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"At Large w/ Carol Joynt" on WUSA: Rob Lowe, JINnifer Goodwin, Kennedys & Minigolf

 

Citronelle's "Angel" Makes His Debut At Capella Tonight

ANGEL AT THE CAPELLA BAR, FRIDAY, JUNE 7

If you frequented Citronelle in Georgetown you will recall that one of the most popular members of the restaurant's staff was bartender Angel Cervantes. When Citronelle closed suddnely a year ago we lost Angel and that wonderful bar. But here's the good news: Angel, at least, has resurfaced. He starts work tonight at the new Capella hotel on 31st Street. This is a good move on the part of the Capella, which has earned a few grumbles from Georgetowners and other locals who find the service haughty, especially toward folks who walk in to have a drink or something to eat. The bar at Citronelle was always one of the friendliest places in town and everyone -- whether the big spender or the patron ordering one glass of wine -- was treated well, at least by Angel and his crew. 

The Capella is beautiful and has a handsome bar -- and some nice seating out on the cozy terrace that overlooks the C&O Canal. It's lovely there when the doors are wide open to the canal and the evening air. I had a very good dinner there recently, too. It's important for the hotel to succeed  because it's good for Georgetown, making the village a hub of luxury hotels (Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton). More is more (just as we need more good restaurants and quality bars).

THE BACK BAR OF THE BAR AT THE CAPELLA

As for Citronelle, no one knows what's happening. The best information I've heard is that the Latham hotel needs more structural work  than was anticipated and that the current owners have it up for sale. (This evening at dinner at La Chaumiere a patron told me the hotel had been sold to a Texas bank.)

UPDATE 6/6: Michel Richard has removed all his own possessions and equipment from the Citronelle space, I'm told, and also has had his name removed from the awning. 

Coincidentally, on washingtonian.com today we have a poll that asks: Which DC restaurant rumor is true?

One of the options is: "Michel Richard will stop closing restaurants and reopen Citronelle." Guess where it ranks? We wish him luck in NYC, but DC chefs have a poor track record when they try to take success here and make a success in NYC. Don't throw Daniel Boulud at me. Daniel was an embassy chef in Washington before he started in NY ... not an established highly rated chef such as Jean Louis Palladin, Fabio Trabocchi or Michel. You know who did well? Gerard Pangaud, who relocated from NYC, where he was a success, to DC, where he was a success. (And the news is that Gerard will be the chef at Malmaison, which opens on 6/17). Some in the restaurant industry wonder why Michel doesn't just enjoy the following he has here and make the most of it. 

This much I do know: patrons of Citronelle would like to see it reopen and to have Michel Richard back in Georgetown. Does it have to be at the Latham? Wouldn't the structural issues nullify any contract Richard has with the hotel group? It would be terrific to see a winning restaurant go into the old Guards space. It's such a pretty room in the back,  where there's a fireplace, and with enough washing the bar could be made to not smell like stale beer. (Hahaha.  A lot of washings!) There are other spaces, too.

THE LATHAM ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

But for now, Angel's fans can hang out with him at Capella. This won't bring down the high prices for drinks there ($22 for a Manhattan), but a conversation with Angel may make the price feel less painful. 

Do You Want To Be In A Rob Lowe Movie?

SOON TO PORTRAY JFK, ROB LOWE (photo: greektyrant)

Well, here's your chance, because the Erica Arvold casting agency is filling roles for a NatGeo movie that will star Rob Lowe as JFK. The film begins shooting in Richmond next month. My Washingtonian magazine story has most of the details. 

I don't know about him as President Kennedy, but he was hilarious as Liberace's plastic surgeon in "Behind the Candelabra." Do not miss that film. 

Delaplane, Virginia; Saturday, May 25, 10 AM

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND ...

Washington DC's Best Fried Chicken: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

PEARL DIVE OYSTER PALACE FRIED CHICKEN - FROM THE BUCKET

We put my foodie colleagues to the test this evening. In the new (June) issue of The Washingtonian magazine they declare that the best carry-out fried chicken in DC comes from Pearl Dive Oyster Palace. No argument from me. I've had the fried chicken in the restaurnat but this was my first time doing carry-out.

