Smith Street Story: Exeunt Omnes
The Porchetta affair, a narrative that has riveted New York's restaurant scene for weeks, has finally ended the only way it could have: with Shakespearean precision. Seldom have the unities aligned themselves to generate as many nefarious shenanigans, bitter recriminations or tragic figures. Jason Neroni, out on bail and out of a job, ranks with Willy Loman as one of modernity's great tragic figures, a proud chef laid low by the world. And then there's owner Marco Rivero, a rival Goofus or Gallant, depending on whether you believe his claims. And now Porchetta, that Carroll Gardens restaurant once one-starred by Bruni, is closed. Soon the space will be another restaurant with another menu and Jason Neroni and Marco Rivero will just be another pair of forgotten stories. Exit, pursued by a boar. Josh