Legendary D.C. maître d' Selimos creates welcoming refuge from partisan divide at iconic Monocle restaurant for 50 years
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Selimos has been the maître d' at the Monocle restaurant on Capitol Hill for 50 years. He knows intricate details about customers like their committee positions and election margins.
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The Monocle was opened in 1960 and became an epicenter of political life in D.C. Selimos started working there in 1974.
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Selimos tries to keep the restaurant politics-free and safe by focusing conversations on personal topics rather than partisan issues. He sees deep divisions emerging since the 1980s.
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Selimos has an incredible memory and his knowledge of customer preferences helps him expertly manage seating arrangements and anticipate customer needs.
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Selimos provides a welcoming atmosphere for all customers regardless of scandal or party affiliation. He makes sure no one sits alone.