We ordered it this evening, picked it up 20 minutes later. No credit card required to make the order, nor did they ask (since I called from a land line) for my cell phone number. Like, your order is sitting here, are you on the way? TRUST! The order included a bucket of browned and crispy fried chicken (6 chunky pieces), cole slaw, plus collard greens and corn muffins. We added on salted/buttered fingerling potatoes and tossed green salad, for a full tab of $40.20, including tax and tip -- dinner for two. (And, once home,  bourbon, and a crisp white wine, and fresh strawberries and Dolcezza lemon sorbet). 

All good. My colleagues called it right. Put in an order with Pearl Dive right now. Here's the number: 202.319.1612

Rolling Thunder Rolls With Bikes, Vets, Flags ... and Dogs

ROLLING THUNDER ROLLS TOWARD THE CORNER OF 23RD & CONSTITUTION (LOOK CLOSELY FOR UNIFORMED SOLDIER SALUTING)

It's worth nothing right off the top that not ALL the rolling thunder motorcycles are louder than a fully loaded dump truck grinding its gears. One came up behind me today that was as quiet as a Prius. So, it can be done. Also, as they rolled across Memorial Bridge toward Constitution Avenue most of the bike drivers were moving slowly, and while it was noisy it wasn't ear-splitting. Right near where I stood at 23rd Street a man on a motorcycle was killed yesterday when struck by a vehicle.

Sunday at noon lots of people showed up to watch the Rolling Thunder "rally." Not very much security (surprising) but lots of flags and applause...and a some dogs, too. Most of all, lots of chrome, leather and sparkle paint. 

Delicious Virginia Roadside #BBQ: The Aldie Country Store

THE BIRTHPLACE OF GOOD LOCAL BARBECUE: ALDIE COUNTRY STORE

Locals will debate whether it was a good thing that The Washington Post discovered the wood smoker at the Aldie Country Store, but really, in truth, that's water under the barbecue bridge. Owner Surekha Desai has the Post story tacked over the register ... as it should be. He'll talk your ear off as he tempts your tastebuds with samples of his beef, chicken and pork barbecue. 

"TRY THIS, TRY THIS, TRY THIS..." AND IT'S NOT B.S. AT THE ALDIE COUNTRY STORE

I go to the Virginia countryside often, and today was a mission with my friend Daren Thomas. We departed DC early, went to all our various destinations in Delaplane, Upperville, Middleburg - my old stomping grounds -  and returned to the city by early afternoon. But not empty-handed. We stopped at Market Salamander for coffee, eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, and  the Aldie Country Store for barbecue and the Little Applie Pastry Shop for, well, pastry -- pie and ham biscuits. Both are in Aldie, VA, next door to each other and worth the drive.

THE ALDIE COUNTRY STORE. THE BARBECUE IS COOKED OUT FRONT AND SOLD IN THE BACK.

When we arrived the pork ribs were fresh off the cooker. Surekha insisted we taste but we were already sold by the scent of the smoke and the moist appearance of the meat. Daren and I both also got green beans and I got spiced, barbecued chicken. The quality is worthy of driving out there and bringing back for a dinner party, or backyard hoe-down. 

ALL KINDS OF FRESH BARBECUE AT THE ALDIE COUNTRY STORE ( PLUS RICE, MASHERS, GREEN BEANS)

Is it destination barbecue? Yes, absolutely. I would imagine Surekha would want you to phone in advance for a party order: 703.957-4999. But when we visited today there was a lot of food available, with folks line up for pulled pork  or beef sandwiches. For GPS purposes, the address is 39285 John Mosby Highway (aka route 50).

Amazing Vintage Video Of Jackie Kennedy: "I Love Living In Georgetown" UPDATED

THIS, THE DARK GRAY HOUSE, IS WHERE JACK AND JACKIE KENNEDY LIVED AT THE TIME OF THE TV INTERVIEW BELOW

 

Any Jackie Kennedy fan will enjoy watching this rare video, but it will have special meaning to residents of Georgetown. What it includes is B-roll of her walking around the neighborhood, including taking her dog to Rose Park (you'll recognize the steps and sandbox). Jack Kennedy appears in it, too, toward the end of the 9 minute clip. They both appear so young. Jackie has a stunning resemblance to the actress Rachel Weisz.

(Here is an analysis of the video I wrote for New York Social Diary.)

It shows Jackie coming and going from their home, visting the butcher and dry cleaner,  but I don't think it is the N Street house they lived in when JFK was elected President. Since it was taped in 1957, it could be their home on Dent. But then, it would be odd for her to walk the dog all the way over to Rose Park. Who knows? Maybe someone does and will let me know.  Subsequent to the first posting of this item I've been told the house was at 2808 P Street (photographed today 5/25/13 above) and that it was where Jack lived and Jackie moved in after their marriage. They did later live on N Street, which was their home at the time of the presidential election.

