LifeQs

Michael Kanter

Answer one question or many - using words, photos or other media.

What was Michael's favorite meal?

Erica Sherman
There were a few meals/menu items from a few places around the neighborhood (Park Slope/vicinity of Seventh Avenue and Ninth Street) that I remember him having a strong affinity for: 1- The steak au poivre at a restaurant called The Minnow (closed; Mike was very friendly with former chef and owner Aaron Bashy: http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/minnow/); 2- The steak and sour cream fajitas at Happy Fresh Tortillas Grill, the Tex-Mex takeout place across the street from the Carriage House/Old Carriage Inn; 3- The Sauerbraten at Cafe Steinhof; and 4- Giant overstuffed burritos from La Tacqueria (closed). Plus, I remember he liked his eggs over easy, and black coffee. In later years, he also grew fond of Blue Point oysters from Johnny Mac's, something he had never eaten when he was younger.

What made Michael happy?

Erica Sherman
Alcohol, beautiful women, steak, great movies, jazz, country music, shooting pool...

Did Michael have any nicknames?

Erica Sherman
After he briefly switched from Jack Daniels to wine, a few folks started calling him "Mike Zinfandel," but I always knew him as "Bubba."

What's your favorite picture of Michael?

Erica Sherman
After I received a point and shoot digital camera as a holiday present, Mike, to my surprise, became my willing muse and patiently let me shoot photos of him. He was a deep-thinking, highly introspective, quiet man, and I have always felt that this photo captures him in his element... in his "happy place," if you will.

Who were some of Michael's closest friends? Have pictures?

Erica Sherman
During the time I knew him, his friends were the people with whom he fraternized in the bar. Some of them were regulars who he'd known for more than 15-20 years -- Bobby, Breezy, Joey Daniels, Patty G, Danny, Leslie, etc.; they were his closest friends (among many) -- and others were people who came in one night, like Ayelet and Seamus, knocked back a few shots with him, and never saw him again.

Who were some famous people Michael met?

Erica Sherman
He had met a number of celebrities, and even counted Lou Reed (Velvet Underground) among his closest friends, but told me the only time he was truly starstruck was the time his uncle (Fred Plaut, a Grammy Award-winning sound engineer) brought him to work and he got to meet Duke Ellington in the building's lobby.

How would Michael most want to be remembered?

If you could send Michael a message now, what would you say?

What six words best describe Michael?

What are your best memories of time together?

Did Michael have a favorite phrase or common mannerism?

What did Michael dislike?