Eat on the Street Like Tony Manero of "Saturday Night Fever"
Film still: Paramount Pictures.
“On the weekend, and on the dance floor, Tony is king.”
We’d like to add one item to the maxim published in The New York Times on this day in 1977 about a new little film called “Saturday Night Fever”: “On the weekend, and on the dance floor, and with pizza, Tony is king.”
Tony Manero—played with panache by one John Travolta—“is a handsome, bighearted guy with a lot more style than he knows what to do with,” effuses the Times. This includes his slice styling. In a moment immortalized in the flick’s intro, Manero confidently stacks two slices on top of each other and eats them—managing to simultaneously keep an eye on the ladies of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn—while strutting down the street to the song “Stayin’ Alive.” It’s the sort of move that has inspired not only emulation among slice aficionados, but an entire double-decker pizza called The Tony Manero.
In honor of the film’s 36th birthday, we present five iconic Brooklyn foods best suited to streetside eating.
1) Empanadas
Film still: Paramount Pictures. Illustration: Jennifer Fox
Bite the top off a hot empanada con queso, drizzle some salsa into it—our favorite Brooklyn vendor makes a kickin’ sauce with cilantro and jalapeño—and you have a street snack that’s less messy than a slice, but just as cheesy and delicious.
When in Brooklyn: Empanada truck, Myrtle and Wyckoff Avenues.
2) Lobster rolls
Film still: Paramount Pictures. Illustration: Jennifer Fox
Perhaps not the street eat of choice in 1977 Brooklyn, the lobster roll can be found all the heck over that fine borough today—and in many other cities across America. There are few foods better, especially in summertime, for eating while walking and chowing down.
When in Brooklyn: Red Hook Lobster Pound, 284 Van Brunt Street.
3) Jamaican beef patties
Film still: Paramount Pictures. Illustration: Jennifer Fox
Also called “doubles,” Jamaican beef patties comprise spiced beef tucked inside a hefty, flaky baked pocket of dough, ideal for strutting without dripping onto one’s leather jacket.
When in Brooklyn: A&A Bake and Doubles, 481 Nostrand Avenue.
4) Hot dogs
Film still: Paramount Pictures. Illustration: Jennifer Fox
The grub of choice at sports stadiums—for those needing to scream for their sports team and eat at the same time—this American classic is popular for good reason.
When in Brooklyn: Shake Shack, 409 Fulton Street.
5) Tacos
Film still: Paramount Pictures. Illustration: Jennifer Fox
We are oh-so-grateful for the taco revival. A properly double-tortilla-wrapped taco—chorizo; fish; carne asada; whatever—can be a lifesaver when you’re in a rush, and a day-improver whether or not you have a Bee Gees soundtrack backing you up.
When in Brooklyn: Reyes Deli & Grocery, 532 4th Avenue.
