Tomato Andy W’s - East Village
Tomato Andy W’s - 222 Ave. B
Samantha Rhody’s unassuming new East Village shop, Tomato Andy W’s, arrives at the precise moment when New Yorkers’ highly honed palates are experiencing a bit of fatigue. They want delicious food, but they desire something simple. Something classic. Something that looks like it came out of a can, but didn’t. Tomato Andy W’s raison d’être, and the centerpiece of its one-item menu is just the thing they need: tomato soup.
Rhody grew up in Ireland, but has cooked in Manhattan kitchens for nearly 26 years. Most notably, she was the head chef of Corey Feldman brainchild, Goon (63 Central Park West). “I love fancy food, you know? I love Foie Gras and morels,” she says. “But none of that stuff is soupy enough for me. I need something red and soupy.”
And what makes this tomato soup special? Well, the ingredients for starters. Each batch of this red gloop is hand assembled by Rhody each morning. She begins with a tomato puree, then stretches it a bit with some tap water. Next, the addition of a clear, sweet, syrup made from corn is slowly poured in to the mix. A blend of wheat flour and salt is then added for consistency and seasoning. Health nuts will be pleased to note the inclusion of oil made from some or all of the following vegetables: Corn, Cottonseed, Canola and/or Soybean. A secret “artificial flavoring” finishes out the mixture along with ascorbic and citric acids. I know you may be thinking “Citrus? In tomato soup?” Trust us, you won’t be a naysayer after a bowl of this delicious lycopene-laced nectar ($9).
Visitors to this handsomely striped, oak-countered storefront might notice a familiar painting adorning the walls. Yep, the famous “Bottle of Tomato Juice” by Andy Weinheimer is where this happening joint gets its name.
Although Tomato Andy W’s is geared for takeout, pull up a stool and watch the artists go in and out of Junkyard Dog Gallery next door while you ladle some liquid red comfort into your face. Oh, and while you’re in the neighborhood, check out the bike chained to the fire hydrant in front of the take-out window. It once belonged to William S. Burroughs.
BEST DISHES: Tomato Soup ($9)
PRICE RANGE: $9 -$9
CREDIT CARDS: All major cards
HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 11p.m. to 2 a.m..; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11p.m. to 4:00a.m.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: no.
