The most important person not in the dining room at one of Washington's swankiest hotels this morning was Tom Fuentes. 

There was plenty of eminence around: Tony Blankley was there; former Congressman Mike Oxley was not far away; and Congressman Lobiondo was also enjoying a working meal.  What the big guys didn't have, was a personal relationship with the waiter. 

I was eating with an OC friend, catching up, and having a grand time (and a great cup of coffee). My friend was told to request seating in the station of a certain waiter.  We told the waiter Tom Fuentes suggested we sit in his area.  The waiter responded as if we knew his long-lost brother.  Handshakes all around, a special glass of some fancy juice blend, and platitudes for Senor Fuentes.

That's no dig against the other folks eating there -- they were working and munching, headed to the office.  But it's a nice compliment that a waiter at this grand dame of hotels had built a relationship with a man who lived across the county, visited only occasionally, but took the time to introduce himself and foster a relationship over many years.

Some have crossed horns with Tom, but it's the opinion of the waiter that spoke volumes to me today.