When its doors first opened on November 3, 1992 – the day President Bill Clinton was elected to his first term – Cafe Milano set a new standard in fine Italian dining. Ever since, Cafe Milano has served as a bipartisan gathering spot for Washingtonians, presidents, governors, ambassadors, members of Congress, luminaries from across the country and travelers from around the globe, and as a place for friends and family to come together and break bread. All thanks to its founder’s vision, Italian-born restaurateur, entrepreneur, diplomat, philanthropist, and loving father, Franco Nuschese.
Under Franco’s careful direction, Cafe Milano is Washington’s go-to location for high-profile awards luncheons, dinners, receptions and celebrations. It’s where the Washington Capitals hockey team famously popped magnums of champagne after their Stanley Cup championship win and where singer Lionel Richie both celebrated his 65th birthday and was feted after being awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress.
At its blockbuster 30th anniversary celebration on Friday, November 11, Franco was celebrated by Washington’s Mayor Muriel Bowser, luminaries from government and media but Franco also gave back by announcing donations to support to three veterans’ organizations in honor of Veterans Day with uniformed military members in attendance:
Children of Fallen Patriots, which ensures that children of military members who were killed in the line of duty are able to go to college.
Dog Tag Bakery, a non-profit bakery, kitchen and classroom space supporting veterans through a business fellowship program right here in Georgetown.
Blue Star Families, which was founded by military spouses, and works to fight economic insecurity, foster spouse career development, and provides critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.
ABC News’ Jonathan Karl emceed the program, which featured a special tribute by Mayor Muriel Bowser and a few surprises. Holly Petraeus presented Franco with a special flag. As a surprise, Tony Award-winning singer Paul Oakley Stovall sang “In the Room, Where it Happens” then Dougefresh rapped a song about Milano.
SPOTTED: Sen. Roy and Abby Blunt, Sen. Joe Manchin, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Jim Costa, fmr. Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Bishop Mario Dorsonville, Maureen Dowd, Dionne Warwick, Bob Johnson, Chris Licht, Egyptian Amb Motaz Zahran, French Ambassador Philippe Étienne, British Ambassador Karen Pierce, Kellyanne Conway, Newt Gingrich, Kaitlan Collins, Teresa Carlson and Andre Piennar, Carol Melton, Tony Fauci and Christine Grady, Ted Olson, Bob Barnett, Raul Fernandez, Catherine and Wayne Reynolds, Kristin Cecchi, John Rogers, Robert Allegrini, John Leggitino, Lauren Pratapus, Bret and Amy Baier, Hilary Rosen, Tripp and Amy Donnelly, Ryan Williams, Liz Johnson, Senay Bulbul, Steve Clemons, Adrienne Elrod, Marc Adelman, Olivia Nuzzi and Ryan Lizza, John McCarthy, Laurie McHugh, Liz Hart, Sheila Casey, Kathy Roth Douquet, Josh Dawsey, Vinoda Basnayake, Paxton Baker, Ed and Deborah Lerner Cohen, Robert and Elena Albritton, Mike and Kristi Rogers, and General Jim and Diane Jones.
Here’s the Politico Playbook report
WHC Insider salutes Franco Nuschese and Cafe Milano for 30 wonderful years of bringing Washington together – and here’s to the next 30 years and all the memories to come!