Mario Batali, once a big name in the culinary world, has announced his permanent separation from New York City, labeling it as a place with “enough a–holes.” The embattled chef made this declaration during a virtual cooking show, his first public event since a wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations led to his withdrawal from the limelight in 2017.
Broadcasting from his Michigan residence in the small town of Northport, Batali hosted “Molto a Casa,” a paid live-stream where he prepared Italian dishes and fielded questions. The Q&A session revealed his resolve not to return to in-person demonstrations in New York, specifically at his former bastion, Eataly. The city, once the backdrop of his gastronomic empire and Food Network show, has been firmly placed in his past following the allegations, including a publicized incident at The Spotted Pig gastropub.
Batali’s virtual event drew 850 attendees over three sessions, a sign that interest in his culinary expertise persists despite the controversies. Wearing his trademark orange Crocs, he shared recipes and culinary tips, reflecting a shift back to cooking over television stardom. During the session, Batali spoke of his sobriety and shifted focus to regional culinary traditions, sidestepping discussions of a return to the small screen. He also expressed admiration for Stanley Tucci’s gastronomic explorations on “Searching For Italy,” signaling his enduring passion for the culinary arts.
Despite his acquittal of groping charges in a Boston bar last May and the lack of charges following a police investigation that concluded in 2019, Batali’s attempt to re-enter the culinary arena comes amidst a society still coming to terms with the #MeToo movement and its revelations. His departure from New York signifies an attempt to distance himself from the scandal and reinvent his professional identity through online platforms.
As Batali navigates this new chapter, his exit from New York’s culinary scene marks a significant step away from his past as he attempts to redefine his presence within the culinary world. Yet, the contrast between his encouraging closing remarks on the live stream and the hurt caused by his alleged actions remains a glaring aspect of his complex narrative.
Allegations of sexual misconduct is not the only scandal that sank Batali’s career as a restaurateur.
In 2014 he and his partner Joe Bastianich were forced to hand over $5.25 million to employees at Batali’s several high-profile Italian restaurants.
The Plaintiffs argued that Batali’s restaurants would take 4-5 per cent of tips from employees in order to pay sommeliers’ salaries.
Workers also claim they were often forced to work over 40 hours a week without even making minimum wage. The 117 plaintiffs were led by Stephanie Capsolas, a former waitress and Hernan Ricardo Alvarado, a former kitchen runner both employed by Babbo in New York’s West Village.
When the workers sued Bastianich also tried to prevent others from joining the suit by saying, “only the lawyers make money on these lawsuits”, reported The New York Daily News.
