RIP Jean-Claude Baker

In the theater district just steps away from two of my favorite Off Broadway theaters - Playwrights Horizons and Signature - is the restaurant Chez Josephine, founded in 1980s by Jean-Claude Baker as homage to his adoptive mother - Josephine Baker. 

If you've been to Chez Josephine, you probably marveled at the red velvet decor, enjoyed the piano playing, checked out the memorabilia, and if you are like me dined on the pan seared calf's liver. Most of all though, you were probably taken by the buoyant host - Jean-Claude Baker. Always flashy, charming and colorful... 

Image my surprise to read in the Post that Jean-Claude Baker suffered from severe depression for years and took his life at the age of 71. You simply never know what is going on inside a person's mind, heart and soul. I am saddened by the loss.   

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