Mayor Eric Adams exchanged words with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a powerful Republican leader and ally of President-elect Donald Trump, on Long Island Tuesday night.
The dinner at Manhasset's Cipollini Italian restaurant raised eyebrows among political insiders who wondered if the indicted Democratic mayor was seeking a presidential pardon, but Adams said, “They weren't talking about Trump.'' “I haven't spoken,” he claimed.
City Hall official Kayla Mamerak said the two discussed ways the city and Nassau County can work together “more strongly,” particularly on the violent gang problem plaguing the Long Island area.
Paul and his wife were seated at a table covered with a white tablecloth, and I could instantly see them smiling. Posted in X By Politico reporter. Officials said Howard Fensterman, a Long Island lawyer and businessman who organized the sit-in, also participated.
Mr. Fensterman is a law partner of Frank Carone, who served for many years as Mr. Adams' first chief of staff.
The dinner, which lasted about two hours and had been planned for about a week, started early Tuesday by driving from Albany to attend Gov. Kathy Hochul's annual address, officials said.
A spokeswoman for Mr. Blakeman earlier said he was unable to attend the governor's policy speech due to “urgent business” in Nassau County.
Adams, who calls herself a vegan and occasionally eats fish, had a $45 branzino and salad, while Blakeman kept things light with $29 chicken paillard and salad, sources said.
The mayor, who is up for re-election this year, is facing historic federal bribery and corruption charges alleging he received illegal foreign donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign. He pleaded not guilty.
Adams will face a field of challengers in June's Democratic mayoral primary.
Mr. Blakeman is up for re-election this year and is considered to be the favorite to win a second term. He is also considered a likely Republican candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
