Hip Say Hooray to Reporter
The Scene: After work Monday night, when industry types came straight from the office to a reception for the Hollywood Reporter. The trade publication celebrated its 60th anniversary by taking over the venerable Hollywood eatery, Chasen’s. The press skirmished in one room, while everyone else roamed the restaurant, vigorously going about the sort of power schmoozing that Hollywood does best. Business cards were flashing so fast that injury by paper cut seemed a real possibility.
Who Was There: Publisher Tichi Wilkerson greeted a crowd composed almost entirely of Hollywood’s old guard, with guests including Karl Malden, Milton Berle, Carol Channing, Dick Van Patten, Gary Collins and Mary Ann Mobley, Cesar Romero with Anne Jeffreys, Hector Elizondo, James Woods, Audrey Meadows, Jack Carter, Piper Laurie, Dick Clark, Martin Landau and Lynn Redgrave.
Dress Code: Business attire all the way, with a splash of sequins provided by up-and-coming starlets. Ponytails for men seem to be on the way out.
Fashion Statement: Shirley Jones made the scene with husband Marty Ingels, who wore a knee-length jacket of red and black houndstooth plaid, complete with epaulets.
Chow: Roast beef, scallops, shish kebab, potato pancakes, and birthday cake, as well as Chasen’s traditional chili. Restaurateur Maude Chasen made the rounds, introducing herself and making sure that everyone was enjoying the food.
Noted: Lots of good eavesdropping. “I don’t have time for football. I’m busy making careers,” said one shiny-suited man. And then there was the man who blew air kisses with a salutation, “Listen, boobie, we have to talk.”
Favors: Shopping bags containing a copy of the 60th anniversary issue, a reprint of the Reporter’s inaugural issue and a souvenir coffee mug.
Triumphs: Although Chasen’s isn’t seen as a cutting-edge place by L.A.’s demimonde, it’s still a nice place for a party. And the waiters and waitresses are still the best in town, neither too snooty nor too friendly. Chasen’s waiters don’t say, “Hi, I’m Eddie.”
Glitches: The food was good, but vegetarian guests were left plaintively asking the waiters if there was anything for them to eat.
