The Quintessence of Joy

Bobby Short (September 15, 1924 - March 21, 2005) was born in Danville, Illinois; but like his fellow Midwesterner, Cole Porter, he became the epitome of worldly sophistication and, more specifically, of New York cafe society. For many New Yorkers, it's impossible to think of Mr. Short without the Cafe Carlyle, his musical residency for 25 years, or vice versa. Here, he serenades the always fabulous New York socialite/Hollywood actress Dina Merrill, circa 1970:



We're not sure who we'd rather be.

On a sidenote, we keep running into Ms. Merrill at random places; once, lunching at Fred's at Barneys with Gloria Vanderbilt. In case you're interested, the ladies both had the crab cakes, and ordered a bottle of white wine -- we'd like to think that it was Pouilly-Fumé Ladoucette. More recently, she was dining at Le Colonial on the banquette opposite ours. She still looked remarkable, crisp and elegant -- not unlike the ever-stylish Mr. Short. Happy Birthday, Bobby Short! Wherever you are, we're sure you're classing up the joint.