dineLA

This morning was the official press conference to kick-off the second annual dineLA Restaurant Week. The event was held in The Bazaar by Jose Andres at SLS Hotel with a marvelous reception following the presentation. Seen here is our Executive Chef Olivier Rousselle, On Sunset Restaurant at Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd, below Los Angeles Mayor, the Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa. It's going to be a great two weeks of dining out, January 25 through February 6. dineLA Restaurant Week brings together over 150 of some of LA's best restaurants, offering specially priced three-course menus at exclusive event pricing. http://dinela.com/restaurantweek/

Nice endorsement

"Wendy! Hello there. I just wanted to stop by & say hello and than you for everything you and your staff are doing for Takeo & Patrick. They love it here!

Thanks again and sorry I missed you, Kia Stone"

I wished the 49'ers farewell this morning and they concurred.

Thought for the day

Christmas begins about the first of December with an office party and ends when you finally realize what you spent, around April 15th of the next year -P.J. O'Rourke

A Happy Guest

P.S. The client from the [Tatler] magazine, Olya Titova, really enjoyed her stay @ the hotel - from the staff, the location and the boutique feel. She said she will be giving a glowing review to their travel editor in Russia on the her stay @ the hotel. Thank-you again. The Sagami Group

United States of Tara screening

This new series, created by Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody, has strong casting and a fresh look at multiple personalities. Tara, a suburban mom with dissociative identity disorder is played Toni Collette. Toni participated in an after-screening discussion sponsored by Australians in Film last night. Fascinating. We all went home from the reception with a DVD of the first four episodes! Seen here with George Blodwell, Editor at Large for GenLux Magazine and Tracey Montgomery, Australian Film Commissioner.

A Happy Client

Dear Wendy,
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and the Born on this day card. I loved it. I hope you had a great New Years and hope to see you soon.
Hugs,
Antonella [Bravata] Brunello Cucinelli http://www.brunellocucinelli.com

Photo L.A.

From the earliest 19th century photographic experiments to the latest 21st century photo-based works, Photo L.A. still packs Barker Hanger with images from 70 of the top galleries and private dealers from around the world. Today was the last day of a three day celebration of everything that could possibly be photographed. Catherine Opie and Joel-Peter Witkin lectures were also available. Of course, I had to go shopping.

LA Confidential pre-Golden Globe Party

It was definitely girls night out! We got there early and gained momentum. Seen here are Fabi, Janine, me and Janice.

G'Day USA

G’Day USA Australia Week 2009 is taking place this month. Tourism Australia will be hosting an event at the Paley Center on Saturday, January 17 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. The event is free to the public and will feature states and territories of Australia. The event will also have kangaroo petting and photograph area, theater presentations, stage performances by indigenous dancers and musicians, and face painting for children.
http://www.paleycenter.org

Not a Latin man

Hi Wendy,
it’s nice to see you in your photos! Your man looks very well… not noisy, just a little bit cold…….not a latin man!!!! JJJ
Thanks again for your lovable cooperation and all the best, Federica [ Bombelli] Responsabile settore alberghi-Hotel department manager
http://www.blueteamtravel.it/

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for the kind birthday wish! I really enjoyed the birthday clipping, amazing how accurate it is. Always good to hear from you. I speak for myself, Dustin and Yvette, Alterna loves your property over all of the other boutique hotels.
Take care, keep in touch.
Lorie Greber, Executive Assistant, Alterna Hair Care Professionals

Wisconsin in January

I was in Wisconsin before xmas with 20 below and 15 inches of snowfall. They had another 7 inches today. Only you will get this as a fellow Wisconsinite. We went snowshoeing at our family lake near Minocqua and got the chance to blow the driveway out a few times...Just enough cold and snow to mark another year. Happy New Year! Craig Donahue, The Donahue Group

$9.99

A stop-motion animated film with a decided undertone of iron and wit based on short stories by Etgar Keret. Director Tatia Rosenthal's first short film peaked her interest in claymation and this new film exhibits a unique vision of the world, and is the first ever Australian-Israeli co-production. Seen here with Shahar Azani, Consul for Culture, Media and Public Affairs, Consulate of Israel.

A Happy Travel Agent

Can’t believe I ever gave out my birthday to anyone…….!
Thanks for the card…………and the description of someone born on Jan X fits me to a tee!!!
Stephen [Miny] New Act Travel

*X to protect the birthday recipient

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
Thank you for the hot chocolate. The Senior Director of Kitchen Operations is whipping it up right now. Cheers!
Dan [Dan Davidson] President, Magellan Vacations

Rockefeller Center

What would a tourist stroll around mid-town be without Rockefeller Center? It's a must-see on everyone's list, especially at this season of the year. The lines were long and the crowd was thick; exactly as it's supposed to be.

From Milwaukee to the Big Apple

The New Years weekend finale was Fifth Avenue. If Neiman Marcus won the window decorating contest in Beverly Hills, then Bergdorf Goodman won hands-down in New York. They highlighted the seasons of the year with white gowns from all the great designers.

Got myself a new man

Sledding - screamed my head off all the way

The hill was pure ice covered with a bit of newly fallen snow. I screamed my head off all the way down the hill on my first run. I'm not used to that low center of gravity and had no way of judging the grooved-in-bumps from two weeks of snow, melting snow and re-freezing snow. Glad I don't live there any more. AAahhhhhh!

