The Bizz

When a friend mentioned that The Waverly Inn executive chef, John Delucie, would be having a book signing for his new memoir, The Hunger: A Story of Food, Desire and Ambition at Catherine Malandrino’s in East Hampton, I didn’t say, “Yes,” I cried “Bring on the chicken pot pie!”

I have my own memoir-in-progress and love supporting fellow writers. With my 14-month-old daughter in tow, (she’s growing accustomed to mommy’s socializing), we headed out from our home in Southampton.

The first time I met the celebrated eatery owner was in 2006, the same year the doors of The Waverly “unofficially” opened. He was chatting in the corner booth with a few power people in the entertainment industry (no surprise) but I managed to get his attention just long enough to compliment him on my meal and service. He asked me what I ordered (the pot pie), we spoke about our Italian ancestors, and I asked him where he likes to eat when he isn’t working (in the restaurants of his friends). I went back to the secret diners' club, four more times over the next few months including one reservation with a man who is now my husband. Thankfully, he passed the taste test.

Since then, the restaurant has grown into a well-known location with a celebrity clientele that rivals a night at the Oscars. The mystique of not having an official telephone number and the fact that people need to walk in to make a reservation adds to the allure.

Saturday’s "hunger" for Delucie’s book signing event at Catherine Malandrino, one of my favorite designers, turned out to be a great shopping spree as well. Guests were treated to a $50 coupon good until Fashion Night Out on September 10th. Champagne flowed and hors d’oeuvres sponsored by one of the chefs' stops along the path to stardom, Nick and Toni’s, satiated, until dinner.

Guests included: Star Jones and Herb Wilson, David Zinczenko, Dan Abrams, Rosanna Scotto, and Jonathan Morr of Bond Street.

- Lori Bizzoco