If dining out is any indication that things are getting back to normal, we are well on our way. And we would have to give the top billings to Sant Ambroeus,where they must be minting a small fortune on the line for coffee alone each morning; Swifty's Pool, where you have to book at least a week in advance now; and Le Bilboquet Palm Beach, where although local residents are shocked at the prices — they charge $6 for bread — there's been ongoing buzz since it opened several weeks ago and its booked solid for lunch and dinner every night!
Among the highlights for us has been seeing so many friends from New York, DC and LA, including Ambassador & Mrs. John Loeb, Catherine Carey,MarkGilbertson, Kim Heirston,Susan Nagel, who has a new book coming out — (Patriotism and Profit: Washington, Hamilton, Schuyler & the Rivalry for America's Capital City, Pegasus Books, 2021), Christy Ferer, Jeanne Lawrence,Alan Beck (aka Mr. Jean Patou), Washington Life' sKevin Chafee, and Robert Hayman (Fred's son).
But as far as lunch buzz, it was incredible to see not one, not two, but three luncheons take place at Bilbo on March 11th. Our luncheon for the launch of Peter Thomas Roth's new skincare and suncare products; a luncheon for Ivey Leidy, the new health and wellness columnist for Palm Beach Illustrated, hosted by the lovely Daphne Nikolopoulos and PR Specialist Maribel Alvarez; and a private birthday celebration, where the chic little gift bags all came from Aerin's Worth Avenue boutique!
Speaking of Aerin Lauder, we did see she and her sister Jane Lauder havingdinner at Le Bilboquet last week and we hear the rest of the family gathered this week for their uncle Leonard Lauder's birthday.
Other birthday celebrations included a dinner at Pizza Al Fresco for Leonard Lauren hosted by Bruce Mazza Langmaid which was incorrectly reported as his 90th! He sweetly called to tell us he's "not that mature!"
One highlight for certain was the Annual Raymond Floyd Open for the Par 3 Foundation, organized by our pal Tony Chateauvert, which had three PGA Hall of Famers on course: Ray Floyd, Gary Player and wheel chair champ Dennis Walters. Talk about humbling! A fantastic charity for a fantastic mentoring program for young people! We had the distinct pleasure of playing with Ambassador Mary Dawkins, Bill Ford (Ford Models)and 2004 Senior British Open Champ Pete Oakley. Among the other notable participants included Tom Quick and Jack McAuliffe.
We also had the pleasure of attending Pete Dawkins' birthday celebration which his wife Mary hosted for him at Club Colette.
Next week,Polo, Michael Kors, the Old Bags Luncheon, Eau Palm Beach and more ...
And if you're on the Island, please stop by Sotheby's at the Royal Poinciana Plaza to see the James de Givenchy Jewelry Collection from March 24th through the 31st.
