MICHAEL MCCARTY almost can’t believe how well his celebrated New York City restaurant is doing 20-plus months after he was forced to shutter its Midtown doors due to the pandemic. “We’re back to where we were,” he says happily. “People had so much pent-up energy from being stuck inside. It’s exhilarating to see how customers have re-embraced the restaurant business the way they have.” Here, celebrity chef Judy Joo catches up with the restaurateur, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, about the lasting appeal of Michael’s (which also has a location in Santa Monica, Calif.), his favorite famous clients and how it feels to be back in the swing of things.
Everyone knows the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic. What were those first few days and weeks like?
We were feeling our way through the dark. At first, we were just supposed to be closed for two weeks. It was this wait-and-see thing.
How did you cope?
We took it month by month and tried to remain positive and optimistic. It was an odd time, but time heals all. I told my staff, “We’ve just got to get through this and survive.” As one of my best customers, Muhammad Ali, would say, “Stay in the ring. Take the punches. At least you’re still in the ring.”
And when did things start to feel like they were getting back to normal?
We opened up simultaneously on both coasts during the first week of May. I had laid off everybody, so we called back the staff. We took off like a bat out of hell and were astounded by the enthusiasm.
Have most of your loyal clients returned?
Bu hikaye Star dergisinin January 10, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Star dergisinin January 10, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
MEGHAN ON THE DEFENSIVE!
IN A VICIOUS NEW REPORT, FORMER STAFFERS RIP INTO THE DUCHESS OF SUSSEX, CALLING HER 'TERRIBLE' AND A 'DICTATOR IN HIGH HEELS,' BUT SHE SAYS SHE'S JUST DOING HER JOB.
PAM ANDERSON: I Finally Have the Life I Want
AFTER HEARTACHE, TRAUMA AND YEARS OF BEING COUNTED OUT, PAMELA ANDERSON IS ON TOP OF THE WORLD WITH A MEATY NEW ROLE AND A FRESH TAKE ON AGING AND LOVE.
DIDDY'S SICK WORLD: IT'S WORSE THANAN ANYONE KNOWS
AS SEAN COMBS FACES LIFE IN PRISON ON SHOCKING FEDERAL CRIME CHARGES, HOLLYWOOD IS RATTLED BY NEWS OF HIS SEX PARTIES, SECRET BLACKMAIL TAPES AND DEPRAVED VIOLENCE TOWARD WOMEN.
J.Lo & Ben ADDICTED TO LOVE
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck can't seem to quit each other.
BRITNEY'S BOYS: CUT OFF!
For decades, people around Britney Spears have been living off her wealth. Come November, when her younger son Jayden finishes high school in Hawaii, the 18-year-old, his older brother, Sean, 19, and dad Kevin Federline will be off the payroll as the pop star will no longer be required to pay child support.
MEG TO DENNIS: BACK OFF
There's proud pop, then there's annoying exhusband. Dennis Quaid recently reflected on his 2001 divorce from Meg Ryan, saying he had no regrets because the union - which was destroyed by infidelity had brought him son Jack Quaid, now 32.
MY NIGHT WITH TOM!
BACK IN THE DAY, HEATHER LOCKLEAR AND TOM CRUISE GAVE ROMANCE A SHOT BUT HE WASN'T HER TYPE!
Kate's - FINDING THE Light
IN a sun-dappled video released Sept. 9, the Prince and Princess of Wales cuddle and frolic with their three kids, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and 6-year-old Prince Louis, in the countryside near their Norfolk, England, home and even engage in some very non-royal PDA.
Jessica &Eric: MARRIAGE TURMOIL
AS JESSICA SIMPSON TRIES TO REVIVE HER PERFORMING CAREER, HER RELATIONSHIP WITH HUSBAND ERICJOHNSON HAS HIT A BREAKING POINT.
A Family Goodbye Says
AS BRUCE WILLIS' COGNITIVE HEALTH CONTINUES TO DECLINE, EX DEMI MOORE, WIFE EMMA HEMING AND HIS FIVE DAUGHTERS ARE CHERISHING EVERY DAY.