The rundown. At the table next to us, the gregarious, garrulous and ubiquitous financial advisor Euan Rellie, a Scot, married to one of the famous Sykes sisters. Euan was with Justine Mannerling and Kevin Martel, the creative director of Harry’s of London. Harry’s of London was started I was told, by Matthew Mellon, the former husband of Tamara Mellon, the tycooness of Jimmy Choo fame and fortune.
Men’s shoes, Harry’s. Now all the rage. Euan would love it if I’d show you a picture of Harry’s current, line but I’m not going to. You know where to look if you really want to know. Go ahead, you might like.
That was next door to us. In the bay at Table One, Steven Rubenstein, the PR guru (along with his father and brother). On the other side of us Fern Mallis was lunching with architect Steven Learner and Sarah Medford. Beyond them, marketing and advertising executive Cindy Lewis. In the corner (Barry Diller’s table when he’s in town), Dana Miller and Mitch Kanner. You don’t know who they are? Neither do I. Michael’s knows, however, and maybe you might want to also. Next to them, Alice Mayhew, the Simon & Schuster editor with literary agent Ed Victor. Were they discussing the rumored to be imminent acquisition of S&S by Amazon.com? I have no idea, but others were definite airing opinions about the rumor and Jeff Bezos taking over the whole publishing/media world. And then the moon, of course.
Moving along, at the table next to Alice Mayhew, Bob Barnett, the Washington attorney, husband of newcaster, the great (the voice) Rita Braver. Mr. Barnett on meeting is a congenial, gracious fellow, just the way you’d hope a high powered lawyer would be. At table, or across the desk, wherever it is, however, he’s a genius dealmaker for his clients, many of whom are very famous celebrities, athletes, actors, politicians -- and rich, no small thanks to him. Mr. Barnett was with Adrian Zackheim, the publisher.
I am your camera. Across the way, and in the center of the room, Diane Clehane, girl reporter, was interviewing Tessa Edick, founder of FarmOn!, along with public relations lady Judy Twersky who arranged the howjado’s, and Beth Feldman. Across the aisle again: Lisa Linden (Linden Atschuler) with writer James Panero. Across the way from Ms. Linden, Dini Von Meuffling.
On one side of her, PR consultant and political analyst Robert Zimmerman. On the other side of Dini, politico Andrew Stein lunching with a beautiful model. next to her Couri Hay, and across the way from Couri, Christy Ferer. Nearby: Sotheby’s Exec VP Jamie Niven with Neal Lasher. Also nearby: (David) Sanford (of the WSJ) and (Lewis) Stein; Jack Myers with Mark Debevoise; Jack Kliger with Tom Goodman; Shelly Palmer; Jim Smith of Niche Media; Pauline Brown, Liz Smith (Alliance Bernstein, not your Liz Smith; William Hardie, Cliff Sobel, U.S. Ambassador to Brazil; Paul Beirne; Duncan Darrow, Michael Christenson of Allen & Company; and Philippe Salomon and his wife Paula who always take two places at the bar where they can take in the whole scene coming and going while enjoying the Michael’s menu. The Salomons, aside from their view (and they are in my purview) have a very good time together. A team, you could call it.
I would guess, the world outside aside, the guests yesterday afternoon at Michael’s were having a good time together too. And making some inroads, some agreements, some deals and some ideas that may move their worlds and even the world along to better things. |
