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Let's Talk About Fashion, Style and Pop Culture in the Trump Era!

           DRESSED FOR TEA: MELANIA TRUMP AND MICHELLE OBAMA

Here is my interview with Tom + Lorenzo -- Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez -- taped for The Q&A Cafe in December.  

 

 

Until You've Owned a Business....

JUST LIKE THAT, I OWN A BUSINESS
Over the past few years, as I've navigated the challenges of trying to rebuild my career, I've grown to be more appreciative of  what I learned along the way in a business environment. Some lessons reveal their relevance only over time, certainly that is what happened with me and business. Here's the big lesson: until you have owned your own business -- and paid the salaries of others with your own money -- you have lived a sheltered life. While I understand that for some people that is just fine --  and I was one of them -- in restrospect its good I got to break out of the bubble. It scared me much of the time, but I became more of a complete person.

I did not want to be a business owner. As a writer and TV producer it was not my career plan. It happened to me by accident and surprise, when my husband died suddenly and I inherited his business, a restaurant and bar that, at the time, was 28 years old and in financial crisis. For the next 12 years it was my responsibility, a hands-on, business school graduate course, all of it learned on the job. I closed it by choice and informed by the the wisdom I'd gained,  driven by debt and unrelenting disputes with difficult landlords.

What stays with me from that experience is the growth I experienced while having to run a business that was a livelihood for others; to hire and work w/ mangers who I relied upon to help run the business; and most of all paying 55 employees with my own money, signing their paychecks every two weeks (sometimes praying they wouldn't bounce); arranging for health insurance, vacation time, dealing with disputes from the inside and outside, which included lawsuits from the inside and outside; understanding and abiding by government regulations that supported or restrained my business opportunities; dealing with business taxes, business and business property insurance; goods and services, ordering every little thing we needed to open the doors each day and managing that process; the liquor industry, on which my business relied; civic responsibility as it related to local boards such as the citizens association and the neighborhood advisory board; the city government and its leaders.

BECOMING A BOSS
There were a fair number of "sharks" circling me, waiting for a misstep, some blood in the water, eager to eat me and my business if I faltered. There were also other business owners who counseled me, bolstered and taught me. I did not say no to their offered advice -- another important lesson. 

In dealing with employees you best become a benevolent dictator. Its an important balance. I made so many mistakes as I learned, and I had successes, too, but the important thing was to be open to learning. I wanted to be liked by the people who worked for me, but it was more important to be respected by them; you have to earn respect of staff and renew that contract daily. I decided to try to be the boss I would want to work for and to try to display what I valued most in a boss: leadership, support, consistency and constructive criticism that was not personal. Be generous with praise. Its how an owner tips his or her employees. 

There's an enduring pride in hiring people, giving them an opportunity, and watching them thrive. This applies to while they work for you and after they move on as well. I hired the best people, knowing they would move on, and most of them did and to bigger jobs. Important note: I learned to value employees who were honest with me. Straight up. No BS. Loyalty was imperative. Over time I developed an eye for the schemers. As a boss, that skill is more sad than happy. There's no joy in firing people, even when its warranted.

The point I'm trying to drive home is you learn a completely different view of the world when you own a business and not just because it is your own money (btw, bank money is still your own money, with interest).  In all the years before I owned a business I had it the other way. I worked for global corporations and it was their money, not mine. I got a paycheck, I joined unions, which protected me. I had no idea how sheltered I was ... until I wasn't. 

WHERE THE BUCK STOPS
Until you've owned a business you can't know what its like - yes, scary, fits of worry, and sleepless nights, but there's also developing the know-how to get through a day of dealing with often unexpected and explosive challenges; ideally with the support of a trusted manager. That's the reward: solving problems, deploying creative solutions, making decisions, making them work... for your customers, your employees and yourself. You own it. Its yours. Be proud.

I'm in a different place now, back to being an employee, as I continue to rebuild the career I set aside to focus on owning a business. Both sides shape me, both sides make me.  I am a better employee for having been a business owner, and I have an informed and respectful view of management, as I see the workplace through both experiences. I have the confidence of knowing I could be crew or captain, and be effective as either. Every worker should try to own their own business at some point.

But if you don't make that choice, still approach your job as though you were the person signing your paycheck, and by that I mean be the employee you would want to hire and pay with your own money.

Just saying ...

Happy Halloween, Pumpkins

A photo from my "Halloween" archives, chosen because it suits today and a week from tomorrow! Have fun tonight, and then tomorrow, as you think about Election Day, maybe call the George Town Club to see book a seat for the Thursday, Nov. 10 Q&A Cafe with Maureen Dowd (there's a wait list, but we ALWAYS have no-shows), and the Dec 7 Q&A with Tom + Lorenzo....when we'll breakdown high fashion, low fashion, red carpet fashion -- Washington "fashion" - and all our favorite TV shows ... from "Westward" to "Mad Men," as well as "Ru Paul's Drag Race" and "Project Runway." Don't miss either lunch. 

Phone number for rez: 202-333-9330. 

The Q&A Cafe 15th Anniversary w/ Maureen Dowd

Very happy to announce that The Q&A Cafe's 15th anniversary will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 10, with guest Maureen Dowd, the New York Times columnist, Pulitzer Prize winner, author of the new book, "The Year of Living Dangerously," and also a Georgetowner, which is appropriate for this occasion since The Q&A Cafe was created and has thrived in Gtown. Please join us at noon.

