David Patrick Columbia is a true gentleman, reminiscent of a time when good manners ruled New York.  I sat down for lunch with him at Michael’s, where the power elite of media and entertainment gather to nibble on cob salads and to reign over the premiere tables.

It was the middle of August, 1996, and I had finished my military service in the navy about a year ago. I was working at Air France cargo in JFK international Airport working 80 hour weeks making minimum wage. My father, Nicolo Lercara, saw an opportunity at the Plaza Hotel Oak Room and Bar for me to start a job making a better living - benefits, pension and wages. He told me about the job that was opening up and to go over and check it out. I was excited because all my life my dad worked at the famous Plaza Hotel. Not to mention both my grandfathers and two uncles. Both uncles were waiters (Salvatore Norrito worked with my dad in the Palm Court and Luigi Norrito worked in the Oyster Bar).