FAMED AUTHOR MARK BEGO AT PALM WEST

Chef Fabian with General Manager Chris Gilman and Mark Bego

Celeb-author MARK BEGO flew into the Big Apple for a whirlwind visit. First, a batch of meetings via his new tome on ELVIS PRESLEY ('ON ELVIS PRESLEY BOULEVARD: 'AN UNCOMMON JOURNEY') that Bego has co-written with LAMAR FIKE, one of Elvis' trusted Memphis Mafia. "Lamar worked, lived, and, partied with the King. He knows ALL the stories. It's been a great project, and I think we've come up with a great book. Its chock full of new information on Presley and some great, great stories. We're looking for the spring to have this one out." His other project is the book MACHO MAN (Greenwood), which is Bego's take, with RANDY JONES of The Village People, on the burgeoning gay-movement in the 70s after Stonewall. "We really researched in depth the how's and whys of all these events. We've also looked at the differences then, musically, fashion-wise, among other things ... and the results. We interviewed a number of seminal figures of the movement for the book and our results are really quite timely and terrific. Its a bit of a different project for me, but, I'm extremely happy with the way its come out. That will be Fall of next year." Last night we dined with Bego and P.R. Pasha David Salidor at Palm West, a favorite of ours around these parts, and regaled General Manager CHRIS GILMAN with his tales of ELVIS and MR. JONES. Bego, who's already done 2 book releases parties at the eatery, claims the 50th street hotspot among his favorites. At one point Bego and Gilman invaded the kitchen and for a moment thought he be pressed into service. Today, he attends the annual PBA Christmas event for the families of the membership down at Bridgewater's at the South Street Seaport. No doubt about it, it IS the Glamorous Life!

Photo By: James Edstrom