd. But if I wanna relax there’s always a burrito at Blockheads. Can’t wait till the weather changes and we can all bask in that courtyard again!
Finally, John, any last words for the kids?
John Sanders: Art done well is like science. And science done well is like art. And farts are always funny.
