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Yolande Betbeze Fox, The Last of the Georgetown Grand Dames, On NYSD

Yolande Betbeze Fox died last week and with my New York Social Diary column today I pay tribute to her as the last of the great Georgetown grand dames, a league of women with privilege and social graces who were also on the national stage, equal to or a step above the capital's most powerful men.  Achieving early fame as Miss America of 1951, she was instant renegade and woman of the world. She  had homes in New York, Paris and Palm Beach, but Georgetown was her base, and where she was happiest. Please read the full tribute.

Through A Kennedy Center Lens, Some Washington Facts of Life

It may look calm and peaceful in this photo, but board room drama at the Kennedy Center has been the talk of the town  for about the last year, as the organization transitions from one era to the next of the annual Kennedy Center Honors, which happen this weekend. Here's my view on New York Social Diary today. 

A Baltimore Getaway: The Ivy Hotel and Lots to See and Do

For my New York Social Diary column today, I write about The Ivy Hotel, newly opened in Baltimore, a romantic luxury getaway that is within walking distance of museums, historic sites and interesting architecture. A Baltimore Social Diary seemed ideal for Halloween week, given that this is the city of Edgar Allan Poe and John Waters. 

Memo To Christoph Waltz: It's a Horror Story (On NYSD Today)

CHRISTOPH WALTZ

For Washington in general and Georgetowners in particular the story of Albrecht Muth and Viola Drath is all too familiar. They lived up on Q Street across from the Exxon. They were seldom seen and not well known until she was found dead in the upstairs bathroom and he was charged and convicted of the murder. Last week, Christoph Waltz announced he is directing and starring in a film about the couple. A "Memo to Christoph Waltz" is the title of my New York Social Diary column today. 

The Washington Ballet's "Swan Ball" Spring Gala 2015

The Washington Ballet hosted its annual spring gala the other night. The "Swan Ball" celebrated the ballet's most recent production of Swan Lake. The gala was held at the hilltop Embassy of Germany, and the full story is on New York Social Diary.  

WHCD 2015: The Weekend That Was, For Better and Worse

This is reprinted from New York Social Diary I didn't write a Washington Social Diary this Monday because there was no compelling reason to produce one, meaning an account of the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, and related parties, since I'd already written my thoughts – unchanged – a couple of weeks earlier. However, I'm not an ostrich and thought a few observations were appropriate:

• As for parties, the class of the field remained the Friday dinner hosted at their Embassy Row home by Atlantic Media’s David and Katherine Bradley. Year after year – it is fun, it is elegant and civilized, it is adult, it is seated, and it is soup to nuts done by 10 pm, and guests, if they choose, can zip off to the more frenzied and louder soirees.  In every way but its location it harkens to the soul of the WHCA dinners of yore, at the then-Sheraton Park, when gray-haired and well-dressed media moguls came south from New York to join their Washington reporters and editors for a night of sophisticated mingling with the government establishment. Everybody got loaded and partied … all at the hotel.

Raising at glass at the Friday night dinner hosted by David and Katherine Bradley at their Embassy Row home.

Estee Lauder model Carolyn Murphy does a selfie with a fan as, to the right, "True Detective" star Michelle Monaghan looks on.

Getting seated at the Bradley's.

Parties at the Bradley's are defined by the guest list, the food and the flowers ...

• President Obama (and Keegan-Michael Key) and Cecily Strong had great writers, understood the material, and delivered their jokes with such skill it was a pleasure to watch them enjoy hitting their marks. Now that the President has given us “bucket” as a useful euphemism, I plan to put it to work and often. Thank you, Mr. President. Cecily – you killed, even though many in the audience were clueless. That is this dinner, year after year.