Make your reservation today with The George Town Club at 202-333-9330. Or send email to reservations.  Note:  while at a private club, The Q&A Cafe is fully and proudly open to all. Be there.

More later ... about how we got started in 2001, paying homage to 9/11, and created the only talk show in a bar, and now 15 years later with more than 375 notable interviews. Whoa. It's true.

 

Pneumonia!

When my husband was diagnosed with pneumonia my first reaction, because he could walk and talk, was, "oh, people survive pneumonia all the time, that's why its called 'walking pneumonia.'" The doctors quickly schooled me on the facts. Pneumonia comes in many forms, and much depends on when it is diagnosed and how it is treated. In every form it is a serious, potentially fatal illness. To call it "walking pneumonia" is to be dismissive of its seriousness. If not taken seriously, and treated, it can suddenly take a deadly turn.

That's what happened to Howard. He thought he had a bad cold, tried self-medicating, took the course of trying to "power through." By the time he finally got to a hospital, and got the antibiotics he needed, it was too late, and after three weeks on life support, he died at age 57.  His pneumonia was streptococcal, bacterial, with symptoms that included fever, cough, aches and pains. That's why he thought it was a bad cold or flu.  A chest x-ray showed one lung was compromised and the other lung was on its way. The doctors said a similar case happened to Jim Henson,  the creator of the Muppets, who had many of the same symptoms as Howard, reportedly put off treatment, took a turn for the worse and died suddenly at age 53. 

In our modern age with advanced medicine, pneumonia caught early is treatable, and many people survive. Pneumonia that is ignored is still a killer.

September 11 - 15th Anniversary

Who can believe it has been 15 years? Feels like 5, feels like 100, but here we are - alive, relatively at peace, and moving on. Its because of that celebration of life, and the way we have moved on in the aftermath of so much horrific loss that I believe this date should be a national holiday. A day where we take stock of what lost and make the most of what we have. But until then, I have my own traditions.

*First and foremost, in a personal regard, and trying to make a contribution, is that out of the ashes of 9.11, and the dismay and confusion of my neighbors, we   created The Q&A Cafe, which in its first couple of years was largely devoted to interviews that pertained to 9.11 - how it happened, why it happened, how we reacted, how to cope, and delving into the personalities of the individuals involved. This ranged from guests who were terrorism experts, to a person who had met Usama bin Laden, an expert on Saddam Hussein, White House and military officials who were architects of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Saudi ambassador, the 9.11 Victims Fund special master, and healers. 

*When 9.11 happened my son was in 4th grade and still recovering from the recent death of his father. I used that experience to show him how (sadly) he was not alone, and that we should use our own grief to feel compassion for all the other children and families who had lost loved ones. They needed us in their moment of immediate crisis and our thoughts should be with them. 

*Each year, on this day, I try to have a splendid meal and make it about the people who lost that right -- the people who ran to their deaths or tried to run from their deaths. A meal of pleasure, including a martini and a toast, and with loved ones; the comfort those who died were denied. 

*I formed a library of 9.11 books and each anniversary I pull down the New York Times compendium of the victims and randomly go through the pages, reading about the individuals.

*I used to watch the TV specials but don't do that very much anymore. I have visited Ground Zero, more than once, and the Pentagon.

*My disapproval of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has not abated. They were and are pointless and heartbreaking. I am proud of every soldier who has gone over there to fight, and grieve for those who gave their lives. As well as so many civilian deaths. #nevershouldhavehappened

Now on YouTube: Johnny Holliday at The Q&A Cafe

Here's Johnny Holliday with me in the studio just before we taped The Q&A Cafe a few weeks ago at DC Cable in Brookland. It was an interesting hour that covered everything from contemporary Nationals baseball -- Johnny's the pre and post game announcer -- and his favorite players, and why -- to memories of his start as a DJ at a very young age and the opportunity to work with and hang out with the icons 70s and 80 rock n' roll. His career has been long and diverse and more to come. Here's the full show.

 

A Paris Michelin 3-Star Restaurant MAY Come to Washington ...

This is very preliminary, but this morning I met with the owners of a renowned Paris 3-star restaurant. They want to open in Washington, and have been here for a week eating at all the top rated spots and visiting available real estate. We sat for an hour or more to discuss the in's and out's of owning a restaurant in Washington. It was a pleasure to give them what I hope was good advice. We took a moment, too, to remember Michel Richard, who died this morning. Telling the story of Citronelle was a good opening to our conversation. 

They have a name realtor, and that's good, but I said be careful that they aren't hustled into a space without first learning something about the neighborhood. They mentioned a location that is at the top of their list. I suggested they should come back on different days, at the luncheon hour and the dinner hour, to observe the people on the street -- are they walking with their heads down, looking at a device, or are they looking around for a place to go for a fine dinner and wine, to perhaps sit on a terrace to talk with a friend.

What's the area like on a weekend, for example?  At the moment, though, they don't plan to open on the weekend. Still, I suggested they go to the other restaurants in the vicinity, and I named a representative 4-5. Who are the clientele?  Also visit the neighborhoods of their top three locations, especially sites with downtown addresses. Depending on the neighborhood, lunch can be big, and dinner less so.

I recommended some developers and set up introductions. I recommended some properties where I believe the landlords are restaurant-friendly. 

