Jerry Della Femina

Lunch: Charlie Rose, Dan Abrams & The Rain-Soaked Usual Suspects - Posted October 28, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The biblical rain kept most of the moguls and media mavens away today. So, rather than people watch, I passed the time by flipping through the latest issue of Avenue featuring an ultra-glam Katie Couric on the cover. The glossy devotes eight (!) pages to the CBS Evening News... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: A Smiling Anna Wintour, Hungry Brian Williams, & A Tasty Mogul Stew - Posted October 21, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE They were dishing like it was 1999 today at Michael's where it was SRO at the bar and in the lounge and filled with movers and shakers of every stripe in the dining room. I got a serious case of whiplash trying to keep track of it all. Between... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: What Recession? Michael's Keeps Buzzing with Walter Isaacson, John Sykes & The Gang - Posted October 14, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The power lunch lives! While budgets are being slashed all over town, if the media mavens at the top are feeling the pinch, they're determined not to show it. For the past several weeks, I've noticed that Michael's is back to its pre-Great Recession level of buzz with a... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Joan Collins Holds Court at Table One, Plus Barbara Walters & Vernon Jordan - Posted October 7, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The dining room at Michael's was buzzing as boldface names settled in to plot their next big move and dish over their Cobb salads. We overhead plenty of chatter about the David Letterman and 48 Hours Mystery producer Robert "Joe" Halderman scandal -- sorry, but it's all off the... [FishBowlNY]

It's Spin City for Moguls & Machers at Michael's - Posted September 30, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The flacks were certainly out in full force today at Michael's. It seemed anyone who was (or represents) anyone was out and about with something to spin. Well, at least it's a sign that life goes on in Manhattan no matter how bleak New York magazine says our financial... [FishBowlNY]

It's Spin City for Moguls & Machers at Michael's - Posted September 30, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The flacks were certainly out in full force today at Michael's. It seemed anyone who was (or represents) anyone was out and about with something to spin. Well, at least it's a sign that life goes on in Manhattan no matter how bleak New York magazine says our financial... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Christiane Amanpour Draws an A-List Crowd - Posted September 16, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE On the menu at Michael's today: a tasty stew of media mavens and moguls with a heaping helping of famous faces on the side. We could barely keep up with the goings-on in the dining room, since every other minute there was some boldface name heading to the Garden... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Christiane Amanpour Draws an A-List Crowd - Posted September 16, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE On the menu at Michael's today: a tasty stew of media mavens and moguls with a heaping helping of famous faces on the side. We could barely keep up with the goings-on in the dining room, since every other minute there was some boldface name heading to the Garden... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Power Blondes Rule! Katie Couric, Tina Brown and Barbara Walters Hold Court - Posted July 22, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Today at Michael's, they were dishing like it was 2007. As if the head-spinning assortment of media alpha gals (Katie! Tina! Barbara!) wasn't enough to keep us busy, the dining room, bar and lounge was jam-packed with mavens and moguls of all stripes who barely made time to peck... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Charlie Rose, Fern Mallis & Tina Brown - Posted June 24, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Forget about the summer doldrums: Even though the sun's not shining today, Michael's was hot, hot, hot and so jam-packed I could barely get a bite in edgewise as I tried to keep up with the air-kissing action in the dining room. Despite the dreadful weather (and its dampening... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Charlie Rose, Fern Mallis & Tina Brown - Posted June 24, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Forget about the summer doldrums: Even though the sun's not shining today, Michael's was hot, hot, hot and so jam-packed I could barely get a bite in edgewise as I tried to keep up with the air-kissing action in the dining room. Despite the dreadful weather (and its dampening... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Andre Leon Talley Stops By -- and Hugh Jackman is Coming Tonight! - Posted June 3, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Our invitation to tonight's party for Joel Grey hosted by Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborah Lee Furness, must have gotten lost in the mail. Oh well. The dining room was jam-packed with the Wednesday regulars in action, so there was plenty to keep us entertained. I was also... