YOUR GRANDFAT H E R ’ S CLU B . . . OR IS IT ?The Old School Appeal of Private Social Clubs
|
||||||||||||
 |
Their dress codes do not allow jeans. Their rules prohibit cell phone use. “Young,” “hip,” and“trendy” are definitely not the adjectives most frequently used to describe the University Club, City Club, Metropolitan Club, Georgetown Club, and City Tavern Club. Even private establishments—most of which are over 50 years old— maintain a noteworthy presence in the social life of young Washingtonians. Recruitment of young professionals continues to be a key focus of membership boards and directors in social clubs around the city. The City Tavern Club, reported that approximately 30 percent of its members are under the age of 35 and that in the past year the majority of their 90 new members were from that age bracket. All clubs offer reduced-rate junior membership options, such as the “Young Executive Membership” at the City Club of Washington, which encourage D.C. residents to join sooner rather than later.
Each club presents a different menu of social offerings, services and benefits to its members. The dining rooms and bars provide an intimate atmosphere to entertain clients and friends over a meal or cocktail and the chefs hail from D.C.’s finest restaurants.
The University Club just brought esteemed chef L. J. Cousson on board, who was formerly the executive chef at Kinkeads Restaurant and a Four Seasons culinary team member for more than 15 years. Aside from a place to grab a drink or bite to eat, private clubs also function as venues for debates and events like wine tastings and parties—many of which are geared toward younger members.
Bars, fine dining, speakers, parties and gyms are a plentiful in Washington, however, it is the long-standing legacy and tradition of private clubs that make them a part of the city’s social landscape. In a transient town with constantly changing restaurants, bars, and residents, these clubs—and the communities they contain—have remained steadfast, connecting members with each other and with a place in the city’s history. While this scene is not for everyone,“exclusive” membership (most require a nominal fee and two letters of recommendations) applications continue to flow in from young professionals who want to embrace the old school charm at the same time that they seek to make these clubs their own.
MAKING THEIR BID
Young Washingtonians Become Politically Active
This wouldn’t be a Washington roundup without a little political flavor, found here in the form of a relatively new non-profit, founded in February of 2005 by Justin Rockefeller, son of Sen. John D. Rockefeller, IV (D-W.Va.), and brothers Devin and Adrian Talbott, sons of Brookings Institution president Strobe Talbott. Devoted to engaging young adult in the political process through grass-roots outreach programs, non-partisan Generation Engage is becoming a nationwide leader in youth civic empowerment, aided by a well-connected network of supporters and friends. This fall’s launch of their “Politics through Art Initiative” took place at the smart new Ralph Lauren store in Georgetown and featured a number of Washington’s most engaging young political players.
 |
This Generation is definitely on the rise. In local politics, Councilmember Adrian Fenty is making a strong bid in the mayoral race. At just 36, he made his mark on Ward 4 by helping to re-gentrify the area. Sam Brooks, 24, is running for Councilmember for Ward 3. Brooks has established deep roots in politics working in the offices of both Fenty and Sen. John Kerry.
On the other side of the aisle, many young Republicans shined during the Presidential campaign, including Sara Taylor who now serves as the White House political director, and Brian Jones who now acts as the communications director at the RNC.
Even though most young Hill staffers remain addicted to their “berrys,” they do find time to socialize. On the Hill, you’ll find Democrats at Union Pub for swirl margaritas and unbeatable happy hour specials. Lounge 201, the Sinatra-themed martini bar, has become a favorite among the GOP. Bullfeathers and Capitol Lounge are other GOP watering holes, while the Pour House and Hawk and Dove draw a more liberal crowd. Charlie Palmer Steakhouse has become a non-partisan hotspot attracting power players from both sides of the aisle.