We talked parking, about proximity to Metro, the ebb and flow of the city based on the Congressional calendar,  and who knows if the next occupant of the White House will be as generously supportive of restaurants as President Obama. He's been a gift. We talked critics and guides and suppliers. The reservation/no reservation, waiting on line trends.  We discussed the city bureaucracy, which requires varsity levels of calm and resolve, and the vagaries of obtaining a liquor license. They brought up the large portions served at DC restaurants. "Welcome to America," I said. Though, in truth, just last night I dined at The Grill Room and the portions were reasonable.

Georgetown was my top recommendation, because I still believe it is Washington's best restaurant neighborhood,  but explained that Georgetown notoriously presents high hurdles for a restaurateur, and that navigating Georgetown can take extra time and patience. The landlords, at least some, are not interested in entrepreneurs and the citizen boards are strict on just about everything -- and yet, if you get open, the community is hugely supportive. Georgetown can be a great spot for a great restaurant. I also praised some of the food-centric neighborhoods -- such as Shaw, Petworth, H Street, Barracks Row -- where restauranteurs are welcomed, or so it seems. 

They are returning to Paris with lots of thoughts and ideas, and some early research accomplished, and with the hope to sign a lease in April or May. They will be back to do more looking around. If this were to happen, it would be a big plus for the DC food scene, and coincide beautifully with Michelin launching its first Washington guide this fall. 

I wish I could say more about them, but they aren't seeking any public face right now. Lovely to talk with them, though, and OMG the photos on a cell of their food and menu, I wanted to hop the first jet to Paris. The praise for their place online is quite impressive in a city of impressive praise for fine food. 

 

Q&A Cafe: Kinship and Métier Chef Eric Ziebold and His Culinary Journey

 

Master chef Eric Ziebold and I taped this interview on the morning after one of the recent terrorist attacks in Europe. That event in France made for a meaningful contrast between the world out there and the sanctuary that is a haven of fine dining, such as Kinship and Metier, the lovingly reviewed upstairs-downstairs restaurants created by Ziebold and his wife, Celia Laurent.

I have been an unabashed fan of Eric's since he opened CityZen at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The new places are the realization of his dreams meshed with his considerable talent. The interview is a culinary journey, as Eric talks about how he traveled from a childhood in Ames, Iowa to Washington DC and the heights of American restaurants. 

Watch the interview and then make a reservation: 202-737-7700. 

Campaign 2016: New Week, New Convention, & Then The Home Stretch

Ah, an actual weekend off between the GOP and Democratic conventions. I don't mind that it is blistering hot out in DC. The heat reminds me of Austin, and I like Austin, and so I'm pretending it is an Austin weekend. Sunshine on my face and body. Now, if only La Condesa could be transported to the corner of Wisconsin and P ... I'd be set.

I will be in DC for the Philadelphia convention, and I'm fine with that, too. Our crew at Hardball will work long hours to bring political junkies -- hopefully YOU -- a lively and live nightly recap from midnight to 2am from Philadelphia. That's each night of the convention. We're wrangling great guests. Our set will be inside the arena. I'm not a homer when I say this, (or maybe I am and so what?) because I've known Chris Matthews since the 80s; I objectively view him as the best political commentator on TV. Actually, before I took this campaign '16 job as one of his producers, Hardball was the one show I watched each night on cable news. So, I genuinely like being there, and it is a homecoming, too, because I was a producer for Chris and Hardball in 1999, when it first launched, and was there for a year or so (but then had to go run a saloon). 

Now, in 2016, I'm working with a remarkably talented group of broadcast journalists, based in DC and New York. They know all the dimensions of politics and can spot trends, insights and angles out in front of the competition. It's fun to be with them and to watch them (and to try to keep up!).

The broadcast is called "Hardball" for a few reasons. One, it is the name of Chris' still relevant 1999 political book of the same name, Hardball: How Politics Is Played; two, we expect the guests to "play hardball," and often debate among themselves and with Chris; and the staff, at our daily show meeting, are expected to debate and argue with him for the way the segments should be shaped. Chris, of course, weighs in, and its always a smart tutorial in the day's political antics. I dearly enjoy that often hour-long meeting - a "hardball" game of its own - and always come away w/ some new insight.

But back to the Dem convention. It will be interesting to watch how it compares and contrasts with the GOP convention. More scripted? More studied? Any frivolity? Looseness? A surprise or two? I have hard core big D friends who believe the most interesting night will be Tuesday, when Bill Clinton is the featured speaker. And Thursday night belongs to Hillary Clinton. I don't know what to expect of Tim Kaine. I've met him socially, and sat next to him at a luncheon when he was Virginia's governor, and he was pleasant, low key, talked about the job in Richmond and was concerned he had right some remarks he was about to make to the other guests.

Philadelphia! After that, the home stretch, with stops for debates, and then election day November 8. What a fascinating and wild ride this has been, so far, and I expect much the same for the few months ahead. 

Please tune in to MSNBC, live at midnight, Monday through Thursday. The network's general convention coverage starts each night at 6pm.

Ghosts of Conventions Pasts

Working on my first presidential nominating convention in years, and years, and as I sit in my office alone, desk crammed with computer screens and TV monitors, I feel ghosts of conventions past, friends and colleagues, standing calmly at my back, watching, and occasionally laughing or smiling or pointing, but most often pulling at their chins or scratching their heads. I sense what the thinking may be of David Brinkley, Walter Cronkite, Charles Collingwood, Catherine Mackin, Doug Kiker, Helen Thomas, Hugh Sidey, and many more now gone. I got to work closely with all these people and none tolerated mediocrity or absence of depth and they all loved the drama of politics. They are thinking how small major political events have become, and the speed of the pace, and how the reporting has turned more to sampling. We are journalist deejays, effectively. And that's called change.

