New York restaurateur Keith McNally, known for founding Balthazar and the Odeon, discusses his art-buying habits and regrets in a new memoir titled *I Regret Almost Everything*. In an interview with The Art Newspaper, McNally recounts his first serious purchase—a $500 painting by Albert Montmerot in 1989—and his most recent acquisitions, including works by Élisabeth Ronget and Walter Steggles. He describes his instant attraction to paintings, his tendency to agonize over purchases just beyond his budget, and the persistent regret of not buying certain works he now covets.
McNally’s story matters because it offers an insider’s view of how a prominent figure in New York’s hospitality scene navigates the art world with a mix of passion, self-deprecation, and skepticism toward the label 'collector.' His memoir and interview highlight the intersection of downtown culture, art, and commerce, while also reflecting broader tensions between genuine appreciation and the perceived pretension of the art market. The piece underscores how personal taste and financial constraints shape art acquisition, even for those with significant means.