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You all know him, you all love him: Mathieu Dufour (aka Math Duff), the sensation lighting up the Quebec comedy scene!
This fall, the talented comedian is taking a few months off to explore New York City. I had the chance to meet with him on a sunny Sunday morning in Manhattan, where he generously shared some of his favorite food spots and cultural highlights.
For Mathieu, New York is an endless source of discovery: “I love walking the streets of Manhattan and randomly wandering into places. Here, every street corner holds a surprise, every turn has a new place to discover. I just love the rhythm of this city!”
Here are Math Duff’s top New York picks!
Banter NYC – for a fantastic breakfast!
When I asked if he had a morning ritual, Math Duff replied, “Not really, but I love having breakfast at Banter NYC, a cozy spot in Greenwich Village that serves breakfast and brunch.”
“Their Banter Big Breakfast is really good: two poached eggs, bacon, halloumi, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado, and toast!”
787 Coffee – for coffee… in a pouch
Manhattan has no shortage of coffee spots, but Math Duff found a place with a unique twist: “At 787 Coffee Shop, you can drink coffee… out of a bag! They serve it in a sealed pouch with a straw and two little handles to hold it,” he explains. “It’s like sipping from an IV!”
Kogane Ramen – for the best ramen soup!
Everyone knows Math Duff loves ramen! I had to ask this ramen expert where he goes in Manhattan to get his fix.
His favorite? Kogane Ramen in the Meatpacking District.
“I love their seaweed salad; even if it gets stuck in your teeth, it’s worth it!” he jokes. He also recommends the pork gyozas—six dumplings stuffed with pork, shredded cabbage, garlic, ginger, and scallions.
And for the ramen? “The Red Tonkotsu soup is a must: pork broth with red chili paste, soft-boiled eggs, mushrooms, and scallions. It’s so good!”
Tal Bagels – for a classic New York bagel
New York bagels are legendary, and Math Duff found his favorites at Tal Bagels.
“I love this place! When I go, I get their smoked salmon bagel—a New York classic. They slice the smoked salmon right in front of you! It’s impressive! They also have cream cheeses in several flavors: tofu, strawberry, blueberry, olive, or even jalapeño!”
Becco – for never-ending pasta
Nothing beats a good bowl of pasta! For a charming Italian experience, Mathieu recommends Becco, located near Times Square.
“Every night at Becco, the chef prepares three types of pasta served all-you-can-eat.”
That’s right, you can eat as much pasta as you want! In addition to the à la carte menu, servers circulate all evening with generous bowls of the three daily pasta selections—a true feast!
Café Chelsea – for a French bistro
Nestled in the iconic Chelsea Hotel, Café Chelsea is the perfect spot for a cozy dinner with friends.
Mathieu’s favorite dish from his meal there? “Everything on the menu was delicious!” he exclaims. “But their dark chocolate soufflé was especially incredible.”
Comedy Cellar – for American stand-up
To experience American comedy, Mathieu visited Comedy Cellar, often referred to as the “Harvard” of U.S. comedy clubs.
Founded in 1982 in Greenwich Village, Comedy Cellar is a must-visit for stand-up fans. Famous comedians like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Amy Schumer all got their start here, and legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock have performed on this stage.
Mathieu also recommends checking out the Olive Tree Café, located right above Comedy Cellar, where many comedians hang out after their shows!
Upcoming Projects…
Math Duff will return to Quebec in late November with an exciting lineup of projects on the horizon. Here’s a sneak peek for his fans!
In December: Mathieu Dufour’s Christmas Choir!
A comedian turned choir director? That’s right, Math Duff surprises once again!
“After a recent show where I started singing with the audience, we decided to recreate the experience and put together a Christmas choir,” he shared.
Mark your calendars for December 15 at 4:00 PM at St. James United Church in Montreal for what promises to be an unforgettable experience! Reserve your tickets now at https://my.weezevent.com/la-chorale-de-mathieu-dufour.
In Spring 2025
Imagine this: a street-hopping comedy show across the streets of Montreal and Quebec City—a concept born from Math Duff’s imagination!
“I’ll walk through Montreal and Quebec City and improvise based on what’s happening around me,” he explains. “People will wear personal headphones while I comment as we walk along.”
It’s bound to be hilarious!
Stay tuned for his next adventures on social media and his website!
