Graydon Carter, Take Careful Note: “Don’t Bring Me Down” Is The First Sign Of Downmarket “Piano Man”-ism

With all this health department attention going around, maybe they should send an inspector over to the Waverly Inn after the Observer catches E. Graydon flouting New York’s smoke-free workplace laws*:

And while the once ubiquitous after-dinner cigars have vanished from Elaine’s thanks to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s smoking ban, Mr. Carter continuously puffs away on a cigarette when he’s in his restaurant. Other diners at the Waverly only light up when they see Mr. Carter doing so, as if on cue.

As for the Waverly’s air of exclusivity and good taste, don’t worry — it’s basically your average bridge-and-tunnel crowd:

“About two weeks ago, my fiancée, some friends and I were stupidly singing E.L.O. and Cat Stevens songs — not quietly — at one of the middle-zone dining tables,” recalled BlackBook magazine editor Steve Garbarino. “Ellen Barkin and her group across from us joined in with equally dorky but fun fervor, shouting requests. It’s sounds pretty corny, but it was a good ‘moment’ that went on into the night.”

“Karaoke Monday” can’t be far behind . . .

*Something he’s already received several tickets for over at Conde Nast.