Luxe Worldwide Hotels Dinner

Fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, once said, “A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness.” This could certainly have been said of our dinner tonight in Café Rodeo. Chef Michelle Francis did a splendid job serving our party of 26 for Luxe Worldwide Hotels. We hosted a group of LA-based travel agents and hoteliers from New York to Cabo. Delicious from soup to chocolate mousse. Shown here are Jerry Greenberg from Cassis Travel, me, Jeff Perrine from Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay, Tal Golan from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive and Sam Jagger from Palms Place in Las Vegas.

Academy Awards viewing party

Attending an awards-viewing party is a bit like indulging in that circle of gossip and trivia shared in a high school lunchroom clique. Except that the food is so much better. My friends, James and Kevin, outdid themselves this year with a six course meal and swag bags to boot. The evening began with an English gin, elderflower liqueur and rose water fountain, an obvious homage to Atonement. There was an oil tasting, pesticide free greens with goat cheese, spicy Mexican short rib tacos and a trifle bloody. I especially liked Kevin’s twist on a Martha Stewart classic sugar cookie in the shape of a finger with dyed [red] almond nails. In closing, I’d like to thank James, Kevin, Sharon and Emilia for putting on a memorable party, worth every calorie.

A Happy Travel Agent

Wendy –
You are so thoughtful to remember my birthday. I received your note with your well wishes. You are so sweet!
Take care,
xoxoxox
Susan Moore
Account Manager, Provident Financial Management

Julian Schnabel

Neo-expressionist aesthete and, most recently, award-winning feature-film director Julian Schnabel takes a break from the red carpet (Diving Bell and the Butterfly) with a return to the gallery walls. The people watching was only a temporary distraction. His latest paintings, derived from hospital x-rays dating form the early twentieth century, depict ethereal skeletal fragments transcending the relationship between art and life.
"Art is not leisure; art is a utilitarian thing that people can use to find a way into their interior life." - Julian Schnabel Worth a visit to Gagosian Gallery on Camden Drive. Through March 22nd.

Tragedy, really

Had the pleasure of being invited to celebrate a new book by Jacob Weisberg at the home of Arianna Huffington last evening. It felt a bit like floating in a crowd of great minds, with some celebrities thrown in for good measure. The Bush Tragedy or How George W. Bush Fulfilled his Fate is Weisberg's latest. We toasted the end of his eight years with rosemary scented champagne. Pictured with me are Nancy Snow, author of The Arrogance of American Power and Information War, and Steven Weinshel.

Fendi's baguette

Fendi has done it again! It will be difficult to resist the fabulous new arm candy in honor of the 10th anniversary of their infamous baguette bag. They've enlisted big-name artists to design versions for auction. Jeff Koons and Will Cotton are among my favorite sweets! Walk across the street and say 'hello' to spring.

A Happy Guest

Dear Wendy:
Thank you for the fruit bowl! Scrumptious.
Everyone has been so very nice and accommodating.
I am enjoying my stay. Please let me know if you will have some time to have a cocktail and/or a bite with me and Joe.
Kind regards, Joseph
Joseph DeVito
Retail Training Manager
GUCCI America http://www.gucci.com/

BCAM opens

Yes, the 60,000-square-foot Broad Contemporary Art Museum is now officially part of LACMA. Named after the museum's benefactors, Eli and Edythe Broad, the BCAM will house Broad’s amazing collection of 176 pieces by 28 contemporary artists in this shiny new $56 million spread designed by Renzo Piano. BCAM opened to the public Feb 16, 5905 Wilshire Blvd (between Fairfax and Curson), Miracle Mile, 323-857-6000. Pictured here at the entrance to BCAM with Chris Burden's "Urban Light," a collection of 202 vintage street lamps that stand in tight formation in the background. Artist, Barbara Kruger wrote, "This piece is about history, the built environment, side-street spectacle and so much more. You can almost read it as logo for the museum."