According to a friend of David Abrams (who sent the video to me initially):

"During their period (on P Street), the Democratic Party looked at Kennedy as a possible presidential candidate, after the success of Jack’s book, Profiles in Courage. On a sad note, during their time here, Jackie gave birth to their first child, who was stillborn. .."  

Georgetown looks much as it does today, with the exception of the cars. The program was called "Home" and was hosted by Arlene Francis. How about the crazy microphones? They are the size of juice boxes! 

As she walks along the path in Rose Park, overlooking Rock Creek Parkway, Jackie says, "I love living in Georgetown.

I'm very grateful to David Abrams for sending this to me. It's a gem. 

Washingtonian Parties ... at The Palm

SENIOR WRITER SHANE HARRIS WITH SENIOR EDITOR DENISE WILLS

Our office closed early today and a group of us did what any group of writers would do -- we went out for a drink, to The Palm, just a short walk up 19th Street. Not the whole office, of course - most already had  departed for the holiday weekend - but some of us.

YES, THAT'S WOLF BLITZER ON THE WALL, NOSING IN ON THE PARTY

Not sure if you remember Life magazine, but I always loved an occasional feature they ran -- "Life Goes to A Party." These photo stories were so deliciously insidery, because the parties were small, private and not cause benefits or political fundraisers. Will someone please bring that back? Hello, Town & Country? Perfect for your pages. Until then, it was an inpsiration for this afternoon's repast and these photos of my colleagues having a party in a booth at The Palm. Only thing missing were more colleagues. 

ANDREW GLOVER, A CIVILIAN, AND MARY CLARE GLOVER, FEATURES EDITOR

I like the Palm and go when I have the dollars. Like Cafe Milano in Georgetown, and the Monocle on Capitol Hill, it's managed to maintain its years-long power hold in Washington without bending to foodie or fashion trends. One could debate whether that's a good thing, but it's the way it is. I like the booths in the back and the bar up front, the shoe string potatoes, the spicy shrimp, the occasional surf and turf (I mean, where can you get that item anymore?), $9 martinis at lunch (well, lunch on a Friday before a holiday) and sometimes even the volume of the testosterone. 

SENIOR WRITER LUKE MULLINS CONSIDERS WHATEVER IN THE HELL IT WAS THAT GOT ARTS EDITOR SOPHIE GILBERT TO MAKE THAT FACE. OH, WAIT. I REMEMBER. CAN'T REPEAT. PINKY SWEAR!

SOPHIE: "OH DEAR, DID I JUST SAY THAT??"

DENISE WILLS AND HER HUSBAND, ERIC, ANOTHER CIVILIAN

We had fun and launched the holiday weekend with warm camaraderie, and several rounds of drinks and some "bites." I had to leave before my friends but heard later that the service went from good to bad and then to rude.  It doesn't make the gathering not fun for us, but note to The Palm: gracious is as gracious does. 

"At Large w/ Carol Joynt" on WUSA: Peculiar Craigslist Ad, Carol Burnett & Best DC Beers

 

Le Diplomate: The Place to Be Right Now

A RARE QUIET MOMENT AT LE DIPLOMATE IN THE LATE HOURS OF SUNDAY BRUNCH

On New York Social Diary today I write about the new hot Washington restaurant: Le Diplomate at the fashionable corner of 14th and Q. Please give it a read. 

When One Photo Tells The Story: The Tudor Place Garden Party (Updated)

At the Tudor Place Garden Party on Wednesday evening - Georgetowners Tina Alster and Barbara Crocker. Who says Georgetown isn't playful? 

Whatever the answer, here's the full story, and more photos, on washingtonian.com.

Text of Statement from the Bassin Sisters Regarding Max's vs Rocklands

What is below was sent to me by Glenn Bonard, lawyer for Barbara and Gail Bassin, landlords for the building where Max's Best Ice Cream is the tenant. It's the full text of their statement. Thus members of the community can read it and make their own judgments. 

STATEMENT

As owners of the property at 2416 Wisconsin Avenue NW, which houses Max’s Best Ice Cream, we felt compelled to issue a public statement in light of recent media and community attention. Some of this attention has unfairly resulted in casting Rockland’s Barbeque or our property management company in an unfavorable light, which we, as landlords, feel is grossly unfair, misinformed and unjustified.

