Washington Party Archives -- A Party for Harry Evans at the British Embassy 2009

 

A party at the British Embassy can be a treat, especially when not over-crowded. In January 2009 it was a select group of friends who were invited in for drinks to celebrate the publication of a book by famed writer and editor Harry Evans. "Paper Chase: True Stories of Vanished Times." At the top I post a photo of Amanda Downes, in motion, because as the esteemed social secretary of the UK Embassy she had to be in a whirlwind. But she kept it to herself, the embodiment of "Keep Calm And Carry On." I like this photo because its probably the Amanda she did not show the public. I follow with a still shot, the official Amanda. She's since retired, but remains a legend on Embassy Row.

Here we have Carol Blue, Tina Brown and Christopher Hitchens (also Carol's husband. Tina is Harry Evans wife.) Really, Christopher was always a party, a smart party, and he was always "Christopher," not "Chris." 

                         Secretary of State Colin Powell, Bob Woodward and Jayne Stanton Hitchcock. 

Michael Kinsley, who has a resume that includes Slate, The New Republic, Los Angeles Times, Washington Monthly, The Economist, Harper's and The Washington Post. No moss grows under Michael. And, Ralph Nader., political and consumer activist, presidential candidate, founder of "Nader's Raiders." 

Mark Whitaker. The editor of Newsweek magazine who succeeded Tim Russert as bureau chief for NBC News in Washington. 

Notably, the British Embassy serves fun party food. Yes, Pimms Cup along with the flutes of Champagne and glasses of white wine. The food includes paper cones of fish and chips, more or less the UK national dish, as well as canapés of smoked salmon and foie gras. 

Ken Duberstein, who served as chief of staff for President Ronald Reagan, after Howard Baker and before John Sununu. He's with his wife, Jackie Fain. Jackie and I first met when we worked together at the NBC News Washington bureau in 1977. 

                                                      In an earlier era, Tucker Carlson 

Its a heartbreak I don't have a better photo of Harry Evans, here on the left in a pow-wow with Colin Powell and Mrs. Evans, aka, Tina Brown. I blame it on myself and this old rusty camera i used back then. But still, you feel the camaraderie. Harry was an easy to know gentleman, with the good crust of a seasoned journalist.