Appreciation Night

Every year the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce holds an elegant evening exclusively reserved for the business community. It was such a balmy evening on the cobblestone via at Two Rodeo this evening. Constantly running into friends and business neighbors while enjoying wine, food and live music for a few hours. Seen here with Dan Walsh, CEO of the BHCC and Rudy Valentino, photographer.

Child's Play in the Kitchen

In honor of the new feature film, Julie and Julia, starring Meryl Streep, the Paley Center is pleased to screen a sampler of 'delicious morsels' - as Julia Child herself might say - from their collection of memorable moments of her television shows. Excerpts from Ms. Child's interview at The Museum of Television and Radio and one of her earliest programs in which she prepares chicken with vegetables and risotto from The French Chef [1963] is also included. Julia forever changed the way we think about food and we love her for it! Through August 23rd at 12:15pm : The Remarkable Career of Julia Child. http://www.paleycenter.org/

A Happy Travel Agent

Dear Wendy,
Thank you so much for lunch. I just told Stan about your lovely, quiet, good service, good food restaurant. We will be over soon. I'm also letting the entire office know about this secret hideaway. Talk with you soon. Best, Adrienne [Protravel International]

Running from the Paparazzi

Running from the paparazzi seems to happen all the time in Beverly Hills but in this case it-s a 4-mile run from Wilshire Blvd to glamorous Rodeo Drive. The popular paparazzi tour includes a jog along Robertson Blvd, the streets of Beverly Hills and some quick window-shopping. The cost in $60 per person which includes an exclusively designed t-shirt, bottled water, fresh fruit and if you're good, a frosted cupcake at the end. http://www.offnrunningtours.com/

Hymn of Life: Tulips

Tulips by artist, Yayoi Kusama, is taking joggers and strollers alike by surprise on the park trail just beyond the flats in Beverly Hills. This whimsical piece of sculpture is constructed of fiberglass, ceramic tile and steel and was commission by the City of Beverly Hills Public Art Fund. The Hymn of Life is a bold and sprightly colored three-dimensional piece that delights; and although polka-dots have become her trademark Yayoi often experiments with other mediums. It is also the first public outdoor sculpture in the United states by the renowned Japanese artist.

A Happy Client

It was so lovely to see you both. I'm thrilled you [Wendy] organized such a nice treat! The Luxe is still a great place to hang and have a fabulous meal. Thanks. I hope to see you both again, Alba [Gibson, Marketing + Communications]
Wendy, thank you for a stellar evening. We had a GREAaaat time. Gotta' get some truffle oil. I think, like Bluebonnet, that everything could be better with truffle oil on it. See you next week! Thank you again for a fun Luxe evening. Jean [Dickinson]

American Commercials

Last night was the 18th annual AICP show, The Art and Technique of the American Commercial. The Museum of Modern Art is a wonderful partner of AICP bringing the Show to the attention of thousands, as part of MoMA's film archives. This year's winners in various categories such as production, visual style, cinematography, design, editorial, graphic design, music, animation and humor were outstanding.

We've had some work done too

This evening we invited our favorite doctors and staff to a cocktail reception to unveil our new look. Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive has been undergoing a meticulous makeover for most of the year

and as befitting the only hotel on world famous Rodeo Drive, were were due for a little 'work'.

Sherwin Banda, General Manager, looked especially dashing in white.

And I looked pretty happy surrounded

with all those plastic surgeons.

A Happy Guest

Wendy, Thanks again so much for lunch today! It was great fun catching up with you and we'll do it again one day or even on evening. Be well. In light, Patricia [Douglas Emmett]

Wordles

One of my latest addictions is http://www.wordles.com/. Everyone who is close to me knows that I spend my lunch hour each day doing one of these puzzles which I receive by e-mail daily. Today's puzzle was:
P CWCTQPNCH QMOITMK RJPKC P NJMSSCH, LEI PI RVN ITEKB V OCVT-HCLT CWSCTOCOQC. Hint: K = L
The message was perfect for me as I managed to shop all of Melrose Place and the big three department stores on Wilshire Blvd last Saturday afternoon. What restraint I exercised!

XOORO, pronounced Sure-Oh

Premium Spanish fritters, otherwise known as churros, are the latest craze. The second branch just opened in West Hollywood featuring their special brand of Spanish desserts with a modern twist. I tried the one called Mississippi with peanut butter filled and dark chocolate and peanut crumbles. Bring the gym bag out. I'll be working it off later today. http://www.xooro.com/

Farmers Market Birthday Celebration

Through July 19th, The Farmers Market, an L.A. institution, celebrates its 75th anniversary with a weekend of special events. Fine live music and festivities. Hard to believe that it was once a chicken ranch in 1880. Then 'up from the ground came-a-bubbling crude; oil that is' and the rest is history. Where CBS is now located there was a formula car racing track and an outdoor movie theater. During the Depression, someone got the bright idea to sell fruits and vegetables from the back of trucks; eventually there was a permanent structure. You'll find me at Loteria on weekends! Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles 323.933.9211