But a lot of the staples are still there: the rambunctious delegates, fewer in the goofy hats but sincere and for real; a belief that the convention system works; a stage where disputes can be folded into displays of unity, sincere or not; and the hope that words will be spoken that both construct a coherent and powerful message, lift the spirits, tie up the package of mate and running mate with a neat unifying bow, and give supporters a solid reason to hail their choices. I wish we were shown more of what is going on outside the arena -- just for local color. This convention feels insular, dislocated, not in any particular city or state, just in a building -- it could be a  mall on a production lot. But I  will say this for the Tumpvention. When it goes off script  (the Melania speech) it gets genuinely interesting.

Donald Trump promised some razzle dazzle and, after two days, there hasn't been too much of that. Mostly a conventional convention. Again, with the exception of the speech controversy, the Colorado delegation speaking up for itself, but maybe the convention managers are saving the real glitz for tomorrow night and Trump's acceptance speech. At the end of the day, though,  it is the words that matter. Overall, so far, anti-climactic, and maybe that was what Trump's campaign, and the city of Cleveland, hoped for. 

Having the GOP and DEM conventions back to back, I fear, will create a blur for most viewers. My guess is that were it not for the Olympics, there would be a little breathing room between the two, and the Olympics will distract for a moment before the debates. And then Election Day, and its over.

But back to my ghosts. I see my view and their views. Its difficult to explain to them how the world has changed, as it always will, and that politics have been reduced to a small size just like clothing, homes,  phones and music. And what's left is jacked to double speed. I'm lucky I got to experience some of the big conventions, such as 1968 in Chicago, 1972 in Miami, and 1976 in Kansas City, and 1976 in New York. But, got to let it go. I hope if you're reading this you also are watching the proceedings on your favorite cable channel. 

One last note about the conventions past: I went to some reporting for Time magazine and to some writing for The CBS Evening News, and while we worked hard, the best part of being there were the parties, the lavish dinners, the camaraderie with colleagues, the up all night hell raising and, even, romance. In print, my beat was the protest scene, and that was exciting, sometimes scary, but a great story. One exception, was infiltrating a Young Republicans event to get close to Julie Nixon. In TV, I was in the convention hall, up in the aerie perches of the network stars, and that was a treat. Great memories. 

I look forward to getting back to my lonely desk, watching and watching, into the wee  hours, trying to find interesting people to come on TV to share and analyze the experience. For me, its a blast. So happy to be part of it, at any speed. 

Q&A Cafe: The Restaurant as Respite, an Interview with Eric Ziebold

It will air next Friday, July 15, but today we taped a Q&A Cafe interview with Eric Ziebold, the James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of the conjoined restaurants Kinship and Metier, which opened this year on 7th Street across from the DC Convention Center. We started by noting the violence of the past two weeks, from Bangladesh to Dallas, and including Istanbul, Iraq, Baton Rouge, Minneapolis and Dallas, and how restaurants often serve as the refuge  - he called the experience a "respite" -- from the madness of the world (though we know, in Paris, and Bangladesh, they were targets). In a normal, sane world, my point would make sense, but ....

We started there and went on to explore Eric's journey from Ames, Iowa, to Washington by way of the kitchens of Jeff Buben, Wolfgang Puck and Thomas Keller. It's quite a magic carpet ride and you'll want to watch the whole hour-long conversation. Next Friday, 8pm, Channel 16. 

Bill Cunningham: A Homage From One Party Photographer For The Icon

The word has traveled far and wide that the great Bill Cunningham died last week. The tributes have been a love fest and a way to get to know him even better, though in truth "knowing" him was elusive. He was an icon.

I pay homage and with deep respect, because I am no Bill Cunningham. Still, I've photographed dozens and dozens of parties and he was my muse. Between 2007 and 2016, two to three a week, and even occasionally two or three a night. My photo archives are mostly party photos, several thousand of them.  Bill Cunningham, while known as a street and fashion photographer, was also a party photographer, and one of the very best of our modern era. Its quite a skill to insinuate one's self into an often intimate gathering, with a camera and a flash at hand, and then achieve photos that are natural, candid and not mug shots. You have to be polite and sociable, but you want the people who are focus of your lens to not get all posey-posey. It happens, and can't be avoided, and sometimes works out for the best, but usually they aren't the photos that tell the story of what the party was like. 

Today's New York Times, as with previous issues this week, is a continued homage to the man in Sunday Styles. A quote resonated with me, though. "My whole thing is to be invisible," he wrote of himself. Yes. Absolutely. I lamented to so many friends about party coverage, "if only I could be invisible." 

It was impossible to be invisible, but sometimes it almost happened. It helped that I use a small camera -- an expensive and sophisticated Sony, but small enough to fit in my pocket, or hide in my hand, and to pull up at that magic moment. I learned that from watching Cunningham. Be discreet, be quick. Also, when someone notices that you have trained your lens on them, to be friendly, ask them to brighten up. He was mobile and fast and always watching -- not so much the personal selves of the people he snapped but the tableau, "the look," they presented. 

