McNally Backs Mamdani, Confuses Him with His Favorite Busboy from 2003

In a shocking show of political support, Balthazar owner and downtown drama magnet Keith McNally officially endorsed democratic socialist assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor, but sources confirm he may have absolutely no idea who Mamdani actually is.

“He just has that look,” McNally told The Tawk, gazing wistfully into a vintage espresso cup from 2004. “Strong eyebrows. Revolutionary spirit. I’m 99% sure he used to refill the sugar bowls in 2003. His name was Ernesto, or maybe Zohran. Either way, he believed in equity.”

McNally—best known for Instagramming rude texts from ex-girlfriends and banning celebrities for not finishing their soup—claims he met Mamdani once during a 7-minute brunch in Fort Greene. “He was handing out tenant rights flyers. I thought it was the menu. I was deeply moved.”

Staff Reaction Mixed at Balthazar

One longtime server rolled her eyes, saying, “I was his favorite busboy in 2003. That man couldn’t tell a Marxist from a marscapone.”

Mamdani’s team has neither confirmed nor denied his history with the French-American bistro, but sources say he did once eat a croissant in SoHo while reading Bell Hooks.

McNally’s New Vision for NYC Under Mamdani

When asked what he hopes to see from a Mamdani administration, McNally replied:

“An eviction moratorium on rude diners. Free foie gras for the working class. And a $30 minimum wage—unless you’re a barista with bad posture.”

He also demanded Mamdani install chandeliers in every NYCHA hallway “so the tenants can finally feel seen.”

Final Quote:
“I don’t care if he’s not my busboy. I just like a man with a cause and a center part.”