Daniel Boulud started his culinary path on the family farm outside Lyon, France, cooking with his grandmother and other family members, and then as a teenager working his way into the kitchen of a legendary chef. Today he owns restaurants all over the globe, including DBGB DC in downtown Washington. The singular mothership, though, is Restaurant Daniel on Upper East Side of NYC, a transcendent dining experience from "soup to nuts," as they said an earlier century. He masterfully combines that kind of old world heritage with a uniquely modern vibe in the room and on the plate. We talked in April of 2015. Our long friendship threads through the interview, which we taped at the George Town Club.
(This pic makes me giggle, as it reveals how I felt about having Eric Ripert as a guest on the show!)
Have you been to Le Bernardin? Well, if you haven't yet, make a reservation now and go! Either way, please watch this interview with chef Eric Ripert, which we taped in 2012, during the years The Q&A Cafe was based at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown. I remember it as such a fun, light, happy and interesting conversation about one of my favorite subjects: food. I was intrigued also by his being a Buddhist. Talented, friendly, smart....on and on.
It's the weekend and so let's talk fine food! For the next few days we will go to the archives for chef interviews, beginning today with this conversation with master chef Eric Ziebold, owner and chef of Kinship and Metier. While I usually tape The Q&A Cafe before an audience, we did this interview in the empty and quiet upstairs Kinship bar. July 2016.
Eric and I first met when he became chef at the acclaimed CityZen at the Mandarin Oriental. The acclaim continues with the new venture he oversees with Celia Laurent, his wife.
Kinship and Metier are a "ma and pa" restaurant operation in the most elegant sense. I love the place, especially grabbing a booth in the bar. Enjoy the conversation and then make a reservation, pronto!
Damn! I can't find the date for this interview, but since it is at Nathans it happened before July 2009, when we closed. Ted Leonsis was a Nathans regular but we didn't know each other. I reached out to him the old-fashioned way, through email. He started right off with his Nathans stories and that was a delight. But he is a sports powerhouse in Washington and that was the thread of the interview. Over the years we've had a lot of sports figures appear for a Q&A Cafe interview: Fred Smith, Dan Snyder, John Riggins, Mark Ein, Stan Kasten, Johnny Holliday, Thom Loverro, Kevin Sheehan, George Michael, to name a few.
Ted is the consummate modern entrepreneur and mogul and, most of all, he came to play. There was no question that would have made him shy. We had fun. You will, too. Please give this interview a watch.
This past weekend, Tommy Pavlick married his long-time love Chrysovalantis Kefalas. Tommy is better known as "Tommy McFly," the popular morning drive host of "The Tommy Show" on CBS's 94.7 Fresh FM. I'm pulling this interview from the archives to mark the happy occasion for Tommy and Chris. I first met Tommy back in 2007 or so when I first started writing a diary of social commentary for New York Social Diary. We'd run into each other here and there around town. It was an instant liking and friendship. Coincidentally, several years later, I ran into them both at The Source and they announced their engagement.
Tommy always has a smile. His generosity to the community and good causes makes him a role model for all public figures. Here's our Q&A from November 2015.
We taped this Q&A Cafe with George Stephanopoulos soon after the economic collapse of September 2008. It meant a lot to have him as a guest, as we were/are friends - dating back to the Clinton campaign - and also because I had worked for "This Week" when it was known simply as "the Brinkley show," as the guest producer/aka booker. His memoir of working with Bill and Hillary Clinton, All Too Human, remains one of my favorite political books.
Interestingly, mid-interview, George received a phone call he had to take. It was the White House, I think. We stopped the taping, he slipped into the bar to take the call, and then he returned and we resumed. The audience loved it.
Trivia: later, keeping it in the family, Ali Wentworth was a guest. She is a marvelous actor and comedian and also George's wife. Too bad they did not appear together -- which is something I did do with some other "power" couples: Chris Matthews and Kathleen Matthews, Connie Chung and Maury Povich, and Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn.
btw, every network Sunday show host of that era appeared at The Q&A Cafe: Tim Russert, and his successor David Gregory, and his successor Chuck Todd (now my boss), and Bob Schieffer.
