Fourth of July screenings

On July 1 – 3 and July 5, The Paley Center for Media will celebrate Independence Day with screenings of Liberty! The American Revolution, a six-part Peabody Award-winning PBS miniseries documenting the 25-year period of the Revolutionary War. In addition, quintessential American shows will be featured such as The Andy Griffith Show, The Adventures of Superman, Happy Days and The Mickey Mouse Club. Screenings start at 1pm. http://www.paleycenter.org/

Adele at the Hollywood Bowl

Last night I kicked off my Hollywood Bowl season with a concert by Adele, the 2009 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist. Adele claims that she was influence by the music of Etta James in her teens, when by accident she stumbled on the artists' CDs in a local HMV store while looking for a new hairdo. She loved the blond waves and glimmer gold dress worn by Etta James on the album cover. Sunday nights line-up was to be Etta James followed by Adele. But alas, Etta was too ill to perform. Adele gave the sold-out audience exactly what they wanted including her hit, "Chasing Pavements". She charmingly added, as you say in America, "Sidewalks." It was a lovely night to be at the Bowl and at one point Adele got out her cell phone and the crowd said 'hi' to her mum!http://www.HollywoodBowl.com

"HappyHappy"

As I walked through the assemblage of 99-cent Only Store plastic goods, hung like columns at LACMA West, I was reminded of the mass-produced and inexpensive junk that we used and throw away in our modern busy lives. The eye-popping construction was purchased by artist, Choi Jeong-Hwa from local stores near the installation site. This piece kicks off a major exhibition which opens Sunday in LACMA's Broad Contemporary Museum. As a visitor, you're encourage to walk through "HappyHappy" on your way to the show of installations, sculpture, drawings animation and video art. This photo was taken in the middle of the suspended bins, tubs, funnels, cups, strainers and bowls. Enjoy! Some of it will look familiar.http://www.lacma.org

A Happy Client

I would like to recognize the excellent service received from the valet person, Raul. My boss had a lunch meeting inside the Luxe. She valeted her car, but her car would not start. Raul was very nice and courteous as he watched the vehicle until I arrived and then till AAA arrived.
I just wanted to let you know I was impressed with the service and did not get a chance to let my boss know how wonderful Raul was since she was in a lunch meeting. But if you could let him know that I appreciated his help today.
Thank you.
Emmy Murano
Assistant to Bonnie Fuller

Celebrity spotlight

Check out http://www.gofugyourself.com/. Someone has a great sense of humor. Fugly is the new pretty.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Founder, Candace Nelson, has finally done it. To avoid the lines at their Beverly Hills signature shop on Little Santa Monica Blvd, you might hail the new mobile cupcakery, stocked with 1,500 signature treats. The cupcake truck is now cruising the city with the handcrafted cakes made from the finest ingredients and topped with Sprinkles trademark modern dots, rich chocolate sprinkles from France or seasonal sugar decorations. They are deliciously sophisticated update on the American classic. I consider red velvet to be sweet bliss! http://www.sprinkles.com/ It's vantastic!

Italy-America Chamber of Commerce

Padding my pockets with business cards, this seemed like an excellent opportunity to meet and network with members and guests of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West. The lovely patio of Il Moro restaurant in West Los Angeles set the tone for the 'business mixer'. Seen here mixing with IACCW Executive Director Letizia Miccoli and her husband B.G. and Lynda Simonetti from Beverly Hilton Hotel. The yogurt with a dash of sea salt and Sicilian olive oil was absolutely delicious. http://www.IACCW.com

Thought for the day

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." -Christopher Robin

2009 L.A. Film Festival

Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd is a supporting sponsor of the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival.
Our sister property hosted the Filmmaker Retreat last week, welcoming filmmakers from around the world. On Saturday night I caught a screening of the disturbing English film, Bronson, directed and written by Nicholas Winding Refn that is playing in the International Showcase of the festival. It stars Tom Hardy in a powerful peformance. The film is certainly not for the faint of heart. Seen here in the Zone Lounge on Westwood Blvd is Susie Dobson, film director Kevin James Dobson, me and Joan Stein Jenkins.
Go see a film, the festival runs through June 28th. http://www.lafilmfestival.com/

2009 Rodeo Drive Conrours d'Elegance

Who says drinking and driving doesn't mix? I found this adorable Fiat at the 2009 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance today, Sunday, June 21st. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the free event was open to the public. Awards ceremony took place at 12 noon at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Brighton Way. Cheers!

