Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's

Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's

  • Overview
  • Cast
  • Crew
  • Recommendations

Status

Released

Release Date

Jun 19, 1998

Runtime

1h 30m

Genres

Documentary, Drama

User Score

73%

Original Title

Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's

Production Companies

lobos grande, a la carte entertainment

Director

Shari Springer Berman

Description

In 1995, Chasen's closed its doors after 60 years of serving chili to movie stars and visiting dignitaries, Presidents and the Pope. During its two final weeks, Chasen regulars (actors and producers), staff, and management sat for interviews. There's an Oscar party for 1500, footage and photos of famous diners, and time with Tommy Gallagher, the ebullient head waiter until retirement in 1994, his son Patrick, catering head Raymond Bilbool, general manager Ronnie Clint, hat check girl Val Schwab, ladies' room attendant Onetta Johnson, and foreign- born waiters, including Jaime. When he started in 1970, like other Latins, he wasn't allowed out of the kitchen. It's a family farewell.