CarolJoynt.com

HAPPY EASTER, BUNNY

 

 

A Fun Photo by Tony Powell

This photo, taken by Tony Powell, is of me out with my friend and neighbor, Christopher de Paolo. We're at the opening party for the Capella Hotel on Good Friday night. It had been a long day. Chris gets up at about 5:30 each morning, and I was up at 4:45am. The party seemed like a must-do, however. We've watched this building be transformed from a dowdy office building into an attractive hotel for the past couple of years. I was too tired to put on make-up (wouldn't have done any good, anyway). I joked with Chris, "I'm wearing lipstick and sunglasses." It was sunny out, after all. Ha. When Tony asked to take the photo I said, "I've got to keep my sunglasses on." Seeing it, though, they help set the tone of the photo. Chris and I both liked it and we each asked for a copy. What's the story it tells? That we're at a party, having a good time, which we were. And sometimes sunglasses are okay. Just ask Hillary Clinton, who owns the look and made it badass. 

"At Large with Carol Joynt" on @WUSA9: Petraeus, Medical Marijuana & a Big Party

 

Good Friday Sunrise at The Tidal Basin, Washington DC

6:30 AM

6:45 AM

7:00 AM

but, alas, no cherry blossoms yet.

The Capella Hotel Georgetown: Breakfast & Behind The Scenes

THIS BATHTUB IS MADE FROM ONE 2,000 POUND SLAB OF MARBLE

Breakfast and a tour this morning with Bruce Bradley, whose dream come true is his Capella Hotel Georgetown. Please read what he had to say here:  washingtonian.com And enjoy some of the photos take didn't make it into The Washingtonian article. 

BRADLEY SAYS THE ROOFTOP WILL BE DONE IN TIME FOR AN OPENING PARTY THIS WEEKEND

BATHROOM AMENITIES

EVERY ROOM HAS THIS COFFEE/TEA SERVICE

RYE BAR TO THE RIGHT, GRILL ROOM TO THE LEFT

ON ARRIVING FOR BREAKFAST AT THE GRILL, FLOWERS AND NEWSPAPERS

INSIDE THE RYE BAR

MORE RYE BAR, WITH C&O CANAL RIGHT OUTSIDE THE WINDOW

RYE (AND MORE) AT THE RYE BAR

THE PRIVATE DINING ROOM

J. W. "Bill" Marriott Jr At Q&A Cafe on Tuesday, April 9 (Book A Seat Now)

BILL MARRIOTT

Marriott International chairman J. W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., will be the guest at our next Q&A Cafe on Tuesday, April 9 at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown hotel. We will discuss his life and business and his new book, "Without Reservations," which will also be available for purchase and signing. Please make a reservation and join us. Seating begins at noon, the fee is $38 -- covering all food, soft beverages, dessert from Georgetown Cupcake, tax and tip. We wrap by 1:3o, at the latest. To make a reservation, please contact the Ritz at 202.912.4100, or email Esmaralda Prifold.

Coming on Thursday, May 9 - Christopher Kennedy Lawford. 

At Large w/ Carol Joynt: Jill Biden, Gary Sinise, Food Security, DC Real Estate

 

Christopher Kennedy Lawford To Talk Addiction & Recovery at The Q&A Cafe

When you reach a certain age (and it feels younger all the time) there's only a few degrees of separation from the realities of alcohol and drug abuse, addiction, the struggle for sobriety and recovery. Also, that this illness does kill. In a hard-charging, high-wire town such as Washington, the stresses of public and private life take a toll, exacerbate weaknesses and drive people to make dangerous choices, often hidden.  We hear about celebrities and their addictions, but the same lonely, dark cycle happens to regular people, too. There are so many people who need help, and who feel helpless.

The circle is much larger than the user, too. It's the family, the friends, the colleagues.

Christopher Kennedy Lawford, who faced down both drug and alcohol addiction, and is 24 years sober, will be the guest at The Q&A Cafe on Thursday, May 9. We'll discuss the public and personal faces of addiction; also his life, his struggles, his successes and his book, "Recover to Live." One doesn't have to be an addict, or know an addict, to be interested. It's a topic of our times.

Christopher is, of course, a member of the iconic Kennedy family, who have had to cope with the crisis and heartbreak of addiction too many times. His parents were actor Peter Lawford and Patricia Kennedy Lawford, sister of President John F. Kennedy. 

