Apparently, the hottest thing on the New York restaurant scene isn’t a reservation at Straker’s. It’s a friendship clarification from Keith McNally himself.
The legendary restaurateur has seemingly pushed back against Vanity Fair’s dramatic portrayal of his relationship with British chef Thomas Straker, and the latest Instagram exchange suggests the alleged feud may have been considerably spicier on paper than it is in person.
Keith McNally and Thomas Straker: Is the Feud Finished?
Vanity Fair certainly didn’t hold back with its headline: “Keith McNally Absolutely Loathes Thomas Straker. Loathes.” The profile explored the colorful personalities behind Straker’s New York debut, playing up the tension between the London chef and the restaurateur whose former Lucky Strike space now houses Straker’s first American restaurant.
But McNally’s latest Instagram activity tells a rather different story.
In a black-and-white photograph shared through Instagram Stories, McNally appears alongside Straker and members of the restaurant team, all smiling for the camera. The image hardly screams culinary warfare.
Naturally, we had to ask the obvious question.
In an Instagram direct message, we asked McNally: “Does this mean Vanity Fair got it wrong and there is no ‘loathing’ between you and Straker?”
His response? “Of course.”
Two words. One rather significant clarification. And potentially the most concise restaurant-industry plot twist of the week.
From Restaurant Rivalry to Dinner Companions?
The exchange adds a fresh wrinkle to the story previously covered by NYMatinee, which highlighted McNally’s criticism of Vanity Fair’s portrayal and the delicious contradiction that he reportedly admires Straker’s cooking despite the supposed animosity.
With Straker’s now open in SoHo, perhaps the two culinary personalities have more productive things to discuss than a magazine headline.
After all, McNally knows a thing or two about building iconic restaurants, while Straker arrives with serious culinary ambition and a massive social-media following.
The takeaway? Never underestimate the power of a good meal, a shared photograph and two words from Keith McNally.
In New York hospitality, apparently, the only thing more complicated than a restaurant opening is the gossip surrounding it.
(Photo via: Instagram / @brock_heath4)