Simon van Kempen, on the right above, is unique in the Real Housewives universe as during the few seasons his wife, Alex McCord, starred in "Real Housewives of New York" he became a central character (one of the first husbands to do that), and was also quite controversial. He came to Washington to appear on The Q&A Cafe just as Bravo announced production of the "Real Housewives of Washington." In the photo we are joined by two members of that soon to be notorious cast, Paul Wharton on and Mary Amons, but in fairness to Paul and Mary the notoriety came principally from two other cast members, Michaela and Tareq Salahi. (Who, btw, also did a Q&A, and I'll post that tomorrow. For now, here's Simon:
We were in our 7th year of The Q&A Cafe when Lt. Andy Baldwin came in for an interview. This was not long after his run as the star of the 10th season of "The Bachelor." His arc was called "An Officer and a Gentleman." To hear Andy tell it, this was an experience he would not soon -- if ever -- want to repeat. Since we remained friends I can say he continues to feel that way, as now Commander Baldwin his career in the Navy has flourished. The audience was filled with his fans, and we had some fun. This was posted back when YouTube permitted only short segments, not whole shows. But its all here. We were a fledgling TV show then, too.
This is a particular favorite Q&A, because it embodied everything the show is about: interesting and compelling individuals, notable in their own right, but compounded by coming together. That of course is an understatement here, because the bringing together was the Bradlee family -- Ben Bradlee, Sally Quinn and their son Quinn Bradlee, on the occasion of the publication of his own memoir. Trust me, there is no other interview like this of Bradlee family. And I think they enjoyed it, too. You will, for sure. It is provocative, revealing and at times outrageous.
My passion project for the summer is to revisit old Q&A Cafe interviews, give them another moment in the spotlight. There are more than 400, and thus plenty to fill the nights between now and Labor Day. The selections are random. All the interviews are special.
We start with Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein. His is an amazing story. I'm glad I had the opportunity to hear him tell it. This was taped in June 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, our home for a few years after closing Nathans.
Jim Graham and I did not know each other until a crisis happened, which is what makes this story exemplary and memorable. It goes back to when I first inherited Nathans, and all the legal troubles that ensued. Chief among my goals was saving Nathans, a goal not be as simple as you'd think. After a year of fighting the IRS, I won that struggle and was awarded "innocent spouse" status, which meant I could keep the business. However, there was one very big local legal barrier in my path -- something known as the Georgetown Liquor License Moratorium, designed to keep bars from over-populating the commercial area. Most people thought it was nonsense, but it was real.
Under that moratorium the Nathans liquor license, designated as a "tavern" license, and which was in my late husband's name, could not transfer to me unless I agreed to convert it from a tavern license to a restaurant license. That would have killed the business instantly, because while we had a very chic dining room, we were mostly a bar, and our total sales were approximately 70% liquor to approx 30% food. Under a restaurant license, we would have to hit a minimum of 45% food sales, which was impossible in such a small building. We would be shut down. Also, I could not buy my own new license because none was available. It was my husband's license or bust.
Ward 2 Council Member Jack Evans stepped forward, bravely breaking rank with the Georgetown establishment, and offered to introduce a bill that would allow a one-time exception to the moratorium and transferring Howard's license to me as a tavern license. He needed two other members to join him on the legislation. The first to step up was my friend Kathy Patterson, who represented Ward 3. The third was Jim Graham, of Ward 1, and that's how we first met. I went to his office to meet him and to persuade him that Nathans was worth the effort. I liked him right away. Enthusiastic, charming and eloquent, dapper in his cream colored summer suit and bow tie. It seemed to me he was always smiling. As for the bill, it didn't require much convincing. He was on board 100% and the legislation was introduced.
The day the bill was heard before a council subcommittee, dozens of Georgetowners -- many moms and dads, lots of people in their 30s, 40s and older, other business owners -- came forward to testify on behalf of Nathans keeping the tavern license and staying in business. Only two people appeared to testify against the one-time transfer and they represented the Citizens Association of Georgetown. They said the business should be closed to set an example that the moratorium was absolute and served the community. Their testimony silenced the chamber, but they did not silence Jim Graham.
The moms and dads testified. I testified. Jack and Kathy made key remarks. Jim was the last to to speak. He gave an impassioned and thoughtful sermon. Like Jack and Kathy he noted Nathans had been in business 28 years, had a clean record, was popular with all kinds of Washingtonians and tourists, and paid its bills. He went on, though, to tutor us all about what it means to serve a community, and the roles of all kinds of businesses, and civic oversight committees such as CAG, and the role, too, of a city council in sometimes having to bend the rules for the right cause. He looked at the CAG members directly and said, "I respect your moratorium and why you support it, but is this the example you want to use to show how you serve the community? To close a small business? To put people out of work? To attack this widow? To set an example?" I swear he stood ten feet tall, or they shrunk in the face of his argument. Or both. There was silence, then loud applause from the dozens in the room.
