Keith McNally Expresses Regret Over Multiple Matters
Keith McNally, the celebrated restaurateur behind iconic establishments such as Odeon, Balthazar, Pastis, Minetta Tavern, and more, has published a memoir titled "I Regret Almost Everything." The book, released in May 2023, offers a candid and humorous account of McNally's five decades in the restaurant business.
In the memoir, McNally reflects on his happiest times, which were spent at the Odeon, where he would socialise with waitstaff at 3 am, sharing jokes, drinking beer, and counting tips. The book also touches upon his deep love for Paris, a city he believes most New Yorkers understand better than the French when it comes to dining.
McNally discusses the changes he's witnessed in the restaurant industry over the years, noting that allergies are a significant change since he started working in the '70s, as customers rarely mentioned them back then. He also shares his belief that New Yorkers tip better than the French.
The memoir is not without its controversial topics, with some subjects deemed too sexual to be discussed in interviews. However, McNally expresses a desire to make improvements to the paperback edition, suggesting that he wishes the book were better.
McNally also sheds light on the restaurant world he helped create, discussing his experiences with notable figures such as the cast of Saturday Night Live, especially John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who lived near the Odeon and frequently dropped by.
In an exclusive interview with our website editor, John Ortved, McNally also shares his views on the restaurant industry, expressing his belief that most restaurateurs are greedy and do not inform customers about the prices of specials because most specials are more expensive than the average dish on the menu. He also praises the underrated food of chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson.
Despite the memoir's irreverent and self-effacing style, some readers and commentators suggest that it leaves some questions unanswered about McNally's life and career. However, the exact nature of these unresolved issues or conflicts has not been publicly outlined or documented.
Rufus Wainwright's song "Going to a Town" serves as the current soundtrack to McNally's life, encapsulating the spirit of a man who, above all, wishes to die as a New Yorker, taking his money with him.
[1] Ortved, J. (2023). Keith McNally's Memoir: A Candid Account of 50 Years in the Restaurant Industry. [Interview]. Retrieved from [our website's URL] [2] McNally, K. (2023). I Regret Almost Everything. Simon & Schuster. [3] Anonymous. (2023). So Many Unanswered Questions About Keith McNally's Memoir. [Article]. Retrieved from [another website's URL]
Books related to entertainment that you might find captivating include Keith McNally's memoir, "I Regret Almost Everything." This book offers an engaging account of the celebrated restaurateur's five-decade journey in the restaurant industry, featuring tales from his iconic establishments, personal anecdotes, and insights on the industry's transformation over time. The memoir also delves into McNally's experiences with renowned figures in the entertainment world, such as the cast of Saturday Night Live, especially John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who were frequent visitors to his restaurant Odeon.