We never actually met. Once, when it was the afternoon of my evening book party at the Palm Court of the Plaza Hotel, I stopped and talked to him briefly at 57th and Fifth, to invite him. (He didn't come, alas). But I carry with me an earlier memory that is special. He photographed me once. At that same intersection. He noticed me, for whatever reason, and click, click, click. I didn't pose and I did not look into his lens. I have no idea whether the shot got published. It doesn't matter. It was enough that he snapped off a few frames. Sigh. (A few years earlier, at the U.S. Open, Ron Galella aimed his camera at me. I laughed out loud. "Why, me?" We became friends. btw, the photos were gorgeous.)

It may be that you know all about Bill Cunningham, or that you don't. Either way, be sure to download and watch the mesmerizing documentary, Bill Cunningham New York.

In sum, his legacy will be his street shots of street style, and what he gleaned from the runways of high fashion, but when the compendium of his work is assembled I hope it is also equal parts his party pics. 

Just Because...A Pretty Photo of the White House

Shot this with my iPhone last week, walking home from dinner at Kinship. Was struck by how the light gave the White House a hue of buttercream. 

What To Do July 4th Weekend in Georgetown DC

July 4th weekend presents a lot of opportunities for the perfect staycation, especially since the 4th itself is a "school night," with many of us having to be at work early the next morning. This beautiful fireworks photo above was from a year ago. I shot it from the rooftop of the then Capella/now Rosewood Hotel, where they host an annual fireworks party, with cocktails, barbecue, a swimming pool. Its very expensive, at $110 per person, but includes all you can eat and drink....and the view and the pool, plus in-house valet parking. 

A much less -- actually free -- alternative is to watch the fireworks from the wonderful Georgetown Waterfront Park that spans the Potomac River from 27th Street to Key Bridge. The best views are from closer to Key Bridge, and there is a wonderful expanse of well-maintained lawn for picnic blankets. It is quieter, less-congested, and, frankly, less security-intense than the National Mall. The Washington Harbor complex has a large parking garage, and there's street parking, but the street parking goes fast. 

Do stop by Georgetown Cupcake for their patriotic treats - good for your waterfront picnic, good to take him, good to eat there. Half a block over is Good Stuff Eatery, if you are hankering for an all-American meal of a hamburger, french fries and a milk shake. 

Also down at the waterfront are some dining options. Again pricey, but if you want to enjoy delicious pasta and seafood while watching the skyline, there's Fiola Mare. That's where I shot this pic a couple of years ago. We really only had to stand up at our table to get the view of the fireworks. 

Do remember to dress up the dog for the occasion!

Kate Andersen Brower at The Q&A Cafe w/ "First Women" - Now on YouTube

So timely for the campaign season, Kate Andersen Brower visited The Q&A Cafe to talk about her book, "First Women." For those inside our outside the Beltway, it is fascinating to hear what she learned about behind the scenes at the White House and the lives of modern First Ladies. Please give it a watch. 

 

Let's All Get Down Dog Together On The (formerly forbidden) Rosewood Rooftop

It's not so long ago that the Rosewood (then Capella) hotel rooftop was off limits to all but an elite few. Now, with the new ownership, it's come one, come all. Apparently. I received this inclusive invitation from Rosewood, and it appears to be open to you and you and you and you:

Hi Carol,
Hope all is well! I’m writing to share the news that Rosewood Washington, D.C., in partnership with Lululemon and Georgetown Yoga, is hosting Yoga on the Roof, a complimentary, community sunrise yoga event on Saturday, July 2nd at 8:00 AM.

Guests and locals alike are invited to the hotel’s newly opened Rooftop Bar & Lounge to relax and recharge during an hour-long, revitalizing vinyasa-based flow session led by Jessica Sandhu, a seasoned Georgetown yoga instructor.

I would say bring the snorkel and flippers on the off chance you can slide into the lovely pool after some hot yoga. 

 

What Nathans Looks Like Now -- Brace Yourselves!

You may remember Nathans this way, the bar: Brace yourselves for what it looks like today, as a construction crew transforms it from its 40 years as Nathans into a new life as an Under Armour store on the main floor, a cigar bar in the basement, and two condo apartments upstairs.

Here's how it looked this morning. The first photo is the bar, looking front to back. The old bar would have been to the left, in front of the windows (yes windows, because way back in the last century it was a stand alone building. The dining room occupied a separate building, constructed later than the  bar building, and the kitchen was yet a 3rd building. (In fact, we paid property tax to three separate addresses!) In this photo below, the windows facing the street would be to the right, and the faux mantel in the back, and the kitchen, too.

And the new stairs headed down to the basement and future cigar bar, which is being dug down twice as deep as it was before. 

Looking from the bar into the back room. The cut glass divider would have been to the right.  I offer a now and then, with the famous David Kennerly photo of Hillary Clinton. 

And, lastly, the back room. As it was, and as it is, at least until the retail store transition is complete.

 

The Last Party: Friends Say Farewell to Yolande Fox

Friends and family of Yolande Betbeze Fox sat in her garden, nibbled on canapés from a buffet in her dining room, gathered round her piano in the drawing room and remembered her with affection and song on Saturday night at her home on N Street. The party was hosted by her daughter, a last party, really, as the house officially goes on the market this week with a price tag of just a breath under $10 million. The mansion is a one of a kind for Georgetown, and Washington, and comes with historic provenance: it is the house Jackie Kennedy called home for a short while after moving out of the White House after the assassination of JFK. 

