A Happy Client

Hi Wendy - I wanted to thank you so much for the reservation. I do recall meeting you at one of the DGA Awards Ceremony. Alan (Gordon) always speaks highly of you. I look forward to the stay at the hotel. I will be meeting with studios so it's a great location and seems quite calming! I will call you tomorrow because I think I would like to pay in advance, if that is possible, so I can use my new business account. I will speak to you soon. Thanks so much, again! - sincerely, marie [rosewin productions]

Taste of Beverly Hills

This all-new, all-inclusive culinary festival from the Los Angeles Times showcases the hottest celebrity chefs, restaurants, wineries and more at an elegant block party in the heart of Beverly Hills. First up is the Fashion Bites Brunch, with more than 30 of L.A.’s top brunch spots serving up unlimited tastes of their signature dishes, along with Bloody Marys, Bellinis and Mimosas, while the most famous shopping street in the world provides plenty of opportunity for browsing and buying.  Look to purchase tickets for Sunday, September 4th latimes.com/thetaste

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy!  Thank you so much for thinking of me! I’m a total “cedar” tree! (except for the part of looking down on others!)  But you’re so thoughtful.  Thanks again!   s.  [Travel Operations Coordinator, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.]

Outdoor Cinema Food Fest

Their tag line is "The Ultimate Picnic, No Basket Required" and it was all that.  Last evening, a group of us went to the outdoor cinema event at a local park in Hollywood to experience Mama Mia, the sing-a-long version.  We had a great time, noshing on burgers and fries from Rounds Truck.  Although the grass was a bit damp, there were so many enthusiastic fans and voices it was quickly forgotten.  My my how could I resist ya?  There is one more movie this summer!

Thought for the day

Rodeo Drive offers more than scented candles.  Shop more!

Thelma and Louise, 20 years later

Last evening, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, located in Beverly Hills, celebrated the 20th anniversary of this iconic road warrior film.  Geena Davis, producer, Mimi Polk Gitlin and screenwriter, Callie Khouri, appeared after the screening to talk about working on "Thelma & Louise", the instant pop culture touchstone for the '90's.  It earned six Oscar nominations with Khouri winning for her original script.  Julie Wagner, Director BHCVB, thoroughly enjoyed the buddy movie about two great friends trapped in mundane lives. 

Seen in the Luxe lobby

Today Rose McGowan was seen meeting Stephen Kamifuji, Creative Director of Genlux Magazine and The Style Group.  Known for her acting and her beauty, Ms. McGowan seemed natural and thoroughly engaged in conversation.  She's definitely an actress in full bloom.

Thought for the day

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

Gagosian Gallery's current exhibition

Gagosian Gallery  in Beverly Hills is currently featuring the work of Edgar Cleijne and Ellen Gallagher, Aaron Curry, Carsten Höller, Pierre Huyghe, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, and Richard Wright.  I was personally fascinated by Kusama’s Reach Up to the Universe, Dotted Pumpkin (2011) which conflates two of her favorite motifs, the mirror and the pumpkin, which she has described as a sort of alter-ego. A hollow form cast in aluminum, highly polished, and perforated with holes to reveal a violet interior, Reach Up… is installed in a matched monochrome environment dotted with convex mirrors of varying sizes, so that sculpture and environment endlessly reflect and multiply each other and the viewers moving between them. Through September 2nd at 456 North Camden Drive. mailto:www.losangeles@gagosian.com

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy!!  Thank you for the birthday card with the birthday tree reading…it was fun reading!  Have a great weekend!!  Best,  Julie [Williams, Altour International]

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hello Wendy,   Hope all is well.  Thank you so much for the birthday card. That was really sweet of you.  Kind Regards, Karen [Conde Nast Hotel Liaison, HRG North America]

Lemonade and Art

Still on the lookout for lemonade stands, I came across this unique concept in Larchmont Village yesterday: Lemonade and Art.  Two small children, under the watchful eye of their father, were selling lemonade and art.  For seventy-five cents, I had a very good glass of juice and a folded triptych with a beautiful yellow sun at the top.  Customers seemed a bit scarce.  They may have to think about a new marketing plan.

