New York City is a place known for its theatricality. Broadway aside, every corner has its own whimsical personality, and much of that character happens at restaurant tables - or rather, just to the side of the table, rolled up on a cart. Tableside dishes and drinks display decadence beautifully, and whether it's a classic martini, a prime rib, or comforting udon noodles, this city brims with tableside theater. While tableside food preparation may seem a bit over the top and kitschy, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
The achar cart at Adda had just rolled up on our right, the wide mouths of the jars filled with pickles of mango, caperberry, and pepper gaping like hungry seals. To the left, the table next to us was enjoying the opening chords of the restaurant's coveted butter chicken service, selecting the wood chips that would smoke their chicken from a different cart.
