THERE’S SO MUCH TO LOVE about summer in Washington, DC. Whether lingering over a leisurely dinner alfresco at one of the city’s fabulous restaurants (Panache, Central Michel Richard, or The Palm), taking the children to the Smithsonian, or gathering the family for a road trip to one of Maryland’s or Virginia’s beautiful beach towns for the weekend, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season in and around the nation’s capital.

During the weekend of May 9, Washington was abuzz for President Obama’s first White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. And of course, Capitol File celebrated with its fourth annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner Afterparty, held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. We are so honored to have the President’s charming social secretary, Desirée Rogers, and brilliant senior adviser, Valerie Jarrett, gracing our summer issue cover. These ladies exemplify grace and loyalty and are a true testament to the power of friendship; you will read about the special relationship that each has with President and Mrs. Obama inside our pages.

Also inside this issue, you’ll find the very best in local resources—from the most exciting new restaurants and shops to favorite neighborhood staples. It’s so important to support our local businesses, whether you do so by shopping or spreading the word about a wonderful service or sales associate, so embrace your community. Browse the pages of Capitol File for the very best the area has to offer. Enjoy the summer!

	SUSAN NIXON PUBLISHER OF CAPITOL FILE	JASON BINN CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF NICHE MEDIA

Desirée Rogers, Susan Nixon, Valerie Jarrett, Sherry Moeller, and Samantha Yanks.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FRIEND BRADEN KEIL We’d like to remember Braden Keil, who lost his battle with cancer in March. As a gentleman, a father (to Kourtney Lee, Braden Lewis, and Kaitlin Rose), and a husband (to Jennifer Gould Keil), the New York Post “Gimme Shelter” real estate columnist—and occasional scribe for these pages—was truly beloved. A ranked tennis player, oenophile, friend to many, and all-around bon vivant, Keil captured the attention of all with his storytelling and scoops. His joie de vivre and his uniform—navy blazer, loafers, no socks, no tie—were his unforgettable signatures. Braden, we toast you with a glass of your favorite Chardonnay. You made us all better people, and you are truly missed.