Virtuoso's stop in Salt Lake memorable

When Luciano Pavarotti stepped through the entrance of The New Yorker Restaurant in Salt Lake, he firmly planted both feet inside and flung his signature scarf around his neck.

Patrons of the popular establishment on Market Street rose to their feet — and applause erupted as the legendary tenor walked through the crowd.

That is the image John Williams, one of the owners of Gastronomy Inc., which owns The New Yorker, immediately recalls as he talks about that night.

Pavarotti's 1986 appearance at the New Yorker followed his performance at the University of Utah.

Williams said 40 patrons of the Utah Opera spent the evening wining and dining with Pavarotti as a means to raise funds for the organization.

"He sat down and put three glasses of wine down within four minutes," said Williams. "He must have been thirsty."

Williams recalled the event as one of wonder for him, but his experience was nothing compared to those who were able to spend more time with Pavarotti.

"It must have been a memorable event for those who sat and ate with him," he said.

In fact, Pavarotti's visit to the New Yorker was the one time Williams broke his strict "no autographs" rule and asked for a signed photograph for himself, which he still has today.

His excuse was simple — "I wanted it," he said.

Pavarotti was apparently so impressed with the food served that evening that he asked his personal chef to get a recipe from the restaurant, which Williams said they honorably obliged.

"It was a very fun night having Pavarotti there," Williams said. "It was a wonderful evening."

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E-mail: nhale@desnews.com