A Happy Client

Greetings Wendy and Jennifer,
Thank you both so much for taking time out of your busy schedules to have lunch with our Associate Art Director and me. It was a sincere treat to get such a hospitable welcome and to enjoy lunch with you both.
Thank you Wendy for extending the invitation and allowing us both to come experience Café Rodeo. Kindest regards to you both!
Christine [Noriega, Senior Circulation & Special Events Mgr., Where Los Angeles magazine]

oh oh la la

Last night I attended a reception for the Consul General of France at the Pacific Design Center. Honestly, I have no idea what the event was for because everyone spoke French except for me. I met a charming man in the elevator on the way to the 4th floor who said something to me and I laughed coyly and jumped out of the cab as quickly as possible. But I enjoyed some French cheeses and Champagne. http://www.franceguide.com/

Thanks to Cafe Rodeo

Hey Wendy,
Thanks for the great reception. The hotel is great and so are the rooms and staff. I look forward to booking the Luxe hotel. Sincerely, Louise Foster [US1Travel]

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
As always….every year without fail you remember my birthday. I received your card and astrology information regarding my cancer moon child sign. Thank you so much. I hope you’re well?!
Warmest Regards, Darin [Specialized Coordinator - American Express @ Sony Music Entertainment]

"Up" in 3-D

Finally I saw Pixar's new film, "Up"! Hollywood Blvd seemed to be extra crowded on Sunday but El Capitan offered a cool atmosphere in which to get out of the afternoon heat, enjoy a brief stage show and see a beautifully animated movie. Seen here in my 3-D glasses and my friend, Janine, and the 'ole ole' dance number with Chip 'n Dale.

Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

It's one of the best things to do on a Saturday evening in Los Angeles. At first the idea of seeing a movie in a cemetery might seem a little creepy. But Cinespia has a terrific line-up of films; they only ask for a donation of $10 per person and parking is $5. This past Saturday, I joined friends for "Night of the Iguana", based on a Tennessee Williams play. And oddly, director, John Huston, can be found nearby. Gates open at 6:30 PM. Picnic baskets and plenty of blankets are recommended. It can get cool and damp after the sun goes down.

Silent Movie Theatre

The Silent Theatre is no longer silent, but is showing rare movies of all kinds. Located at 611 North Fairfax Avenue, repertory films will be shown four days a week! Their first venture was a Jim Henson retrospective beginning with rare shorts, industrial films, crazy commercials, TV pilots and an experimental film on 33 mm. Who knew Kermit sold sausages in the 1950's? "Time Piece" showed Henson's talent for making music out of every day sounds. http://cinefamily.org/

Thought for the day

Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.
-Anthony J. D'Angelo

Happy Travel Agents

Dear Wendy,
Thanks so much for yesterday. The agents enjoyed the tour and hotel immensely. I look forward to doing more in sales. I am emailing Gilles today and we will set up an appointment.
Sincerely, Philip Davies, Director of Sales [US1Travel.com Inc ] & Nataliya Videnova [US1Travel]

Spamalot

What can be said about Monty Python's Spamalot, which won a Tony Award the year it opened on Broadway? It was a silly fisch schlapping evening! Through September 6th, check the following website for tickets http://www.centertheatregroup.org/ Seen here with Lisa Mesaros, Sales Coordinator. Friday is her last day at work so this was a laugh-filled way to exit. Remember to always "Look on the Bright Side of Live".

A Happy Travel Agent

That was so sweet of you to remember! (my birthday)
Thank you so much. XO Pamela Richmond, Travel Consultant [Cassis Travel Services, Inc.]

Tribute to Michael Jackson

The curtain is slowly rising on Michael Jackson's last show. Tuesday's public memorial at the downtown Staples Center is adding up to what could be the biggest celebrity send-off of all time. The whole world will miss you, Michael.

A Contented Guest

Thnx Wendy:
Truly enjoyed the stay & service.
Keep up the good work and people like me will be back.
Good luck!
Reuven Oded, Managing Partner, Blue Rock Partners LLC

Red, White and Blue

Spent the Fourth of July with Melissa Volpert, The Standard Hotel, and her sister & two nieces. I miss my nieces ssoooo much that Melissa thought I needed a dose of 'auntiehood'. The fireworks at the beach were terrific. Followed by fresh picked strawberries, whipped cream and some blue sprinkles.

Happy Fourth of July

Q: Did you hear the one about the liberty bell?

A: Yeah, it cracked me up.

Happy Independence Day!

Girls Night Out

Grab a few friends and get together at the Geffen Playhouse for some theater and a little post-main-stage party fun on select Thursday evenings. This week, Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd hosted Girls Night Out where they featured a variety of appetizers, drink and fashion partner, Perry Ellis swimwear. Additionally there were summer bronzing tips for POP Beauty artists. Camping it up with Sunset's Director of Sales, Margit Haut. http://wwwgeffenplayhouse.com/

A Happy Travel Agent

Hey Wendy,
Thanks so much for remembering by B-Day - that was so sweet...
Another year bites the dust! But all I can say is it beats the alternative! I'm glad to celebrate each year...
Have a great 4th...Best, jm
Jeanmarie Galati, The Travel Girls

Presto, Chango

With all of the sales tempting us away from our zero-balance credit cards. Here's a fresh idea: three (3) hrs of in-home "Closet Reinvention" with StyleChic's Aly Scott. It's a unique way to re-invent your wardrobe, without spending money. She creates new looks for you, by utilizing pieces you already have in your closet. Change up your closet for Summer 2009, but don't go into your bank account! http://www.stylechicla.com/closetreinvention.html