Chef Anne Burrell et al Sued for Discrimination…
PX This has recently obtained the official Supreme Court docket (Index No. 108471-2008 Filed: March 23, 2009) for Susan Kendall Bradford, Jennifer Sue Lim, and Sarra Hennigan VS Anne Burrell, Centro Vinoteca, Sasha Muniak, and George Elkins alleging that the plaintiffs were subject to "discrimination" and "retaliation" in violation of the Human Rights Law. Among the plaintiffs complaints are the accusations that (former Centro Vinoteca chef) Anne Burell subjected the plaintiffs to persistent ridicule and disparagement, at times calling the plaintiffs (all formerly employed by Centro Vinoteca) such derogatory terms as "slutty," "saggy," "ho," "whore," and "stupid dumb whore… idiot." The plaintiffs also assert Burell persistently addressed them mockingly, commenting on their "cleavage," and "harassing" them with such offensive remarks as, "have you fucked that [co-worker] yet?" The plaintiffs further allege they were wrongfully terminated in "retaliation" for their "complaints" about Burrell.
The lawsuit charges that Elkins and Muniak were aware of these circumstances but failed to address the situation in a manner consistent with the NY State Human Rights Law.
According to the docket, the defendants Elkins and Muniak sought to dismiss these claims "as asserted by all plaintiffs, and as asserted by Hennigan against Burrell, …the Complaint is devoid of any allegation against either Muniak or Elkins or of any actionable comments made by Burrell."
"Additionally, plaintiffs have failed to adequately allege that they suffered adverse employment actions by Muniak and Elkins. As to the remaining allegations which do not involve Burrell, such allegations do not identify (1) who allegedly told Bradford to dress nicely for New Years’ Eve, (2) the manager who allegedly told Lim and Bradford to work during brunch, (3) who allegedly replaced Lim after she left for a few days when her mother passed away, (4) who fired Bradford and gave Bradford’s shifts to the new bartender, (5) who allegedly fired Lim, told her she was being suspended, or which manager never returned her calls, or (6) who allegedly terminated each of them Bradford or Lim, or constructively terminated Hennigan. And,to the extent my of the above-allegations constitute adverse employment actjons, plaintiffs have failed to allege individual liability against Muniak or Elkins under New York law. Their names a re absent from all such allegations, and plaintiffs do not specifically allege that Muniak or Elkins were personally involved in any of said conduct. In addition, those allegations made ‘collectively’ against defendants are similarly insufficient. Thus, plaintiffs failed to state causes of action against Muniak and Elkins."
The Supreme Court, however, disagreed and found, "the Complaint sufficiently alleges Muniak’s, Elkin’s and Burrell’s alleged managerial roles at Centro, their ability to hire and fire plaintiffs, their failures to sufficiently investigate the complaints made against Burrell, and the ultimate termination of Lim and Bradford, and constructive termination of Hennigan." Furthermore, "…plaintiffs’ complaint sufficiently alleges that defendants terminated or constructively terminated the plaintiffs after defendants received complaints concerning Burrell’s alleged discriminatory conduct."
As it currently stands, "dismissal… is denied." The case is presently ongoing.
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For more information on Anne Burrell, read PX This Too – The Sequel to PX This – Coming Soon in the Autumn of 2010
HEY I DID TRY TO POST THIS RESPONSE AS A COMMENT DIRECTLY AT EATER BUT THEY HAVE A "CHARACTER CUTOFF" AND AFTER TYPING ALL THIS GODDAMNED RIGMAROLE I DIDN’T WANT TO HAVE TO GO BACK AND SHAVE OFF 403 OF MY CHARACTERS. AND I HATE SENDING E-MAILS CUZ I CAN’T STAND BEING PARAPHRASED.
SIGH.
Aww, I’m flattered, thank you. Technically however, I am not the official spokesperson for Centro Vinoteca, nor am I directly employed within the company. But, as I do consult for them on occasion, I guess I’ll just go ahead and explain as best I can, with the stipulation that none of it is to be construed as an official statement by the company.
1) As for Leah Cohen quitting, this was actually not considered a "problem" as much as a consequence of doing business. People leave. It happens. A chef leaving a restaurant is as much a "problem" as paying the rent and the electric bill.
