Who Is Le Cirque's Mystery Ragamuffin?

Brave is the man who strolls into Le Cirque without a jacket: Woody Allen once made the front page of the Post when he was turned away after doing just that, and Frank Zappa, upon being forced to wear one, famously told Sirio, “This better be the best fucking meal of my life … If I don’t like this meal, you’re paying for the suit.” (They went on to become buddies.) We were intrigued, then, when the subject of yesterday’s Ask a Waiter column, Elli Jafari, told us that to this day, just one man is allowed to break the rules. “He normally wears a sweater and a vest,” is all she would give us. “He’s one of the richest people in New York City.” Any Le Cirque regulars — or astute hypothesizers — want to speculate as to who this frowsy fat cat might be? Here’s a clue: We hear his personal life isn’t so perfect. Your guesses in the comments below, please. Earlier: Elli Jafari Tells You How to Order Like a VIP at Le Cirque

Posted 11/14/07 in Grub Street : Mr. Snitch

Tags: elli jafari, frank zappa, le cirque, Mr. Snitch, sirio maccioni, woody allen

Elli Jafari Tells You How to Order Like a VIP at Le Cirque

Elli Jafari helped open Spago in San Francisco, the Bellagio in Vegas, and Pearl and Nikki Beach in Miami before eventually moving to New York to help open Aer in the meatpacking district. Six months ago she landed the job of GM at Le Cirque. She was at first intimidated by “Sirio’s people,” as the 30-year regulars are called, but they took kindly to her during her first month on the job. And who wouldn’t? We asked her how she navigates the world of VIPs and “Super Super VIPs.”

Posted 11/13/07 in Grub Street : Ask a Waiter

Tags: ask a waiter, elli jafari, le cirque