It's Elemental

Flora Exemplar by Andrew Rogers.

"Elemental" is a series of seven bronze sculptures by various artists that are currently exhibited at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Doheny Drive.  The exhibit will run through June 2012.

October is around the corner

It's hard to believe that autumn is upon us!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,  Thank you so much for the nice birthday wishes.  That was so nice of you to remember.  Hope you had a great summer!  Look forward to seeing you soon.  Lisa Miller [Northern Trust]

Christofle and and the art of Sabrage

Seen here with Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive Catering Manager, Jessica Park.

Last evening Christofle held a reception to celebrate all things 'champagne'.  They displayed a varied collection of ice buckets in silver [of course] from 20th century ocean liners to mid-century modern.  On point, saber point that is, Nicolas Krafft, Master of Sabrage, was standing by for a first hand demonstration.  http://champagnesabrage.com/

Fatal Styling

The Wolford Fatal Dress is a real quick-change artist!  Every season Wolford introduces a new two-tone reversible version where there are no style limits.  With various drapes and clever ruching, the versatile dress offers countless looks and impressive figure-shaping.  Simply combining it with seamless tights or Fatal Belt, you can go from day to night.   Through October 2nd, the boutique on Brighton Way is pairing a complimentary hosiery with every purchase.  www.wolford.com/fatal

Fatal Styling

Wolford's new Fatal Dress is a real quick-change artist!  In the new two-tone reversible version there are no limits to how it can be worn and at the same time providing a figure-shaping effect.  Now through October 2nd, Worlford on Brighton Way is offering a complimentary pair of hosiery with every purchase.  Simply accessorizing the Fatal Dress with seamless tights or Fatal belt, the dress can go from evening to day in a twist.  www.wolford.com/fatal

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy- Thank you for the card and wishing me a Happy Birthday!  I saw Crazy, Stupid, Love over the weekend and loved this movie!  xxoo Missy [Third Millennium Travel]

Ruby Slippers revisited

Photo taken near Beverly Center and Beverly Connection on Beverly Boulevard.

Replicas of the famous ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" have been sighted dangling from utility wires in the West Hollywood area.  Their source is seemingly unknown.  Some have suggested that the displays are the work of a street artist, Gabe Vasquez, and others have whispered the coincidental upcoming reprisal of "Wicked" at the Pantages Theater.  In any case, the Sheriff's Station has not received a single complaint about them so it seems residents are letting sleeping dogs lie.  In this case, Toto.

Our wish for a sweet new year!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  I received your the card you sent for my birthday and I just wanted to say Thank you!  (I also recently got married so my name has changed from Van Nimwegen to Axford, but I am still the same Hayley!)  I couldn't believe you remembered :-)  I hope Rodeo Drive is treating you well!  Hayley [Show Travel]

Thought for the day

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth. - Robert Southey

Thought for the day

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth. - Robert Southey

Seen in the Luxe lobby

Musician, rapper, actor and record producer, Coolio, is best known for the songs "Fantastic Voyage" and "Gangsta's Paradise" as well his appearance on the reality television programs Celebrity Big Brother 2009 (UK) and The Surreal Life.  We expect to see him in an American reality show soon.  Safe travels!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

wendy,  you are so sweet to remember by birthday.  I am taking off two days to celebrate.  be well.
naomi  [Cassis Travel Services, Inc.]

Agent Kai

For the second year in a row, Beverly Hills CVB and Agent Kai offered hoteliers a chance to meet the honored members of Agent Kai.  I had the great pleasure of chatting with old friends and greeting new ones. Crustacean of Beverly Hills hosted lunch; serving their famous garlic noodles and seared prawns.  Thank you to all of the travel associates who support Luxe Hotels.  We look forward to welcoming your valued clients.

A Contented Guest

Thank you very much Wendy, it was really great!  Everybody enjoyed lunch at Rodeo [Cafe Rodeo] and many people were telling me how nice you are (I knew it).  Cheers!  Ricardo

A Contented Guest

Wendy,   Everything is great here – thanks again.  I would love to say hello if you are around the next day or so.  Also, I am thinking of staying Friday and Sat and enjoy LA.  I just noticed that Luxe has 2 new properties here in LA and it would be nice to see the new properties.  Do you contacts that I could reach out to?    Mark  [Flaherty, Vice President, Operations, Ultramar Travel Management]

Glitter and Glow

Jessica Park, Catering Manager, held an intimate soiree on our Rodeo Penthouse last night with the fashionable touch of Luna Gardens.  Meeting planners and marketing managers alike enjoyed our famous Luxe Kiss Martinis!
"Sandra, Wendy, and Jessica:
Thank you so much for inviting me to the reception on Wednesday, September 21. The Luxe Rodeo Penthouse was beautiful, relaxing, and I believe, perfect for a GLA ALA mixer. Sandra, it was very nice chatting with you. Please do not hesitate to call on me should you need any law firm connections for downtown." Valeda Mercier [Business, Human Resources, and Event Planning Consultant]

Solange Strikes Gold

Solange guests and appetizer gems.