The one time exception to the Georgetown moratorium was passed unanimously by the full City Council, and the legislation was signed by Mayor Anthony Williams. The Nathans tavern license passed from my husband to me. Nathans was open another dozen years. Jim became a friend. I said "thank you" as often as possible.
My experience with Jim Graham was not unique. He was a man of the people and available to help where he could.
He was a good council member, good community activist, good neighbor and most of all a good man.
ENDNOTES: Eventually I brought Nathans food sales up to close to 40%, but there was no way we would have been able to reach 45%.
Recently, the Georgetown Liquor License Moratorium was ended.
Jim Graham died on June 11. His funeral was yesterday.
White House reporter April Ryan came to the Q&A Cafe with a lot on her mind -- about covering the Trump administration, dealing with press secretary Sean Spicer, the astonishing level of leaks, becoming a household name, and life in general. Its all here in our 45 minute interview, now on YouTube.
Don't miss our last Q&A Cafe of the season, an interview with Sally Befell Smith about her biography of Prince Charles. Friday June 16, lunchtime, at The George Town Club. Seating will begin at 11:30, full lunch served, dessert from Georgetown Cupcake. $35. For reservations please call Joe at 202-333-9330. Or send Joe an email.
For more about Sally's book, from The New Yorker please click here; from the New York Times click here; and from The Washington Post click here. And for more about Sally, please click here from her own website.
I can't guarantee we will have books to sell, but if you have your own copy, please bring it for signing.
TODAY: White House correspondent April Ryan is our guest at The Q&A Cafe, for a late morning "coffee klatch" interview at 11 am at The George Town Club. April, who covers the WH beat for the American Urban Radio Networks, is also the author of "At Mama's Knee" and "The Presidency in Black and White." I'm so looking forward to this interview because I've had the pleasure of working with April during the 2016 presidential campaign, when I booked her often on MSNBC. She has since joined CNN. Since the Trump Administration began she has become a familiar face at the daily White House press briefings.
Again, this will not be a typical luncheon Q&A, but late morning, because April has to get to the White House in time for the daily briefing. We will seat the audience at 10:30, begin the interview at 11 am. For reservations, please call the GTC at 202-333-9330, or email Joe Pikovsky. The location is 1530 Wisconsin Ave, at the corner of Volta. There is street parking and a lot across the street.
Coming in June: Sally Bedell Smith, making an encore appearance, with her just released biography of Prince Charles.
Passed on to me by good neighbor David Abrams about an apparent pattern of Washington Gas issues in the East Village of Georgetown. I'm familiar with some of these issues, and the ongoing cutting into the streets, even in front of my house. It is worthy of concern, because the utilities typically resist being forthcoming. Posting for all who may be interested.
Dear Georgetown Neighbor,
Out of a growing sense of frustration and concern over the Washington Gas Light Co. and gas-related issues in our neighborhood, I’ve launched both a blog and Facebook page about Georgetown gas leaks and repairs that you can also access at Georgetown Leaks & Repairs, and a Facebook page, too. The sites include links to resources and news stories about natural gas leaks in Washington, DC, how to recognize gas leaks, and what to do if you smell gas.
Disturbing Pattern. There seems to a perpetual cycle of reported gas leaks, so-called repairs, and new reports of gas leaks where I live on the 2800 block of O Street. One neighbor said that the cycle has been going on for the 40 years she has lived on our street. Others have complained about the questionable way gas meters were installed at their houses, how sidewalks have been torn up for months because of uncompleted repairs, and about the smell of gas which has never been permanently addressed.
Too Many Horror Stories. Unfortunately, there are too many horror stories in the Washington area and across the country about what can happen if gas leaks go undetected or are ignored. One example is the 2010 gas line explosion in San Bruno, California, a suburb of San Francisco. The explosion created a 50-foot fireball, destroyed dozens of homes, and killed eight people.
Call to Action. In the hope that our public officials, the media, and others in our community will take an active and serious interest in the gas-related issues facing our neighborhood, I’m asking that you share with me any issues or concerns you’ve had with the gas company that I will package and present to the authorities. If you do not wish to post your comments on the blogs, please send a confidential message to me at the email address below.
