Keith McNally refuses to hold back.
Although he experienced a stroke in 2016 that left him partially paralyzed and struggling with speech, the restaurateur known for iconic NYC spots like Balthazar and Pastis continues to be remarkably vocal. Interestingly, he doesn’t like being labeled that way. In his new memoir, he candidly expresses, “I regret almost everything.”
McNally’s penchant for mischief is quite public. He shares that he realized he was “intoxicated with power,” and often voices his thoughts on Instagram, where he has a following of around 153,000.
His commentary even touches on high-profile figures, like Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and Lauren Sanchez, whom he describes as “repulsive,” but paradoxically states, “If Lauren Sanchez wants to have her wedding party in Balthazar, I’m all for it.”
In a memorable episode from October 2022, McNally tagged James Corden as the “most abusive customer” at Balthazar in the restaurant’s 25-year history. Corden had complained about his omelette, declaring, “You can’t do your job!”
McNally recounted that shortly after his post, Corden bombarded him with desperate texts and calls. Despite his issues with celebrity culture, McNally declared, “I hate celebrities and people who force their power upon you.”
In his memoir, McNally opens up about various personal struggles, including a failed marriage, his encounters with sexual harassment, and a brief but significant relationship with acclaimed playwright Alan Bennett. Interestingly, Bennett expressed displeasure over his portrayal in the memoir.
Despite his struggles, McNally admits to typing without a filter. He mentions that some family members were annoyed by his openness—”Three of my kids got mad about what I posted,” he said, “and they were probably justified.”
Nevertheless, many A-listers still admire him. Photos from the recent Balthazar events celebrate the release of his memoir, featuring figures like Anna Wintour and Diane Sawyer.
At 73, McNally delves into deep topics, such as the depression that led him to attempt suicide in 2018. He recalls the harrowing moment when he took 33 Ambien and 15 Percocets in a single sitting at his summer home.
Reflecting on that dark time, he shared, “I remember thinking about how easy it was; I hoped to be a natural client.” The act of writing about these experiences wasn’t burdensome, he noted, as his son had witnessed him unconscious.
After being discovered by his son, George, McNally was taken to the hospital and spent time in a mental health facility. “My intention was for my friends to find me in the morning, but my son woke up early and found me first,” he explained, carrying a heavy sense of guilt ever since.
McNally’s relationship with his children sometimes feels strained. He’s open about how complicated family dynamics have been, stating, “Intra-family relationships have always been tricky.” Each of his five children has their own thoughts on his memoir, which they seem to receive with mixed feelings.
Despite his struggles, he continues to navigate relationships and life post-stroke, revealing that “each of my kids read the book, and while they didn’t rave about it, I think they appreciated it.” His connection with his first wife, Lin, remains strong, while his second marriage has presented challenges.
Reflecting on his past, McNally acknowledges the difficulties of his upbringing in London’s East End. He’s candid about how his early years shaped him, and his experiences have sparked a significant narrative in his life, including his romantic history with Bennett, whom some might find controversial.
Despite the backlash, McNally feels that Bennett’s influence may have helped inform his writing. “The idea of addressing my suicide attempt actually came from him,” he noted, illustrating the complexities of his relationships.
In retrospect, he reflects on past actions with regret. “The things I regret most were my own behaviors, not those of my customers,” he said, showcasing a level of self-awareness quite rare in the hospitality industry.
Currently, McNally finds joy in his work after overcoming serious health challenges. For someone who has been through so much, he surprisingly maintains a positive outlook, stating, “Even before my stroke, my mental health was never stable, and I don’t want it to be.” He finds joy in his work and cherishes his relationships with his children.
And when discussing his restaurants, he lightheartedly revealed that Morandi is the one he frequents the most, quipping about the simplicity of wanting just one thing—a good meal.