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: A Heaping Helping of the Usual Suspects - Posted May 27, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE We've been spoiled by the steady stream of A-listers we've come to meet during our weekly Wednesday visits. So you can imagine our disappointment when we heard we missed Gabriel Byrne, who was in the dining room a week or so ago on a Tuesday. (We know more than... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: A Heaping Helping of the Usual Suspects - Posted May 27, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE We've been spoiled by the steady stream of A-listers we've come to meet during our weekly Wednesday visits. So you can imagine our disappointment when we heard we missed Gabriel Byrne, who was in the dining room a week or so ago on a Tuesday. (We know more than... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Barbara Walters, Frank Langella & Kathie Lee Gifford - Posted May 13, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE It was a tasty mix of media mavens, social types and the random celebrity (Frank Langella was in the house!) on the menu at Michael's today: The dining room was so packed, they were shoehorning tables in everywhere. I was glad I got there early so I was able... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Barbara Walters, Frank Langella & Kathie Lee Gifford - Posted May 13, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE It was a tasty mix of media mavens, social types and the random celebrity (Frank Langella was in the house!) on the menu at Michael's today: The dining room was so packed, they were shoehorning tables in everywhere. I was glad I got there early so I was able... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Barry Diller (on a Vespa!), Harvey Weinstein & Judge Judy - Posted May 6, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Maybe it was because it finally stopped raining for five minutes, but the power-lunchers were out in force today at Michael's. There was a crowd gathering in the lounge before noon waiting for tables. Of course, most of the regulars breezed in at their appointed hours, making sure they... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Barry Diller (on a Vespa!), Harvey Weinstein & Judge Judy - Posted May 6, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Maybe it was because it finally stopped raining for five minutes, but the power-lunchers were out in force today at Michael's. There was a crowd gathering in the lounge before noon waiting for tables. Of course, most of the regulars breezed in at their appointed hours, making sure they... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Happy Birthday, Cathie Black! - Posted April 29, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE We missed Evander Holyfield by a day, but there was plenty of action to keep our attention in Michael's jam-packed dining room today. Between the surprise birthday party for Hearst Magazines president Cathie Black on Table One, a smattering of fashionistas, and the bumper crop of beauty industry bigwigs... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Dishing With Dolly Parton - Posted April 22, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Sure, it's fun checking in with the media mavens and moguls during our weekly Wednesday outings at Michael's, but sometimes it's the random celebrity sighting that can be the most entertaining. When I heard that Dolly Parton was coming today, I was really looking forward to chatting with her.... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Dishing With Dolly Parton - Posted April 22, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE Sure, it's fun checking in with the media mavens and moguls during our weekly Wednesday outings at Michael's, but sometimes it's the random celebrity sighting that can be the most entertaining. When I heard that Dolly Parton was coming today, I was really looking forward to chatting with her.... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Barbara Walters, Barry Diller & Dana Perino - Posted April 15, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE I'm glad I got to Michael's early today because by 12:30 they were literally lining up outside the front door to get in the joint. Even the Garden Room (Siberia to the uninitiated) was SRO. The groups of wannabe diners at the bar and in the lounge were enviously... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Barbara Walters, Barry Diller & Dana Perino - Posted April 15, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE I'm glad I got to Michael's early today because by 12:30 they were literally lining up outside the front door to get in the joint. Even the Garden Room (Siberia to the uninitiated) was SRO. The groups of wannabe diners at the bar and in the lounge were enviously... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Bill Bradley, Norman Pearlstine & The Media Mavens - Posted March 25, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE It's a lo-cal edition of lunch today. We're chalking it up to near Spring-like weather (I don't know about you, but I'm burning my winter coat when we finally have two days over 60) and plenty of recent rumblings about companies tightening the reins on expense accounts. What's a... