A Woman, A Voice, A Myth

Having been extensively enlarged and updated, the exhibit, Marie Callas: A Woman, A Voice, A Myth is being presented by the Istituto italiano di Cultura. Under the banner of the Ring Festival LA, it's a rare opportunity to relive Callas' life and art; the great soprano who was praised by poets and artists. From her stage costumes, jewels and precious belongings, letters to celebrities and a large collection of photographs, visitors can imagine the appeal of her feminine charm and legendary voice. I sat transfixed watching a documentary of this mythical diva while her arias played and her beautiful face looked down upon me. Through April 23rd, call 310-443-3250 for opening hours.

Got dessert covered during Passover

Flourless cupcakes baked with all the goodness of CRUMBS! Their collections will bring the wonderful flavors of the holiday to your celebration - chocolate, vanilla, nuts and raspberry!* Please note that though their bakery maintains Kosher guidelines throughout the holiday, their flourless cupcakes are not Kosher for Passover. For Passover Catering in the Los Angeles area, please call (323)466-2200x1 to place your order. Flourless cupcakes only Crumbs! could bake. Located two blocks from the hotel on Little Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills.

Get a Clue

Read an article recently that the children's book character, Nancy Drew, turns 80 this month. Never wimpy or whining, Nancy used her wits and smarts to get out of all sorts of jams. Written by a slew of ghost writers, no pun intended, there have been 500 Nancy Drew mysteries written and there seems no end in sight for the Americas favorite teenage sleuth and an inspiration to this inquiring mind. http://www.nancydrewsleuth.com/

Unveiled - Bridal Style Revealed

Today, the corner of La Cienega Blvd and Melrose Place was transformed into a bridal walk of style. Every fabulous bakery showed off their delectable wedding tiers including traditional butter cakes but also chocolate, carrot, red velvet, raspberry, lemon and sponge. I tried a bite of each and floated down Melrose Place on a sugar high. The floral arrangements, place settings of china, bride's maid dresses, bubbly drinks and spun sugary treats were overwhelming. The bridal event featured couture designers including Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuiller, Temperly London and Vera Wang. As much as I always protest that I'm allergic to brides, I didn't itch once. Instead I was impressed with the love and preparation that goes into such an event.

AHappy Client

Hi Wendy,
I just wanted to say thanks again for lunch!
It was great getting to sit down together and finally getting to know each other. The food at the Luxe is always so wonderful too. See you soon!!! Xoxo Paige [Prada Store Manager]

Lunch Date with PROST

Once again the PROST monthly lunch and networking event was great fun. Held today at Wolfgang's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, the group gathered to welcome new members. The filet mignon was perfect and I [almost] ate the whole portion. "Prost", "Prosit" from Latin "prosit" -- "may it be good for you".

Business After Dark

Business After Dark is a quarterly event held at the most exquisite cultural and entertaining venues of Beverly Hills. Tonight the location was Christopher Guy's new showroom on Wilshire Blvd. Surrounded by the creator of the world's most fabulous furnishings, stylish networking and business card exchanging was the order of business. Seen here with John and Kristy Pramik, Pramik Entertainment & Events and Brenda Koch [to my right] from the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Rodeo Drive welcomes runners

The inaugural Los Angeles Marathon was born in 1986 from the euphoric repercussions after the successful 1984 Olympics. Nicknamed "Stadium to the Sea", the 2010 course was a brand new route, highlighting iconic sites across greater Los Angeles. At approximately mid point, runners came through Beverly Hills, down famed Rodeo Drive, heading to the finish line in Santa Monica. All the different courses in the history of Los Angeles Marathon have had a tradition of encouraging entertainment along the way. Music, dancing and other sorts of entertainment keep spirits up. A total of 1,000,000 spectators lined the course and celebrated the 26,000 runners at the finish area. Seen here is Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive as guests sip their morning coffee in Cafe Rodeo.

Sheer Delight

Brunello Cucinelli and C Magazine hosted a lovely event to introduce the new collections.

"Throughout last season I have passionately labored side-by-side with my team of five hundred artisans. With dedication we have strived to capture simplicity in each piece with an emphasis on creativity and details. Serenity and Courage, Brunello Cucinelli".http://info@brunellocucinelli.com

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Thanks so much for thinking of me on my Birthday! I love the birthday info - I'm thinking of painting a room in the Purple Ash color! Hope all is well on Rodeo Drive!
Best, Christine
Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP)

Bold Move

Consider grabbing a cup of coffee-to-go from Cafe Rodeo on your way to the office! Fresh coffee to keep your spirits high and a warm 'hello' from our friendly waiters. We'd like to make your day!

A Contented Guest

Hi Wendy,
It is always a pleasure to stay at the Luxe in Beverly Hills, thank you for making it possible on my recent trip. As I mentioned I was traveling with one of the owners from the company that I work for located in Germany . He was very impressed with your Hotel and understood why I spoke so highly of your service and great location.
Looking forward to my next stay at your Hotel sometime in May/June, and will try to book in advance so I am sure to get a accommodation.
Regards, Richard [Executive Vice President, Sales for Stoll America Knitting Machinery, Inc.]

