Magic, Food, and the Big Back Life: Our Favorite Eats Across the USA

They said don’t eat before going onstage. We said: challenge accepted.

One of the perks of being a traveling entertainer is that we get to do three things we love:

1. Share magic.

2. Meet amazing people.

3. Eat like we have no self-control.

Now, before you clutch your pearls—no, we’re not Gordon Ramsey. Nobody’s screaming “it’s RAW!” in our house. We love world-class dining, but we’ll also stop at a gas station for a questionable hot dog without a second thought. For us, food—like magic—is all about the experience.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit everywhere from tiny Cathlamet, Washington, to the chaos of New York City, and we’ve lived our best big back life in between. Here are some of our favorite food adventures so far (in no particular order—because how do you rank pastrami against risotto without starting a war?)

Chicago – Kasama

📍 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Chicago, we see you. Between the architecture, the history, and the people—we fell hard. But the food? That sealed the deal. We waited two hours for a breakfast sandwich at Kasama, and yes, our feet hurt, but our stomachs sang hallelujah. This Michelin-star Filipino spot is pure magic. The longanisa breakfast sandwich deserves its own standing ovation, and the bakery section? Let’s just say you’ll “accidentally” walk out with a box full of pastries. Worth it. Every. Single. Time.

Las Vegas – Capo’s Restaurant & Speakeasy

📍 5675 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Step into Capo’s and suddenly you’re in a mobster movie—with better food and fewer bullets. Lounge singers, Prohibition vibes, and Italian food that hits you harder than a plot twist in The Godfather. Risotto so good you’ll question life choices, cannolis that disappear faster than a magician’s coin. Usually these themed places lean corny—this one leans delicious.

Nashville – Monell’s

📍 1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Nashville is music, history, and honky-tonk fried goodness. Our pick? Monell’s. You sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers, pass around big platters of Southern comfort food, and pretend you’re at grandma’s house—if grandma was secretly running a restaurant. The fried chicken’s great, but the experience? That’s the real feast. 10/10 big back vibes.

Austin – Buc-ee’s

📍 1700 TX-71, Bastrop, TX 78602 (plus a million other locations)

Yes, yes—Austin is known for its BBQ. But plot twist: our pick is Buc-ee’s. A gas station. Hear me out. It’s not just a gas station—it’s Disneyland for people who love brisket sandwiches, candied nuts, and buying a random kayak paddle at 2am. We went in for snacks, came out three hours later with BBQ, a hoodie, and things we definitely didn’t need. Would Gordon Ramsey approve? Probably not. Did we love every bite? Absolutely.

New York City – Katz’s Delicatessen

📍 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

NYC is one of our favorite cities—the skyscrapers, the chaos, the dollar pizza. But if you want to eat New York in sandwich form, you go to Katz’s Deli. Pastrami that melts, corned beef that slaps, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts beautiful and chaotic. It’s been in movies, on TV, and now in our bellies. Just don’t wear white unless you want mustard stains as your souvenir.

Los Angeles – The Magic Castle

📍 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Look, I’m biased. But biased with good reason. The Magic Castle is where prime rib, chili, and cocktails meet world-class magic. It’s our second home, our happy place, and our favorite dinner spot rolled into one. Yes, it’s invite-only, but hey—you know a guy. 😉

Gratitude (and a Disclaimer)

Here’s the truth: every city we visit has its own flavor—literally. Food tells you more about the people and culture than any brochure can. We’re endlessly grateful that magic gives us the chance to travel, connect, and (over)eat across this country.

And if we missed your city—don’t worry. Stay tuned for Part Two. There’s a lot more eating (and magic) to do.

Now, what about you? What’s the most magical food in your city? Drop your recommendations below—we’ll bring the appetite, you bring the forks.

-JonathanMolo

The Man in the Purple Suit