New York’s upscale Chinese restaurant Philippe held its 10th Anniversary celebration on Tuesday January 12, 2015 with cocktails and hors d’ouevres from 7pm to 9pm at its East 60th Street location. The small, inviting space was packed with notables such as: Ramona Singer, Beth and Lenny Wilf, Randi Schatz and Michael Gross.

Lieba Nesis and author Michael Gross

The A-List clientele of this chic eatery has included luminaries Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, Paul McCartney and many others. I myself have enjoyed their cuisine on numerous occasions opting for the saucy sea bass and stir fried vegetables. Their famous dishes include Chef Philippe Chow’s Chicken Satay and glazed Peking Duck with homemade pancakes.

The crowd Photo: Lieba Nesis

This night I had the privilege of bumping into Lenny and Beth Wilf with Lenny still reeling from his team, the Vikings, loss this past Sunday. When he told me he was trying to get over Sunday’s unfortunate event I thought he was referring to the endless Golden Globe Awards.

Ramona Singer and owner Steve Boxer Photo: Lieba Nesis

As I made my way through the throngs of Philippe fans I spoke to owner Steve Boxer who told me the celebrities choose his spot for the privacy it offers, forbidding guests to shoot pictures while they are dining.  One of the crazier moments he recalls was when a famous NBA player bought a $4,000 bottle of wine for himself and a $1,000 bottle for his table mates. When I asked Boxer how he maintains career longevity in such a cutthroat business he said it was because he delivers what his customers want.

Randi Schatz and Andrea Wernick Photo: Lieba Nesis

Before leaving famed publicist Norah Lawlor recounted her recent escapades at the Golden Globes where she took a selfie with Justin Bieber and socialized with Madonna and Sean Penn at their amazing Haiti event. When the clock struck nine I rushed home to watch the State of the Union where I saw the state of Michelle Obama’s dressing is indeed strong, appearing in an impeccable orange sheath with a smashing hairdo-proving “Orange is the New Black.”

– Lieba Nesis

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