My Kinda Town: Comedian Russell Howard Tells Us The Best Place To Go Fox Poop Hunting In New York City

My Kinda Town returns! This week, we’ll hear from English comedian — and self-professed Ellen DeGeneres lookalike — Russell Howard about New York City ahead of his headlining three-show gig at the Gramercy Theater this weekend, March 29-30. Howard is perhaps best known as the host of The Russell Howard Hour, a weekly comedy series on Sky 1 in which Howard brings his characteristic wit and observational humor to the stories dominating the cultural zeitgeist.

While Russell was light on the type of suggestions that would offer you actionable experiences to take part in while visiting New York city — unless you want to go fox poop hunting in Central Park, in which case, be our guest! — what the stand-up comedian did bring was a lot of personality and life to his answers, allowing us to catch a glimpse of New York City as filtered through the lens of one of the sharpest comics working today.

Here is everything that makes New York City great, according to comedian Russell Howard.

Favorite memory from New York City?

Being Told I Look Like Ellen DeGeneres

Probably the moment someone in an elevator said that I looked like Ellen. Instantly the other five people in the elevator started howling with laughter. I looked at myself in the mirror and it dawned on me, I do look like a charming lesbian.

What are the best meals you’ve ever had in New York City?

Park Avenue Restaurant

I had a superb meal at the Park Avenue Restaurant next to the Gramercy theatre last time I played there.

Park Avenue is a seasonal restaurant headed by chef Zene Flinn with a menu of New American cuisine that shifts with all four seasons. Check out what’s on the menu for spring here.

Burger Joint At Parker New York

I remember having a great burger at a joint hidden behind a curtain in the Le Parker Meridian hotel.

Check out Burger Joint’s menu here.

Hot Dogs Backstage At The Tonight Show

I had a hot dog backstage whilst watching Ms. Lauryn Hill perform when I did The Jimmy Fallon Show. What an incredible voice and the dog was splendid too.

Since we’ll never truly know what exactly Russell ate backstage at the Tonight Show, we suggest hitting up Gray’s Papaya, which isn’t too far from Rockefeller Center where the Tonight Show is filmed.

Best place to watch comedy in the city

The Comedy Cellar

The Cellar. You never know who’s gonna waltz in.

The Comedy Cellar in New York City is a legendary stand-up club that sees regular pop-in performances from comedy legends and rising stars alike. Comedians like Dave Chappelle, Dov Davidoff, Nikki Glaser, Michelle Wolf, Dave Attell, and countless others are known to frequent the club.

What do you love about New York City?

The Vibe

So many things. The food. The people. The noise. The energy. The aggression. The confidence. I saw a woman confidently walking down 14th street with a Chihuahua in a stroller. Like it was no big deal, just taking her tiny dog out in a baby’s stroller and the dog had sass too.

From the glare in its eyes, you could tell it was thinking “problem, motherfucker?”

Best thing to do after a comedy set

Hang Out In The City

I like people watching and shooting the shit with my tour manager. I like going to places where I’m not known. A few years ago, I was walking back to my hotel in Ireland and happened upon a couple in an alley mid-blowjob who paused to say hello to me. That hasn’t happened in New York.

God I hope people reading this don’t take it on as a challenge. Poor Ellen won’t know what’s happening.

What is one thing everyone must experience in New York City?

Wandering around Central Park

I love parks. In a time where rampant nationalism is spreading around the world, you will still witness all nationalities playing every kind of sport you can imagine if you spend a few hours in any park. And Central Park on