Save for a lone Bradley Cooper wandering the West Village, most stars flew under the radar during the days surrounding Thanksgiving. And even though we’ve shifted our attention from leftovers to holiday parties, this week’s boost in our celebrity-spotting tally is certainly something to be thankful for. Jessica Simpson sported heels with her baby bump at Marble Lane and Fred’s at Barneys, while Anne Hathaway was overheard discussing her wedding plans at La Esquina. The Rockefeller tree lighting didn’t outshine a visit from President Obama on Wednesday; guests gladly shelled out $35,800 to dine with the President at Gotham Bar and Grill. This and more celebrity settings, straight ahead.
Andaz Wall Street: Zachary Quinto and Twilight’s Peter Facinelli spent most of the evening together at the after party for the Gotham Independent Film Awards. Josh Radnor and Felicity Jones were also in attendance. [People]
Atlantic Grill: Regis Philbin followed his final sign off on Live! with a celebratory lunch with his wife and daughters at his go-to lunch spot — the restaurant even created a special cocktail in his honor, the “Marga-Regis.” [People]
Beauty & Essex: Karina Smirnoff joined her former Dancing with the Stars partner, Ralph Macchio, and his family for dinner here, following her meal of salmon with a sampling of multiple ice cream flavors for dessert. [People]
Cipriani 42nd Street: The restaurant was buzzing with celebrities for the 2011 UNICEF Snowflake Ball on Tuesday night. A few who came out to show their support for the good cause: Sarah Jessica Parker, Uma Thurman, Angie Harmon, Vera Farmiga, Kevin Jonas, Zoe Kravitz, and Adrien Brody. [Gossip Center]
Cipriani Wall Street: Charlize Theron narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction when she tripped at the Gotham Independent Film Awards on Monday night. Luckily, fashion tape kept her dress in place and she could go on to receive her award. [Page Six/NYP]
Fred’s at Barneys: Jessica Simpson met a friend for lunch at the department store eatery on Monday. [Page Six/NYP]
Gotham Bar and Grill: Grub Street got the scoop on Chef Alfred Portale’s plans for Obama’s benefit on Wednesday night; the menu featured dishes including a 28-day, dry-aged steak and Honeycrisp-apple strudel. Caroline Kennedy, the Seinfelds, and Susan Sarandon were some of the guests who attended. [Grub Street]
Indochine: Social Life Magazine editor-in-chief Devorah Rose and Salman Rushdie went on a date here last Friday. Rose promptly tweeted a photo of the pair sharing a booth, saying they had a great time and asking the author to return to the states for a “do-over.” [Page Six/NYP]
La Esquina: Recently engaged Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman were overheard discussing wedding plans at dinner on Monday night. The spy overheard the pair tell a friend that they hope to have a nontraditional ceremony, with co-ed bridesmaids and groomsmen. [Page Six/NYP]
Lucky Strike Lanes: Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner enjoyed a night of friendly competition at the swanky bowling alley, where Jenner had the higher score despite Lavigne’s leopard print ball. [People]
Marble Lane: Jessica Simpson didn’t let her growing baby bump keep her from putting on heels and heading out to celebrate fiancé Eric Johnson’s birthday on Sunday night. The couple met nineteen friends for a late dinner at the Dream Downtown’s lobby restaurant. [Grub Street]
STK: Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps took the night off from training on Tuesday to meet a few friends for a relaxing dinner. [Grub Street]
Teany: Olivia Wilde took a break from filming The Longest Week in the East Village on Monday, November 28, to pick up some vegetarian takeout with a friend. [Just Jared]