Lucky souls invited to lunch in the Senate Private Dining Room inside the Capitol wondered if they would rub elbows with some of Washington’s top newsmakers. And that’s exactly what happened on Tuesday, July 8th. Just as FBWE Village members were settling in to taste the famous Senate Bean Soup, the first “Senator sightings” was a certain Republican whose current controversy had been featured on the front page of The Washington Post that very morning.
Braving hundred-degree temperatures, our group gathered outside the Russell Senate Office Building shortly before noon. After going through security, we ventured to the Capitol via the underground electric trolley that was installed in 1960 to replace the 1912 monorail. (One of the two original wooden monorail cars from 1912 was on display near the trolley platform.)
Once inside the dining room, seated at large round tables underneath an enormous crystal chandelier, Villagers could choose from a wide-ranging menu that included everything from Fried Chicken and Waffles, to traditional Hamburgers, and the heart-healthy salmon salad. Nearly everyone tried the bean soup, which we learned is served every day that the dining room is open. For dessert, the more adventurous eaters opted for the house-made basil ice cream.
However, food was almost beside the point, as the conversation flowed and we all reveled in the chance to spend time in the historic dining room. One member of the group summed it up:
“I’ve lived in D.C. for 70 years, and this is the most fun I’ve had yet!”
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