The outdoorsy Hancock displays a rugged air as she gamely discusses her rise to the culinary top. As she and her public relations lady huddle together, laughing like old friends, Hancock dutifully answers one question after another. One soon gets the idea that this fast-moving, intense woman long since lost her infatuation with her own life. She looks up from her Metropolitan Grill menu. Everywhere around this plush booth, the swanky lunch crowd bustles with laughter and office talk.
Utensils click against plates.
Vested waiters arrive with yet another treat from the kitchen. Servers glide by to refill water glasses as the hostess escorts another party to their table. Something about the scene suggests choreography, which is just how Hancock likes it. The entire evening should be the culinary equivalent of the opera or ballet, she explains. We want this to be a memorable evening, just like a night at the theater.