Let me tell you, Joe

So, we had a premiere party for a theatre event last night at work.

The show was a one man show by Jay Johnstone, the ventriloquist who used to be on Soap.

Apparently, it is really good, and very moving, so, you heard it here first. Or did you? Where else have you been!?

I loved Soap, so I was geeked to see him, and except for say an extra 15 pounds, he looks exactly the same.

We did get several celebs too.

Tom Poston and Suzanne Pleshette came in. Turns out they are married. How funny, due to the Newhart connection, they found love.

Then, I saw Charles Martin Smith from American Graffiti and the Untouchables.

Charles Durning was also there. As was a guy from Hill Street Blues, and a guy from NYPD Blue.
Bochco, Bochco, Bochco.

Adrien Zmed was there. Yes! That's right, ADRIEN ZMED!

Also, Joe Mantegna.

Now, this one was special. I knew right then, I had to talk to him.

You see, not many people know this, but Joe owns a restaurant, a little dive, in Burbank that serves up authentic Chicago style dogs, and beefs, and polishes. Whenever MM and I are jonesing, we go there. It's called Taste Chicago.

So, I went walking up to Joe, he was talking to some woman, and I said, Mr. Mantegna?

The woman walked away, and he turned to me and said, yeah?

I have to thank you sir. Not only for your tremendous acting, but even more important to me, as a Chicago transplant, for your restaurant!

He pumped his fist at me, and said, 'At a boy! 'At a boy! That's why we opened it. For you boys. We'll keep you knee deep in beef!

I thanked him again, and politely walked away.

Knee deep in beef. Thank God for Joe.