Les Serres open but only for Olivia
“I’m sorry, sir. We can’t accept your reservation. We’re just about to close,” said the receptionist of Les Serres, the greenery-filled restaurant in Old Montreal. It was about 10 p.m. on Wednesday when MCA Records exec Frank Iacovella called to make a reservation for 15.
“But the reservation is for Olivia Newton-John,” said Iacovella.
“Yes sir. No problem, sir. Right away, sir.”
The staff rushed about hither and thither and a table for 15 was set and ready when Olivia drove up in a silver limousine about 11:30 p.m. In addition to the police cars that escorted her limo from the Forum to Old Montreal, an unmarked car with plain clothes security followed her to discourage any over-enthusiastic fans.
Olivia, wearing a peach-and-blue pantsuit ensemble, ordered Dom Perignon champagne as soon as she sat down. She had only one sip and continued the evening on Vichy water. As she chatted with her manager, secretary and other members of her entourage, she had snails and a tropical salad.
The bill, which totalled some $700, was paid for by Iacovella. Olivia accepted a bouquet of red roses, offered her compliments to the chef and hopped back into the limo.
As of noon yesterday, Olivia Newton-John was still sleeping undisturbed in room 2201 of the Four Seasons Hotel.
By Thomas Schnurmacher