Lost in transition

Mark Barauck is the Mark on the left, one of the best people in town.

The Mark on the right is Mark Watson, one of the Broadway Three-Ways who perform at the Crystal Room of Mark-on-the-left's La Te Da, and also a wonderful guy.

Mark on the left became a partner in the complex in 1999, and took over ownership in 2003. The consummate host, he always made us feel as if we were the only guests in the place -- even if it was elbow to elbow, and even if we were bidding against him for Fantasy Fest set pieces (which he used to decorate the resort/cabaret/restaurant). In fact, La Te Da and the coronation events -- and other fundraisers for AIDS Help, like Share the Wreath -- have become synonymous because of his generosity.

We had family dinner there on Christmas Eve and said hi. So it was a great shock when he took ill on Christmas Day, apparently from an ulcer, and was airlifted to Miami. He went into a coma and, we have now learned, died on New Year's Eve, age 51.

We join in the entire island in saying he is irreplaceable.