• The media mistakenly identify the White House Correspondents' Association dinner as “the social event of the year,” but it is not social, at least not in the sense of attracting Washington society. It is a media event, a corporate event, a business event; in other words, a work-related schmooze-fest. It could just as easily take place in Las Vegas with all the guests/conventioneers wearing big fat badges. As a networking and marketing event, it is the biggest of the year. Without red carpets, though, the city’s lobbyists play this game more often and better. • The celebrities were irrelevant this year, for better or worse. Ditto the Vanity Fair-Bloomberg "after" party. It was basically a NY/LA affair.

• It was troubling to watch CNN (still the go-to for breaking news) focus its entire evening on the dinner – with an anchor in evening wear, no less! – while on any other day we know they’d be focused on the deadly earthquake in Kathmandu, and the violent Baltimore street protests related to the death of Freddie Gray. It was just plain weird, and only underscored the timeliness of the jokes on CNN made by President Obama and Cecily Strong. • That said, I was pleased to see that CNN booked Patrick Gavin for their live coverage. He is the director of the just-released documentary, “Nerd Prom,” that explores, debates and occasionally mocks the White House Correspondents' dinner. For stepping out of line and speaking up he is, by DC standards, a marked man. Good for CNN. • First Lady Michelle Obama had a look on and it was fun. As a mother I could almost imagine her at home before dinner, with daughters Sasha and Malia helping her dress, saying “go for it, mom,” with the hair, and the silvery Zac Posen, and her saying, “you’re right. I have to do something to stay awake on that dais.”

• This is not remotely a haute fashion event, though many women dress in long gowns, including some wearing dresses with trains, no less. Before the TV and movie stars became a staple of the occasion, and thus the need for glam loaners from designers and a red carpet extravaganza, the standard was cocktail length, good jewelry and polished hair. On that basis, the best dressed was MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski. On the other hand, Jane Fonda (a saint for attending) would benefit from a fashion consultation with Helen Mirren.

Jane Fonda at the WHCA dinner. "Morning" Joe Scarborough with co-host, and "best dressed," Mika Brzezinski, in a cocktail length dress.

• At dinner at the Bradley’s I was impressed to see actress Michelle Monaghan, because I am a big fan of “True Detective.” No, I did not ask for a selfie. I was also impressed to see Google’s Eric Schmidt, mostly to be able to thank him for Waze, the app that got me through snarled rush hour traffic to the Bradley home. There was a protest outside the nearby Turkish Embassy, and it created havoc. Not for me with my Waze. Again, thank you, Eric. I did not ask him for a selfie, either.

• There will be a lot of second-guessing about the dinner, as there always is, but it can’t help itself. It is like a federal agency, meaning it will return next year without much changed. The celebrity quotient might go up because it will be President Obama’s last in office. There are those here who believe if Hillary Clinton wins the presidential election, then THAT will be the WHCA dinner to beg, borrow and steal to attend. Stay tuned.

The Ladies Who Lunch, on New York Social Diary Today

It was something out of the Smithsonian, an actual ladies luncheon, but it was also a pleasure and one of the topics of this week's New York Social Diary from Washington. 

Bill Dean's Naughty Georgetown Halloween, 2014

It would not be a complete Halloween without a drop by Bill Dean's annual Halloween party ... always reliably naughty and nice. We recap it today, with lots of photos, on New York Social Diary. 

The Luxuries (& Fun & Food) Of The Summer Getaway

I had it all in the last week -- a rural getaway to Clarke County, VA and an urban getaway to NYC -- and gloat about both experiences today on New York Social Diary. Friends, fun, food and not having to make the bed.

The Virginia part was to spend time with jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke and her husband John Staelin, and the New York part was to spend time with David Patrick Columbia and Jeff Hirsch of NYSD and Daniel Boulud and Evyn Block of the Boulud "empire." I take you with me.

On NYSD Today: Amb. Francois Delatttre Departs DC for the UN

AT THE HILLWOOD GALA, ELLEN CHARLES AND ADRIENNE ARSHT WITH AMB. DELATTRE

Today on New York Social Diary we look at Francois Delattre, the French ambassador to Washington who has been reassigned to the United Nations. Also, who will replace him at Maison Francaise? 

