In a (quite long) front page story of the Observer that has Brian Williams standing next to a chocolate model and totally dissing Applebees, there are plenty of little media tid bits we could have pulled out. Such as the news of Martha Stewart getting a sneak dinner the week before the opening, and Tony Bennet and Sirio Macciono being old pals.

But for the opening of Le Cirque, the fancy pants restaurant which is part of Mayor Bloomberg's new digs, home to many a celeb, and even an H&M, we chose a quote that will help all you commoners. You pagans (well, at least the smoking among you) better watch you step, or crazy bouncer man will go bananas on you:

“Don’t do that,” a security guard said as a guest stubbed a cigarette out on the carefully-chosen paving stones of the central driveway that cuts through the block, delivering black town cars to the restaurant’s doors.

“Ask anyone. You’re not allowed to smoke here. You have to go out to the street, either 59th or 58th.”

The guest stooped to pick up the offending butt.

“Don’t do that!” the guard said. “It’s dirty now!”

Apologetically, the guest moved to shake the guard’s hand in an awkward conciliatory gesture: “I’m not trying to give you any trouble, I won’t do it again.”

“Don’t touch me!” the guard said. “You’ll get that smoke smell on me!”

Umm, yeah. Maybe they should get a sign or something, because most people don't "ask anyone" before they have a smoke? Or maybe an Applebees would have been better, Brian.

Tower of Mike [Michael Calderone, Tom McGeveran, New York Observer]

Photo Courtesy Eater