Please make a reservation and join us. As always, on May 9, seating at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown hotel will begin at noon. The fee is $38, covering all costs of food, including dessert from Georgetown Cupcake, soft beverages, tax and tip. Christopher's book will be available for buying and signing, too. For reservations please call the Ritz Georgetown directly at 202.912.4121. Another number is 202.912.4100. Or, send an email to Esmaralda Prifold. 

Reminder: The Q&A Cafe on Tuesday, April 9, features an interview with J.W. "Bill" Marriott. Another must see. 

Jill Biden's Daring Back Décolletage, Heather Podesta's Ankle and The Cafe Milano Gucci Brigade

JILL BIDEN'S BACK, REVEALED BY A DRESS SOME CALLED DARING

A realiably fun, elegant and delicious dinner tonight at the home of the Italian Ambasador and his wife. Ambassador Claudio and Laura Bisogniero, Elle magazine and Gucci invited a group of us to the Villa Firenze to celebrate Washington women "luminaries," including vice presidential wife Jill Biden, who showed up in a basically demure dress but with a low slung  back that some guests thought was "daring." Oh, Washington. Will this town ever learn? More about that tomorrow on washingtonian.com.

Right now, before bedtime, I'd like to share these photos, which capture a few highlights: the back of Jill Biden's dress, the Gucci shoes worn by Heather Podesta, who was dressed from top to bottom by Gucci, and the brigade of staff from Cafe Milano who, when I complained about the pain caused by my vintage Gucci shoes, all whipped out theirs -- well, no, not that -- their shoes and said, "us, too." We laughed a lot and I snapped a photo, of course ... because that's what I do at parties. 

JILL BIDEN'S DEMURE FRONT, IN A POSE WITH ITALIAN AMBASSADOR AND MRS BISOGNIERO

HEATHER PODESTA'S ANKLE. AND YOU THOUGHT LOBBYIST'S WERE BORING!

I LOVE THESE GUYS - THAT STAFF FROM CAFÉ MILANO, IN THEIR GUCCI SLIP ONS

A GUCCI CLOSE UP

When The Problem Is A Blue Mood & Rainy Night The Fix Is Chicken Paillard

CHICKEN PAILLARD W/ TOASTED SHALLOTS, APPLE CHUTNEY & SAUTEÉD CELERY

Just about the only thing that lifted my spirits this evening was that the butcher, Jaime Stachowski, was having an equally non-A day, and then, also, what he sold to me - a freshly pounded chicken paillard. We commiserated but decided not to discuss the details of our blue moods. Save that for another, brighter day. Instead, we talked about food. I noticed the foie gras and asked if he'd be making terrine. "Soon," he said. "I've had many requests." Can't wait. I asked him to please let me know the next time he makes his fabulous boudin blanc. He wanted me to buy liver. Nah, I told him. I had prime rib last night, beaucoup Chinoise the night before, and Bourbon Steak the night before that. "How about a stuffed pork chop?" he asked.  No, not tonight. We settled on a chicken breast and, obligingly, he pounded it flat as a pancake for me.

It doesn't get more simple than this preparation: I heated up good olive oil in the sauté pan, added salt, pepper, diced shallots, chunks of celery, and when everything began to rip I slipped in the chicken. I served it with apple chutney, French chardonnay, candle light and Seinfeld. 

Result: spirits lifted.

St. Patrick's Day Lunch - Green Eggs, No Ham

Omelette with Truffled Spinach

Such a simple and casual meal. The chips make it casual, but I like the contrasting crunch that chips add to a Sunday egg dish vs roasted potatoes. Pommes Soufflé would be the ideal, but I didn't have the time. I started with a big bunch of fresh baby spinach, sauteéd with truffle oil and pinches of salt, pepper and grated nutmeg, and set it aside. Made the omelettes with fresh farmers eggs. Good fresh eggs don't need anything added to them beyond salt and pepper. I debated whether to add mushrooms or parmesan, and even Virginia country ham, but opted to, again, keep it simple. After all, the theme here was the color green. 

The photo below shows one of the omelettes cut open. With it, a glass of French sauvignon blanc. As Selma Blair says daily on my TV: "awesome." 

The green bagels from Georgetown Bagelry, served at breakfast, were devoured before they could be photographed, alas. 

Note: My firned Lynn Novelli said she missed my postings about food/home cooking. I said I do it principally when I'm NOT eating a lot/dieting. Well, I'm about to start a spring cleanse & detox & shape up (as in no potato chips!), so brace yourselves for lots of food porn. 

