A PR & Media Luncheon

the menu

I’m not complaining at all, but I typically try not to start my week off with a Monday luncheon that includes a multi-course family style meal.  However, if the invite is there, I’ll take it.  And not that there’s anything wrong with eating well, especially when it’s for a group of 30 or so media and PR pros gathering in an award winning property with the soul purpose of talking to a magazine editor.

Monday, at the Park Hyatt Washington DC’s mezzanine level, DC magazine, a Modern Luxury publication, invited a group together to catch up and learn what’s new on the horizon for the glossy.  Editor-in-Chief Karen Sommer Shalett took her place at the head of the long rectangular community table, encouraging us to “Eat! Eat! I love it when people are eating as I’m talking!” as she shared with us the hiring of Sarah Crosland to the editorial team as well as the good news that DC was officially going to 11 issues in 2012 versus the 7 that they underwent for a few years.  Hopefully, this is a sign of the times.  There is enough interesting content, action, movement, people and places, and advertisers in the nation’s capital and metro area to keep the publication robust.

the table on the Mezzanine pre-luncheon

The group exchanged holiday and New Year’s stories, but mostly concentrated on the year ahead, chuckling that we already were planning events that are dated for Q4 2012.  Everyone’s lives were full and changing, whether having babies, getting engaged, moving homes, landing in a new company, or figuring out a child’s new school – all were grateful for the chance to spend a few hours breaking bread and extending themselves in person with extensive quality conversations, a rarity for many of these busy busy folks.

just a few of the desserts we tasted by Pastry Chef Peter Brett

Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault, who recently arrived from the Andaz hotel in West Hollywood (where I stay!) came out to talk a bit to us in his lovely French accent.  We enjoyed organic chicken and cranberry ravioli, little gem lettuce salad, eight hour roasted leg of lamb, braised veal cheeks, rockfish fillet, sides of Yukon gold potato gratin, caramelized cauliflower, and brussel sprouts with bacon bits then for dessert we feasted on chocolate crumb cake, warm apple pie (Blue Duck Tavern is famous for this), and assorted house made ice creams-my favorite being the peppermint that I slathered on the chocolate cake.  Pastry Chef Peter Brett spent a few moments to tell us about our last course.

Park Hyatt Washington DC is located at 24th & M Streets, NW and houses the Blue Duck Tavern.  To read more about DC magazine, go to www.modernluxury.com/dc.