We have recently heard from numerous community members, many of who have been friends and neighbors of ours for years, and we have listened carefully to both your support, and your concerns, about our decision to offer Rockland’s the opportunity to expand. We do not take our property ownership responsibilities and community commitment lightly, especially as we have a long family history in Glover Park spanning several generations.

Our grandparents originally purchased the properties on Wisconsin Avenue, transferring them to our mother and she recently to us. As our family’s connection to Glover Park spans several generations, we understand and appreciate the feeling of community among residents. Our mother grew up in Glover Park on 37th Street, living upstairs from the small grocery store her parents owned. She went to Stoddert Elementary School, Gordon Junior High, and Western High School. Our uncle owned a deli that occupied the current Rocklands space.

We understand and support small businesses, which have been a part of our family background for many years and continue to be part of our family.  As we approached the end of Max’s current lease, we recognized that as new owners of the property we needed to look ahead as to the best long term use of the property. We reached the decision some time ago to pursue other interested parties in the property.

Max’s lease was set to expire on June 30, 2013 and the lease did not contain a right to renew. While considering the best use of the space in 2416 Wisconsin, we recognized that our family has always had a positive relationship with John Snedden, the founder and owner of Rocklands, and this Winter we approached Rocklands about leasing 2416 Wisconsin. For many years John had informally expressed to Ruth Bassin (our mother) his interest in expanding his space if the property next door were ever to become available. We understand he made the same request to the owners of the property on the other side of Rockland’s as well.

Throughout all this, it is very important to note that while Rockland’s had expressed interest in this property for some time, when we made the decision to seek a new long –term lease last year, we had no formal arrangement with Rockland’s at the time. We did know of John’s interest from our mother, and we knew that local patrons have been asking for them to offer more seating since they first opened their doors. We also knew John and his long standing dedicated staff as both excellent stewards of the property and committed members of our community. Many of John’s employees have been with him since he first opened more than 20 years ago. In offering John the lease we sought to support his efforts to improve the service that he provides to the Glover Park community.

We are saddened to hear that members of the community have taken upon themselves to be critical of and abusive to John over what is our decision to allow him to expand his business.

In October of 2011 Max had requested a lease extension and was told that Ruth Bassin was not interested in discussing an extension more than a year and a half before its expiration date. Max again inquired about a lease extension in July of 2012. In the Fall of 2012 Max was informed that we would not extend the lease. It is not clear why Max chose to think that the lease would be extended. In the beginning of May 2013 Max was given a written notice to vacate when his lease expires on June 30, 2013.

These properties are small spaces, and as the current owners we ultimately decided that it made sense to combine 2416 and 2418 Wisconsin into a single retail space that could support a larger restaurant under a new, long-term lease agreement. As landlords and owners we feel comfortable with our decision to consolidate the two spaces and offer a friendly locally owned restaurant an environment where families and friends can come together in Glover Park twelve months of the year.

Some community members have suggested we honor a request to delay Max’s lease expiration for the summer period should Max need time to make plans for his business. At this time, however, we have not received a definitive proposal from Max or his attorney regarding a short term extension.

Barbara Bassin Gail Bassin

5/21/13

Washingtonian Magazine and Website Win Top Honors At Magazine Awards

Washingtonian magazine and washingtonian.com won top honors at the City and Regional Magazine Awards tonight in Atlanta. The magazine won "general excellence," which, according to publisher Cathy Williams, is the magazine equivalent of "best picture." The website won for "excellence online." So, that's two best pictures. 

And this just in from editor Garrett Graff:  We also won "Personality Profile" for Ariel Sabar's profile of John Wojnowski, which the judges called "unforgettable." This is the second year in a row we've won the profile award.

Pop the corks! Congratulatons, all. 

When The World Is Too Much, I have My Little Garden

It is hard work, as all santuaries are, but worth it, as all sanctuaries are...with ferns and roses and lilacs and azalea and boxwood and rhododendren and hydrangea, and more.

Christopher Kennedy Lawford at The Q&A Cafe: Full Show

 

"At Large w/ Carol Joynt," WUSA-9: Cronkite Book, Jolie Decision, Le Diplomate Restaurant

 

Washington's Mecca for the Good Life? The Other Washington

A VISTA IN THE TOWN OF WASHINGTON, VA.