St. Patrick's Day Eve at The Columbia Room

A WHISKEY DRINK AND A RUM DRINK

I love this place. The Columbia Room is one of America's great bars, though not conventional, more of a "club" or "speakeasy." And Derek Brown is such a talent and charmer. It's a pleasure to listen to him, to watch him create and to drink his cocktails. Easily the perfect spot for St. Patrick's Day eve.

DEREK BROWN DOING THE COLUMBIA ROOM SHAKE

THE GORGEOUS OLIVES

DEREK, BUSY MIXING. HAPPY ST. PADDY'S

"At Large with Carol Joynt" on WUSA 9: Olympus, River Surfing & RdV Vineyards

 

This Is How I Know The Economy Is Fixed: SWAG IS BACK!

NOTE THE SWAG BAGS ON THE BACKS OF THE CHAIRS AT "DAFFODILS AND DIAMONDS" TODAY

While this may sound douchey, I like to think of myself as a social "anthropoligist." It's because I try to apply "what's come before" to social reporting. This evening I'm adding "social economist" to the mix. In that mode, based on casual observations, there's specific evidence we are (cue Marvin Gaye) financially healing. SWAG. It's back. Well, it's not that it entirely went away, but it became a pale and skin & bones version of its pre-Great Recession iteration. Before the crash, swag bags were so fat they burst  the seams of their carrying bags, ripped away the handles. People were using the swag as Christmas gifts for their loved ones. Then it all ended -- just like everything else that equaled the good times for normal people. (The rich stayed very rich and got richer). More often than not, after the crash, Recession-era swag consisted of catalogues, magazines and well-meaning pleas for donations.

SAFEWAY'S SWEETS ON DRAFT SWAG

In the last few months, more good swag has started to appear up at the exits. Today, at the "Daffodils and Diamonds" cancer research fundraising luncheon at Columbia Country Club there were swag bags hung on the back of each guest's chair. It reminded me of the Nordic Cool gala at the Kennedy Center, where at the end of the evening a team of minions delivered "his" and "her" swag to the backs of the opera chairs. Mine included a face cream that's made me look 10 years younger (only it was a teensy portion of this miracle goo). At the opening party for Chevy Chase Pavillion there was Bryan Voltaggio's excellent cookbook; also chocolates, hand sanitizer from CVS, a shoe horn, cigars from Civil. 

DISTRIBUTING THE "HERS" AND "HIS" SWAG AT THE NORDIC COOL GALA

This evening I attended a Safeway store opening in Belle Haven, outside Alexandria, where the guests were handed swag bags on the way out the door. What was inside? Olive oil, pasta, balsamic vinegar, jam, a wine glass, cookies. Better still, at the party there were several tables where guests could grab a cellophane bag and fill it with candies on draft. 

In Washington, the King and Queen of swag are the Ambassador of Kuwait and his wife. At their parties Hermes scarves and ties have been known to be handed out at the door. Another big giver: Washington Life magazine, where at one annual soireé the swag is so extreme it can last for a year. But still - good swag.

Bottom line: It's happening. Swag is on the rebound. Let's hope it, and the stock market, stay strong.

While I don't care whether an event has swag -- it's not the basis on which I score the night as a success or failure -- my favorite swag always, always, is a sweet. It just seems right after a long evening of listening to speeches, or hobnobbing with one's dinner mates, or making enlightened small talk, to come home and have a cookie or a piece of chocolate as reward for a night well done. The face creams, the toothpaste, the colognes, martini glasses, coasters, key chains, umbrellas,  eye cream samples - and, yes,  even the outrageous Hermes scarves - are all well intentioned, but bless the hosts and hostesses who go with sweets. (As I write this I'm eyeing the monster Springmill chocolate brownie from the luncheon today. Wow!)

Washington Social Life: Defense Industry Edition

THE SCENE TONIGHT: TODD WILCOX, BRENT SCOWCROFT, CHESTER CHANG, REX TILLERSON AND GINNI ROMETTY (THE LAST TWO RUN EXXON & IBM)

As I tweet so often, I go out so you don't have to. Tonight was a dinner at the Ritz Carlton West End in honor of former Bush (41) National Security Adviser, Gen. Brent Scowcroft. The National Defense University Foundation hosted the dinner, where Scowcroft was presented with the first ever "Lifetime International Statesman and Business Advocate Award." The corporate defense industry showed up in force, including the heads of IBM, Exxon, Deloitte, CACI, EADS, Lockheed Martin, military brass and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and his wife, Nancy. I was seated with the Kissingers, as well as Susan Eisenhower, NDFU president Walter Stadtler and his wife, Maida, and Todd Wilcox, CEO of Patriot Defense Group of Maitland, FL., and Dr. Chester Chang of Santa Monica, CA - both members of the NDFU board. Among others...

