Keith McNally, the British-born restaurateur behind some of Manhattan’s most iconic dining destinations, has defied the odds in the cutthroat world of hospitality for over four decades. With a staggering number of restaurants in New York City and a high closure rate within five years, McNally’s longevity and success are truly remarkable.
McNally, often referred to as “The Restaurateur Who Invented Downtown,” has created a legacy with establishments like The Odeon, Minetta Tavern, Pastis, and the legendary French brasserie Balthazar. Balthazar, in particular, has been a staple for celebrities and downtown tastemakers, solidifying McNally’s status as a culinary pioneer.
In his new memoir, “I Regret Almost Everything,” McNally shares candid and poignant reflections on his eventful career filled with outrageous stories and A-list encounters. To celebrate the book’s release, a gathering of 180 of McNally’s family and friends took place at Balthazar, with notable names like Christy Turlington, Alec Baldwin, Padma Lakshmi, Anna Wintour, Diane Sawyer, and Tony Shalhoub in attendance.
The evening kicked off with a live performance by singers Lily Kershaw and Sandy Dalziel, setting the stage for actor Richard E. Grant to read select passages from the memoir. The memoir delves into McNally’s personal struggles, including a suicide attempt in 2018 and the aftermath of a stroke in 2016 that left him with aphasia and a paralyzed right hand.
Guests like Padma Lakshmi and Alec Baldwin commended McNally’s resilience and impact on Manhattan nightlife. Baldwin described McNally as a magician with a lasting influence on the city’s dining scene. The celebratory atmosphere was reflected in every detail, from trays of Champagne to Balthazar’s signature steak frites with béarnaise sauce.
Christy Turlington, a longtime Balthazar patron, fondly recalled her early days at the restaurant and praised its vibrant energy. As the night came to a close, McNally shared his hopes for readers of his memoir, encouraging them to challenge conventional wisdom and embrace opposing views.
McNally’s memoir launch at Balthazar was a testament to his enduring legacy in the culinary world and a celebration of his unwavering passion for creating memorable dining experiences.