There will be a "yard sale" of sorts -- an elegant yard sale -- of many of the possessions in the house, which may or may not include the Fragonard-inspired dining room panels that were made for Billy Rose, depicting some of his Hollywood friends. There's a Diego Rivera, and a Chagall, also. Thus, not an every day yard sale. 

But as for the party, Tom Vogt played standards, bringing the room back for an evening to as it so often was when Yolande entertained. Guests sat round the piano or out on the terrace by the bar, sipping champagne or cocktails, enjoying deviled eggs, finger sandwiches of smoked salmon, cucumber, chicken salad, egg salad, shrimp cocktail, crudite, and desserts that included coconut cake and pralines. Yolande was from Alabama, thus the pralines, and family members came up from Alabama for the occasion.

So much good conversation. I had the pleasure of sitting with a group who knew their Georgetown grande dames and who told affectionate and fascinating stories about the group that included Susan Mary Alsop, Pamela Harriman, Katharine Graham, Evangeline Bruce, and of course, Yolande. Its interesting. They all lived within blocks of each other. Now all of them gone. 

The realtors for house will host an opening party on Wednesday and then we will wait to hear the name of the new owner (and hope for no dumpsters!).

Talking Food, Drinks, Heat & the South w/ Julia Reed - now on YouTube

 

Buy Julia Reed's"South," prepare a canapé or two from a recipe in the book, make up a pitcher "Pink Perfection" or Sangria w/ an added shot of Vodka ... and then watch. Or watch first and then do the rest, but...watch. It was a fun time when Julia made her encore appearance at The Q&A Cafe, this time at our annual road trip to Tudor Place Museum, on the lawn, under a very toasty transparent tent. 

Julia was just one of the seven interesting guests who filled our winter/spring calendar. More to come this summer, and the 15th anniversary in October. 

Jackie Kennedy's Georgetown Mansion Now Can Be Yours -- for $10 Million

Word on the street is that the Georgetown mansion that was former First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s post-White House home is on the market for a cool $10 million. Not a crazy amount in these times of outlandish prices for notable real estate. This one brings real history with it, too, as it is the home Jackie bought for herself and her children after the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy.The handsome house easily is Georgetown’s (and perhaps Washington’s) most notable trophy house, with bragging rights that best the next three, each the home of a famous Washington grand dame: Katharine Graham’s 2920 R Street home, the 3038 N Street home of Pamela Harriman, and the 34th Street mansion (with ballroom) that belonged to Evangeline Bruce. Their sale prices were in the millions, but none for a price as high as $10 million. The sellers are the heirs of Yolande Betbeze Fox, who lived in the house for decades, until her death earlier this year.

The realtors who have the listing are Nancy Taylor Bubes and Jamie Peva of Washington Fine Properties. At the moment it is a private sale, but will go public next month.

And why do you want to jump on this? There aren’t many pieces of real estate left with this kind of solid Kennedy provenance. Also, it is a fine house with good bone structure. Classic. Will it need a makeover, and the ordeal of approvals with the Old Georgetown Board? Yes. But when buying history, what’s $20 million (half for the house, half for the redo) and some red tape? For more about Yolande, Jackie and the colorful story of the house, please read this.

For more about Jackie, and other modern First Ladies, please join us at The Q&A Cafe tomorrow, when the guest is Kate Andersen Brower, author of the bestseller "First Women," an informed and alarming behind the scenes look at life in the East Wing of the White House. Noon. The George Town Club. Everyone is welcomed. $35 for full lunch. Reservations: 202-333-9330.

The Real Housewives of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave - Tomorrow @ The Q&A Cafe

Make your reservations Q&A Cafe TODAY, when the guest is Kate Andersen Brower, author of the New York Times bestseller, First Women. 

We'll take a look back at recent First Ladies, but we'll also explore the future: what if the current presidential campaign lands a man, Bill Clinton, in the role of First Spouse, and boss of the White House east wing? But also, what to expect from Melania Trump or Jane Sanders, should their husbands win the '16 election. 

Having read the book I can assure you this is a lunch you'll want to make. At times alarming, at times disarming, and at times sad, First Women reads like the script for Real Housewives of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

When: Friday, June 3

What time: Noon

Where: The George Town Club (you don't have to be a member, open to all) 1530 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Fee: $35, including full lunch and soft beverages, tax and tip.

Reservations: 202-333-9330. 

Read some reviews of First Women.

Rosewood Hotel Opening Its Glam Georgetown Rooftop to Everyone & Other Changes

As the Capella, the rooftop of the 31st Street luxury hotel was "members only," and for a hefty fee, but new owner Rosewood has plans to open it to everyone, and for lunch and dinner.

Removing the velvet rope  barrier to the rooftop is just one of the "initial small changes" planned for the hotel by Rosewood, who bought it from Capella.  "We've made a decision to open the Rooftop Bar & Lounge to the public” said an executive with the hotel in an email message. “Rosewood is all about 'A Sense of Place' in innovative and memorable ways and I can’t think of a better way to welcome our neighbors and guests this summer than to the Rooftop Bar & Lounge for a true Rosewood experience, With its panoramic view of the city’s skyline, and now offering a limited lunch and dinner menu created by our Grill Room executive chef Frank Ruta, it’s the perfect place for an authentic live-like-a-local experience. We’re also offering the Rooftop for private gatherings for ten to 110 guests.”