More tomorrow at washingtonian.com, but first an 8am breakfast with a source. 

NANCY KISSINGER HUGS A FRIEND, HENRY CHILLS, SUSAN EISENHOWER SAYS HELLO TO TODD WILCOX

MAJ. GEN. GREGG MARTIN, HENRY KISSINGER, MRS. MARTIN

THE EXXON-IBM-LOCKHEED-DELOITTE TABLE COULD HAVE BEEN A WILLIAM HAMILTON SKETCH

PROTEGE AND MENTOR, DEPUTY DEFENSE SECRETARY ASH CARTER AND BRENT SCOWCROFT

GEN. SCOWCROFT ON STAGE AFTER RECEIVING AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION. H.A.K. ON THE RIGHT

GEN. BRENT SCOWCROFT

Georgetown's West Heating Plant: Yes, I Called It First

In all truth, there are few pleasures in journalism anymore, but every now and then something comes along to remind one of gut instinct and an old school nose for news. I scored today, in my own private and happy way, on Georgetown's West Heating Plant. Why? How? I'll tell you.

When it was made public that the GSA had settled on a bidder I sent email messages to all the people/men I knew who were bidding, figuring all but the winner would respond.  I called that right. I heard back from all but one. That one was Richard Levy. I knew he was representing the Four Seasons  Hotel chain and I knew they wanted the West Heating Plant with a passion. I'd known this going back 20 years, soon after the hotel first opened, and later when the chain started moving into residential towers. I wanted it to happen, too, because I think they do this well and it would be good for Georgetown.

Here's the email I received today from Richard: 

Yours (was) my favorite of all the e-mails and speculations.  Sorry that I was unable to respond at the time. And yes, I stayed very far away from the Four Seasons during this period, with the exception of lunch on Saturday with Chris Hunsberger. Fortunately you were not there.Let me know if you would like to talk. 

Of course I want to talk. Duh. Richard will be discreet and loyal to his overseers. It doesn't matter. I'm enjoying that I called it. I like that I have that radar, as useless as it is in today's PR-controlled world of journalsim. And, proudly, this scooplet had nothing to do with social media! btw, Topher Mathews at The Georgetown Metropolitan came to the same conclusion.

Congratulations Richard, congratulations Four Seasons.

Related articles

West Heating Plant sells for $19.5 million

Lunch at Michael's New York, Table 8, w/ David & Rachel

THE SUNNY, PRETTY SETTING AT MICHAEL'S ON WEST 55TH STREET

A quick up and back to New York today -- just because -- including a stop at Michael's on West 55th Street to have lunch with New York Social Diary's David Patrick Columbia. Joining us was Rachel Tinsley Pearson, who had other business in the city but time for lunch. Rachel and David talked books and politics while I played with my new camera, of course. Michael's new menu is well done. Some good new stuff but retaining the classics - such as what the kitchen does with chicken. Roasted half breast (my choice) and classic chicken paillard (Rachel's choice). We all started with the excellent wedge salad, done with texture and flavor but also lightness; not overwhelmed by dressing. And, of course, a bowl of French fries. Dessert was cappuccino and assorted cookies. I'd like to say I did a lot of shopping, like the old days, but financial reality means frugality. I returned home with  a bottle of perfume and a (real) bagel. Just enough. One of these days I hope to be able to buy new clothing (cue the violins and Otis Redding), but this wasn't the day. We learn to make the most of what we have, don't we? And today it was good friends.

STEVE MILLINGTON, MAESTRO OF THE ROOM, AND DAVID PATRICK COLUMBIA

Here's David's own mention of the lunch, and the paperback edition of "Innocent Spouse" (thoughtful of him) in his Tuesday Social Diary column.

