New York, September 13 : New Yorkers may have lost some interest in celebrities after watching them in the town time and again, but ace swimmer Michael Phelps can still fill them with excitement.

And this is exactly what was seen when the golden boy of the Olympics entered Blue Ribbon Sushi in Midtown on Wednesday night.

Onlookers have revealed that Phelps' presence caused near-hysteria there.

"It was funny to see jaded New Yorkers, who always see celebs around town, act like excited schoolkids," the New York Post quoted one witness as saying.

"People kept sending over bottles of champagne and sake! Never seen anything like it," the witness added.

The source also revealed that Phelps graciously downed the refreshments with his tablemates.

"He is a remarkably down-to-earth guy, very regular guyish," the source added.

Phelps is all set to host 'Saturday Night Live' this weekend.

ANI