Oscar Party

Every year my friends, James and Kevin, hold a 10-course dinner on Oscars Night; remember when it used to be a 5-course dinner? The 83rd annual Academy Awards proved to be another exceptional year of fine dining. Pictured here is Pas de Deux Pate a Choux filled with white fluffy whipped cream above a layer of dark sinful chocolate. Yum!

Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color and Space

Today, I explored this exhibition at MOCA at the Geffen Contemporary; great fun for families. The children were really enjoying the light exhibits and the pool that changed colors. This is the first museum exhibition to situate pioneering Latin American artists among the international canon of those working with light and space. Suprasensorial includes the work of five highly regarded and influential artists: Carlos Cruz-Diez (Venezuela), Lucio Fontana (Argentina), Julio Le Parc (Argentina), Hélio Oiticica (Brazil) and Neville D'Almeida (Brazil), and Jesús Rafael Soto (Venezuela). Exhibit closes February 27th. Seen here looking up into a crazy squiggle of neon light.

PROST

Today was the monthly PROST lunch and our destination was Lawry's Beverly Hills, an all time favorite and famous for their prime rib. Why I checked off salmon, I'll never know. Every around me savored the perfectly cooked prime rib served with mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed spinach and corn. In the end, it was a lovely midday networking opportunity. Seen here with Mickey Weill, ProTravel, Tim Dupree, Montage Hotel and Charlaine Moore, L'Ermitage Hotel.

Taschen's Oscar Special

It's Oscar season, everybody! It's that time of year when actors' performances are scrutinized, movies are the talk of the town, and everybody has a theory on who will win what. TASCHEN is right there with you in all the excitement. Located in Beverly Hills, Taschen is ready to get your party going with 50% off on a selection of film books. This promotion may also be found at http://www.taschen.com/.

Quick Energy Boost #5

Hit a Pressure Point: Acupressure techniques have long been used to cure migraines, stress, and tension. Although the ancient tradition isn't as popular as acupuncture, it's sans those pesky needles, and we like that. So, pinch the point between your thumb and forefinger for several minutes to give you a quick energy boost. Marie Claire Magazine

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hey Wendy, thanks for sending out your birthday wishes, I always love getting them..You are so sweet to do that every year. I always love reading about myself and how accurate the things they say about me are correct.
I hope your doing well, I need to stop by for a drink and see you soon.
Take care, Brett [Sr. Travel Consultant@ Warner Bros. (Burbank)]

Stephen Webster

The British jewelry maven, Stephen Webster, just opened a boutique on Rodeo Drive. Mixing shopping, drinks and art, Webster's high-end super sparkly bling boasts an art gallery and lounge on its top floor. For special occasions, the wet bar and Swarovski crystal chandelier is the perfect posh place to relax after a big splurge. The lavish space, not only showcases couture pieces, but has skull-engraved concrete floors, black crocodile jewelry cases and serpentine stairs. They have dedicated their window space at Two Rodeo to 'stylists' this year who are offered the space to do whatever they wish using Webster's jewelry. Currently, on view is Becks Welch's creation, hair by Pamela Neal and dress by Zac Posen. Located at 202 North Rodeo Drive.

A Contented Guest

Hi my Dear Wendy,
Mr. Marciano told me how happy he is with the rooms at the Luxe. I wanted to say thank you again and I will push for him to stay more often. Luv, Joann (Eres)

Elegy: Reflections on Angkor

Currently on exhibit at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery in Beverly Hills, Elegy offers an extraordinary glimpse of the majestic stone temples of Angkor. Hailed as the Ansel Adams of Angkor by The New York Times, John McDermott began photographing in Cambodia in 1995 when he came to witness a total eclipse of the sun. In this surreal light, the ruins take on a whole new aura. The gallery is located at 9606 Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills. http://www.sundaramtagore.com/

Happy President's Day

Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty. -Henry M. Robert

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
It was great to meet you recently at The Luxe Beverly Hills. Thanks so much for showing Maddy and I around the property, it was great to finally get to see it! If there is anything I can do to assist with your efforts in the UK & Ireland, please do let me know. I head up the travel trade efforts for Beverly Hills CVB as well as California Tourism and work with a full team of individuals whose goal is to bring more business to your destination!
I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes, Beth [Travel Trade Director, Black Diamond]

Agent Provocateur

Agent Provocateur, the British intimates company that spearheaded the trend toward more edgy designs in lingerie, just launched its second Los Angeles Boutique. Located on Rodeo Drive next to Lanvin, Provocateur carries their entire collection, along with the brand's new super-high-end Soiree collections. Their longtime designer, Sarah Shotton, described the new boutique this way, "Rodeo has this Hollywood glamour thing, with mirrors, lots of black and pink. Crystal play suits, embellished corsets. We are going to make one-off items and couture items made for shows. What's really great about the underwear is that it makes you feel confident."

