Lunch at Michaels



NBC's Jonathan Wald, Mogul and retreatmeister Herb Allen, Jr. FishbowlNY's
fellow Michaelologist Dorian Benkoil assesses the talent in the room at Michaels, the media mogul hotspot, yesterday:

"1. Bruce Wasserstein presiding over a table of imposing-looking gentlemen."

That's Wasserstein of New York Magazine, who may or may not have ousted acerbic stage critic John Simon over bad reviews he gave his sister.

"... 5. Producer Irv Winkler and an outdoorsy-looking gent. The hit-maker — whose latest picture, Rocky Balboa, has proven to be a knockout punch at the box office — was collared by Peggy Siegal (who was showing off her pics taken on a recent trip to Africa to all who stopped by) on his way out. The uber publicist was overheard extending an invite to Irv to attend her screening of 'The Lives of Others.' Second shift: Former New York City Council president and one-time mayoral candidate Andrew Stein.

"... 18. Henry Schlieff — looking casual but dapper as always in his navy cashmere v-neck. The tireless Mr. S. stopped by Bruce Wasserstein's table for a round of 'hellos' on his way out and then chatted with our table (8) before heading back to work. We're expecting big things from the Hallmark Channel now that this consummate showman is at the helm.

"... 30. Mogul in the making Atoosa Rubenstein and an unidentified female guest. The former Seventeen editor's new sleek look makes her an uncanny doppelganger for the ruthless but compulsively watchable star editor 'Lucy Spiller' played with evil glee by Courteney Cox on FX's new series Dirt. Coincidence? We think not."

We will NOT entertain the possibility that this "new sleek look" was influenced, in any way-shape-or-form by any Gawker The Bride of Rudenstein remarks.

The full monty at FishbowlNY