Rarely are there more Hollywood heavy hitters in the Nation’s Capital than for the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, affectionately known to those in the industry as “Nerd Prom." And journalists, politicians and celebrities alike know that when the dinner is over, the night is only just beginning! Notoriously one of the most star struck after parties each year, the official MSNBC soiree was held at the Embassy of Italy on Saturday April 30, fittingly just steps away from the Vice President's home at the Naval Observatory. Metromix was invited to attend with our friends at FIJI Water, a sponsor of this year's event along with Diageo and Starbucks, and if the hyperactive flashbulbs lining the red carpet were any indication, we were in for quite a night!
The atrium of the Embassy was dripping in luxurious textiles to set the mood for the sexy soiree, while red and black couches – in both velvet and leather – lined the dance floor. And thankfully the bars were easy to spot, each framed with rich red drapes. Steps outside, Dave Brown and his wife Lee Deas-Brown of Coastal Cigars were heading up the Johnnie Walker Cigar Tent. Although Brown technically resides in South Carolina, his cigar-making business has allowed him to roll his way into parties all across the country including Chris Samuels’ retirement party, a wedding at Paula Deen’s residence, and a party for Bad Boy Records, to name a few. Brown makes all his cigars by hand, and he pre-rolled 350 for the MSNBC event (through he was still rolling feverishly throughout the night to keep up with demand).
No stranger to politics, Oscar-winner Sean Penn was spotted hanging out in the Cigar Tent, though we noticed he bucked tradition and opted to puff on a cigarette in lieu of one of Brown’s cigars. And while there were no sightings of his rumored girlfriend Scarlett Johansson, the “Milk” actor was hardly the only big name in attendance! SNL's Andy Samberg, Bill Hader and Fred Armisen brought the laughs along with co-star Seth Meyers, the host for this year's Correspondents' Dinner. "Glee" funnywoman Jane Lynch was also spotted, as was Penn's political adversary Sarah Palin and "Dancing" daughter Bristol. Terrell Owens was on hand to represent for the professional athletes, John Legend locked down the musician category, and Eliot Spitzer handled the disgraced-politician-turned-political-commentator slot. Of course, it wouldn’t be a D.C. bash without politicians and journalists in tow, from MSNBC's Chris Matthews to NBC's Luke Russert and many, many other standouts in the field.
With such an array of guests, it’s no surprise that the menu was just as diverse. In a not-so-subtle nod to the party’s Italian hosts, the passed hor dourves included Caprese salad, fried eggplant dipped in marinara sauce and tiramisu – all shrunken to bite-size for ease of noshing while star-gazing. But one guaranteed place to spot a famous face? Maddow’s Bar, of course! MSNBC host Rachel Maddow was behind the counter at her namesake booze booth, shaking, stirring and schmoozing her way through the evening by creating custom cocktails to order while using the night’s featured spirits: Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Tanqueray Gin and Ketel One Vodka. Once the buzz started to wear off, Starbucks was on-site curing caffeine cravings for guests who weren’t ready to take their dancing shoes off just yet. And speaking of dancing, hits by Rihanna, Britney, Jay-Z and Enrique had the crowd on their feet, but it was the live performance by none other than Cee Lo Green that turned up the heat. Sporting his signature shades, Cee Lo belted out crowd favorites “F*** You” and “Crazy” and also debuted another brand new tune that will likely be a frequent spin on Top 40 radio.
As always, all good things must come to an end – but not without some apropos mementos! Guests left with bottles of FIJI Water to stave off those pesky hangover symptoms (thanks a lot, Maddow!), slices of pizza wrapped for the road, a bag full of Starbucks goodies, and a print out from one of the photo booths set up around the atrium, reminding guests of their celeb-filled evening on Italian soil.
Thanks again to FIJI Water and be sure to click here for all the fun photos from Saturday night's party!
