The ‘fake’ steakhouse that became Manhattan’s hottest spot
What began as a “joke” ended with a packed house as a group of friends became amateur restaurateurs for a night
LANNA APISUKH/THE NEW YORK TIMES/EYEVINE
Manhattan diners searching for a steakhouse in summer last year might have come across Mehran’s. “You’ve heard about it,” the website declared. “Now come live our revolutionary steak experience.”
Beneath this was a note saying it was fully booked for six months and a box where a number could be left for “when tables are available”. I had not heard of it. But New York is full of places that claim to be fully booked. A friend who wanted a steak was visiting the city so I left my number, just in case.
So did about 900 others. This came as a surprise to Mehran Jalali, 21, a co-founder of an AI start-up who shared a flat on the Upper East Side with 15 young
