
10/09/2025
Today on our episode #420, is on location in Lower Manhattan downtown with her guest, Drew Nieporent (), one of the most influential figures in modern American dining, known for shaping the trajectory of New York’s restaurant scene over the last four decades. The driving force behind iconic concepts like Montrachet, Tribeca Grill, Bâtard, Rubicon, & Nobu in NY & London, Drew helped redefine fine dining & bring it to a wider audience. As the founder of , Drew has helped launch the careers of celebrated chefs & collaborated with longtime partners like Robert De Niro, Francis Ford Coppola, & Robin Williams. His concepts have earned critical acclaim from , & he is also the recipient of numerous James Beard Awards. ✨
Drew is the author of a new book, I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches, a behind-the-scenes memoir of grit, glamour, & what it really takes to build a hospitality empire in New York & beyond, now available wherever books are sold. Drew was previously our guest in May 2018 (episode #176, which gets a brief mention in his book on pg 250), & we were thrilled to have him back on our show to discuss his memoir, co-authored by . Congrats! ✨
Drew, thanks for joining us again & for the always delicious lunch! Love your book! Proud to call you a friend. ❤️ Shari
Today’s show also features Shari’s PR tip to have self-confidence; Speed Round; Industry News on ’s inaugural Restaurants 2025, which took place Sept 25 , naming JP & Ellia Park’s in NYC as the #1 restaurant (our guests on episode #417). Congrats, all! Stay tuned for Shari’s interviews from the Awards & 2025, which she recorded Studios at . (47:07) ✨
Our show concludes with Shari’s experience , a new restaurant in ’s West Village by Chef/Owner & , celebrating Peruvian & S. American flavors. (56:40) ✨
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧✨ 👆
Thanks as always, for being a part of ! ✨