Last evening, Solange Azagury-Partridge hosted an event to celebrate the launch of 24:7, an exclusive gold jewelry collection.  In addition there was an oh-so-private premiere screening of Daydream, a short film by Sam Taylor-Wood.  We all left dreaming of gold chains and baubles.  Unchain my heart!

Seen in the Luxe lobby

"Into the Wild" came to mind as Jack Hanna signed autographs today in the Luxe lobby. *The cute koala wasn't on the guest list.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

You are always so thoughtful around my birthday time! I appreciate the kind note and card, thank you so much!  Hope to see you again soon!   Xoxoxo  Tom Mesquit  [Director of Client Services / UTA]

Travel Fact

Seen here with a group of travel agents from Argentina and our Luxe Worldwide Team member, Ricardo Lambertini.

Global trade recovery, stronger corporate balance sheets and travel-price increases will stimulate a 9.2% spike in global business travel this year, a study by the Global Business Travel Association Foundation concludes. The study also predicts business travel to exceed $1 trillion and observed stronger industry growth in countries such as India and China compared with countries such as the U.S.

A Night at the Moulin Rouge

Hollywood Bowl fireworks are a welcome pleasure at the finale of a great night of music.

I set off to the bowl on Saturday night armed with a French themed picnic basket and wine and the bowl did not disappoint this Francophile.  Thomas Wilkins, conductor of the Hollywood Bowl orchestra, chose some wonderful pieces on a cool and almost sold-out night.  Paris Combo reunited after a five year break was entertaining and rhythmic, followed by the high kicks and near acrobatics of dancers from the Moulin Rouge. With only one more Bowl event scheduled, Saturday, September 24th, Rouge reminded issued in the end of summer.

Emmy Awards - don't forget to watch them

The 63rd Primetime Emmy® Awards will celebrate excellence in national primetime programming, awarding top honors at the annual creative arts and primetime awards ceremonies. Special honors, like the Governors Award and the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, are bestowed during the Primetime Emmys, this Sunday, September 18th.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Thank you for the cute Birthday card.  Have a great weekend,  Erik [Luxury Travel Specialist, Cassis Travel Services, Inc.]

Italian Welcome

Last evening the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West held an event to welcome the newly appointed Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, the Honorable Giuseppe Perrone, to our thriving and exciting business environment.  We are grateful to Consul Perrone for his support and encouragement to make the IACCW a stronger Chamber.  Catering was provided by Il Fornaio Restaurant.

Seen here with Letizia Miccoli, Executive Director, IACCW

"Wendy!!!!!!   Wow, what a wonderful picture. Thank you SO MUCH for always supporting the Chamber and for being a friend! Next step: learn Italian.  :-)  Grazie."

Travel Fact

Amenities such as in-room exercise equipment, wellness coaches and allergy-free rooms, which help boost the health of employees and guests, are the trends in hotels. In-room exercise equipment is available at about 21% of luxury hotels, 17% of upscale and 15% of mid-price properties, according to a survey of 8,500 U.S. hotels conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association in 2010.

Assemblage at MOCA, Pacific Design Center

Throught October 2nd, this exhibition showcases the work of legendary West Coast assemblage artist George Herms alongside the work of a younger generation of Los Angeles and New York artists bringing new energy to the assemblage tradition. I stopped by the Pacific Design Center on Saturday to take a look at the new red building and stepped into a world of fascinating sculptures.  Free to the public, it's worth a visit.  http://www.moca.org/

DPA Gift Suite

DPA is hosting a pre Awards garden gifting lounge, at the hidden boutique hotel Luxe Rodeo Drive and will be offering celebrities, nominees, and presenters, amazing new products and fantastic services.

The highlights of the DPA gift lounge are this season: Japanese skincare Pierarejeunne, Le Tahaa island resort and spa and Pearl Resorts for their trips to Bora Bora and French Polynesia, WMexico, LA California based fashion designer Eva Varro, kids ‘favorite Cloud b, new IT bag company Jill Milan, From Soldier to Soldier, top Danish jewellery designer Story, and fabulous Angela Dean designs. Must be invited to attend from Septmber 15, 16, 17.

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,  thank you for your warm and appreciated message. I hope to be with you again ....soon! Marco.
PS ( I catch this opportunity to ask you for a favour: me and my colleague Paolo PERAZZI.  We loved your "poPERAZZI" meal, because of its taste and also...for its name so similar to my colleague's one!! Could you be so kind to let me have a scanned copy of your menu in which we can see the "name"?  Thank you!!)
Marco Terraneo [Damiani]

Remembering 9/11

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,  Thank you for my cool BD card and the great analysis of my birth date...so right on. Miss you lots.  Love, Darlene [Osterman, Black and White Store]

Barbie Loves LA

Greg Lavoi signing copies of his book, Barbie Loves LA.

Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills organized events throughout the department store during Fashions Night Out.  My favorite being the Barbie Loves LA book signing with author and photographer Greg Lavoi.  His iconic Barbie book is now officially sold-out and can only be purchased on E-Bay.  Barbie would have loved Fashions Night Out and the Fall Trend Runway Show!

Beverly Hills Juggles Fashion, Food

Stilt walker juggles bowling pins above young Fashions Night Out fans.

What an amazing night!  From the East Coast to the West Coast, the after-hours shopping extravaganza certainly did not disappoint!  This year’s Beverly Hills FNO event lead West Coast’s efforts with the return of the iconic 4-story Ferris Wheel, 12 of LA’s top gourmet food trucks, in-store events, cocktail parties, celebrity appearances and extended shopping hours for all guests. Cirque du Soleil hosted a Grand Prize Giveaway that included 2 tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Iris show in Hollywood, dinner for two and overnight hotel stay.

Fashions Night Out

We’re only hours away from the biggest night in fashion for shopping and we can feel the excitement building! From coast to coast, retailers and designers are pulling out all the stops. Be sure to go to rodeodrive-bh.com for all the amazing events happening in Beverly Hills.  The evening's festivities will include 100 in-store events, numerous cocktail parties, celebrity appearances, extended shopping hours, flamethrowers, stilt walkers, fifteen of Los Angeles' top gourmet food trucks and Cirque du Soleil's Flipbook Experience on Rodeo Drive where visitors have the opportunity to insert themselves into the spectacular new IRIS show from Cirque du Soleil at the Kodak Theatre. It is sure to be an evening to remember. Visit Rodeo Drive or Beverly Drive tomorrow from 6 to 10 p.m. to enjoy Fashion's Night Out events.  Plan your itinerary to share with friends, and find out where you can purchase this year’s FNO collection.

Thought for the day

Courage conquers all things.  - Ovid

Tasting Table

While we are on the subject of food, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills has been providing the widest variety and the highest quality imported cheeses to the nation since 1967. The Cheese Store is the purveyor of choice for the professional chefs and caterers of Los Angeles restaurants seen at The Taste of Los Angeles as well as legions of home cooks.  Owner of the famed Cheese Store, Norbert Wabnig scours the globe for the finest wheels and wedges and hard to find cheeses from all regions of France and Italy.  Located only steps from Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, stop in and ask Norbert to whey in on his diverse inventory. 

Picnic in the Hills

Beverly Hills that is!  Sponsored by Target, Picnic in the Hills was a family friendly food celebration focusing on chef demonstrations and creative-kids and healthy living.

Taste of Food Noir

Alfred Hitchcock (movie trailer talking about The Birds)

Chef Akasha & dining sleuth Andy Harris at Paramount Pictures earlier in the afternoon

Sunday night was a uniquely creative food and film experience downtown; Broadway between 8th and 9th streets.  Chefs served up noir-inspired dishes concurrent with screenings of classic mid-century noir shorts and newsreels at the iconic Orpheum Theater.

Fashion Bites Brunch

Enjoying a bite on Rodeo Drive

Jessica Park and Chef James Jung

Another successful Taste of LA events.  Today from 10 to 2, Rodeo Drive was transformed into Uber Brunch.  There was a leisurely pace about it as booths were well spaced and stretched along the three fashionable blocks.  Cafe Rodeo showcased our delectable apple pancakes with creme fraiche.  Chef James Jung and catering manager, Jessica Park offered sweet bites and smiles.

Art of Mixing

Friday night was the kick-off to Taste of LA and the Art of Mixing proved to be a huge success.  50 food vendors and artistic beverage concoctions made for great mixing.  Mariachi El Bronx put the shake in mixing.  There was icing and icing on the cakes!  Paramount Pictures provided the backdrop for a great evening.  More to come.  latimes.com/thetaste

Wine Month

Gov. Jerry Brown has proclaimed September 2011 as California Wine Month, the seventh consecutive year the state has recognized the contributions of the state's growers and vintners by proclamation. To celebrate, have a glass of wine this month!  See you in Cafe Rodeo fashionably dressed.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  Thank you very much for the birthday card & horoscope. I really do appreciate your remembering my birthday. You are and have always been a very thoughtful & sweet person. I hope all is well with you?!  Big Hugs, :-) Darin XOXO [Senior Travel Consultant, Sony Music Entertainment Group]

Taste of Beverly Hills

There is still time to purchase tickets for Taste of Los Angeles, a gastronomic extravaganza sponsored by the Los Angeles Times which features myriad events in Beverly Hills, downtown and Hollywood. Sample food from 200 restaurants and take in cooking demonstrations, seminars and live music, and expect appearances from celeb chefs such as Duff Goldman and Scott Conant, Susan Feniger and Beverly Hills own Drago Brothers. Cafe Rodeo will be serving their famous "Popperazzi," tempura battered jalapeno served with spicy eel sauce during Secrets from the Kitchen.  latimes.com/thetaste