DAVID AND RACHEL AND THE ROOM AND THE FORSYTHIA

MICHAEL'S ICEBERG WEDGE SALAD

CLASSIC CHICKEN PAILLARD WITH ARUGULA

MICHAEL'S FAMOUS FRENCH FRIES

Washington Social Life

What a Washington dinner party looks like. In this case an intimate dinner for patrons of  the Washington Opera on Sunday night at Plume restaurant at the Jefferson Hotel. This was shot as dinner was seated. The party was hosted by Connie Milstein, on the right, who owns the hotel and who is the force-in-chief of this year's Opera Ball. On the left is Nini Ferguson, a one-time force of DC single life who is married now and so also known as Sydney Ferguson Johnson. Of all the photos I shot tonight I chose to post this one  because it expresses the fun that defined the evening, from the moment guests arrived for cocktails until they departed with their swag bags. Between courses there were songs from "Phantom of the Opera," performed by actor/singer Norm Lewis, who has a DC connection because he's in "Scandal."

"At Large w/ Carol Joynt: Progress on Capitol Hill" @wusa9

 

This was just one of those mornings. They happen in television and usually on a Friday. It may not show on the air, but the teleprompter wasn't working and there were time constraints, but Andrea Roane, Mike Hydeck and I still covered a bit of territory. It's too bad we didn't get to include Megan Mullally's visit to DC, but we did get to discuss the behind-the-scenes of President Obama's dinner w/ senators at The Jefferson. All in a pre-dawn morning's work.

The West Heating Plant Winner: Who's Bidder No. 2?

Apparently the GSA has awarded the contract for development of the West Heating Plant on 29th street, the last real estate parcel of its size in Georgetown. All we know is that it went to bidder No. 2 for $19.5 mm. But who is bidder No. 2? I hung out at the bar at Bourbon Steak this afternoon (Four Seasons want the building BADLY) and heard only traces of intel. I sent notes of congrats to everyone I thought was in, and I've heard back from some. My guess is the one I don't hear from -- we know who you are -- may be the winner. One bidder, who didn't get the nod, wrote: "I look forward to watching a new standard in excellence and pricing to be demonstrated by whoever was bidder # 2." Boom.

The Battle for Jack's Boathouse

JACK'S BOATHOUSE ON THE GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT

The battle for Jack's Boathouse intensifies just as the National Park Service awards the lease to an out of state operaton. What gives? I talked with the long-time owner and the potential new tenant. The story is here on washingtoinian.com.

Turning The Tables On The Sports Junkies

A PHOTO FROM OCTOBER, BUT BASEBALL STARTS IN LESS THAN A MONTH

Please book your seats today for our next Q&A Cafe, Thursday, March 21, which will be all things DC sports with the hosts of the hit 106.7 morning show, The Sports Junkies. We'll talk Nats, Wizards, Caps, Redskins and the star players, including RGIII, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, John Wall, Alex Ovechkin. And owners, too. And fans. Also, their new CSN primetime TV show, Table Manners. 

Again, the date is Thursday March 21. 

The location is the Ritz Carlton Georgetown hotel

Seating begins at noon

The fee is $38, including lunch, soft beverages, tax and tip. There is valet parking available but also plenty of street parking.

FOR RESERVATIONS: please phone Esmaralda Prifold at 202.912.4121, or send an email.

btw, we love to talk sports. Previous Q&A guests from the sports realm include John Riggins, Dan Snyder, Ted Leonsis, Stan Kasten and Mark Ein.

Masturbating 50-ish Man In Hoodie & Spandex Haunts Georgetown

This alert has been issued by the MPD 2nd District:

 

On Thursday, February 28, 2013, at approximately 7:45 pm, a female victim reported to the Metropolitan Police Department that while she was walking north in the 1200 block of 27^th Street, NW, an unknown male subject was standing in the darkness in between the houses.  As she passed, the subject called to her and upon turning she observed the male fully exposed masturbating. 

 

The suspect in this offense is described as a white male of medium build and height, approximately 50 years old, with gray hair.  The suspect was wearing a blue or black winter type hat, red hooded sweatshirt, black or dark blue spandex pants, and white tennis shoes. 

 

In the past thirty days, this is the second incident of this nature with a similar suspect description in the area of Rose Park. The Metropolitan Police Department, along with the United States Park Police, will be paying particular attention to this area.  We once again ask for your assistance by reporting any suspicious behavior in the area by dialing 911.

 

"At Large with Carol Joynt" on WUSA 9: Beltway Buzz on FLOTUS & More

 

Take That, Bob Woodward! His Media Pals Pile On.

Only the the most recent example of how members of the media like to eat their own.  When it comes to Woodward, and the jealousy of his peers, it could be an anthropological exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.