Boolean Valley

Yesterday, I slipped over to the Pacific Design Center location of MOCA where they were showcasing a collaborative project between potter Adam Silverman and architect Nader Tehrani. The site-specific installation, organized by guest curator Julie Lazar, is comprised of cut, clay objects glazed in a colorful compound of cobalt, silicon, and carbide that together form a topographic sculptural landscape derived from the principle of Boolean logic. Hint: walk around the entire piece as it changes in depth and light. Installation at MOCA Pacific Design Center, March 22–July 5, 2009.http://www.moca.org/

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
Thanks for stopping by today with the great bags of goodies! It was great to meet you and I’m sorry you missed Cora.
I know you usually work with Cora, but I’m glad to finally put a face to a name since I occasionally email you also.
Hope you had a great weekend, Mari [Mari Tsuchiyama, Event Coordinator,International Event Company] www.internationaleventcompany.com

Taschen's Super Deal

TASCHEN Warehouse SALE! Thousands of slightly damaged and display copies from TASCHEN on sale at bargain basement prices, 50-75% off. I scored a fabulous Salgado photography book! Taschen Beverly Hills: June 19 - 21, Friday, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm http://www.taschen.com/

Farragut North

The Geffen Playhouse's performance of Farragut North is the final production of their 08/09 season. It was a wonderful ensemble cast that provided a razor sharp conclusion to their diverse season. How do we really know what deals are made behind-the-scene during these tense political campaigns? Producing Director, Gilbert Cates, puts it best, "With Farragut North, Willimon [playwright] creates a quick witted fiction that reminds us that the truth frequently does not matter nearly as much as perception...". Let Chris Pine and Chris Noth take you on an insider's view of the political beast! http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/ Seen here with Margit Haut, Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd, Ken Novice, Managing Director and Susie Dobson, Dobson PR.

Father's Day is around the corner

On Sunday June 21, The Paley Center for Media is screening a variety of television shows featuring classic sitcom fathers, from the wise and patient Ward Cleaver, Jim Anderson and Cliff Huxtable to the abrasive and outrageous Archie Bunker, Al Bundy and Peter Griffin. Whatever their parenting style, these unique dads guarantee a fun, laugh-filled afternoon.
Also, in conjunction with the annual Rodeo Drive Concours D’Elegance car show,
they are screening television programs that feature famous automobiles. The screenings begin at 12:15 pm. The Paley Center for Media is located at 465 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. http://paleycenter.org/

A Contented Guest

Katrina,
I had a wonderful stay at the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive. I want to extend my thanks to you and the team for providing first class accommodations. Mike Ferguson, FLUID Interiors

Sunday in the park

One doesn't see this very often in Los Angeles. Or at least I don't. Spotted this artist at Pan Pacific Park, just east of The Grove. Everyone who walked by, young and old alike, stopped to watch him for a while.

“You’ll find in no park or city, a monument to a committee” – Victoria Pasternak

Anime! High Art – Pop Culture

After leaving a screening last evening at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, I stopped to take in the full grand lobby exhibit of Anime! This multi-media exhibition spotlights the art of Japanese animation, features nearly 400 cells, clips and character models from popular anime movies and series as “Akira”, “Dragon Ball Z”, “Ghost in the Shell”, “Pokeman: The First Movie”, and “Princess Mononoke”. Japanese comics have been a strong influence on modern art and this is a rare glimpse at artwork that has seldom been seen outside of Japan. http://oscars.org/ If this doesn't do it for you, there are multiple screenings every month straight from the Academy vaults.

Cartier: 100 Years in America

Cartier is currently celebrating its American centennial the way anyone who's managed to succeed for a century would. The traveling exhibit of its most sparkling achievements arrived in Beverly Hills on June 1st. I just returned from the Rodeo Drive store where I gazed on such creations as Elizabeth Taylor's La Peregrina mid-16th century pearl on a natural pearl, ruby and diamond necklace, Princess Grace's platinum and diamond Poodle Clip-brooch, and a heart-shaped sapphire ring belonging to Sir Elton John. “100 Creations,” includes everything from one-of-a-kind jewels to objects, to pieces celebrities commissioned are on display. The book which is being released June 15, 2009 is called Cartier I Love You.

Robert Graham Day

Today was declared Robert Graham Day in Beverly Hills by City Council proclamation! A large gathering of admirers listened attentively as Beverly Hills Vice mayor Jimmy Delshad, Fred Hayman, Peri Ellen Berne and Steve Graham spoke with great affection for the sculptor, Robert Graham. His aluminum "Torso" remains the iconic symbol of Rodeo Drive's Walk of Fashion. Seen here accepting the proclamation is Angelica Houston with "Torso" in the background. Graham is greatly missed.

Seen at the Luxe

Whispered about today at the Luxe: Michelle Trachtenberg of "Gossip Girls" having a luncheon meeting. It would be just pure gossip if I mentioned anything else.

