Eberhard Müller, former executive chef of Lutèce and Bayard’s who now co-owns the organic Satur Farms in Cutchogue, has been charged by Southold police with harassment. A Latina tenant claimed that Müller hit her during an August 3 dispute at an apartment building Müller owns. Müller is due to appear in Southold Town Justice Court today, said Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney Shaun McCready. Müller pleaded “not guilty” at his arraignment on September 4.
Müller was in Florida this week and unavailable for comment, as was plaintiff Araceli Domingo, who has since vacated the apartment. (Immigrant advocate Sister Magaret Smyth, a Roman Catholic Nun at the North Fork Spanish apostolate, said she encouraged Domingo to file charges against the chef.) Domingo told police that Müller “grabbed her by the arm, causing a bruise.” Müller’s wife, Paulette Satur, who said she was present during the incident, claimed her husband “never touched” Domingo but admitted that he has a loud voice “that can feel like a blow. He screams and shouts like chefs have always done. He’s the only chef who could make Gordon Ramsay cry.”
According to the police report, Müller argued with Domingo’s boyfriend, Julio Miranda, “over failing to pay rent.” Müller wanted Domingo to leave the home, but police “informed [Müller] that throwing Miranda out on the street would be a violation of the law for which he could be charged.” Müller opted instead to begin eviction proceedings. “They were freeloading,” Satur said of the couple, who she claims owed $5,000 in rent. Looks like Eater posted its list of most wanted restaurateurs.