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Dishing With The Usual Suspects - Posted March 18, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The regulars were out in force today at Michael's as media mavens, moguls and social types were deep in conversation around the jam-packed dining room. Everyone, it seems, had plenty to talk about, including the terrible news of Natasha Richardson's skiing accident. "I can't believe it," one diner told... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Dishing With The Usual Suspects - Posted March 18, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The regulars were out in force today at Michael's as media mavens, moguls and social types were deep in conversation around the jam-packed dining room. Everyone, it seems, had plenty to talk about, including the terrible news of Natasha Richardson's skiing accident. "I can't believe it," one diner told... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Dishing With The Usual Suspects - Posted March 18, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The regulars were out in force today at Michael's as media mavens, moguls and social types were deep in conversation around the jam-packed dining room. Everyone, it seems, had plenty to talk about, including the terrible news of Natasha Richardson's skiing accident. "I can't believe it," one diner told... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Liz Smith, Frank Langella & A Bevy of Social Swans - Posted March 11, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The streets may be eerily empty these days (at least you can always get a cab), but you can pretty much count on a full house on Wednesdays at Michael's. Today the dining room was buzzing as media mavens and a fair share of fashionistas made the scene. Before... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Liz Smith, Frank Langella & A Bevy of Social Swans - Posted March 11, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The streets may be eerily empty these days (at least you can always get a cab), but you can pretty much count on a full house on Wednesdays at Michael's. Today the dining room was buzzing as media mavens and a fair share of fashionistas made the scene. Before... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: A Heaping Helping of The Usual Suspects - Posted March 4, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE It's a lo-cal edition of 'Lunch' today. After all, you can't expect to indulge in a diet rich in celebs and boldface names every week. We've spoiled you, I know. (By the way, if you're looking to chat with some big-time media mavens and news makers, don't miss the... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: A Heaping Helping of The Usual Suspects - Posted March 4, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE It's a lo-cal edition of 'Lunch' today. After all, you can't expect to indulge in a diet rich in celebs and boldface names every week. We've spoiled you, I know. (By the way, if you're looking to chat with some big-time media mavens and news makers, don't miss the... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Dishing on the Oscars & Obama - Posted February 25, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE As I've been reporting for weeks, it was SRO at Michael's today as the movers and shakers, undeterred by the unsettling economic news, were out in full force plotting their next big move -- or looking for a safe place to land. On the menu today: plenty of talk... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Tina Brown & Barbara Walters Break Bread; Jonathan Wald Works The Room - Posted February 4, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE It's a little disconcerting these days when no matter where you go in the city, the streets seem quieter than usual, and there are 10 cabs lined up outside Grand Central any time we need one. But we've observed an interesting phenomenon: The worse the economic news, the busier... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Special Post-Inauguration Edition - Posted January 21, 2009
— DIANE CLEHANE The mood was festive at Michael's today, with plenty of Obama buttons on display and lots of talk about the president's stirring inaugural address. Jack Kliger told me, "I thought the whole thing was inspiring. His speech was terrific." Jack had a good laugh about Barack Obama's heartfelt thanks... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Jane Fonda & Jerry Seinfeld -- That's Entertainment! - Posted October 29, 2008
— DIANE CLEHANE It's always those random celebrity sightings at Michael's that make my weekly Wednesday visits much more fun. Today certainly didn't disappoint. When a little birdie told me Jerry Seinfeld would be holding court on table one today, I knew I was in for it. When he strolled in sporting... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Jeff Greenfield on Obama Cover: 'Too Clever By Half' - Posted July 16, 2008
— DIANE CLEHANE What a difference a day makes. If only we'd come by yesterday we could have gotten in on the party for Peggy Siegal who was being feted for her birthday by gal pals Barbara Walters, Liz Smith, Rita Wilson (one of the most pleasant celebrities I've ever interviewed on... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Football, Fashionistas & Laila Ali - Posted June 11, 2008
— DIANE CLEHANE It was a tasty tossed summer salad of movers, shakers — and football players at Michael's today. Now that the power set has to cram in five days of plotting into a truncated work week — Why miss out on a Friday afternoon in the Hamptons if you don't... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: The British Are Coming — Tomorrow! - Posted March 19, 2008
