'B&C' Hall of Fame: No Rubber Chicken

The B&C Hall of Fame dinner last last week was pretty much a Mel’s Diner dream come true: About 900 of the most interesting and accomplished members of the TV industry gathered at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City to induct 12 greats of the biz. There was humor (Roger Ailes killed), insight from the industry’s visionaries, good causes (a portion of the proceeds benefits the Broadcasters Foundation of America and Cable Positive) … and of course good food. This is no rubber chicken event.

The menu started with pane rustica and a roasted Mediterranean veggie tart, accompanied by an olive straw aka a delicious, cheesy breadstick with a tapenade. The entrée was sliced tenderloin of beef au poivre with a risotto muffin and sugar snap peas and baby carrots. Dessert came in a chocolate box filled with flourless chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and raspberries and also included a plate of cookies.

It’s a truly elegant evening of black ties, gowns and a classic setting, down to the table dressings. Amid the glamour, though, attendees appeared acutely aware of the careening economy, and there was more than a little chatter during cocktails and acceptance speeches about it. As B&C Editor-in-Chief Ben Grossman writes this week in his Left Coast Bias column, it’s tough times like these that prove true leadership, and strategic vision is about to be put to the test.

During the reception before the event, I talked with two presidents of distribution who I hope to feature in Mel’s Diner, and both noted a difficulty with the idea of picking a place to eat that seems appropriate in these times. The competitors joked that the other should be the first to show up in Mel’s Diner gorging at Spago.

Truth is Don Draper-style, three-martini lunches are long gone anyway. Everybody’s gotta eat and everybody has places they prefer. So just like we should keep our eyes out for cunning plans from the smartest TV players in their business, I suspect we’ll start seeing a few inspired choices for lunch at Mel’s Diner in coming weeks too.

BE A SUPER FLY CORRESPONDENT, tip us off to where the TV biz eats — industry bigwigs, talent, anybody working in TV in your town – with a note to tellmelsdiner@reedbusiness.com. Mel’s Diner Fly on the Wall tips will remain anonymous if you choose.