On New York Social Diary Today: Balls, Galas, Plus A Horse and a Caftan

 This may well be my favorite party photo of the week just passed, a week that included a gala, a barbecue, and a ball, as well as some friends winning the Belmont Stakes. It's all on New York Social Diary, where I also take a moment to praise a caftan. 

"Southern Charm" on New York Social Diary

New to the reality TV genre this season is "Southern Charm" on Bravo. It's the first reality show for and about old money. I checked it out because it's shot in Charleston, SC, and I love Charleston. It also features a lot of good looking homes and people. But the characters in the cast are entertaining, and one of them is thinking about coming to Washington as a United States senator. The first season is wrapped, with a "reunion" show still to air. Here's more about in my weekly New York Social Diary column. 

Georgetown on New York Social Diary

It's a pleasure to write about where I live, Georgetown DC, especially at this time of year. I took a little walk with my camera on Sunday morning and turned it into my Monday column for New York Social Diary. Last fall I did something similar, a walking tour of the Kennedys Georgetown. 

After today's rain and the cold snap, the village's green and blooms will be out in full. Perfect time for a visit to Dumbarton Oaks. ... as I did and wrote about a while back. 

Remembering Andy Warhol with Bob Colacello

Out on the party circuit with Andy, from inside "Holly Terror."

On New York Social Diary today I write about the reissue of Bob Colacello's terrific Andy Warhol book, "Holy Terror." I was fortunate to get a taste of the Warhol era during my time in NYC in the 70s. Check it out: Andy Warhold, The "Holy Terror," Revisited by Bob Colacello. 

New York Social Diary Today: The State of the Union Address

For New York Social Diary today I provide my take on the Sate of the Union Address, and how I go about watching it, and so on. Plus a review of the high points of last week. 

New York Social Diary: The Best Washington Parties of 2013 Pt. 1

This morning on New York Social Diary is the first installment of a two part review of the most memorable parties of 2013 in Washington. Today focuses on Winter and Spring. Next Monday will be Summer and Fall. The list is highly subjective, of course, but based on attending dozens of receptions, openings, cocktail parties, galas and balls in 2013, a year in which I even went to the  opening of a Safeway in suburban Virginia. It didn't make the cut -- the bar was high - but still it was worth the effort and became a story for Washingtonian. 

Last week I wrote about the gala life in general, and what it takes to make a gala good, even great, and worth the price of a $1,000 ticket. 

A Memorable Night With David Frost, Henry Grunwald and Warren Beatty

DAVID FROST ON "THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS," A TRANSPLANTED TV HIT

The death of David Frost took me back to a 24 hour period in 1972 when all in one night I intersected with him, Henry Grunwald, my boss at Time magazine, and Warren Beatty, at the time the most famous young movie star in the world. I give the evening a sentimental retelling on New York Social Diary. 

This is why, when 20 or so, a young person should live in New York. It's not dull. Things happen. 

Remembering Helen Thomas And Recounting Her Last Years and Days

FROM 2010, HELEN THOMAS WITH JAMES BRADY AND SARAH BRADY

On New York Social Diary today I report on the death of Helen Thomas, including some thoughts from my sister-in-law Martha Joynt Kumar, who talks about Helen's last couple of years. Also, we rerun a piece I wrote about Helen from 2009. I first met and worked with Helen in 1969 and we remained friends ever after. She was a singular, dedicated, passionate reporter. There are no more like her

In Need of Some Social Detox

AT THE HILLWOOD GALA

The so-called spring social season is about to come to a close. It's been an active few months, which is good news if you view it as a measure of the Great Recession inching toward its end, and I do view it that way. On the other hand, a lot of parties can be wearying if for you, like me, parties are work. I think I have one more black tie gala on my calendar before July 4 -- and that's the National Geographic gala this week -- and then I will be ready for some social detox. That's the theme of my New York Social Diary column today, in which I reprise some recent interesting fetes. Parties can be fun, but none compares to a laid back dinner with a friend. 

