“It’s not really about the celebs tonight,” said a smart-suited PR type of a preview dinner at the Standard Grill inside the Standard Hotel on Manhattan’s far West Side. “It’s mostly been just friend’s of Andre.”
Andre would be Andre Balazs and those friends tonight included bold-faced types such as Willem Dafoe, Ali Larter and perhaps Paloma Picasso — or someone very Paloma-esque.
Larter looked straight off the small-screen — all blonde ringlets and perfect bod. Me thinks she smokes — why else was she bopping in/out of the dining room. Dafoe, meanwhile, was surrounded by a gaggle of diners — more friends of Andre I assume.
The restaurant — much like the Highline above it during the day — was packed. And the air-kisses and champagne were flowing as freely as Balazs’ endless double-kisses and back slaps.
As for the food — we can sum it up in three key words: Comfort, casual and cheap(ish).
With breakfast, lunch and dinner soon available and prime Highline access — we proclaim the Standard Grill this summer’s new Pastis.