Lost Moon Radio

Last night I joined friends for an episode of Lost Moon Radio at Club Fais Do-Do. It's A Prairie Home Companion and Monty Python mixed up and [half] baked. There were comedy sketches and musical numbers, commercial breaks and performed by a company of actors and a seven-piece band. Afterward DJ Jack signs off for Live Karaoke featuring the show's house band, The Moon Units. Great fun, good beer and spirited crowd. Where: 257 West Adams Blvd. www.lostmoonradio.com

Thought for the Day

may the tide
that is entering even now
the tip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in you innocence
sail to this to that
Lucille Clifton (1934-2010), poet

Chocolate Workshop with Chef Hasty Torres

If you're a chocoholic, this will be the best class you've ever taken. Come and learn about chocolate from an expert! Guests will experience an evening of chocolate with an hour to mix and mingle and enjoy light appetizers and drinks before taking part in the chocolate demonstration.

When: Sunday, March 21st

4:00PM - 7:00PM

Madame Chocolate

212 N. Canon Dr, Beverly Hills http://chocolateworkshop.eventbrite.com/

Irish who?

Knock, Knock.

Who's there?

Irish.

Irish who?

Irish you a Happy St. Patty's Day!

Another candle on the birthday cake

Thank you for remembering my birthday...again!... and for reminding me I'm another year older!! It was great seeing you after so many years.
I'll do my best to try to book the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel.
Cheers!
Andrea [Santa Barbara Travel Bureau]

On a Missoni

This afternoon, Missoni's creative director, Angela Missoni, welcomed guests to celebrate the opening of the new Beverly Hills store. The huge sunlit space was filled with colorful fashionable fans of the knitwear that made them famous. Jennifer Albert and I met some of our favorite clients. Located at 429 N. Rodeo Drive, http://missoni.it/

Daylight Savings Time

All of us are just a big groggy this morning. Seems that the alarm went off a little earlier than usual.

Not exactly for the sandbox set

Mattel is licensing rights to the characters from Lionsgate, the studio that produces "Mad Men" for AMC. There will be 7,000 to 10,000 copies of each doll sold in speciality stores. Too bad they won't come with a full range of accessories like their on-screen characters, such as cigarettes, riding lawn mowers, cocktails,and someone else's dogtags. The dolls come instead with period accessories like hats, overcoats, pearls, and padded undergarments. Still the Mad Men era looks like fun! Don and Barbie or maybe, Midge? There's a new story line. From left, we have Joan Holloway, Roger Sterling, Don Draper and Betty Draper.

Passover Package - Perfect for stress free celebrating

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel offers a variety of stress free options for celebrating Passover with family and friends, including a Kosher Bed & Breakfast package, which is endorsed by international best-selling author Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. It's available March 30 – April 7, 2010. Priced from from $329 per night, the package includes:
Deluxe Room accommodations
Kosher Continental Breakfast
Consider our exquisite guestrooms, first-class service, beautiful views and unique access to all the glamor of Los Angeles in the heart of Beverly Hills. http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com

Date Night at The Grove

Now that Oscar Night is over, we'll all be heading out to see the movies that we didn't get around to seeing before. The Grove has just the incentive. Dinner for two (three courses), Movies for two and complimentary valet parking; every Monday through Thursday - just $30 per person. You can call 323-900-8080 for reservations. Menus at http://thegrovela.com/

A Happy Catering Client

Jennifer,
I’m glad everyone was able to enjoy the cookies!
I can’t put into words how amazing you are! You made Friday night’s event beyond what I could have imagined! You are incredible at your job and the hotel is extremely lucky to have you on their team! Everything was fabulous – the food, staff, service, accommodations…everything!
Hope this Oscar weekend is a good one for the hotel!
Best,
Jennifer Yang Flowers

Alice in Wonderland

When I use a word, Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less." - Lewis Carroll

Tomorrow Australians in Film is screening Alice at Disney Studios!

We're all looking forward to meeting the young woman who plays our heroine during the Q&A. The Mad Hatter, a genuine fashionista, will be there in spirit.

Thought for the day

The principle function of March is to use up the winter weather that wouldn't fit into February.
- Doug Larson

The More the Merrier

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wilshire Blvd has a new exhibition featuring campaign art for all of the 80 nominated films from 1927/28 to 1944. These were the years when the Academy was in the practice of nominating ten films for Best Picture; a practice they are returning to this year! As you browse through the gallery, located on the Grand Lobby Gallery, it is fascinating (and surprising) to see the choices among the ten Best. Open Tuesday through Friday, for more information visit http://www.oscars.org/

The pleasure was all mine

Dear Wendy, It was a plesasure to meet you, and thank you for dinner. We had a blast and look forward to see you again and hear more wild stories.
Sincerely, Kirsten [Regional Manager, Charles Krug Winery of Napa Valley]