I'm just back from a week or so in California, mostly southern California, and it was a terrific getaway. The rains had stopped and every day was sunny and warm. Three days in San Francisco, including field trips to Mt. Tam, the Muir Woods and Stinson Beach, and then a drive down to Santa Monica, where I stayed on the beach with a friend. He worked and I sat by the ocean every day, watching the surf, the surfers and soaking up sunshine.
In SF I stayed in The Mission at this lovely B&B, the Inn San Francisco, where I had a lovely room with high ceilings, period decor, four poster bed, en suite bath, cable TV and good WiFi! Also, they put out a sumptuous breakfast buffet. There's a garden and a hot tub, too.
Day tripping to the north was a feast of incredible vistas, including the classic of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Stinson Beach from on high and then down on the beach with my traveling companions, my son Spencer and his girlfriend Dana. "FOOD" may be the ultimate restaurant statement and location...and view. And how about that picnic table?
Spencer and Dana remained in SF when I headed south. Due to the recent rains the Pacific Coast Highway was open in parts and closed in parts but where it was open it was, as always, reliably spectacular:
When I got to Santa Monica I just stayed there, no mad touring around LA., and thus avoided the famous traffic. There was a night at the Troubadour, though. In the mornings I'd have breakfast at Cora's Coffee Shop, sometimes I'd have breakfast, or lunch, on the terrace of Shutters on the Beach (Spencer and Dana rolled through for one of those), and other meals at a variety of good SM restaurants, including Ivy at the Shore, Chinois, the Water Grill, or eat "at home." It was in almost every way a beach holiday. Lots of great sunsets.
The fog arrived only on my last day, but that didn't stop the surfers.
We have *changed the line-up for February and our guest on Thurs Feb 16 will be acclaimed Washington-based chef Nora Pouillon. Hers is an incredible story, and not only that she was the first DC chef to use an organic foods driven menu, but also her role in the community, and her own personal story; a journey from Vienna to the nation's capital, and life as an independent woman. She recently announced her retirement so now seems like a good time to sit down and talk!
There's so much to discuss. I can't wait. Not the least of which are our personal and business connections. It was Nora who introduced me to Paul Wahlberg, who became chef at Nathans, and now has gone on to a huge success with his chain and TV show, Wahlburgers. He'll be opening a Wahlburgers at Dupont Circle, in fact. But most restaurants, and foodies, in DC can trace a connection to Nora ... actual or spiritual.
Book your seat today at the George Town Club. 202-333-9330 or send Joe an email. This is only a week away, so please spread the word.
*Our planned guest, MPD Chief Peter Newsham, had to postpone.
The project began in March 1985. John Huddy, my executive producer at CBS News "Nightwatch," pleased with some pieces I'd produced, assigned me to produce a prison interview with Charles Manson, with the mandate that it "outdo" the earlier Manson prison interview done by Tom Snyder, which Huddy himself had produced. I didn't want the assignment, and I kept trying to get out of it, but still I went through the motions. I'd been with the show for a year, working up from associate producer to producer, overseeing segments, studio interviews, field shoots, mostly involving Capitol Hill and White House stories, some pop culture, having a great time. We were a 2am to 6am "talk" show, much the model for the later PBS broadcast that made Rose famous, and Charlie Rose and I had known each other since working together in the late 70s at NBC News, where he was a correspondent and I was night assignment editor. We worked together well, in the field and the studio.
Nonetheless, this assignment was unique.
I contacted the warden of San Quentin prison, who gave a tutorial in how to proceed with Manson. "He doesn't have a lawyer," he said, "so, write to to him directly." He gave me the address. I wrote to Manson with a clear request: could I bring Rose and a crew to shoot an interview with him at San Quentin.
Weeks passed before a conspicuous white envelope appeared, half falling out of my office mail box, inside a letter of several pages, pencil scrawlings on yellow legal paper. Manson and I began a correspondence, me writing typed letters on formal CBS News stationery, Manson responding in the same scrawl on yellow legal paper. I labored over the language, policing myself to not fawn as is typical of many interview requests, and worked to convince him to sit for an interview. His objective was, who knows? His letters required a few reads, and then began to make "sense" to me. He wanted to be paid, but that wasn't going to happen. He had a long list of issues and complaints - about the prison system, media, government. I didn't respond to them specifically but was responsive generally, and straightforward. Also, per CBS News standards, we would do it only after, not before a parole hearing.
