A Night Out: Monte Carlo Night at the City Tavern Club

Mini-fortunes were made and lost at the craps table.

What: The City Tavern Club's Monte Carlo night.

Where: The City Tavern Club on M Street in Georgetown.

When: Saturday, November 11, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Price of Admission: $55 for members, $70 for non-members.

Who: Young, affluent Washingtonians made up the bulk of the crowd, but a DC black tie event isn't complete without the obligatory office-seeker on hand. David Kranich, the recently defeated Republican mayoral candidate, not only made an appearance but stayed until the night ended.

Scene: Despite the historically rich backdrop of the City Tavern Club, the night was surprisingly unstuffy. Members and nonmembers crowded around tables of craps, roulette, and black jack, celebrating wins (and losses) together. The patio on the third floor turned into a makeshift smoking lounge, but the great weather was a draw for everyone. Around midnight, people "cashed in" their chips for raffle tickets to win one of the many glamorous prizes, including gift certificates to Citronelle, weekend getaways, polo lessons, and a variety of shopping sprees.

Gossip of the night: A few disgruntled party-goers speculated that the raffle was rigged when they walked away empty-handed.

The after-party: Smith Point, of course. Where else do the social-climbers of the City Tavern Club go?

Food: Cold hors d'oeuvres that were only okay.

Drinks: The martini bar was special, but most people seemed drawn to glasses of red wine.

Ratings:

Bold Face Guests: 2 (out of 5)
Swankiness: 4 (out of 5)
Food/Drinks: 3 (out of 5)
Overall Exclusiveness: 4 (out of 5)

Total score: 13 (out of 20)

The well-dressed crowd inside the club.

The outside terrace.

Melissa Herald