Reflecting on Patti LaBelle’s 80th birthday and the unforgettable stench of her hotel room

Two old stories triggered memories for me this week. They hold relevance to the present, so I vividly recollect each:

An article in People magazine featuring Patti LaBelle celebrating her 80th birthday brought back memories of my interview with her in a New York City hotel years ago. She was a glamorous person who owned 3,000 pairs of six-inch spike heels.

As I stepped out of the elevator onto the fourth floor, a strong smell hit me. The whole floor smelled strongly of liver and onions, overpowering any perfume. Patti greeted me by saying, “Room service is terrible. I prefer down-home food. I travel with my own kitchen, pots, pans, spices, and cookware. I once cooked shrimp and rice at 3 a.m. for Wyclef Jean.”

She even cooked backstage, eating veal before going on stage, claiming, “I cook better than I sing.” Despite the luxurious setting, the floor of the hotel smelled like a fast food joint.

Salutations, Justice

Another memorable incident involved Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Years ago, I met him at a private legal discussion in Florence, Italy. Thanks to Barry Slotnick, I was allowed to attend, though it was strictly confidential.

Justice Thomas and I found ourselves in line for lunch and sparked a conversation about his tough early days during his nomination process. I tried to secure a formal interview with him, but it was never granted. Justice Thomas was a polite, refined gentleman despite the challenges he faced.

To illustrate progress, I shared a quiet dinner with Judge Judy at Canaletto on East 60th Street. We played cards and enjoyed a peaceful evening, demonstrating the unique experiences found only in New York City.