Derby celeb sightings? Let's hear 'em!

[Robin Garr]

You folks in the restaurant business have a rare chance to watch the wild, the wacky and the beautiful go by. So, who's in town, where did they eat, and how did they act? Is Mario Batali a good tipper? Dish it up! (Talking Oaks and Derby Week and morning-after as well as tonight, of course ... )

I was in Porcini the other night and saw Robin Garr walk by outside... Does that count??

I was in Porcini the other night and saw Robin Garr walk by outside... Does that count??

cute...... lol.....

I am working at the Sport and Social Club at 4th street and after a long night of cooking on Derby Eve, I was put on security staff for Paris Hilton, Chuck Liddel(UFC)-like he needs security in the VIP room. It was a crazy night. I also saw Nick Leshay get into his SUV, I shook his hand. Paris Hilton was texting on her cell phone all night, Chuck Liddell likes to party alot and is really a friendly guy. Lots of $100 handshakes from him and his managers to our staff.

Wow, for a second there I thought you were going to say that you saw Jerry Abramson handing out million dollar checks to Cordish and company. That didn't happen, did it?

The great NY (and now Dubai) chef, David Burke was in Equus Oaks night, and I believe he dined at Corbett's tonite.

Wow, for a second there I thought you were going to say that you saw Jerry Abramson handing out million dollar checks to Cordish and company. That didn't happen, did it?

Nah, he did that several months ago so the Social Club could be ready for Paris Hilton's party Friday night! It's the only way he can get an invitation!

After watching the news clips of celebrities in town for the derby it appeared to me that there was a distinct LACK of celebs this year. Some minor tv personalities, some sports figures and of course Paris Hilton. Where were all the major stars we are used to seeing?

There are often more big-name celebrities attending the Derby than you may think....the ones you hear about are typically those always pushing (or being pushed) to be in the spotlight wherever they go...one of my favorite celeb interviews from several Derbys ago had a former local media-type and crew prowling around "Millionaires' Row" looking for famous interviewees, when they happened upon Dave Thomas; the interview was live on TV, and after introducing his guest, the reporter gushed, "Mr. Thomas, I just want to say I'm a big fan of the Whopper!!". Dave Thomas looked at him deadpan and replied, "I founded Wendy's."

After watching the news clips of celebrities in town for the derby it appeared to me that there was a distinct LACK of celebs this year. Some minor tv personalities, some sports figures and of course Paris Hilton. Where were all the major stars we are used to seeing?

Does Paris Hilton really even count?

You don't always recognize them . . . The Charlie Daniels band ate at Jeff Ruby's Wednesday before their concert, were in the bar (so everyone had to walk past them), and no one noticed.

I understand that Mario Batali was supposed to Dine at 211 Clover Lane Last night.

After watching the news clips of celebrities in town for the derby it appeared to me that there was a distinct LACK of celebs this year. Some minor tv personalities, some sports figures and of course Paris Hilton. Where were all the major stars we are used to seeing?

What major stars? Every year the newspaper/radio/tv/ touts the so called major stars. Most or over the hill has beens or never weres. A few are legitimate, but most are C listers. Most probably have expenses paid so they can get a little publicity.

Right. It just ain't the same since OJ's been locked up.

Perhaps it's because I don't watch as much TV as I view movies. I'm not up on these TV personalities at all. But we used to see many stars from the movies here in town. I can remember seeing George Clooney, Cybill Shepherd, Julia Roberts, Gene Hackman, Ashley Judd, even Prince Albert II one year. This year... no one.