Celebrity Dining Secrets at NYC's Historic Delmonico's Revealed
Inside Delmonico's Historic Dining Experience
When William H. Macy and Joel Edgerton sat down at America's first restaurant, they revealed more than menu preferences—they unpacked cultural food divides and career memories. At Delmonico's in New York, where the Caesar salad and Eggs Benedict were invented, the "Train Dreams" co-stars navigated Vegemite skepticism and debated timeless dishes. What emerges is a masterclass in how food connects to identity, nostalgia, and artistic expression.
The Birthplace of American Fine Dining
Delmonico's holds culinary authority as the inventor of iconic dishes since 1837. Their signature three-course lunch featured:
- Original Caesar salad with mangr dressing
- Historic Eggs Benedict with seafood-infused crab and lobster
- Dry-aged ribeye with house crab cakes and shoestring potatoes
The restaurant's legacy demonstrates how culinary innovation becomes tradition. As Macy noted: "We're tasting history"—a sentiment backed by Delmonico's documented role in creating the first fine-dining experience in America.
Celebrity Food Confessions and Cultural Divides
Edgerton's defense of Vegemite sparked a cross-cultural exchange revealing how food shapes identity:
"The way to do this is to toast your bread well, add generous butter, then just a thin layer of Vegemite," Edgerton instructed, countering Macy's "saltwater glob" description. This moment highlights how immigrant food traditions (like Edgerton's Dutch heritage dishes) become national symbols.
Both actors shared nostalgic comfort foods:
- Macy's longing for traditional Southern jambalaya (noting his grandmother's skill versus his "not a lick" of cooking ability)
- Edgerton's Australian "collection cuisine" appreciation
- Unchanging Thanksgiving stuffing as Macy's non-negotiable: "I want it out of the bag. Just wet it and make it hot"
Insider NYC Dining Recommendations
Beyond the historic venue, both actors shared authoritative New York picks:
| Venue | Specialty | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Pitti | Family-style Italian | Kid-friendly, authentic pizza/pasta |
| Smith & Mills | Craft cocktails | Unique elevator-themed bathroom experience |
| Untutto | Theater district staple | Reliable pre-show dining |
| White Horse Tavern | Downtown pub classics | Historic literary haunt atmosphere |
Acting Insights Through a Food Lens
When asked which character would be the worst dinner companion, Macy cited Tom Buchanan's arrogance toward staff. Edgerton described his co-star as a "complex burger with beetroot"—messy yet layered. Their first-audition stories revealed industry truths:
- Macy's role ended with being "shot in the neck by 11am"
- Post-wrap drink preferences evolved from vodka to gin cocktails
- Public recognition often ties to infamous roles like "the guy who robbed that store"
Actionable Celebrity Dining Toolkit
- Recreate the Delmonico experience: Order Eggs Benedict with quality crab, honoring its origin story
- Try Vegemite correctly: Heavily buttered toast with a scrape—not slab—of spread
- Book NYC like an insider: Target Smith & Mills for cocktails or Bar Pitti for family dinners
- Guard food traditions: Resist "improving" classics like Thanksgiving stuffing
- Pair films authentically: As they did, match "Train Dreams" with woody rye whiskey
Food connects memory to artistry—whether it’s Macy’s Southern roots or Edgerton’s Dutch-Australian fusion. Their Delmonico’s lunch proves that sharing meals reveals more than taste preferences; it uncovers personal histories. "Train Dreams celebrates ordinary lives," noted Edgerton, "but ordinary lives contain extraordinary moments."
What timeless dish connects to your most cherished memory? Share your food story below—the best ones deserve a virtual toast with proper rye whiskey.
