The restaurants of choice have changed. During the first Trump administration, Republicans tried to infiltrate Cafe Milano in Georgetown, overseen by the estimable Franco Nuschese. It could feel like Rick’s Cafe from “Casablanca,” with lots of black cars in front, some with flags; men with earphones, often Secret Service; and the seething locals about to stand up and sing “La Marseillaise.”
The MAGA crowd usually hung out at the former Trump Hotel, where the president dined regularly. Today it’s a different scene because there are so many fancy new restaurants in town. The new hot spots, Osteria Mozza in Georgetown and Keith McNally’s Minetta Tavern at Union Market, are so far attracting an eclectic crowd. Butterworth’s on Capitol Hill has emerged as a hangout for Republicans, enticing some Democrats to go incognito for sightseeing. A new club, Ned’s, has opened downtown in very posh digs. It has gotten a lot of ink because it draws from both camps. Journalists flock there in hopes of spotting cabinet members, but whether that lasts as things go bad — and they always do — remains to be seen.
This summer a new club, the Executive Branch — owned by Donald Trump Jr., Steve Witkoff’s sons and Omeed Malik — will open in Georgetown. With a Mar-a-Lago-esque membership fee of $500,000, expect it to be where the monarchical court life this president is imposing on Washington will play out.
With Mr. Trump in the White House, anyone who socializes with Democrats can come under suspicion.
Diplomats from other countries are reeling. They don’t know how to navigate relations with this unpredictable administration. I’ve noticed that embassies seem to have cut back on entertaining — traditionally the most effective way to maintain relationships. Trying to entertain in a city where people may not accept the invitations or not speak to their dinner partners if they come or, worse, may walk out is a challenge. One would be surprised by the number of prominent and official Washingtonians who consult astrologers and psychics. As a well-known Washington astrologer, Caroline Casey (a former congressman’s daughter), is fond of saying, “Washington is a spiritual hardship post.” People are looking for answers everywhere.
Among once powerful lawyers, journalists, politicians, academics and lobbyists who have made up official Washington for the past few decades, the feeling is one of impotence, fear and frustration.
