How a Maitre d at Balthazar Spends His Sundays
The New York Times As James Corden learned, you dont want to end up in Zouheir Louhaichys shift report, which he writes in the morning before training for Ironman.
Zouheir Louhaichy, the head matre d at Balthazar, the perennially popular SoHo brasserie, doesnt give just any customer his cell number. Those who have it, though, are not shy about reaching out on Sundays, his day off.
Ill get texts from regulars who are either desperate to get in on short notice or need help with future requests, he said. But apparently, he doesnt mind. Our regulars are nice, lovely people. And it makes them feel appreciated.
Mr. Louhaichy, 58, also the assistant general manager of Balthazar, lives in Manhattans Financial District with his husky, Skyler. His mother, Fatna Sougrati, 76, often stays with him, and his two daughters Zina Louhaichy, 19, and Leila Louhaichy, 24 will drop by. Between returning regulars texts on Sundays, he trains for triathlons.
ALOHA I wake up between 7:30 and 8 a.m., and I make a cappuccino. I love Hawaiian coffee because the beans are sort of a connection to Hawaii, which I love. I go there for triathlons, which is my passion. Thats what keeps me fit and sane. With my coffee, I make a bit of breakfast generally speaking, mixed berries with some fat-free Greek yogurt and walnuts and then I go back to bed. I basically have breakfast in bed. Its a great time for me to unwind from the workweek. Also, later in the day Im going to get busy, so I need that time for myself.