Sharp-eyed restaurant critics will notice in particular the mention of their fave, Frank Ruta. I read that, and they will, too, as the new owners getting behind the relatively new chef and perhaps making life even better for him. 

District Doughnut is Coming to Georgetown... In a Week Or So

When District Doughnut opens in Cady's Alley in several days it will more or less be a pop--up, and an opportunity for Georgetowners to experience the delicious bakery treats that draw lines of customers to the shop on Barracks Row. I've been a fan of DD since I reported on their opening for Washingtonian. And in my last office job, on Dupont Circle, DD delivered an assortment of doughnuts every Friday, which certainly improved staff morale on TGIF mornings. (On Mondays we got Bullfrog Bagels!) 

Above is the mother ship, the first brick and mortar District Doughnut across from the Marine Barracks. My advice: shed a pound or two now so you can try all their flavors. My fave is the brown butter (centered in the photo above).

Above, the nice packaging, not that the doughnuts will remain in the box for very long.

Here's hoping the pop-up will lead to a permanent space. This all comes out of a collaboration with Anthony Lanier and his son, Philipe, working with owner Greg Menna and his family, and colleague Will Hand. 

 

Five Years of "Behind The Scenes" @ Washingtonian Magazine

Here is the May issue of Washingtonian Magazine, with the latest episode of "Behind The Scenes," a feature I started doing for them back in 2011. It is one of the mag's most prominent photo features -- a two page spread of a single image. The premise is it has to be someplace the public cannot typically go, or that is off-limits in general, in some cases even top secret. In the process of producing the feature, we've been to some amazing places. Below is inside the private, appoint-only, "play house" of porcelain designer Anna Weatherley. It's in Roslyn!

There have been so many incredible BTS, and I've enjoyed working on each one. It is just about the best possible local media assignment in Washington. The places I've been, the things I've seen! Most often working with architectural photographer Dan Chung. We're a good team. Here he is, capturing some Maryland crabs.

The various BTS include the bowels of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where the money is made; the conservation lab at the National Archives; the elaborate Smithsonian storage warehouse where artifacts were being collected for the new African American museum; the tiny studio at Fort Belvoir where the presidential seal is hand made and hand painted; the private dining room of Hillary Clinton when she was Secretary of State; the subterranean lab at NIH where the deadliest viruses are incubated; the lockers of the Washington Nationals and the Washington Redskins; a legal DC marijuana grow house; the sewing, linen and flower room at Susan Gage Caterers; inside Potomac Floral, the wholesale florist that provides the blooms for the White House; the secret FBI facility in Sterling VA, where deadly spent IED's are catalogued and stored; Joe Biden's ceremonial office at the EEOB; the vault of the Folger Shakespeare Library; the vault at Mount Vernon (wait till you see the June issue!), the Naval Warfare Research Center's amazing, underground canal where model warships are tested; the launch facility at Wallops Island; the fox hounds of the Potomac Hunt; a wholesale crab operation on the Eastern Shore. 

This image is Dan setting up for a photo we did of a party at the French ambassador's residence, capturing that moment "backstage" just before the guests arrive.

And here's our set up as we shot a photo of the new Dupont Underground, as its plans were just coming together.

Washingtonian has aggregated a lot of them at one link. So, give them a look. I think they should be a book or a calendar -- so many amazing places from around our local area. Here's the link: Behind The Scenes. Please let me know what you think, or if you have an idea for a BTS. We love good ideas. For every BTS that makes it into print, I scout about 4-5 contenders. It takes a lot of leg work, time, but most of all good ideas. 

Overall, though, I am very proud of this bit of work, and grateful for the agreeable collaboration I enjoy with Dan. 

What Georgetown Needs: A Restaurant Wrangler

ZANNCHI, THE NEWEST ADDITION TO GEORGETOWN'S RESTAURANT SCENE

This is an open letter to all the very nice and well-meaning people who have written to, stopped me on the street or otherwise contacted me regarding the lifting of the Georgetown liquor license moratorium, supposedly paving the way to a new era of fine food and wine.(And, they hope, a reopening of Nathans, but, sorry, not going to happen).  I would like, just as so many others, to see this development lead to Georgetown relcaiming its place in the Washington restaurant scene. It's not illogical. It was the restaurant go-to neighborhood and no so long ago. 

What's needed is for someone to be designated as a restaurant "wrangler," an individual connected to one of the village's many hierarchies -- and there are many -- who has a singular mandate to get immerse in what's happening with this vital industry that is thriving in other parts of town; to know the city's chefs, the city's culinary entrepreneurs, the developers, the money, and woo them to Georgetown. To also make landlords face reality and cut deals with the ABC board, the DCRA and the city city in general, (but most of all landlords). This person should know the culture, be involved.  It can be done. Maybe Council Member Jack Evans can orchestrate the position. Or CAG. Or the Georgetown BID.

The potential problem with the lifting of the moratorium is that liquor licenses appear to be up for grabs to just anyone, regardless of their plan, regardless of whether they even have a plan. That's why a lot of valuable licenses have sat in limbo. This "restaurant wrangler" could manage all of that, with benevolence and creativity -- and effectiveness.

