In episode #116, we sit down with Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, a renowned maître d’, author, and restaurateur, to discuss his fascinating journey through New York City’s iconic restaurants and the secrets behind hospitality.

You will hear about:

Michael’s Early Beginnings:

• Growing up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in a tight-knit Italian-American community

• His connections to the mob and the characters who shaped his upbringing are notable. For example, his “uncle” Joe Colombo, who was the head of the Colombo mafia family, survived an assassination attempt.

Behind the Scenes of NYC’s Top Restaurants:

• Managing legendary spots like Raoul’s, The River Café, and Le Coucou.
• Interacting with celebrities, social elites, and unforgettable characters.
• The high-stakes role of a maître d’ and the power of controlling the city’s most coveted tables.

The Evolution of Hospitality:

• Insights from Michael’s book, Your Table Is Ready, detailing the fast-paced restaurant life of the ’80s and ’90s.
• The blend of grit, perfection, and drama that defines fine dining.

Launching Cecchi’s in the West Village:

• How Michael brought his vision of modern hospitality to life at his own restaurant.
• The creative process behind designing a timeless yet inviting dining experience.
• Cecchi’s early success and its role in reviving the spirit of classic New York dining.

Michael’s Philosophy on Hospitality:

• The importance of warmth, professionalism, and creating lasting memories for guests.
• Balancing the demands of high standards with a personable approach.

• Nostalgia for New York’s restaurant heyday and how the scene has evolved.
• Why dining remains a cornerstone of connection and culture in the city.
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Michael's Reflections on Life:

• The fight between nature vs nurture - the cards you are being delt and what to do with them
• The younger generation and their meeting with reality

You can read Michael's book here and learn more about his resturant below:

https://www.cecchis.nyc/