— DIANE CLEHANE We're still exhausted from hob nobbing with last week's overflow of A-listers, so we were almost glad things were a bit more subdued at 55th & Fifth today. It gave us a chance to catch up and chat with some our favorite regulars. Imagine my chagrin when I stopped... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Valerie Bertinelli Weighs In - Posted March 12, 2008
— DIANE CLEHANE As much as we love our bird's eye perch from the bar, it's always a treat when we're invited to dine in the grown up section — especially when the scene is as head-spinning as it was today. Hallmark Channel's senior vice president Jen Geisser and her power... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch: Captain Picard, I Presume? - Posted February 20, 2008
— DIANE CLEHANE Between the heinous weather that has us nursing what must be walking pneumonia, a deadly dull award season (Does anybody really care about the Oscars without the parties?) and some mind-numbingly bad television we've been forced to endure (What the hell happened to Nip/Tuck?), we were yearning for some... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch At Michael's: Judy Collins Stops By - Posted December 12, 2007
— DIANE CLEHANE Last week we developed some serious whiplash craning around to keep up with the A-listers that table hopped at lunch. Today's crowd was much more low key with a smattering of regulars dotting a somewhat unfamiliar landscape consisting of business types and the occasional captain of industry who might... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch At Michael's: Barry Diller, Bob Iger & The Literary Lioness Club - Posted September 19, 2007
— DIANE CLEHANE For those who like their cobb salads served up with a side order of adrenaline, 55th & Fifth was the place to be today. Media moguls and literary lionesses convened their cliques for some lively conversation that kept the dining room buzzing. Esther Newberg and Anna Quindlen... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch At Michael's: The Dog Days Are Here! - Posted August 8, 2007
— DIANE CLEHANE The morning monsoon that shut down the city for several hours kept all but the true diehards away today at 55th & Fifth. Even general manager Steve Millington was kept from his post due to a weather-related nanny nightmare (we can relate). Others, like our pal Jaqui Lividini, arrived... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch at Michael's: Ken Sunshine: Lindsay's Woes Are 'Beyond PR Issues' - Posted July 25, 2007
— DIANE CLEHANE We've truly hit the dog days of summer when there isn't one Fiji water sipping-celeb in sight come high noon at 55th & Fifth. Luckily, that didn't mean there was a shortage of Tinseltown talk in the dining room. The topic du jour — what else? — Lindsay Lohan's... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch at Michael's: Joan Rivers, Deepak Chopra & The Today Gang - Posted July 11, 2007
— DIANE CLEHANE The scene at 55th & Fifth was more subdued than usual today with most of the regulars nowhere to be seen. With an unusually high number of "civilians" milling about, it seemed unlikely we'd get our weekly boldfaced name fix this go round. Imagine our delight when Joan Rivers... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch at Michael's: Kate White & Her Lethal Blondes - Posted May 23, 2007
After the last few relatively uneventful Wednesdays, we were thrilled to see the dining buzzing with excitement when we arrived this afternoon. Our favorite Cosmo gal Kate White was celebrating the publication of her latest book, Lethally Blonde, with a ladies lunch at Table One comprised of an intriguing mix of... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch at Michael's: Brokaw & Burns Break Bread - Posted March 28, 2007
The scene at 55th & Fifth was bustling as always thanks to one iconic newsman (we always sit up a little straighter when Tom Brokaw is in the room), a mix of movie moguls and the usual roundup of public relations pitchmen and women. Peggy Siegal did her usual flitting from... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch at Michael's: Ex-CBS News Prez Says Give Katie A Chance - Posted January 31, 2007
As much as we've come to enjoy our perch at the bar with its bird's eye view, we were thrilled when one of our favorite television titans, Andrew Heyward, invited us to join him and his guests for lunch. Today's lunchtime chronicler, Diane Clehane, chatted with the always affable and extremely... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch at Michael's: Gay Talese, John Huey and The Guys - Posted January 17, 2007
The scene at 55th and Fifth resembled something of a men's club today where the power suits -- and ties -- ruled. Media machers including Time Inc.'s editor-in-chief John Huey, ad man Jerry Della Femina and the sartorially splendid Gay Talese (who got our attention when he removed his coat and... [FishBowlNY]

Lunch at Michael's: Gay Talese, John Huey and The Guys - Posted January 17, 2007
The scene at 55th and Fifth resembled something of a men's club today where the power suits -- and ties -- ruled. Media machers including Time Inc.'s editor-in-chief John Huey, ad man Jerry Della Femina and the sartorially splendid Gay Talese (who got our attention when he removed his coat and... [FishBowlNY]