Edelweiss Chocolates

Edelweiss Chocolates has been in Beverly Hills for over 64 years and their client list includes princes, producers, and entertainers. You may recognize the name from the famous I Love Lucy, chocolate factory episode. Their chocolate is handmade and rated as some of the best in the world. Edelweiss is a family owned business and one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. Located only two blocks from Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, it's worth a taste.

Travel Fact

Factors including pent-up travel demand, economic improvement and severe winter weather are combining to boost spring-break bookings this year, insiders say. "You're hearing a lot of [customers] say, 'We're done. It's time to get out of here,' " said Jeff Krudup of Travel Leaders. "After tightening their belts last year, they're ready to spend."

Quick Energy Boost #4

Eat a Piece of Chocolate: This one can present a challenge if willpower is something you are lacking in addition to energy. To help limit your intake to one piece, keep some individually wrapped chocolate squares on hand. Eating one will give you an endorphin buzz. Plus, the slight amount of caffeine chocolate contains — dark chocolate has more than milk chocolate — won't hurt, either. Marie Claire Magazine

Travel Fact

U.S. companies are forecast to spend 5 percent more on travel in 2011 than they did last year a sign of confidence in the economy that is giving a boost to airlines, hotels and rental-car companies. That's double the growth rate from 2010, which followed two years of decline. Last year's bump in business travel companies spent an estimated $228 billion helped U.S. airlines post their first collective profit in three years.

Solange

For that perfect Valentine's gift that will last a lifetime, Solange Azagury-Partridge gives her iconic sterling silver Hot Lips ring a contemporary update with a bright bubblegum-pink lacquered finish. Slip on this striking style to give every look a powerful pop of color. Plus, purchasing this ring helps generate money for the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Great ring. Great cause. Cupid stricks again! Located steps from Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, this beautiful new boutique will challenge your senses.

Rolls Royce of Chocolates

These "csokoládés" by DIANE KRÖN are specially prepared based on four generations of Krön Hungarian family recipes. Voted the "Rolls Royce of Chocolates" by Food Network. These amazing chocolates are made fresh daily in Beverly Hills in limited quantities and are available only from K Chocolatier in Beverly Hills. Little Santa Monica Blvd. between Camden and Bedford Drives.

Happy Valentine's Day

Red Velvet Truffles recipe

2 cups cream
2 cups crème fraiche
2 oz. milk chocolate
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
Chopped red food coloring
4 cups semi-sweet chocolate
powdered sugar

· Bring cream and crème fraiche to a boil, while melting chocolates over a water bath. Once chocolate is smooth add the hot cream mixture and whisk continuously until chocolate thickens and becomes shiny. Add the coconut and mix until combined. Add a few drops at a time of red food coloring until desired color is reached. Pour into a half sheet tray lined with parchment. Wrap well and refrigerate overnight.

· Once truffle base is set, remove from pan by running a warm knife around the edges. Invert tray onto a parchment lined cutting board. Cut the truffles into whatever shape you desire. I recommend a small bite sized rectangle: Cut tray into 1 inch strips, then cut each strip into 1 inch squares, quarter each square to get 4 bite sized rectangles. Freeze cut truffles until ready to dip.

· Melt down the remaining 4 cups semi sweet chocolate over a water bath. Remove your truffles from the freezer. Dip each truffle in chocolate, carful to remove any excess chocolate and place on parchment. Once all the truffles are dipped return them to the freezer to set, about 30 minutes. Repeat this process of dipping each truffle; place each freshly dipped truffle into a bowl of powdered sugar. Once all the truffles are coated in powdered sugar place bowl in a cool place and allow to set, about 30 minutes. Sift the truffles knocking off any excess sugar. Serve. Truffles can be stored for up to one week in an air tight container in a cool dry place.