Named for a relative, Joanne’s is a West 68th trattoria. Downtown aspect of the road. Under just a few stone steps.
The proprietor — Joe Germanotta, Girl Gaga’s dad.
Small. My kitchen’s bigger. Steps result in the bar then two jammed crammed slammed-in rooms. Clients ass-to-ass had been hanging off mild bulbs. Donald’s inaugural was roomier. From behind a curtain one other small VIP non-public room. Picket desk. Perhaps for Gaga had been she not then rehearsing for “SNL.”
Served was pasta, meatballs, salad, wine. Tasty however neglect wanting like a Home Lovely closeup.
Each inch of the room’s mobbed. A drag queen sporting all black flitted round squealing, screaming, shrieking. The largely feminine viewers beloved it. Billy Joel at Madison Sq. Backyard wasn’t as fashionable. Mentioned fierce defender of homosexual rights Joe: “This was speculated to be a listening get together for Gaga’s new album ‘Mayhem.’ All we did was announce it on social media.”
My fellow VIP diners included a trans one that books occasions in China and now pairs with Germanotta for a collection of moneymaking drag evenings, magician nights, newbie specials. “Enterprise was down after the pandemic,” stated Joe. “We had been involved. Now with particular occasions we’re mobbed each night time.”
Two different females embellished our desk. The low-cut necklines reached beneath their sneakers.
Look, I solely know that Joe Germanotta has his personal cookbook out. Joanne Trattoria is mobbed each night time. And he’s there each night time.
On a constructive notice
Letters to me. Some start with “Pricey Silly”:
Barbara writes that her husband simply handed away “and he’d like to see a point out of this in your column.” OK.
Marty: “My father was a Tammany Corridor chief within the ’40s. I’m questioning should you knew Ed Loughlin?” No.
Rose in Carmel: “I’m praying for the sweetest woman.” Ohhh, thanks, thanks. I used to be afraid she perhaps meant Pelosi.
Jim from Chicago: “Glad you’re up and at ’em, Cindy.” Ohh, thanks, thanks.
Can’t imagine they’re all good. I’m accustomed to getting pelted by tomatoes.
From Doris Rose: “You make my day every single day that I learn your column.”
Staten Island Chuck’s three handwritten pages clarify precisely what 19 nutritional vitamins, tonics, tablets, oils and powders I ought to take each day.
Oy! The pork was chopped
Me, I’ve befriended each NYC police commissioner since whoever served Prohibition’s Jimmy Walker. We’ve partied collectively. Executed raids collectively. They’ve been to my residence. Given me particular VIP ID playing cards.
So I’m at Due restaurant, between 79th and eightieth on Third Avenue. Supervisor Ernesto says he not too long ago served Jessica Tisch “fusilli with radicchio and pancetta.” He writes it on a torn piece of white paper. Realizing this scoop beats Zelensky’s tailor’s identify, I print it. Oy. I’m now knowledgeable she is kosher. No pancetta was had!
So if I find yourself in chains, kindly simply ship me a salad.
Joe Germanotta: “There’s extra necessary issues in life than cash — however they received’t exit with you should you’re broke.”
Mumbled solely in New York, youngsters, solely in New York.