We've witnessed some promising arrivals in the last few years: Fiola Mare, Chez Billy Sud, Chaia, Leopold's, Frank Ruta, Unum, and most recently  Via Umbria and Zannchi, joining stalwarts such as 1789, La Chaumiere, Cafe Milano, Cafe Bonaparte and Bourbon Steak, not to mention our legion of well known bars such as Martin's, Clyde's and The Tombs. (If I'm overlooking someone, please tell me).

Seriously, with the right vision and leadership, Georgetown could return to its former glory and be competitive with Petworth, Shaw, Bloomingdale, Yards Park, Barracks Row, Columbia Heights, Logan Circle, Blagden Alley, Brightwood -- neighborhoods that are successfully wooing the innovative culinary operators. There's no good reason -- from a village management point of view --  why Kinship, Convivial, Rose's Luxury, The Dabney,  DBGB, Masseria, El Campo, Bread Furst, and a few others ... aren't in Georgetown. 

I love traveling to other parts of town to dine. I don't need a reason to visit Union Market. But, still, I love to come home from work and walk to dinner. I know I'm not alone. Let's make the most of this next chapter in Georgetown's history of serving fine food and drink. 

Whitmore Farm on NYSD, a Celebration of Spring

On New York Social Diary today we visit Whitmore Farm in Emmitsburg, MD., to celebrate spring, adorable baby animals, good food and friendship. The little piglets above were a week old when they posed (sort of) for my camera. Whitmore is a wonderful day-trip from DC, to meet the farmers, Will and Kent, visit the animals, and return home with a cooler of good eats. They also sell baby chicks, should you want to start your own backyard egg farm. 

Garden&Gun's Julia Reed Coming To The Q&A Cafe (@TudorPlace) TOMORROW

Garden & Gun columnist Julia Reed has a new book, Julia Reed's South, and we will sit and discuss on The Q&A Cafe on Thursday, May 26. This show will be taped at Tudor Place Mansion -- as we did last May with chef Patrick O'Connell. It will be a sumptuous luncheon event under the tent on the lawn. The ticket prices are $30 for members, $40 for non-members, or 2 tickets for $70. The book will be for sale. Seating begins at 11:45, and the interview will start at 12:15. Street parking is generally available. Click here to buy tickets.

ALSO NOTE: Coming on Fri June 3 is Kate Andersen Brower and her New York Times bestseller, First Women  a look at modern First Ladies but also what if a man is the next boss of the White House East Wing?  This one is back at The George Town Club. Call them directly for a seat: 202-333-9330. Lunch is included for prix fix of $35. Seating at 11:30, program at noon. More info here. 

This is an encore appearance for Julia at The Q&A Cafe. Here's when she was on the show in June 2014:

 

Also, check out last year's Tudor Place event with O'Connell:

 

The Georgetown Capella Hotel Apparently Soon To Be A Rosewood Hotel

THE FAMOUS CAPELLA ROOFTOP

For more than a week I've been hearing that the Capella Hotel in Georgetown was sold to one of the leading international hotel groups, Rosewood. I heard the staff had been told, and that chef Frank Ruta had been told his restaurant, The Grill, would remain in place with the new ownership. When I heard all this again on Tuesday I put up a "rumor du jour" tweet and a mention on Facebook.

THE CAPELLA IN WINTER 

Almost immediately I got a DM from the Capella's marketing office, asking me to take down the tweet, but not denying what it said. Wait until Monday, I was told, which is a sort of soft confirmation. Capella said my tweet could tank the not-yet-finished deal. My experience as a business owner is that you don't tell the staff about a change of ownership until the contracts are signed. I replied, "can I quote you saying the rumor is not true?" I did not receive an answer.

Adding some weight to the rumor is that Rosewood has wanted to be in Washington for years. Back in the day they owned (or had a lease) on the land adjacent to the Washington Harbour complex. For whatever reason, their planned hotel got scrapped and the land ended up in the hands of developer Alan Novak, who built the Swedish Embassy and a next door office building with penthouse apartments. 

Rosewood owns/manages some of the finest hotels in the world, including a New York favorite, The Carlyle, and also some others I know and respect: the Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, the Lanesborough in London, Little Dix Bay in the Virgin Islands, The Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, Jumby Bay off Antigua, Tucker's Point in Bermuda, the Miramar in Santa Barbara, the Crillon in Paris. There are others I know by reputation in Asia and Europe. The point is: what a win for Georgetown if this rumor is true. 

The seller, Capella owner Bruce Bradley, might do this now: buy The Georgetown Inn. It has so much potential, a great location in Georgetown at N and Wisconsin, and is ready for its makeover. He certainly got the job done with the Capella, which previously was an office building. The Georgetown Inn always had an attractive front. I'm told by developers that the nightmare is the plumbing; a huge overhaul required to get the rooms right. In the works is a re-do of the Latham, after it got sold by one developer to another. Basically, exciting times for the hotel side of Georgetown. 

Again, as I said at the top, this is a rumor. I've heard it a few times and that made it worth mentioning. If it turns out to be not true, we'll follow up. 

UPDATE: Thursday the Washington Business Journal essentially confirmed the sale. 

Recent Q&A Cafe: Diane Rehm, Bob Woodward, Weymouth & Williams, Ron Kessler, Derek Brown, Wednesday Martin, Daniel Boulud, Patrick O'Connell, Thom Loverro & Kevin Sheehan

If you missed them in person or on TV, here are recent episodes of The Q&A Cafe, now on YouTube: