The Connection Bernards Ridge Edition Feb-Mar 2020

theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 37 Dining Out “THE GREAT WHITE WAY” STILL GLOWS By: Linda Seigelman On a recent visit to New York City, I wondered about the origin of the term The Great White Way which is the nickname for the section of Broadway that runs through the heart of the Theater District. It seems it earned that sobriquet because it was one of the first streets in New York City – in fact in the United States - to be lit with electric lights in the years after Thomas Edison’s discovery. Nineteenth century theaters were plagued by poor ventilation and the con- stant threat of fire due to the widespread use of gas lamps. In 1891, the first electric marquee was lit on Broadway. Theater architects and designers soon realized that the electric light was a much safer alterna- tive for theater lighting and could also be a great advertising gimmick. The first acknowledged use of the term seems to have been in the headline "Found on the Great White Way" which appeared in the February 3, 1902 edition of the New York Evening Telegram. It has con- tinued to this day because of the millions of lights on theater marquees and billboards flashing their brilliance in the night sky over midtown Manhattan. Amid all the lights and the glitter, the Broadway season has been outstanding this past fall, and it looks to be even better with the new shows opening in early 2020. Whether your tastes run to important dra- mas, classic revivals, musical extravaganzas or light-hearted fare, there has been and continues to be much to see. And as an added bonus, many big-name talents are taking their turns on The Great White Way. Though seeing a play is enticing and enjoyable any time of year, there is some- thing about the comfort of a theater on a cold winter evening, especially paired with a wonderful meal before or after the show. SOME FAVORITE SPOTS Becco, 355 West 46th Street (between Eighth & Ninth) – the Bastianich family’s very popular Italian spot has an unbeatable all-you-can-eat-pasta special and a reason- ably priced wine list, consistently good and always busy Blue Fin, 1567 Broadway (at 47th) – in the W Hotel in Times Square, quality seafood and sushi, good spot for a drink and a break from the hustle and bustle, recently reopened after an extensive reno- vation Danji, 346 West 52nd Street (bet/ Eighth & Ninth) – a charming little spot with terrific Korean small plates - each one a unique flavor treat, the bulgogi sliders are amazing, perfect for lunch or dinner 5 Napkin Burger, 630 Ninth Avenue (nr 45th) – great burgers, salads, cocktails and much more, something for everyone, try it for brunch, lunch or a casual bite before or after the theater 44 & X, 622 Tenth Avenue (at 44th) – always good and reasonably-priced American food, meatloaf and mac and cheese are two favorites, outdoor seating, open late for post-theater dining, great for a drink or dessert and coffee too The Lamb’s Club, 132 West 44th Street (bet/ Sixth & Broadway) – from Geoffrey Zakarian, beautiful deco décor, sophisticat- ed menu for BLD and high tea, stop in for a drink at the upstairs bar, pre-theater prix fixe menu is always special Lattanzi, 341 West 46th Street (bet/ Eighth & Ninth) – busy pre-theater, an oasis during the show, delicious Roman-Jewish cuisine, lovely setting, excellent service, a long-time theater district favorite Marseille, 630 Ninth Avenue (at 44th) – French-Mediterranean brasserie, well-exe- cuted menu hits the regional highlights and continues to please diners, prix fixe lunch and dinner options, always a good choice Ollie’s Sichuan, 411 West 42nd Street (at Ninth) – still doing classic Chinese well: moo shoo pork, sautéed Chinese broccoli, sesame noodles, chicken with asparagus and snow peas, you can’t go wrong, the price is right Saju Bistro, 120 West 44th Street (bet/ Sixth & Broadway) – French Provencal cui- sine, bouillabaisse, mussels, goat cheese tart, duck, steak frites, delicious burger too, the apple tart is a winner, lovely bistro décor with a beautiful bar area, friendly service, open late