Britney Spears Opens Nyla

Nyla, named for New York where the restaurant is located and Louisiana, the popster’s home state, is said to feature a southern style menu. The opening occurred Thursday night and was considered a "disaster" by one TV producer. Heavy rain kept many away from the event but didn't seem to daunt Miss Spears, who said of the restaurant, "This is going to be my new hang out."

Many of the stars reportedly on the guest list, such as Cher and Jennifer Lopez, didn't make an appearance. Spears turned up an hour late to her own party. Many VIP's were "fuming"after being forced to wait in the rain due to "uncooperative bouncers." Designer Patricia Field, who designed Brit's dress, couldn't get through the crowd and blew off the opening, rather than wait in the rain.

An interesting side note, Spears' business partner, famed restaurateur Bobby Ochs, was on hand for the opening and was served court papers in the middle of the fete. He was handed a $68,000 lawsuit from the landlord of the last restaurant he opened, Peaches, which he ran with Marla Maples. Peaches went under after eight months. Joseph Z. Morris, the owner of the East 63rd Street space where Peaches was located, says Ochs owes him unpaid rent. A spokesperson for Ochs admitted papers had been served, but made no further comment. With the slew of other celebrity-backed restaurants that haven't made it and the percentage of new restaurants that go belly up in New York, Spears' Nyla doesn't seem to stand much of a chance.