Pillow Talk with Keith Mcnally

NEW YORK CITY RESTAURATEUR

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Luxuriate in my sensational Bellino sheets!

If you had to describe your ideal restaurant style in three words, what would they be?

CONDUCIVE TO ENGAGEMENT with the person I'm having dinner with.

You opened the new PASTIS, a very large project, after a paralyzing stroke, a divorce, and your investor pulled out: how could you find the energy and determination?

My children needed me. You can get blood from a stone where your children are concerned.

What would you say to a young chef/entrepreneur who wants to open a restaurant and get big in New York in this era?

Don't listen to the Experts.

What is one of the most unexpected opportunities that has arisen from founding Balthazar or any other of your restaurants?

Regarding the success of my restaurants, I never think about opportunities they bring me, only the opportunities this supposed success allows me to give to my staff.

What is currently inspiring you in the restaurant industry?

Asian food in New York's boroughs.

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

Greenwich in Percale.

Do you have any nighttime rituals to ensure a restful sleep?

Sexual intercourse with my beautiful girlfriend.

Where is your dream destination?

Lisbon, Portugal.

What are three things you have learned from the pandemic?

Last March I was hospitalized with Covid and told I had a 50/50 chance of living. The one and only thing it taught was to fully appreciate those you love. Nothing else.

We know you are writing a memoir, can you tell us what inspired this?

My stroke in November 2016.

Very often you admirably praise your chefs, managers, bartenders some of which have been with you for several years: what are the ingredients to create and keep a great team?

Identify with those you work with. I have a rule for my employees: RESPECT AND TREAT THOSE BELOW YOU EVEN BETTER THAN THOSE ABOVE YOU.