All is not what it seems at Peter Luger’s

IN NEW York, relaxed Covid social distancing allows restaurants to be 35% full, up from the previous 25%.

But in the Peter Luger Steakhouse, in Brooklyn, they’ll be jam-packed, patrons including some really big names. They include movie stars Audrey Hepburn and Jon Hamm, TV personality Michael Strahan, comedian Jimmy Fallon, and weather forecaster Al Roker. (In the US weather forecasters are big names).

Peter Luger – an eatery that has been in business for 130 years – has gone into a joint venture with Madame Tussaud’s, the London waxworks display, to borrow wax statues of famous people to fill up the vacant space in the restaurant, according to Associated Press.

A great idea – the chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.

But why stop at actors, TV personalities, comedians and weather forecasters? Madame Tussaud’s has the full range. Why not have Henry VIII standing at the bar in conversation with Christopher Columbus? Cromwell catching a snack with Abraham Lincoln? Talk about rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, Peter Luger’s is the place to be. But Peter Luger’s must be careful they are not short-changed. They must not accept a waxwork figure in the uniform of a Madame Tussaud’s official. At the display in London, there’s always such a figure, standing away from the waxworks staring into the distance.

Tourists gather round, discussing whether he’s real or a waxwork. His stare into the distance is unwavering, not a muscle twitches, there’s no movement whatever. They decide he’s a waxwork. Then he scratches his nose and they dissolve into laughter. It’s a Madame Tussaud’s tradition.

But New Yorkers might feel cheated. Peter Luger’s would be better off with authenticity like Anne Boleyn, Charles Dickens and Sir Winston Churchill tucking into the grub together.

Six-legged dog

A PUPPY has been born with six legs in Oklahoma City in the US – and vets are describing her case as a “miracle”. The female pup, named Skipper, is believed to have had a twin, but they failed to completely split apart, meaning she now has twice as many body parts from the waist down.

Although she has just one head and chest, she’s got two pelvic regions, two reproductive systems, and two tails, according to Sky News.

She’s described as “strong and determined”.

The vets say she’ll do well. We’re not told what breed Skipper is, but if she’s a terrier that extra pair of legs could be a huge advantage in digging her way down a rabbit hole.

But just as well she’s female.

Two extra legs etc could make things hectic at leg-lifting time

Would you queue?

OVERHEARD in the Street Shelter for the Over-Forties: “If marriage certificates expired like driving licences, would you stand in a queue to renew?”

Titles

BREAKING news … Harry and Meghan have contacted Liverpool for advice on losing their titles in 2021.

Tailpiece

“Look, a shooting star. Make a wish!” “I wish we were married.” “Oh sorry, it’s a plane.”

Last word

ALTHOUGH golf was originally restricted to wealthy, overweight Protestants, today it’s open to anybody who owns hideous clothing.