It is always spectacular when Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and his wife, Rima, entertain, especially when the candles are flickering, lobster is on the plate, and le tout Washington is there in black tie.
“They bring so many different circles together,” Mayor Anthony A. Williams told the assembled crowd Wednesday at the Al-Sabahs’ dinner celebrating his retirement from office. Moments later, looking across the room at Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty, Mr. Williams flatteringly observed that his 35-year-old successor was riding on the crest of an 80 percent popularity rating.
“I remember that, too,” he joked before magnanimously adding, “when [his rating] goes to .08 percent, we have to stand behind him.
Mr. Williams noted that when he was first elected he had lofty goals as well.
“I hoped to raise the expectations, hopes and dreams of the city,” he told his hushed listeners. “I haven’t fulfilled all of them. But we’ve come a … long way.”
The air was festive with pale gold and peach roses everywhere; the dining room shone with peacock blue tablecloths. Women wore long silk gowns with lots of navy blue, turquoise and seafoam and, of course, diamonds, diamonds, diamonds.
Guests included Saudi Ambassador Prince Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud and Princess Nouf bint Fahad, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., National Intelligence Director John Negroponte, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chief Gen. Peter Pace.
Major-league journalists are always included at the Kuwaitis’ bashes, and this night was no exception, with Chris Wallace, Deborah Norville, Ben Bradlee, Sally Quinn, Norah O’Donnell, Arnaud de Borchgrave and Bob Colacello seen in the crowd.
After spotting fellow Gothamites Georgette Mosbacher and the jewel-encrusted Lally Weymouth during cocktail hour, Vanity Fair’s Mr. Colacello let it be known that the Al-Sabahs are known in New York as gracious and glamorous hosts. “The Bush administration doesn’t seem to invite anybody down from New York,” he observed, “not even Republicans.”
No fancy fete would be complete without Cafe Milano owner Franco Nuschese (sipping wine with Leo and Grega Daly). Or key introductions being made (Mr. Alito to Mr. Bradlee; banker Frank Saul to Mr. Fenty; former Chief of Protocol Lucky Roosevelt to the glamorous Michelle Fenty).
We asked the mayor-elect what his passions were, other than politics. Playing second base for the Nationals? Starting a rock band? He stared back with big brown eyes.
“Working out,” he said.
Like exercising?
“Yeah. That’s about it.”
There was Iraq, of course, the topic du jour (very interesting if you happened to be sitting at Iraqi Ambassador Samir Al-Sumaida’ie’s table). And, of course, political gossip. Oh, to be a butter pat next to Mrs. Roosevelt and Rep. John Dingell, huddled over their veal piccata with steamed spring asparagus.
The pink-grapefruit timbale had just been served when the evening wound up another notch with a performance by blues diva Denise Thimes, flown in from St. Louis for the occasion to serenade Mr. Williams with “Unforgettable.” As it just happened to be Mr. Chertoff’s birthday as well, she coaxed him and wife Meryl from their seats for a romantic solo turn to their favorite song, “It Had to Be You.” The entertainment closed with a mellow version of “What a Wonderful World” that drew enthusiastic applause and more than a few misty eyes.
There were no speeches or roasts, just a lovely toast from Mr. Al-Sabah citing Mr. Williams’ efforts to improve Washington’s prosperity, economy and international reputation. (Note to Mr. Williams and Mr. Fenty: The Kuwaiti envoy should have been made an honorary mayor by now.)
It may not be a wonderful world these days, but at least it was a wonderful city — for one memorable night.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.