Almost a year had passed when the warden called to inform me Manson had agreed to the interview. (I tried once more to get out of it. I asked every other segment producer if they wanted to go do the shoot. One accepted but later said, "Carol, this is your story." Huddy said I had to go.)
In March of 1986, we headed to San Francisco. The night before Charlie and I sat down to review our goals. There had been much to think through and prepare for. As part of the process I read and watched lots of archived media, interviewed lawyers and experts, and put together a research packet, and an interview outline, and included the Vincent Bugliosi book, "Helter Skeler," as a key tool. It had been a comprehensive effort, but on this night before we were relaxed, and we were ready. Early the next morning, Charlie and I, with cameraman Skip Brown, arrived at the gates of San Quentin. I had requested Skip specifically. He was a legendary CBS News shooter, famous for his work during the Vietnam War.
We agreed to the chilling "no hostage policy" terms for entering the facility, got escorted through a series of large bolted and locked gates, and up a short hill to the prison.
A forensic psychologist who specialized in Manson predicted correctly that the interview would happen in what was the parole hearing room, which meant I did not have to go into the warren of prison cells. I was relieved by that. He encouraged me to not start the interview right away. He said, "You should ask the guards to remove the wrist and ankle shackles, and they will, and that will gain you some trust with Charlie." And I did, soon after Manson was brought into the room - small, bearded, pale as white paper, and in heavy chains. Charlie Rose and I introduced ourselves, and the crew. The handshake moment. I have a photo. Interesting to see how stiff we look.
Manson went straight for the huge windows that overlooked a sunny, sparkling San Francisco Bay. He stood there, quiet, silent, staring into the daylight. All the while, the three guards, each twice Manson's size, stood nearby.
Manson stood and stared like that for maybe 20 minutes, ("He's always in solitary, never sees daylight," the psychologist said) as CR studied his notes and Skip got set up and got ready to go. We were bare bones. One camera. No elaborate lighting. We used the daylight. When it was time to start we did a little cover footage -- the guards bringing Charlie to the parole hearing table (no shackles) and Charlie and Charlie sat across from each other, Rose's back to the window, Manson facing the daylight. And so we rolled, breaking only to quickly change tapes. The psychologist also said Manson would start calm and get more agitated and physical as the interview drew to a close, knowing he was about to go back to solitary. That proved to be true.
Skip shot four cassettes that recorded more than an hour of Charlie Rose's focused and brilliant conversation with Manson. CR kept the narrative going on a "logical" path, as challenging as that was with Manson veering here and there, but wherever Manson went, Rose brought the interview back to the narrative path of his story and how he came to be convicted of "conspiracy," and sentenced to multiple life sentences, for seven murders, beginning with Sharon Tate and the guests at her home, in 1969. When our allotted two hours of time was up, the guards put Manson back in his shackles and escorted him away. We thanked the warden, packed up and departed, quietly relieved to be back outside the prison gates. We shot some stand-ups outside the gates, for promos.
I returned to Washington with the tapes, and spent the next few days in an editing room with tape editor, Dan Radovsky, putting together an hour's worth of interview. We went chronological and left almost nothing out. Once it got vetted by all the required CBS News bosses the interview aired, and was well received. Charlie Rose received the acclaim he deserved. In a peculiar moment, Warren Beatty's office called to ask for a copy.
In September 1987, Charlie Rose and I stood together on the stage at the Waldorf Astoria ballroom, accepting the National Emmy Award for the year's best network news interview. We beat competition from the big morning and prime time shows, such as 60 Minutes and Today. It was a complex but satisfying win, and underscored a truth of journalism: often we're honored for shedding light on darkness.
I continued to hear from Charlie Manson for a short while, and also "Manson Family" member Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, writing from her prison in West Virginia, and others on Manson's behalf. He wanted a copy of the interview, and I don't recall whether one was ever sent. I did not answer his letters and he stopped writing.
I'm revisiting this episode today for two reasons. Going through a box of old stuff I came upon my file of Manson letters and transcripts of the interview, which prompted me to poke around the Internet, catching up with the Manson saga. I discovered that the interview is on YouTube. This was a surprise because long ago, after Nightwatch went off the air, I was told the show's tapes were destroyed, including the Manson interview. I have the transcripts of the original interview and the edited interview (I cut out only 8 minutes), and a few cassettes of outtakes, up in a closet, but that's all. This YouTube copy is rough, but at least it exists. If there is a best interview with Charles Manson, it is this one by Charlie Rose.