A Happy Client

W - Always a pleasure.  Thanks for sharing your night with us!  See you soon.  Love,  Toni [BBC Worldwide]

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy, Sorry I’m a “little” late in getting back to you. Thank you so much for remembering my birthday and for the drink coupon. Since it was a big number birthday, I had a BIG birthday party for the first time in my life. It was fabulous, but not sure when I’ll do that again…haha… See you the next time you stop by the office.  Regards, Rodger [Cunningham, Travel Consultant , Sony Pictures Entertainment]

Mind the Gap

There's a new fall collection coming straight from the top floor of a former cigar factory in L.A.’s garment district where they are making premium wearables. The label behind this trend: Gap 1969.  Although best known for designer labels, Beverly Hills also boasts a wide variety of affordable ready-to-wear on Beverly Drive and Canon Drive.  Stores off Rodeo Drive includeThe Gap, Victoria Secret, Club Monaco to name a few.  *Today [only] they are offering 40% off any Gap 1969 purchase!

An Evening with the Mayor

Seen here with members of the business community, BHCC executives and former Mayor Jimmy Delshad.

Re-elected in 2009, the Honorable Barry Brucker is serving his second term as Mayor of Beverly Hills.  Last evening the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce held their annual event for business members and local residents in which the mayor offers his State of the City Address.  Il Fornaio provided the cocktail and hors d'oeuvre reception which was followed by the Address and a Question & Answer Session.  The Mayor's speech focused on the strength of the Beverly Hills economy. Brucker announced promising retail sales, strong hotel occupancy rates, Tishman Speyer’s purchase and plans to renovate the former Hilton headquarters, as well as MGM and Google’s plans to open offices in Beverly Hills.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Thank you so much for the birthday card! So thoughtful of you! Hope all is well!  Jennifer [Spears, Sales and Marketing Coordinator / Ovation Corporate Travel]

Wisconsin State Fair's famous cream puff

I recently met an event planner who created an entire State Fair theme for her client [from Wisconsin] on his 'big' birthday.  She was able to convince the fried cheese curd guy, dill-pickle-on-a-stick vendor, cranberry growers and the original grilled pork chop truck to participate.  But the operator of the Cream Puff Pavilion wouldn't budge.  Apparently, the only event he does annually is Wisconsin's State Fair for its two week run.  There is an entire pavilion dedicated to the freshly-made powder-topped delicacy and always a line!

Wisconsin State Fair

Seen here trying deep-fried green beens.  Thankfully, not on a stick.

There has been a lot of publicity about our Midwest state fairs and the number of deep fried food choices such as deep-fried Oreos, Twinkies, cream cheese on a stick, chocolate covered bacon and bacon cheese burgers. This year we added deep fried butter to the list of food madness.  This new contender for craziest fried food [a whole stick of butter dipped in cinnamon honey batter and deep-fried] debuted at the Iowa State Fair this summer to commemorate their 100th anniversary. Now that's crazy!

Wisconsin State Fun

Just returned from a long weekend in my home state of Wisconsin.  The first day, I took the family on the historical boat tour around the Milwaukee harbor followed by a visit to the Wisconsin Cheese Mart.  We needed some refreshments and souvenirs after our two hour boat ride which included historical facts about the development of the city and a spectacular panoramic view of the Milwaukee shoreline.  There were a few ominous clouds in the sky but it was easy sailing inside the breakwaters past the infamous 'bridge to nowhere'.

Travel Fact

With a weakened dollar, the U.S. is attracting more foreign visitors as international travelers are gaining more buying power in the U.S., travel executives said. Some hotel executives say they have seen a notable increase in European visitors because of the rise in the euro against the dollar. International tourists increased their spending in the U.S. by 18% last year compared with 2009, led by visitors from Canada, Britain and Mexico, while U.S. travelers also spent more on trips abroad, according to data from Visa Inc. The latest data reflect a broad recovery last year for the travel and tourism industry. Visa's international credit-card holders visiting the U.S. spent more than $34 billion in 2010, up from $29 billion a year earlier. Visitors from Canada and Mexico increased tourism spending in the U.S. by 18%, while British travelers spending rose 11%. Breaking into the $1 billion category last year were China, Australia and France, up 64%, 32% and 6%, respectively. The top destinations were Florida, New York, California, Texas and Nevada, with each state having double-digit growth over 2009's slumping levels.

Caught on film

This evening I caught a young married couple and their wedding photographer in front of Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel.  As the only hotel on Rodeo Drive, we truly are the best photo op in town.