2) I did tell Centro’s “PR person” she could address Gusto’s "on the market" speculation “off the record only” with Eater, because it was not deemed an important enough issue to warrant the possibility of attracting more attention to the stupid matter. In the exact words told to me, "Who cares? Nobody gives a shit anyway."
Well. As best I know, neither 60 nor 62 Greenwich Ave is "on the market" for sale. I must admit the explanation of the "mortgage holder’s risk assessment to gauge interest, value, and anticipated turnover time" sounds kinda weird to me, but maybe only cuz I never heard of it before.
Alls I can think is: If you REALLY think those buildings are for sale, then go ahead and make an offer and see what happens. Who knows? If you can come up with a really impressive non-refundable deposit fast enough, maybe you CAN buy those buildings after all!
3) As for the "shuttering" of Centro Vinoteca: Well, we did address this ridiculousness once before, with Gusto Ristorante. Here at —> http://pxthis.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=501
If you recall, Gusto was shut down by the DCA (for three days) for putting smoking tables out IN DECEMBER while the sidewalk permit was technically still in the PROCESS of being renewed, because apparently merely setting out TWO tables with TWO chairs (IN DECEMBER) constitutes "an intent to serve."
The DCA instructed Gusto it was NOT ALLOWED to post signage of any kind in explanation to the patrons.
BRILLIANT "punishment," no? No monetary fine imposed, just a slap on the wrist and a timeout to go sit in the corner wearing a dunce cap. Three days of lost sales tax income to the state of NY (not to mention lost income/income-taxes for the staff) and then some (seeing as patrons were not entitled to know when the restaurant would re-open). It’s PURE GENIUS I tell you.
As far as I PERSONALLY can surmise, Centro will re-open tomorrow.
4) As for an "experienced operator" (with no partners or other such investors) having such “problems”: yes, it does indeed get to be a handful for one person running multiple locations at such high volume. Which is why one might need to hire— say, an "expeditor" for example, to handle such bureaucratic tasks like permit renewals and whatnot.
Too bad sometimes some employees such as "expeditors" are fucking dumbasses. Yah, even when they’re paid, believe it or not.
Hope that’s some decent "intel" for you?
Thanks again!
:)
Oh P.S. — That’s actually pxthis.com rather than abbe-diaz.com, but whatever. Thanks anyway.
Víva la Grasshopper Wrap King! Sure he’s dapper, handsome, unassuming, modest, notoriously press-shy and the ultimate, consummate gentleman, but did you know he’s been busy like a fiend?!
Aside from recently having licensed two outposts (and growing) in Seoul, Korea, Mangia is now expanding to include a Mangia Organics at 45 West 39th St, "featuring all organic and/or locally-grown/sustainable ingredients." Plus—
Oh hell, it’s just too much. Let’s go straight to the awesome press release:
Mangia Cafe and Catering has been servicing New York City area for over 28 years, and we’ve been busy! From our first shop in 1981, we’ve expanded to 5 different locations in the heart of the city, as well as overseas. We’re Manhattan’s No. 1 corporate caterer, with over 4,000 accounts such as Burberry, Oscar De La Renta, Viacom, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and McGraw Hill. Says The New York Times, "Mangia is an upscale takeout lunch factory, offering everything from soups to salads to pastries to designer sandwiches to filling main courses. The identity is Italian… but much of the food is American. The sandwiches, made to order, are best." Gayot Guide calls us "A favorite quick-and-chic lunch spot for young hip professionals."
As good as the reviews are, we have been busy building a greater experience for our customers while still adhering to the tastes that put us on the map in the first place. Mangia is pleased to announce updates on our services, including:
-Free WiFi at our 23rd street cafe, perfect for business lunches or just checking your email while you enjoy one of our acclaimed paninis.
- Executive Chef Ferran Mallol’s new menu at our 48th street restaurant location, as well as full liquor selection, and a new view from our upstairs windows.
-The soon-to-be-launched Mangia Organics at 45 west 39st (212 921 9100) featuring all organic and/or sustainable/locally-grown ingredients.
- Our new bakery at our 57th St site (delivering to all 3 Mangia locales), offering mouthwatering treats and original desserts from consummate pastry chef Patrick Coston.
This of course, is in addition to our renowned antipasto bar, mouth-watering baked goods, hot soups, pressed sandwiches, and great service that Mangia earned its reputation on, all at an affordable cost to our customers during tough economic times. And don’t forget about the Mangia Cookbook, which gives away some (but not all!) of our special recipes!
