Warm temperatures arrived just in time for the April 21 garden brunch hosted by television producer Tammy Haddad and her husband, World Bank anti-money-laundering expert Ted Greenberg. The see-and-be-seen event, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is one of the annual rites that precede the White House Correspondents Association dinner. More than 300 guests sampled Bloody Marys and local shrimp in the backyard of Haddad’s Palisades home, which was done up in a palette of spring-themed colors.
Co-hosts including former Recording Industry of America head Hilary Rosen, Republican media consultant Alex Castellanos, former Clinton White House communications director Loretta Ucelli, Holland and Knight's Kathryn Lehman and Beth Viola, and BizBash C.E.O. David Adler mingled with the media-honcho-heavy guest list under an airy white 3,000-square-foot tent.
“Everybody’s here,” said Ellen Bennett, wife of attorney Robert S. Bennett (best known for representing President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky investigation and, more recently, Paul Wolfowitz in the World Bank case). “It’s more relaxed and really fun.” Chris Matthews, in a red baseball cap, joked that he had to show up or he’d get in trouble. (Haddad produces his show, MSNBC’s Hardball.) Other attendees included flip-flop-clad children and Today talking heads Ann Curry and the newly inducted Tiki Barber.
The food and decor intentionally took a backseat at the soiree. Classic Affairs Catering head Paul Begley said Haddad prefers simple, crisp design and clean, light food. Simple red rose centerpieces sat atop tables bedecked in sunny yellow tablecloths (matching host Haddad’s bright yellow blazer). The party’s only hitch occurred when the dozen Federal Valet parkers, who were told to expect 100 cars, were inundated with about 250. Latecomers proved to be resourceful; they simply parked themselves and hoofed it.
