Local Go-Tos with Paul Sevigny, Lilian Sumner, Ludwig Persik & Others
We asked friends of GrandLife to share their favorite restaurants and what they order when they go. Here’s what they told us…
Our Locals segment is a treasure trove of insider tips, offering insights into New Yorkers’ preferred haunts—the places they frequent for a meal, happy hour drink, vintage find, a new record, or whatever it is that keeps them going back.
Here, we revisit interviews with model and director Lilian Sumner, photographer David Godlis, musician Ludwig Persik, artist and nightlife veteran Paul Sevigny and others, and share their responses to the question, “What are your favorite New York restaurants? What do you order when you go?” Here’s what they told us…
Lilian Sumner, Writer/Director/Model
“Dumplings at Cafe Himalaya; a grilled cheese and tomato soup at Fanelli’s; any kind of fish dish at Cervo’s.”
Ludwig Persik, Entertainer
“My rotation includes Kiki’s and Lucien—at both places I feel somebody is happy to see me. And yes, of course, the food. At Kiki’s, lamb chops then shots of Ouzo with the staff. Lucien is a great place for me to go sulk. Steak tartare, oysters, martini—happy.”
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Bailey Leiter, DJ and Vintage Shop Owner
“Eating is half the reason I live in New York. Pappardelle at Bar Pitti; burger at Cozy Royale; jerk chicken at Miss Lily’s; soup dumplings at Wei’s or Nom Wah; tinga tacos at Cerveceria Havemeyer; risotto at Cafe Select; steak frites at Pardon My French or Lucien; the duck at La Sirène… I recently tried the Occhi at Misi and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.”
David Godlis, Photographer
“Veselka—Madame Alexander sandwich; B&H Dairy—soup and blintzes; and Cafe Mogador–eggs over easy and cappuccino.”
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Michele Varian, Designer, Store-owner, Start-up Co-founder
“Ed’s Lobster—the fish and chips. Ed makes his own pickles, which are used in the tartar sauce they serve with the fish and chips. It’s the smallest ingredient in the dish but makes all the difference.”
Paul Sevigny, Artist, Nightlife Veteran
”For breakfast, I go to Ess-a-Bagel in the East Village. Sparks for steak and for the history. Emilio’s Ballato on Houston Street. Raoul’s for the pepper steak, all the way. When people come from out of town or for celebrations, it’s fun to do the old standards: Daniel, Four Seasons, 21 Club. The Oyster Bar at Grand Central is great too. But for a more downtown, hipster feel, I like Café Select in SoHo and Lucien in the East Village.”
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Nikki Kynard, DJ
“Waverly Inn—truffle mac and cheese; Legacy Records—honey-lacquered duck.”
Nick Poe, Architectural Designer, Artist
“Time Café; Odeon–steak au poivre, spicy chicken dumplings; Gene’s—shrimp Di Lombardo; Dimes–cod or green pozole; Blue Ribbon Sushi—yellowtail hand roll with yuzu kosho, gomae; Fanelli’s—burger, mashed potatoes, spinach; Joe’s Pizza–pepperoni pizza.”
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PHOTOGRAPHY @dimestimes
