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Lady Gaga's Papa Is Opening An UWS Restaurant, Maybe With Art Smith?
By
Garth Johnston
Published Oct 25, 2011
Modified Oct 25, 2011
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restaurant photo via Google Maps, Gaga and Smith via gopride
By
Garth Johnston
Published Oct 25, 2011
Modified Oct 25, 2011
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One year ago Lady Gaga and her family decided to do what wealthy people do and invest in a restaurant. In their case, an Upper West Side spot called Vince & Eddie's that they had frequented over the years. But that investment seemed to turn to dust when the restaurant suddenly shuttered in March. But maybe that was part of the plan? Apparently Gaga's papa, Joe Germanotta, has taken over the space and is aiming to open a restaurant there around Thanksgiving. And it might (might!) even have an Oprah-endorsed chef manning the kitchen.
Grub Street is reporting Germanotta "is telling friends that Art Smith — the culinary force who founded Common Threads, worked with Oprah, has been on Top Chef Masters, and launched a healthy fast-food chain — has signed on as chef." But of course, Art Smith isn't telling people that. When the Grubsters asked him to comment all he would say is "Birds are achirping, but the big birdie of them all is sitting on his nest." And we still haven't heard back from the Chicago-based chef's camp regarding the possibility of his doling out dishes on the Upper West Side (though the pair have publicly praised each other).
Still, opening a restaurant seems like a good way for Gaga to keep her family busy while making a few extra bucks. And for the record, in case you were curious, the name of the restaurant will be Joanne, after Gaga's late aunt who died when she was 19 and gave her the pop star her middle name. Wonder if you'll have to show them your teeth when you enter...
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art smith
joanne
lady gaga
manhattan
Upper West Side
Garth Johnston
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