Leonardo DiCaprio and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman unite admirers of film and commerce at a notable dinner in East Harlem, where Hollywood aspirations for Nassau County were the focus.
At a Glance
- DiCaprio attended an exclusive dinner at Rao’s in New York.
- Blakeman promoted Nassau County as a prime film location, “Hollywood East.”
- The event underscored Nassau’s $533 million economic impact from film.
- Security was notably tight for Blakeman.
A Memorable Gathering
Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent attendance at an exclusive dinner at Rao’s in East Harlem drew significant attention. The dinner, hosted by Andrew Murstein, provided filmmaker DiCaprio, widely known for his cinematic contributions, with an opportunity to converse about film production in an intimate setting. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a key guest, zealously presented Nassau County’s assets for hosting film projects while expressing enthusiasm to establish the area as “Hollywood East.”
DiCaprio was certainly more than a passive participant; interacting with fellow diners, he took photographs and amused guests with lively FaceTime calls. His charismatic presence at the prestigious 125-year-old establishment, known for its no-reservation policy and rarefied status, aligned perfectly with the high-profile nature of the event.
Economic Aspirations for Nassau County
The heart of the dinner conversation was Nassau County’s burgeoning reputation as a filming location. Blakeman emphasized the transformative potential of film-related activities that have already infused the local economy with over $533 million. As parts of “The Wolf of Wall Street” were filmed in the region, the guests acknowledged the thriving possibilities of this film-friendly venue.
While Blakeman educated attendees on the economic benefits, his discourse was both informative and entertaining. For instance, although the jukebox favored Sinatra over Beatles classics, the former wife of Blakeman, now married to Paul McCartney, underscored connections that seamlessly blend entertainment and economics.
Star-Studded Influence
Undoubtedly, the attendees comprised a mix of influential figures spanning various industries. The presence of Bo Dietl, Sid Rosenberg, and DiCaprio’s family brought further depth to the gathering. The high-security presence primarily surrounding Blakeman reflected the critical nature of these discussions.
Dining in this exceptional Italian restaurant has long been a hallmark of exclusivity itself, with some seats auctioning off at eye-popping prices for charity. This unique backdrop only heightened the sense that the narrative of Nassau County as “Hollywood East” continues gaining momentum, aided by high-profile endorsers.
