Lattanzi, an unassuming Italian restaurant on Restaurant Row, has become a cherished tradition for the cast and crew of "Saturday Night Live." Despite its vintage ambiance and classic menu, this establishment holds a special place in the hearts of showbiz insiders. Every Tuesday evening, creator Lorne Michaels gathers with that week's celebrity host and a select group of producers, writers, and cast members for a pre-show ritual that brings a moment of calm amidst the chaos leading up to the live broadcast. The restaurant’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and consistency, offering a reliable respite from the high-pressure world of television production.
A Relic of Simplicity in a Fast-Paced Industry
At first glance, Lattanzi might not seem like the go-to spot for celebrities. Its brick walls, burgundy carpets, and black-and-white photos evoke a bygone era rather than modern glamour. Yet, it is precisely this timeless charm that attracts luminaries like Lorne Michaels. The restaurant, specializing in Roman cuisine, has been serving diners since 1984, providing a steady anchor in an ever-changing entertainment landscape. Unlike trendy eateries that come and go, Lattanzi remains a constant, offering familiar comfort and a sense of tradition.
Inside Lattanzi, the focus is on classic Italian dishes such as veal scaloppine and chicken piccata, prepared with care and served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. There are no bouncers or velvet ropes; just a welcoming environment where guests can relax without fanfare. This simplicity is what makes Lattanzi stand out. In an industry known for its glitz and unpredictability, the restaurant offers a rare oasis of tranquility. For those involved in "Saturday Night Live," it provides a much-needed break from the relentless pace of production, allowing them to recharge before the week's big event.
A Ritual of Calm Before the Storm
The Tuesday night dinners at Lattanzi have become an essential part of the "Saturday Night Live" weekly routine. These gatherings offer a brief pause in the frenetic lead-up to the Saturday night show. As Susan Morrison, author of the upcoming biography "Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live," notes, these dinners provide a moment of civilized calm amidst the chaos. For decades, Lorne Michaels has relied on rituals to maintain his composure, and the weekly dinner at Lattanzi is one of the most cherished among them.
During these dinners, the conversation flows freely, and the camaraderie between the show's creators, writers, and cast members deepens. It’s a time when everyone can step back from the demands of the studio and enjoy a meal together. The restaurant's intimate setting fosters a sense of community and collaboration, which is crucial for the success of a live television show. By gathering at Lattanzi each week, the team builds trust and strengthens their bonds, ensuring they are ready to face the challenges ahead. This tradition underscores the importance of balance and mindfulness in an otherwise hectic work environment.
In this deeply personal reflection, a seasoned surgeon in his sixties grapples with profound remorse over past interactions with his children. As a medical professional who deals with life-and-death situations daily, he finds himself frequently haunted by moments of anger and frustration directed at his children during their formative years. These memories resurface unexpectedly, even during critical moments in the operating room. The therapist offers insights into how regret can be transformed into a catalyst for positive change, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and understanding that no one is a perfect parent. Through intentional reflection and communication, it's possible to mend past mistakes and foster healing within oneself and with one's children.
The individual recounts specific instances where his reactions seemed disproportionate in hindsight. During his children's preteen and teenage years, minor incidents would trigger intense emotional outbursts. For instance, a seemingly trivial event involving lost pocket money became a source of significant distress. This pattern of behavior has left lasting impressions on him, particularly because it contrasts sharply with his professional demeanor. The weight of these memories often intrudes upon his thoughts, even during high-stakes surgical procedures. Such intrusive thoughts underscore the deep-seated nature of his regret and highlight the need for resolution.
To address these feelings effectively, the therapist suggests adopting a compassionate stance toward oneself. Recognizing that everyone carries forward certain patterns from their own upbringing can help contextualize past actions. Parents typically aspire to provide an ideal childhood for their offspring while avoiding the pitfalls experienced in their own youth. However, achieving perfection is unrealistic. Instead, focusing on acknowledging and learning from past mistakes can pave the way for personal growth. By practicing self-compassion, individuals can begin to heal and gain greater self-awareness. This process also opens doors for meaningful conversations with one's children, fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation.
Beyond the immediate family dynamics, the therapist points out that unresolved issues from childhood can significantly impact adult relationships. In this case, the surgeon's father abandoned the family when he was eight, leaving a lasting emotional scar. This abandonment likely influenced his approach to parenting and contributed to the intensity of his regrets. Understanding this connection provides valuable context for addressing lingering feelings of hurt and disappointment. It serves as a reminder that healing often requires delving into deeper layers of personal history and recognizing how past experiences shape present behaviors.
In conclusion, transforming regret into a constructive force involves embracing self-compassion and recognizing the inherent imperfections in parenting. By reflecting on past actions with empathy and engaging in open dialogues with one's children, it becomes possible to repair damaged bonds and achieve inner peace. Acknowledging the influence of early life experiences on current attitudes can further enhance this healing journey. Ultimately, the path forward lies in accepting that growth comes from learning and evolving rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
Each year around November 25th, the French fashion world gathers to commemorate St. Catherine’s Day, a tradition that has roots in medieval times and is celebrated by the haute couture industry. This event, marked by vibrant green-and-yellow hats symbolizing various virtues, brings together young professionals from Parisian luxury houses at City Hall. Historically, this occasion provided single women working in couture ateliers an opportunity to meet their superiors and enjoy festivities while wearing elaborate hats that showcased their skills or interests. Over time, the tradition evolved, including men who honor St. Nicholas, and now embraces inclusivity beyond marital status and age restrictions.
The celebration of St. Catherine’s Day dates back to the late 19th century when it was first observed by the couture industry. Known as Catherinettes, these unmarried women, each 25 years old, were given a rare chance to interact with their employers and participate in street parties. The hats they wore were often personalized, reflecting either their individual talents or the distinct styles of their respective fashion houses. For instance, in the 1940s, Schiaparelli’s Catherinettes donned oversized versions of designer Elsa Schiaparelli’s surreal fragrance bottles shaped like suns and candlesticks. These extravagant headpieces served as a subtle yet clear message: "I’m available," according to Sophie Kurkdjian, an assistant professor of fashion history at the American University of Paris.
St. Catherine’s Day holds significance beyond its role as a matchmaking ritual. It also fostered camaraderie among workers, serving as what might today be considered a team-building exercise. Men eventually adopted a parallel tradition honoring St. Nicholas, celebrating on December 6th. They enjoyed additional years of singledom before becoming Nicholases at 30. In modern times, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has updated the rules, removing the requirement for participants to be unmarried and lowering the age limit for Nicholases to 25. This change reflects a shift towards inclusivity and adaptability within the fashion industry.
Victor Weinsanto, a French designer who started his label in 2020, appreciated the tradition during his internship at Chloé, where he witnessed Catherinettes receiving handbags along with their hats. Despite missing out on being feted as a Nicholas due to the rule changes, he still enjoys the spectacle from afar. The event remains a moment of creative freedom, exemplified by the large feathered hats worn by Hermès employees last November. As the fashion world continues to evolve, St. Catherine’s Day remains a cherished tradition, blending history, creativity, and community spirit.