Have you visited Washington, Va., recently? It's one of the most pleasant destinations in the DC area, about an 80 minute drive from downtown to the front door of the Inn at Little Washington, which helped a lot to put the town on the modern map. I'm not objective about the town or its county, Rappahannock, believing the region  represents most elements of the good life. I've been visiting Little W for decades, and even owned a small house there for about 4 years in the early oughts. I've composed my latest thoughts on the town -- with lots of photos -- and they appear today on New York Social Diary. 

A DC STAY-CATION - URBAN, RURAL AND ROOFTOP

A THURSDAY NIGHT BOOK PARTY FOR WALTER CRONKITE IV, AT THE HOME OF HIS BOSS, CBS NEWS BUREAU CHIEF CHRIS ISHAM. HERE, WALT GREETS GUESTS. 

WALTER CRONKITE IV

SPENCER, AFTER I FAILED TO GET HIM TO BWI AIRPORT ON TIME TO CATCH HIS FLIGHT BACK TO TEXAS, WITH BETH DOZORETZ AT THE CRONKITE BOOK PARTY. 

WEDNESDAY LUNCH AT CAFE MILANO: SHANE HARRIS, SALLY HOSTA, SPENCER & ME

A MEET UP WITH JJ THE HOYA MASCOT DURING AN AFTER LUNCH WALKABOUT ON THE GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

SHOPPING FOR SUMMER DRESSES AT BUFFALO EXCHANGE ON M STREET

WEDNESDAY DINNER AT LE DIPLOMATE, WHERE THE BREAD BASKET IS ALL THE RAGE

WHEN YOU GO TO LE DIPLOMATE, ASK FOR A WINDOW TABLE

SPENCER LEARNS THE ORIGINS OF HIS OYSTERS

ED AND FAITH, LE DIPLOMATE, WEDNESDAY NIGHT

TUESDAY PICNIC FROM SOCIETY FAIR, BY THE POTOMAC NEAR MOUNT VERNON, 

ENJOYING THE VIEW ON BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY

NATIONAL HARBOR, A ROAD WARRIOR HUB, ABOUT AS REAL AS A CRUISE SHIP OR DISNEY, AND LESS FUN (BRING ON THE GAMBLING!)

NATIONAL HARBOR. PLASTIC? YES, PLASTIC

BEAUTIFUL RURAL VIRGINIA, RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY, SUNDAY

THE APPLE HOUSE OUTSIDE FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA

WARM APPLE CINNAMON DOUGHNUT, FRESHLY MADE AT THE APPLE HOUSE

PET GOAT AT FARMER'S MARKET, THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

ANOTHER PICNIC, WITH SANDWICHES FROM FORLANO'S

A DROP BY THE INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON, WITH TOWN MAYOR JOHN SULLIVAN, TO SEE PATRICK O'CONNELL'S BASKET OF MORELS

COOKOUT WITH FRIENDS

COOL & FRIENDLY BARTENDER, "TJ," POURS MANHATTANS AT THE CAPELLA

THE "UP ON THE ROOF" JAZZ TRIO: JESSICA VOELKER, SPENCER JOYNT, WILL RENTSCHLER. THEIR NEW CD, MANHATTAN MAMBO, OUT SOON.

COCKTAIL ON THE CAPELLA ROOFTOP (GRAHAM ROOFTOP IN THE BACKGROUND)

THE GRAHAM ROOFTOP FROM THE CAPELLA. THINK THE VIEW OF JAY GATSBY'S FROM DAISY BUCHANAN'S

MY DARLING SON, HOME BRIEFLY FROM COLLEGE, WITH DARLING HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS, TREVOR AND ADELE

HAIR MAINTENANCE WITH STACY KING AT VIOLET

(And we're only on Day #4. Stay tuned.)

Why, Why, Why?

A Terrific Photo of Chef Patrick O'Connell

This is Inn at Little Washington chef/owner Patrick O'Connell, on Mother's Day, getting pulled back into the kitchen by his staff, because he stayed too long hanging out with us in the lounge, talking about morels ... and there was work to be done in the busy kitchen. Ha!

Morels, you say? Yes, indeed. Here's the scoop: Morels at the Inn at Little Washington. 

A Sparkly, Whirly, Happy Mother's Day

 

"At Large w/ Carol Joynt" on @WUSA9: Screech, Max Vs Rocklands, Mother's Day Picks

 

Georgetown Rooftop Eye-Candy

There’s so much speculation about the rooftop of the Capella, the new luxury hotel on 31st Street below the C&O Canal. At the moment it is open only to hotel guests, and their guests, and the general public can only wonder - What’s the deal? How do I get up there?