But that’s not all: Times have changed, and it’s no longer enough to simply be conveniently located and delicious. That’s why in addition to Mangia’s delivery and catering services, we are also expanding our online presence. Find our daily menu on our website, and check out our Facebook and Twitter. Check daily for specials exclusive to our Internet friends and followers, including happy hours, food discounts, and the occasional Mangia giveaway.
Congratulations on the latest, and to the entire crew of Mangia as well.
YOU THE MAN, DAWG. WE LOVE YOU! LONG LIVE THE GRASSHOPPER WRAP KING!
:)
"the Centro Vinoteca of Lugano, Switzerland…"
is Bottegone del Vino?
hmmm. not quite.
it’s very nice though. and the waiters are super sweet. plus i’m a total sucker for any "uneducated unskilled blue collar service sector (wing collar?)" multilingual human being so you know how that is.
and yes, they do indeed have a rather impressive wine list at reasonable prices making it a haunt obviously beloved of the locals.
unfortunately, although the charcuterie and cheese (with three kinds of honey!) plates are generous, fresh, and delicious— the cooked stuff is just a wee bleah.
the kinda odd plunked-between-the-office-buildings location is a bit off putting too, but that’s probably just the spoiled new york city real estate snob in me talking.
"the CentroVinoteca of Cernobbio, Italy…"
is Albergo Centrale Ristorante?
hmmm. close. i guess. getting warmer at least.
it’s very nice though. and the waiters are super sweet. plus i’m a total sucker for any "uneducated unskilled blue collar service sector (wing collar?)" multilingual human being so you know how that is.
and yes the food is quite decent. and very reasonably priced (particularly for the area) making it a haunt quite obviously beloved of the locals.
and oh if there was a way all restaurateurs could promptly adopt the policy of just gratuitously plopping one chilled full bottle of limoncello and one chilled full bottle of licorice liqueur and a couple of shot glasses at the table with the check conto, allowing the patrons to idle the night away at one’s leisure—
sigh. what a civilized society we would be.
and broke as shit too, bitches.
"the CentroVinoteca of Bellaggio, Italy…"
is Cava Lucciolo?
hmmm. notttttt really. they don’t even seem to have a cooking kitchen, do they?
the wine tasting flights are a nice touch though. and pretty reasonably priced (particularly for the area). i have no idea if it’s a haunt beloved of the locals, cuz from what i’ve gathered from my regrettably short visit to this area of bellaggio smack on the banks of lago di como— there aint no "locals" up in this muhfuh.
it’s very pretty and scenic though. much prettier than times square. and there’s no mcdonalds or starbucks or hawaiian tropic zone so hooray for bellaggio, italy.
but yah. if i have to listen to one more camera wielding, postcard shopping, walking short sportin dumbwit say "bunn jurr no" or "gratt see" i think i might just scream.
"It’s been a remarkable year, but I have decided to continue pursuing my culinary education abroad," says Executive Chef Leah Cohen. So far, cursory plans include possible months-long stints in Spain, Italy, and Asia to further enhance her knowledge and technique, "I am very thankful for the opportunities that Sasha Muniak and his team have given me, but I do feel that now is an opportune moment to travel and study and continue to develop myself into a more well rounded chef."
"We are very proud of Leah and what she has accomplished for both herself and the restaurant," adds proprietor Muniak, "I have no doubt Leah’s enthusiasm in furthering her education will benefit her and her career immensely."
Current sous chef Richard Furey (formerly of The Grand Hotel Amrâth, Amsterdam) will take over control of the kitchen. "It’s been my experience that in transitional phases such as this, it’s best to prevent disruption in the kitchen as much as possible. I’ve been very happy with the success of Leah Cohen rising up from sous chef under Anne Burrell, and with Saul Montiel (Gusto Ristorante) taking over the kitchen after his ample experience as sous under both Jody Williams and Amanda Freitag."
Muniak further remarks, "Leah Cohen was very much in demand after her appearance on Top Chef. The team very capably handled her absence while she was called away to represent Centro Vinoteca in both off-site events and TV appearances. I am confident Richard and the team will competently live up to their new challenge."
= "personne extraordinaire"