The famous composer Henry and Ginny Mancini came in often. They invited me to their home in Malibu for brunch. “Hello my name is Paula. I own a company called Willow Tree. I see you can lose a little weight there Richard.” She handed me her card and I went the next day. I walked in and a nurse followed me in. Paula said to me, “Drop your pants I’m giving you a shot.”
The nurse came in with a syringe filled with pregnant woman’s urine. After I got the shot, the nurse slapped my bottom to help the solution go through my body. I never went back.
What can I say about Vidal Sassoon? He was a true gentleman. He came in with his gorgeous wife Beverly whose hair was perfectly coiffed. They also invited me to their home in Beverly Hills. I was going to ask Vidal for a haircut. But I thought that was too forward.
Frankie Valli was one of my favorite customers. I thought about all the famous songs that he sang. “Won’t you come to my home? I am having a party.” When I got to his house I automatically picked up a tray of hors d’oeuvres. “I did not invite you here to be a waiter. I invited you to be a guest.”
A very serious man came in. He had bushy eyebrows and long sideburns. His name was William Blatty. “I am inviting you to a premier of my movie.” I went on a rainy night in Westwood. The name of the movie was The Exorcist. So I sat there and saw one of the most disturbing movies that I have ever seen. When Linda Blair’s head turned and then green stuff came out of her mouth, I had to leave the theater.
Years later, I did Circus of the Stars with Linda Blair. I was a little afraid to meet her. She was so sweet.
Joe Cocker would come in. I asked him to sing me a song and he sang You Are So Beautiful to Me.
Now I had one rule at Derrick’s. You could not wear a tie. There was another restaurant called Mateo’s where the waiter actually cut off your tie. I thought that was ridiculous.
One night Mel Brooks and his wife Anne Bancroft came in. Mr. B was wearing a tie. I said, “Mr Brooks you have to take off your tie. I want you to be comfortable when you eat.” He looked at me and said “What?” He threw his napkin down and left. Well you can’t win them all.
My last story…a lady walked in with two gentlemen to have dinner. The lady was wearing a hat trimmed in white fur. She was wearing a champagne dress and long pearls tied in a knot One of the gentlemen said, “Do you know who this lady is?” The man said, “It’s Christine Jorgensen. She is the first transgender woman.” Well I didn’t really know what to say. She was pretty and elegant to me.
I asked Judy and Derrick to sit at a table. I had to speak with them. “I am leaving this restaurant and opening up a salad bar and exercise studio.” They both hugged me and wished me well.
When I opened my place they came in, hugged me, and said, “Our restaurant is not the same without you.” They will never know how much they helped me.