All good questions. So far, the hotel’s owner, Bruce Bradley, is holding his ground on the  guests-only rule. We stopped by on Wednesday, broke bread with Bradley and made a visit to the rooftop. We would be remiss if we did not share our snaps of the pretty spot and the impressive views.

Who wouldn't want to start their morning, or end their day, up on this elegant roof?

When Posing The Moneyed Influential is Like Herding You Know What

DAVID BRADLEY, MICHAEL BESCHLOSS, AFSANEH BESCHLOSS, KRISTEN MANNION, RICHARD HAASS, DAVID RUBENSTEIN, H.P. GOLDFIELD

Sometimes a party requires a dozen photos to tell its story, and then there's that rare party where one will do the job. Such was the upper crusty/elite/insidery book party this evening at the Renwick Gallery for Richard Haass, hosted by a group of his rich and influential friends. More about it tomorrow at washingtonian.com. For now here's that one rare photo of the hosts, which I pulled from a series of three of the same group. There's not one where I could get them to look at the camera in unison. Yes, like herding kittens. 

Are You, Or Is Someone You Love, Addicted to Drugs, Booze, Sex, Smoking, Gambling, Hoarding, Food or Porn?

I ask the question in the headline in all serious, because our next Q&A Cafe, on Thursday, May 9, delves into addiction in its many forms. The guest is Christopher Kennedy Lawford, who has written the book "Recover to Live, Kick Any Habit, Manage Any Addiction."

From the book: For most of his early life, Christopher Kennedy Lawford battled life-threatening drug and alcohol addictions. Now in recovery for more than 25 years, he works to effect change and raise global awareness of addiction in nonprofit, private, and government circles, serving as the goodwill ambassador for drug dependence treatment and care for the United Nations.

For the first time, the New York Times bestselling Recover to Live brings together all of the most effective self-care treatments for the seven most toxic compulsions affecting every culture on the planet today-alcohol dependence, drug dependence, eating disorders, gambling, hoarding, smoking, sex, and porn.

Thursday's Q&A will be a chance to explore addiction and also to learn about Lawford and his interesting life as a Lawford, a Kennedy, an author, actor, activist. 

The Q&A Cafe tapes at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown hotel. Seating begins at noon. The fee is $38. For reservations please contact Esmaralda Prifold at 202.912.4100 or email esmaralda.prifold@ritzcarlton.com

At Large w/ Carol Joynt" on @WUSA9: Flotus Book Signing, Watergate & the National Mall "Hat Lunch"

 

Live TV interviews can be a lot like baseball, in that the interviewee doesn't always know what the pitch will be from the interviewer. Can you tell which question I was not prepared for?

The Golden Globes of the East Coast are in Washington

KEVIN SPACEY AND MICHAEL DOUGLAS, IN DC FOR THE WHCA DINNER

It's entirely possible, if they want to, for the White House Correspondents Association leaders to turn their dinner into the East Coast version of the Golden Globes. Don't laugh. The WHCA has a lot in common with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who turned their sleepy little awards dinner into a boffo money maker. It's the subject of my column this morning on: New York  Social Diary

The "Girl Talk" Edition of The Q&A Cafe w/ Washingtonian Critics

 

This was fun! Me with some of my colleagues from The Washingtonian -- food, fashion and art critics -- dishing what's going on in DC. Affectionately we called it "girl talk." The guests were Kate Bennett (fashion), Sophie Gilbert (arts) and Jessica Voelker (food). DCN likes it and we'll do another come summer. It aired last Friday night on Channel 16, and will air again. Next week I interview Christopher Kennedy Lawford, back at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown. 

Interview with J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., at The Q&A Cafe

 

We taped this interview with Bill Marriott April 9 at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown hotel. He has interesting observations on subjects such as  growing a business, his life story, politics, the Mormon faith, the new  DC Marriott Marquis hotel, the return of Hot Shoppes and the "Mighty Mo."

Our next Q&A Cafe is Thursday, May 9, featuring an interview with Christopher Kennedy Lawford. For reservations, please call Esmaralda Prifold at 202.912.4100. Seating begins at noon, the fee is $38, covering lunch, dessert from Georgetown Cupcake, taxes and tip. Please join us.