Marion Nagy arrived in New York City from her native Hungary just after World War II. Her dangerous and exciting journey began when she decided to flee Stalinist Budapest. With careful planning and a little luck, she craftily devised a daring escape to be carried out when she was competing in Paris as a member of the Hungarian Swim Team in the World Peace Games held after the war.

Because she spoke not a word of French, Marion realized that modeling was one of the few jobs she was qualified for in France. Under an assumed name, Marion quickly became one of couture's most sought-after models. Eventually her fame became her nemesis, and no longer feeling safe in Europe, Marion boarded the Queen Elizabeth and sailed to New York City.

Marion resumed her modeling career in New York but soon realized that her true passion was bringing together groups of artists and literati for evening socials. Marion's cocktail and canapés became as well known as the scintillating conversations. Seeing a new career opportunity, Marion joined forces with a talented expatriate French chef and Marion's Continental Restaurant & Lounge was born in a little storefront in the middle of the exciting "downtown" scene.

Marion's thrived for 23 years with the restaurant overflowing nightly with bohemian artists, stars of stage and screen, socialites, senators, and presidents (All were encouraged to autograph a dinner plate. It's still a mystery as to where they are today but be sure to see our collection of recently signed plates!). Marion was in her element, greeting and seating, being the hostess of a never-ending party. On a chilly September evening in 1973, Marion gathered her friends and longtime regulars to the restaurant for what would prove to be the grand finale. After a lovely dinner of oysters Rockefeller and filet mignon au poivre, Marion rose from her seat, and tapped her champagne glass to quiet the room. She explained to the shocked crowd that after working for so long, she now wanted to devote more time to her three young children and that in order to do so, she would be closing the restaurant and moving full time to her summer home in Belmar, New Jersey. Marion ordered the party to continue and the guests soon toasted Marion's new life ahead.

In 1990, Marion's son acquired the space that had housed his mother's restaurant. Working from old photographs, the dining room was faithfully restored to its original glory. We look forward to serving you for another 50 years.