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

HILLARY CLINTON HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

HRC, ENJOYING HERSELF DURING A 2009 EVENT AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT

The publishers of  the New York Social Diary like it when I send them something about an interesting Washington party or two, but they especially like it when the column is about what's going on here in a more "mood of the city" fashion. What are people talking about? Thinking about? So, today they publish a column called Hillary Clinton has Left The Building. It's the most interesting talk I hear: what will Hillary do? Where will she go? Will she run?  We don't know, but I do my best to give context to the mystery. Of course, there's also two parties and a few thoughts on the paintings of George W. Bush. 

COMING TO WUSA-TV 9, MY WEEKLY WASHINGTON SOCIAL WATCH

THE CHANNEL 9 MORNING NEWS TEAM: JESSICA, MIKE, ANDREA, HOWARD AND MONIKA

Starting next Wednesday Feb 13, one week from today, I'll make a weekly appearance on WUSA's morning show to talk about what's going on our town. It will be a Washington  social chronicle, derived from what I write for washingtonian.com, with context, and with photos, As with Washingtonian, it will be social occasions that show something about the city, who we are, and how social life keeps the wheels turning as the work day transitions from day to night. It will have some character, meaning not a checklist of last night's fundraisers and red carpets. We will pick and choose. While a lot of reporters like to focus on celebrities, visiting here or what they are up to in Hollywood and New York, I like to talk about the people who live here, which means a quite few household names.

For example, there's  a social context to who goes to Nats, Wizards, Caps and Redskins games with season tickets and the best seats. Hey, you've noticed, I'm sure, that Congress doesn't live here anymore. What's that about? Why are Bill Clinton, John Kerry and Joe Biden regulars at Cafe Milano? What about the new Georgetown hotel that will have a private rooftop pool club and hopes to kill the nearby competition? Then there's the story I broke last year, about the Oval Office renovation and President Obama having to move to the EEOB (to Nixon's old hideaway) while the work is done. There will be more of that type of story, too. And Donald Trump opening a hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Everybody loves hearing about social life, and sometimes with a little good gossip thrown in (I'm sitting on a doozy right now).

A  good example of what I do is an article yesterday about a rare party for embassy social secretaries. At the party both White House social secretary Jeremy Bernard and chief of protocol Capricia Marshall confirmed to me that they will be staying in their jobs in the second term. So, there's a news component, too. If you've been reading my social chronicling for the last six years, with New York Social Diary and now Washingtonian, you know what to expect.

WHITE HOUSE SOCIAL SECRETARY JEREMY BERNARD

Another recent story that would play well in this context is what I reported last week about First Lady Michelle Obama: posing for a Vogue cover, having a Girls Night Out at BLT Steak and the Howard Theater, where she was seen dancing in the aisles. What does it say? What does it mean? Why should we care? That's what we'll talk about. Also, the Alvin Ailey Gala Tuesday night. At the dinner dance I sat between a brilliantly talented 26-year-old Ailey dancer and a DC artist who switched careers from government to painting after she received a message from God.

CHIEF OF PROTOCOL CAPRICIA MARSHALL

While the Ailey event was a fundraiser it is also unique in Washington, because it's a wild dance party and probably DC's most diverse formal party, mixing White House staff (Valerie Jarrett), Congress (Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz), business leaders (Post publisher Katharine Weymouth) ... with the exception of whatever went on in the East Room the night of President Obama's public swearing-in. I wasn't at that party, but that's precisely the kind of party I pursue -exclusive, private, unsual and off the grid ... so long as it says something about this town and who we are.

The idea for this new venture, which I would say initially is in the experimental phase, came from anchor Mike Hydeck, after I made an appearance to discuss the inauguration. Mike, executive producer Anetra Gaines and I got together to discuss it further. So please watch, wish me luck, comment, and let's hope this finds its place on the rails and stays there for a long time. I spent most of my professional life in television, including a decade with WUSA's mother ship, CBS News, and still host The Q&A Cafe for DC Cable, and enjoy keeping a hand in. For me it's a natural habitat.

