normally i don't go where famous people are, per se- i just run into them or some such. but this is one of the exceptions.

before this time, whenever wolfgang puck visited 20.21 there was a spendy tasting menu (around $100+) and/or spendy fundraising event that was part of the package deal. this time, though there was a spendy fundraising event ($1250 for the first ticket, the second ticket *only* $625) with puck and a host of local cheffly luminaries (langton, pampuch, wadi, fratzke, etc.).

this time when i got my email from 20.21 saying puck would be at the restaurant on the 11th, i made reservations on opentable and queried the restaurant (via email on their web site) to see that the tasting menu wasn't obligatory. it wasn't. though they still did have a $98 (i think) tasting menu (including wine) you could order. for more on the food, see the review.
so before i got there, my friend was at the bar chatting with the general manager, charles hoven ( my friend's an outgoing type). he's a very personable man.

puck was walking around the restaurant, schmoozing, signing things (like his latest cookbook), posing for pics, doing a few short interviews at the bar. once we were seated, before we ordered, puck stopped by our table, but we just got a handshake. he said he'd come back later (i had asked for a pic), after we had ordered.

so we ordered, and got the drinks. and the apps. and the main course. halfway through, when my friend and i were discussing if he'd stop by before we leave. mr. hoven then stopped by our table to see how everything was (per usual, it was always good). my friend asked if when puck stoped by our table again, if he would be available to take the group picture.

not only did he agree, he brought over puck to do that right then (he was finishing an interview). after the picture, i got an autograph for a friend of mine, and we discussed fundraising (like the cancer charities he helps fundraise for) and my friend was asking how he kept up his enthusiams for all things cooking (you have to love what you do). he's very good at working with the people...

after he went on to other tables, mr. hoven told us the secrets to getting a window table 20.21 (other than being famous, that is)- available on request.