Creative Growth

On Saturday, I had the good fortune to view a wonderful gallery of art at one of my favorite clothing stores, Lost and Found. In an adjacent storefront, the owner has mounted a show with art provided by Oakland's Creative Growth art centre, which for 32 years has provided space and support for marginalized artists. This pioneering non-profit centre was founded by a psychologist and an artist as a place for de-institutionalized mentally and developmentally disabled people to come and cultivate artistic skills. It's been described as art school, except without the self-doubt, posing, competition and careerism. I found the work remarkable and the opportunity to give disenfranchised people a chance to support and express themselves - brilliant. http://www.creativegrowth.org/

Galerie Michael on Rodeo Drive

Where Magazine hosted a wine reception at Galerie Michael this week. The Galerie is showcasing works on paper by Picasso which we all enjoyed. Open 7 days a week, fine art is just a short walk from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. Seen with me here are Tal Golan, Director of Guest Services and Jennifer Albert, Special Events Manager.

Downtown Art Walk - Happy Valentine's Day with friends

The Downtown Art Walk is a self-guided tour which showcases the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles — commercial art galleries, museums, and non-profit arts venues. I joined some friends for Valentine’s evening walk and dinner. We were excited to visit Martin Gantman and “Old Friends”, his latest solo exhibit encompassing a series of post cards that portray the stories of unexpected meetings with friends during his international travels. “Running into old friends” was a sly reference tying the written work to the photographed image. Picture here is Martin Gantman and me, plus Nadine and Georg. Watch for the next Downtown Art Walk on the second Thursday of March.

What did one lightbulb say to the other? I love you a whole watt.

Dear Wendy
Thank you for the kind words.
Happy Valentine as well!
~Alicia
Alicia Taylor,Senior Product Development Executive - Quikbook.com

Madame Chocolat

Received my first Valentine wish today...

Happy LOVE day!!
Merci beaucoup,
Hasty Torres
Madame Chocolat, Inc.
212 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

http://www.madame-chocolat.com/

Waisler opening at Sundaram Tagore Gallery

Sundaram Tagore Gallery’s inaugural exhibition in Beverly Hills, “Lee Waisler: The Portraits,” opened on Saturday February 9, with a reception from 6 to 8:30p.m. Waisler, an L.A.-born artist, is noted by critics as “speaking to the soul of society.” Waisler describes his upcoming show of portraits as a humanistic look at some of the world’s most renowned and notable leaders.
Tagore said, “These are portraits of people who have defined the modern world and have expanded our view of life – they are historic and heroic figures such as Virginia Woolf, Freud, and Eleanor Roosevelt – these are people who have had a deep impact and have defined the modern world. They are symbolic of hope for the next century.”
Gallerist Sundaram Tagore said, “We are thrilled to be here. As one of the few New York galleries that has opened in L.A., we know that there is enormous interest as well as a discerning, international, and culturally sophisticated audience here. We are excited to share our artists’ work in this setting.”

Seen in the Luxe Lobby

Angie Stone, nominated for the Best R&B Performance by a Duo/Group last night, was seen in the lobby over the weekend. Stone began [modestly] singing gospel music in her home town of Columbia SC, and now is defined as an American R&B, soul and neo-soul singer, songwriter, keyboardist, record producer and occasional actress. We think she's a hit!

MOCA opening

Friday night, MOCA on Grand Avenue opened its doors to the best of the permanent collection. It felt like taking Modern Art 101 to walk from gallery to gallery of some of the finest modern artists of the 20th century. This student will be going back for another lesson. Seen here with my friend, Pamela, at the entrance.

Barneys Warehouse Sale

It's the time of year when Barneys fills an entire airport hangar with the best sale merchandise. You'll find stacks of clothes from every imaginable designer marked down 50 - 75%. But you'll still be putting on hose great finds in the aisles. Feb. 7 - 18 at Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. 3021 Airport Avenue in Santa Monica.

A Happy Guest

Wendy,
Good morning and Happy Chinese New year!
Thank you for all of your assistance. The clients were happy with their accommodations. Looking forward to the next opportunity to bring in our clients.
Best regards, Andy Seshiki, Production Supervisor, Duroo Productions

On Voting

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
- John Quincy Adams (American 6th US President, 1825 – 29, and eldest son of John Adams, 2nd US President)

Cyberspace dating

I just signed up for one of those dating websites.

LMG Studio

How could I miss the opening of Laurent Saint-Cricq's salon on LaCienega Blvd? His extraordinary PR guru [and wife] wouldn't let me. I am so excited for their new venture and fabulous location. The large crowd that gathered on Wednesday night was equally enthusiastic. A bevy of Playmates joined the festivities, as Laurent is the official hair dresser for the Playboy Mansion. Congratulations and good luck! Seen here: Me (crazy in my running duds) and Florence Saint-Cricq