Time Frames

The silver dollar plant has reached new heights in Betty Weiss' latest canvases.  These mechanistic grids are reminiscent of her earlier work which emphasizes geometric order.  View her current exhibition at Sundaram Tagore Gallery on South Santa Monica Blvd. and Camden Drive, Beverly Hills.

Genlux Magazine wins!

Congratulations are in order to our Genlux team for winning a coveted 2011 Award of Excellence in the prestigious Communication Arts 52nd Annual Photography Exhibition for our editorial fashion story by photographer Erik Almas. The story was styled by Yael Gitai with makeup by Sherrie Long/Meghan McClain. Art Direction was by Stephen Kamifuji. Communication Arts is considered the premiere photographic and design competition in the world!

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,  It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday! Thanks so much for providing a walk-through of your beautiful property. I loved the Café Rodeo’s South Beach vibe and the lovely people-watching from both the bar and hotel rooms, which are beautiful. Kimberli—thank you so much for the introduction to Wendy and the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel. All my best, Beth [Brett, Director, Media Relations and Communications,LA INC. THE LOS ANGELES CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU]

Thought for the day

Champagne intensives and tastings

Classes are actually taught by their President and CEO, Nicolas Krafft, who happens to be a bit of a wine aficionado.

From silver to Champagne, Christofle is taking luxury to new heights with tastings and demonstrations, and classes teaching the art of Sabrage. They are offering the classes via a new website http://www.champagnesabrage.com/ where clients have the opportunity, not only to learn the history and evolution of Champagne, but also the art of Sabrage – the celebrated and dramatic technique used to open a bottle of sparkling wine with a saber.  There are three classes offered, ranging from the moderately-priced introductions to sabrage to more exclusive in-depth seminars.  Classes are offered wherever there are Christofle store locations; including Christofle - Beverly Hills. 

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,  Thank you so much for always remembering my birthday.  It is such a nice gesture to receive something informative about the day I was born.  Again thank you. Thank you, Susan [Pacific Design Center]

Hollywood Bowl

It's August already and this is the first time that I've attended the Hollywood Bowl this season.  There was such an fabulous ensemble cast lined up for the musical, Hairspray, that I got on the phone and gathered together a small group.  We got there early and dined in our row; new chairs with cup-holders not the old wooden benches.  We were seated in the center of section G, enjoying the cool evening air and the strong performances from members of the Broadway cast.  "You Can't Stop the Beat."

Seen in the Luxe lobby

I had the great pleasure of dining today with Miss "Justine" Pasek, crowned Miss Universe 2002.  She is a charming ambassador for her country of Panama.  In addition, Justine brings media attend and public awareness to the FAO programs there and collaborates with NGO's who provided needs services in rural areas and Fundacion Tierra Nueva.  I was honored to join her for lunch in Cafe Rodeo.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Good day Wendy thank you so much for the wishes and thoughts.  Greatly appreciated and very interesting. Thank you again.  Best Regards,  Nkonzo "Fred" Mthembu  [R. A. Travel, Inc.]

Convergence

The Sundaram Tagore Gallery in Beverly Hills has mounted a very interesting group show which will be available to the public through this weekend.  The star of the show is Kim Joon's "Fragile-Villeroy & Boch" series.  Immediately next door is Diane Kron Chocolate boutique.  Two great reasons to walk over to the corner of Little Santa Monica Blvd and Camden Drive.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,  Thank you so much for the lovely birthday card.  Especially love the insert, one of my favourite colours, who knew?  Warmest,  Marsha [McLaughlin,Travel Associate,Tzell Travel Group]

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,  How are you? I’m glad that we stayed at the Luxe hotel and really enjoyed my visit. Thanks again for everything!! How is the Mustique? Do you love it? It’s one of my favorites.  I wanted to say hi and wish you well. I enjoyed your inspirational thoughts on your email. I hope you’re enjoying your Summer to the fullest!  Very Best,  Jenny [Smith, Makeup Stylist / NARS Cosmetics]

National Night Out

Beverly Hills' National Night Out celebration will include gourmet food trucks, Police and Fire displays and activities for children tomorrow evening from 5 - 8 p.m.  Hosted by Larry and Shawn King, the block party will be held on Hillcrest Drive between Sunset and Elevado.  The food trucks include The Grilled Cheese Truck, Great Balls on Tires and The Sweets Truck.  Earthquake simulator Safe-T-Proof's Quake Cottage will also be set-up to educate local residents.

Thought for the day

Energy and persistence conquer all thing. - Ben Franklin