White House Christmas 2012 - We've Got The Scoop

HOLIDAY PACKAGES FROM A PREVIOUS WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS

We went to the White House today for the unveiling of the "White House Christmas 2012" decorations throughout the public spaces of the mansion. It's always a good show. That said, the last time I did this event was during the Bush Administration. There have been significant changes. Nonetheless we did two reports: 

The White House Unveils Its Festive Holiday Decorations

and

White House Christmas 2012 By The Numbers

To note the changes, take a moment to step back in time and read this from the New York Social Diary archives:

White House Christmas 2007

Washington Gets What It Craves

HE'S AMAZING: ROBERT GRIFFIN III

Yesterday's losses aside, Washington is at the threshold of something wonderful: becoming a legit sports town. It's all happening and will likely get better and better. It's the subject of a commentary I wrote for today's edition of New York Social Diary

In Defense of Love Affairs, on NYSD Today

SOME ROMANCES LEAD TO WEDDING CAKE, BUT CONSIDER THE GREAT AFFAIR

At some point on Sunday afternoon, this little column arrived in my head, and I wrote it and titled it "Calling All Lovers," and sent it to my dear pals David and Jeff at New York Social Diary, and they posted it today. So, please give it a read: Calling All Lovers. Must be spring fever. 

On NYSD Today: A Getaway to Manhattan

MONDAY, MARCH 26: FALLEN CHERRY BLOSSOMS ON 31ST STREET

Last week I got out of town for a night. Took the train to NYC for food, wine, friends and shopping. Here's the story today on New York Social Diary. 

And at Washingtonian today, please check out my experience at a lovely Japanese Tea Ceremony. 

Back From NYC; Bummer & Joy

A FAVE NYC BOUTIQUE, NORMA KAMALI

Just back from an overnight visit to New York. Train up, train back, Surrey Hotel, wonderful weather, dining, browsing and shopping. Lunch today with my former bosses at New York Social Diary, David Patrick Columbia and Jeff Hirsch.

LUNCH AT MICHAELS: JEFF HIRSCH, ELLEN CHARLES, DAVID PATRICK COLUMBIA, ME

One of the great perks of DC is that NY is such an easy getaway. Back home here, Washingtonian launched our new website. Check it out. My stuff, if you want to find it specifically. will ususally be filed under "Capital Comment." 

It's a bummer to leave NY, but a joy to be home. 

On New York Social Diary, 2011's Memorable Washington Columns

AT THE CAPITAL CLUB'S "SINATRA SOIREE"

On New York Social Diary a return to what I consider the most memorable columns of the last 12 months, including social life, travel, restaurants and rants.

I hope I represented Washington well. fyi, NYSD has more than 600,000 unique visitors a month, and the readership is global in a strong way. I receive reader messages from all over the world and I appreciate every one. Please give this compilation a read: Washington Social Diary's 2011 Memorabe Moments. 

On NYSD Today, Social Life and the Lesser Bah Humbug

BILL DEAN IS A SOCIALITE WHO HAS FUN, REGARDLESS OF THE ECONOMY

On New York Social Diary today some commentary about the state of social life in Washington as the year winds down. It was better this year than last, but not much much better. Read the essay here: The Lesser Bah Humbug.

Christmas in Georgetown on New York Social Diary

THE BRIGHTNESS OF IT ALL, ON A GEORGETOWN DOOR

Last weekend was beautiful and a great opportunity to walk around Georgetown with all my cameras (Canon Rebel aka "the big boy," Sony Cybershot, iPhone 4s), shooting the holiday decorations. Principally wreaths, but also garlands and other artful decorations. The results appear on New York Social Diary today, a special Christmas in Georgetown edition. Please give it a look. Lots of coloful, happy pictures showing off the village to its best advantage.