Restaurants & Bars
Sir Paul McCartney Visits Blue Café In Basking Ridge
Owners of the café, Barbara and Chris Chutnik, said "talking to the legend was an amazing experience."
![Paul McCartney In Concert.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/22871539/20221222/113942/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-810588530___22112927856.jpg)
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Blue Café in Basking Ridge had a surprise visit by the legend himself Sir Paul McCartney, and his wife Nancy.
The legendary Beatles musician stopped into the local café last Friday.
Owners of the cafe, Barbara and Chris Chutnik, said "talking to the legend was an amazing experience."
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On Dec. 16, Barbara Chutnik said she was behind the register when she saw Paul and Nancy walking toward her.
"I KNEW it was them. I looked at both of them and I KNEW right away," said Chetnik. "They knew that I knew."
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
They asked Chutnik to keep it down to avoid making a scene which she happily complied.
Chutnik said the pair ordered two salads, espresso and a egg and cheese sandwich to go. As they ordered, the bar stools opened up and she offered the seats to them.
Chutnik then went into the kitchen and called her husband.
"I was freaking out and shaking," said Chutnik.
Chris Chutnik, who is an aspiring musician, thought his wife was kidding. Chris rushed out the door of their Warren home without shoes and ran to the cafe.
Paul McCartney was more than happy to talk to Barbara and Chris about music.
"He is totally the nicest guy ever," said Barbara Chutnik.
McCartney's appearance definitely made an impact on the Chutnik's staff.
"One of the baristas is a big fan of the Beatles and she almost fainted," said Chutnik. "She went into the kitchen and literally wanted to cry."
The whole experience was "amazing" for the couple since McCartney came to their business and appreciated their Polish heritage. McCartney even thanked them in Polish.
"I'm usually not star struck but this was different. He is a legend," said Chutnik.
The Chutnik's shared a photo of McCartney and a video on the Blue Café Facebook page:
After McCartney's appearance, the Chutniks put a tag behind the bar stools saying "Paul McCartney sat here."
"I will always remember that moment," said Chutnik.
The Chutnik's opened in March 2019 at the corner of S. Finley Avenue and E. Henry Street. Read More: Warren Couple Opens Blue Cafe In Basking Ridge
The Polish couple previously owned Abigail's Cafe in Linden for 10 years.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected].
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.