The Musing of DivineJoy

Lunch: The Supersized Edition: Laura Bush Holds Court

— DIANE CLEHANE

Well, now I’ve seen everything. When I spotted Todd Palin’s picture with his son enjoying Central Park in today’s paper I thought, wouldn’t it be a kick if Sarah Palin showed up at Michael’s today? Turns out she was the only boldface name within 50 miles that wasn’t at 55th & Fifth. There was so much power (the real kind, not the kind that gets you a free pair of Jimmy Choos) in the dining room today that I’m surprised the whole place didn’t collapse under its own weight. When the front desk got a last minute call that Laura Bush would like to come by for a quick bite, some serious strategizing was needed to keep the captains of levitra kaufen industry and media mavens happy while tending to W’s missus. Oh, and there was a little party in the back thrown by Peggy Siegal celebrating the premiere of Lifetime’s Living Proof which brought out the film’s stars Harry Connick Jr. (totally charming), Amanda Bynes (who texted throughout lunch), Renee Zellweger (who exec produced the whole shebang). I chatted with Cosmo editrix Kate White (looking every inch the power gal in red) while I watched Bernadette Peters, Lynn Whitfield, Christiane Amanpour, Karen Duffy, and Trudie Styler file in. Worlds collided when Sharon Bush, who was at the lunch, stopped by on her way out to say hello to Laura. A little birdie told me she didn’t get the warmest reception. Perhaps she’s heard about Sharon’s latest book she’s shopping entitled Bushology which I first reported on two weeks ago right here in this column. (Word is there’s plenty of dishy dirt served up on its pages.) I checked in with Sharon afterwards, and she told me that wasn’t the case at all. In fact, she and Laura had a nice chat about Jenna’s wedding. “Laura thanked me for sending a gift,” says Sharon, who wasn’t invited (divorces can be so messy). “I’ve known her girls since they were babies.” So there. Can you stand all this excitement? I need to go and take a nap…

Here’s the rundown on today’s crowd:

1. Kathie Lee Gifford looking cougar-ish in a leopard print sheath with her co-host Hoda Kotb (The girls were off to see Forbidden Broadway In Rehab) with Bella star Eduardo Verastegui, producer Sean Wolfington and pals. While I was chatting with ‘The Imber Gang’ at a nearby table I spotted a beautiful oil painting of Eduardo propped up against the wall. Turns out it was done by none other than Tony Bennett who once did a sketch of Eduardo while we chatted at the very same spot. Just thought you’d like to know…

2. The Imber Gang: Dr. Gerry Imber, Jerry Della Femina,