Trains, Pains, and Celebrity Sightings

After we left Capitale, the driver took us to the famed Vanity Fair Editor’s cozy, intimate restaurant, Waverly Inn (formally Ye Waverly Inn).  Graydon Carter certainly knows how to bring in the fashion icons and the fabulous of NY as well as the world.  As we were walking in from the bitter cold, Carolina Herrera and friends were walking out.  She is just as GORGEOUS and classy and classic in person as she is when she graces magazine pages and high def TV screens.  Of course, the place is so small, we almost walked right into her group.  I was blessed to model one of her dresses (the photos on the top of this blog) for a magazine shoot last year, however, the usual price tag is pretty hefty for most of her gowns (that one was around $4K I think) so I must admire from afar. 

(Pictured: THE Jimmy Fallon … sigh…)

Nazy had us set up in a cozy nook that allowed us a great view peeking into the main room.  There, we were able to spy on Ralph Lauren, his son David, and his sweetie, non other than the Lauren Bush.  The menu was simple and we started with a lovely bottle of Cristal.  How could we not!?! This was a celebration!  Then more food and bubbly and tons of laughing.  We were ready to venture back into the cold and hit our hotel’s (Gramercy Park Hotel) hot and hip Rose Bar.  As we walked back outside, we took it as a sign. It was SNOWING!  We needed to head back home (GPH). 

Once inside of the chic lounge, we walked right into Frederique, one of the original Victoria Secret’s models (how can we forget?) with her friend.  Nazy knows her so they chatted for a second. Then we found a spot and started chatting with the natives.  It wasn’t long til we met interesting people (and not so interesting) and then the whisper of “Jimmy Fallon just walked in”.  Of course, I had to see this for myself, I am SUCH a fan. He is so adorable and hilarious.

I couldn’t find him, so I headed to the restroom (uni-sex, mind you) and stood in the line behind a guy I had been speaking to earlier.  Jimmy Fallon walked out of a stall and gave the “Hey buddy” hug/handshake thing to the guy in front of me (do guys take a class on how to do that move and make it look cool?) and they did the “What’s up” blah blah blah. I couldn’t move. I just stared. He is so handsome in person.  Then I went to the stall and kicked myself for not grabbing him and kissing him. No just kidding. I wanted to enjoy the rest of my night and trip from the hotel, not a jail cell.

The rest of the night turned into morning and we had to hit the hay. Time to rise and shine for a luncheon to be hosted by Jason Binn and friends at the Four Seasons Restaurant.  We sleepily checked out and had our car take us to the restaurant for our 12:30 reservations.  All I can say is WOW. 

There was more power in that one spacious open airy corporate looking dining room than what I can find in an issue of Forbes. Well, it was like walking into a living breathing Forbes magazine.  There was every politician, CEO, and opera singer (yes, Beverly Sills was sitting about 10 feet away) wheeling and dealing.  I forgot, it WAS a Wednesday LUNCH. Mid-week deals had to get done. Pataki, the CEO of UBS PaineWebber, CEO of Chanel, the owner of Nobu, (who we met and was lunching with Bobby D) and so many many others that I couldn’t keep up.  I only knew because our host, who knows everyone and I mean EVERYONE, was spouting off names and companies so fast my already hurting head hurt more. 

Sincere recommendation.  You MUST get a reservation at the Four Seasons Restaurant.  The menu, service, and atmosphere was 5 star.  We left to run to Penn Station for the quick ride home to DC’s Union Station, where Victoria and I freshened up in Club Acela so we could attend the VIP Creative Coalition Party at B. Smiths - then tonight, the movie premiere of “Gray Matters” at the House of Sweden.  Heather Graham and Alan Cumming will be there as well. 

 (P.S. Does anyone have an asprin?)