Thought for the day

I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it. - Rita Mae Brown

MEXICO

One of L.A.'s most beloved restaurateurs and chefs, Larry Nicola was busy opening a new restaurant in West Hollywood. Proving once again that he's an innovator and trendsetter for the restaurant industry. My friend, Andy Harris, and I had a great dinner last night. Here I am relaxing on the outdoor patio after a savory basket of guacamole, wood smoked black beans and pork in a green tomatillo sauce. Here's a hint: Larry bought all the hot pink paint in Los Angeles for MEXICO, corner of La Cienega Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd. You won't miss it.

Seen in Cafe Rodeo

My heart skipped a beat when I noted actor, Ioan Gruffudd, having breakfast in Cafe Rodeo this morning. Although most recognizable for his role as Reed Richards [or Mr. Fantastic] in the feature comic book adaptation "Fantastic Four" [2005 and again 2007], I adored him as the fictional naval officer, "Horatio Hornblower" [1998 -2003]. Ioan was the real 'master and commander'.

A Contented Guest

Thank you Wendy; I certainly will stay again in LUXE when my next travel is in your area, kindest regards, Jan [Postma, G.A. International]

Wally's Champagne Tasting Event

Wally's Champagne Tasting event was very successful yesterday. Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard's Chef Olivier Rousselle's menu was very popular and deemed the best pairing with Champagne by many. He served crab salad with yuku and green apple in phyllo cups with a shot of white gazpacho (or ajo blanco). And for desert, peach mousse with pralines and cherry on a porcelain spoon. Not to mention, we were in a fabulous spot between Bollinger & Laurent Perrier. Lesley Balla the editor of Tasting Table LA promised to come into the restaurant, On Sunset, soon!

Seen at the Luxe: Michael Kors

Michael Kors filmed a spot for their fall collection at their signature store located at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive today. Since his collection was established, it has never strayed from Kors' initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear. He's so fabulous!

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,
Sorry to have missed meeting you. We really enjoyed our brief stay and are sure to return now that we know about this little 'jewel' of a hotel. Jessica was so nice to serve us after the kitchen was closed. Please thank her again. She was lovely.
We are off on our adventure to Nepal. Hope to meet you soon.
Winnifred and Kevin Reilly [Lamar Advertising Company]

Rare

Enjoyed a rare night out meeting photographer, Nicole Maloney, who has realized her vision in a series of fascinating portraits. RARE pairs the most interesting individuals from all walks of life with wild animals. Says Nicole, "I want to show the world their significance and magnificence as a species both in the human and animal form." Further, Nicole will donate 100% of her royalties for RARE to The International Rescue Committee. Seen here at Versace event and book signing with Susie Dobson, Todd Martins, Versace Boutique Manager.

My friend, Melissa, surprised me with a belated birthday present last night. We had gone out to a performance of "Bengal Tiger at the Bagdad Zoo" at the new Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City. Surprise! It was a brooch that the artist calls Rissarossi, dedicated to her late grandmother who taught her to sew and to appreciate used materials. The rose shaped pin is made from a recycled zipper! Lovely to see that Taija and others are finding ways to reclaim the endless stream of left-over and discarded stuff. Melissa found this 'find' at MOMA. http://www.seccoshop.com

Thought for the day

We can do no great things; only small things with great love. -Mother Teresa

Land of the Lost

As the Will Ferrell movie adaptation of The Land of the Lost hits theaters this June, The Paley Center for Media on Beverly Drive will feature episodes of the original cult 1970s version created by puppeteer masters Sid and Marty Krofft. In addition, other delightfully weird and wacky Krofft programs such as H.R. Pufnstuf, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, The Bugaloos, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl will be screened. Could be fun spending some 'lost time' over the lunch hour. June 03 – June 20 at 12:30pm http://www.paleycenter.org/

A Happy Client

Thank you Wendy! I will let the others know, in case it is not offered as such. I (we) appreciate all you’ve done.
Oh, and great blog…I’m originally from WI as well (Appleton – Fox Valley)…
ROBB JENSEN, CID, LEED-AP [Associate / Design Manager]

A Happy Guest

Dear Sherwin,
All I can say “WOW”! We had such a great time and enjoyed your enormous hospitality welcome at your hotel, from the moment we checked in to our check-out the next day, it was a wonderful experience! My boyfriend could not believe his eyes (and so did I J) when we walked into the suite. He said that it was a birthday experience he will never forget.
Thank you and I hope to work with you soon on future events.
Best regards,
Nancy Walsh [Senior Manager Special Events and Promotions, The Promotional Edge, Inc.]

Avenues of Art & Design

Saturday was the 12th Annual Avenues of Art & Design Artwalk and the neighborhood’s sidewalks flowed with spirited fashionable participants. It was a great chance to explore one of L.A.’s premier destinations for cutting edge designers, decorative arts and galleries. There were tastings and drinks along the avenue and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I kept running into friends and associates along the way.