*This was written before Manson died on November 20, 2017.
It's been a good year of interviews at The Q&A Cafe, a year in which we celebrated the program's 15th anniversary, and I look forward to another excellent line-up for 2017, beginning with Andrew Sullivan in January (1/27) and Washington Metropolitan Police Interim Chief Peter Newsham in February. As we mark New Year's Eve, here's a recap of 2016, and in no particular order. Unless otherwise noted, all were taped before an audience at the George Town Club in Georgetown, DC.
DIANE REHM Radio host and author
ERIC SIEBOLD Chef/Owner of Kinship and Metier (taped at the bar of Kinship)
JACK EVANS DC City Council Member, Metro Board Chairman (taped at the DCN studio)
JULIA REED Author, raconteur (taped at Tudor Place)
SCOTT ALTMAN NASA Shuttle Commander
JOHN DONVAN ABC News Correspondent w/ his book on Autism
TOMMY MCFLY Radio host, charity maestro
KATE ANDERSEN BROWER Author, with her book about modern First Ladies
TOM FITZGERALD & LORENZ MARQUEZ Fashion bloggers and podcasters
MAUREEN DOWD Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times Columnist
JOHNNY HOLIDAY Sports Announcer (Taped at DC Cable Studio)
KATHARINE WEYMOUTH & CATHY MERRILL WILLIAMS KW, former publisher of The Washington Post; CMW, publisher of Washingtonian
Andrew Sullivan is a legend of modern journalism -- here and across the pond -- and I'm pleased to announce he will be the guest at The Q&A Cafe on Friday, January 27.
Believing as I do in serendipity, this date may be the best timing for an interview with Andrew as it is the week of this particular cover story and also the first week for Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. Some of the most biting commentary about the 2016 election and Trump's win can be found in Andrew's cover stories and columns for New York Magazine.
Andrew, who is the ultimate multi-hyphenate (Irish/British-Oxford-Harvard-Conservative-Gay-Catholic-HIVPositive-Activist-Editor-Blogger-Pioneer), and those are not in any particular order; they all count. He has been called the most influential political writer of his generation. Read more about him here.
Andrew arrived on the Washington political and journalism scene dramatically in 1986 when he was named editor of The New Republic, an opening round in a career of writing brilliantly and making noise, and stirring controversy on many fronts. Before the recent election, he predicted a Trump win.
With the political ascent of Donald Trump, when I think of Andrew, and his vocal outrage, I think of the iconic "Howard Beale" line from the film Network: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."
In sum, you won't want to miss this lunchtime interview, which will happen at the George Town Club, with seating at 11:45, program at 12:15, for a fee of $35, all inclusive of lunch. For reservations please call 202-333-9330 and ask for Joe Pikovsky, or send him an email.
Note: I will never become smart enough to keep up with Andrew in an interview, but I promise to try!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Carol Joynt has "a perfect eye, an infallible ear and the unequaled gift of rearranging the alphabet into words which both entertain and mean f**cking something."
-- "Hollywood Bob"
THE Q&A CAFE
The Q&A Cafe is now in its 21st year. We launched in October 2001 at Nathans in Georgetown as a response to the September 11 terror attacks, and from that initial purpose grew into a weekly community interview lunch, the first "talk show in a bar." When Nathans closed in 2009 we moved to the Ritz Carlton Hotel and since 2015 our home has been The George Town Club. Some 500 notable individuals, from all fields, have appeared for interviews, which are taped and air Fridays on DC Cable. All are welcomed to attend. For reservations: 202-333-9330.
Emmy-winning CBS News producer, talk show guest wrangler, published author, host of The Q&A Cafe, print & digital journalist, filmmaker, photog, and former saloon owner. Read more...
"Innocent Spouse"
Here is information for my popular memoir Innocent Spouse...
MEDIA: For book-related inquiries, please contact my agent, Laney Becker, at 212-243-8480
Emmy-winning CBS News producer, talk show guest wrangler, published author, host of The Q&A Cafe, print & digital journalist, filmmaker, photog, and former saloon owner. 
Here is information for my popular memoir 
