Lunch

We're still recovering from last week's A-list on steroids pep rally for the Giants (it was like shooting fish in a barrel -- thanks, Harvey Weinstein!), but today's scene at Michael's was dominated by spin meisters of every stripe, social swans and money men. (Is the expense account for middle management making a comeback? Discuss.)

Star Jones, Kerry Kennedy & Publicists APlenty (FBNY)

How's this for a media power lunch? Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Gayle King, Kathie Lee Gifford, Star Jones, Brian Williams, Aaron Ross Sorkin. Yep, all those A-listers and more turned out for Harvey Weinstein's indoor tailgate party at Michael's today -- and we were there with cameras in hand.

Manhattan's A-List Turns Out for Harvey Weinstein's Giants Pep Rally (FBNY)

As Januarys go, this one has been a bit of a snoozer, but things are finally picking up now that the boldface names have returned to their regular perches at Michael's. The joint was jumping today as morning talkers (Charlie Rose, Barbara Walters), media moguls (Barry Diller) and fashionistas (Marie Claire's Joanna Coles) were all in full power lunch mode. It's about time!

The A-List Returns! Barbara Walters, Charlie Rose, Barry Diller Hold Court at Michael's (FBNY)

The Michael's dining room isn't exactly firing on all cylinders quite yet, but a sighting of Oscar winner and master of the Hollywood universe, George Lucas, more than made up for the dearth of divas. Practically every head in the dining room swiveled in that general direction when George walked to Table One. The force was definitely with him.

George Lucas, Jon Meacham and the Usual Suspects (FBNY)

Despite the frigid temps, a smattering of the regulars trickled into the Michael's dining room today determined to start the year off right. Overheard at one table: "2012 has got to be a better year than 2011. Things are finally settling down and there is money out there." Can we get that in writing?

David Carey & the Media Mob Get Back to Business (FBNY)

The holiday revelry was in gear today at Michael's. Those miracle workers at reception - the amazing Loreal Sherman and Joana Andrade were working overtime to keep the high maintenance crowd happy.

Lunch: Harold Ford Jr., Star Jones & Donny Deutsch (FBNY)

The usual suspects were (mostly) present and accounted for at Michael's today. The people watching parade included the money men (Henry Kravis), entertainment moguls (Richard Plepler), and social types (Binky Urban) with the random reality show curiosity (Kardashian sidekick Jonathan Cheban) thrown in for good measure.

Henry Kravis, John Huey & Kim Kardashian's BFF (FBNY)

While the usual Michael's suspects huddled over their tables deep in conversation, we snagged our favorite Jersey housewife from Table 14 for a chat about the knock-down, drag-out cat fights on last month's reunion show and to find out why her hubby is "disgusted" with his charming, yet controversial sister once again.

Real Housewife Melissa Gorga Dishes on Her Sister-in-Law From Hell (FBNY)

The Michael's dining room was so jam packed today, hardly a square inch was unoccupied by a mogul (Mel Karmazin!), media heavyweight (Tom Brokaw, Jon Meacham, Jeff Zucker), or social swan (divorcee of the moment, Mercedes Bass). Just a thought: if you're looking for a quiet, out of the way lunch spot, you might want to consider going somewhere else on Wednesday.

Tom Brokaw, Vernon Jordan and the Shy Divorcee (FBNY)

Although we're disappointed that we missed seeing Wendy Williams and her parents on Monday, today's lone paparazzi got more than enough to work with since Elizabeth Olsen, starlet of the moment, was being feted in the Garden Room. Meanwhile, the main dining room featured its usual mix of moguls (Barry Diller, Ron Perelman), talking heads (Al Roker) and high-profile editors (Jon Meacham).

Al Roker, Ron Perelman, and Peggy Siegal Fetes Elizabeth Olsen (FBNY)