Holiday presents

There are always those holiday gifts that parents wish Santa hadn't brought. What was the jolly fat man thinking when he left Chloe a drum set?

Happy New Year!

I went home to Milwaukee for New Years Eve again this year. As we approached MKE, the skyline was a rosy pink color and the ground was covered in patches of grey ice or snow. Brown roofs of houses dotted the landscape and brown leafless tress spread their brown branches skyward. It all looked pretty dreary for a girl who grew up in a brown house and whose father drove a brown station wagon. But my view brightened a whole lot when my brother picked me up for the ride home. Seen here are my nieces' smiles.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for the birthday card! It was so sweet (and unexpected) of you.
Thanks so much!
-- Best Regards, Loretta [R. A. Travel, Inc.]

Thought for the day

Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends. -Cindy Lew

A Happy Travel Agent

W
Thanks for the special wreath.
It is so beautiful and it smells amazing.
-kim
Kim M. Specht, Kim Holiday Inc, A Tzell Travel Affiliate

Holiday lights and more lights

On Saturday night I was invited to take a drive through Pasadena and neighboring Altadena to look at home decorations. What an amazing journey. There were Santa's, snoopy dogs, snowmen, Grinches, elves, angels, penguins, manger tableau's, Sponge Bob Squarepants and gingerbread men. And some of those characters were in the same scene. Who knew that they knew each other? I'm glad that these home owners still took the time to put up decorations and even happier that I won't get their electric bills.

After the ho-ho-ho, comes the ha-ha-ha

Ever since Eve gave Adam the apple, there has been a misunderstanding between the sexes about gifts. -Nan Robertson

Ornaments

Birds were the theme this year. I clipped little glass sparrows and glittery finches to everything around my apartment. Next year I'm going to add nests. Thank you to my associate, Lisa, who gave me this bubble from Barneys New York.

In the bag

Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list and checking it twice. Gonna' find out who's naughty and nice.

P.S. All my friends are naughty.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for the birthday card!! :) That's so sweet of you!!
I actually went to Luxe today, but you were on your lunch break and I didn't want to bother you. Hopefully we can meet in the near future!!
Thanks again!! Tomo Morita, Kaz Coordination Inc.

A Happy Travel Agent

Dear Wendy:
My staff and I would like to thank you for the beautiful wreath that you sent. What an unusual gift. We hope that you have a wonderful Holiday Season.
We look forward to working with you in 2009.
Best, Barbara, Phil and Mindy at Tzell Travel

Happy Hanukkah

"Really fun. Spent all day yesterday with family. Tonight we went out to dinner, came back, lit candles, opened presents and now just enjoying the evening. All good." David, age 10

White Christmas

Last night White Christmas was shown at the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Blvd as part of Movies with Holiday Spirit. With 13 songs highlighted by Irving Berlin's "Snow", "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" was Oscar-nominated for Best Song in 1954.

Music on Rodeo Drive

'Tis the season to enjoy carolers and musicians in Beverly Hills. Throughout the week, shoppers will enjoy groups of artists on Rodeo, Beverly and Canon Drives.

Cheers!

tks Wendy And thanks for Sat night - had a great time. Hope you have a terrific Christmas and a wonderful new year. Phil (and Krys) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phil MinosA/g Consul-General Australian Consulate
Los Angeles

A Happy Client

Thanks so much for the party last night. You always have the most interesting friends. What a Hollywood party should be!
xo James, [ComedySportz] LA's Longest Running Show

Holiday party at my home

Be thankful for what you have. Be helpful to those that have lost. Be positive about the future. Be realistic about tomorrow. Spreading holiday cheer and happiness.

Wendy,
THANK YOU for having me to your festive soiree on Saturday.
I really had a good time and was so happy to be there, joining the merry tribe of people who love you! much love, Susie

Thank you Thank you Thank you.......for another super soiree! This year .....you are the holder of the pictures. Very much looking forward to seeing them..... Looking forward to seeing you soon....merci beaucoup, Alexis

Thank you the hostess with the mostess! We had a lovely time and it is always so great to see you and Pamela... xoxo

This is so fun! It is always wonderful to spend the holidays with you. Thanks again. Yvonne really enjoyed meeting you and your fab guests. Pamela

PROST luncheon

It's that time of year when PROST holds its annual holiday luncheon at Lawry's Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hills CVB hosted a table of hoteliers for our annual catching-up and gossip hour. Cheers to a great new year! And Tim, I'm sorry that you have a green patch over your right eye - I was trying to get the red-eye out.

Going green for Christmas?

Best in Show

Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd, won Best in Show for the Courier's Holiday Window Decorating Contest. I walked over there to see just what the fuss was about. Each window features a princess in a different environment, magically dressed in fabulous gowns. Here's The Princess in the Garden amid fantastical insects and flowers.

Thought for the day

The phenomenon of corruption is like the garbage. It has to be removed daily. -Ignicio Pagaza

The hardest working women in Beverly Hills...

Publisher, Cecilia Moreno, and I hosted Ladies Night Out in Cafe Rodeo last night to usher in a little Holiday Cheer!

"Dearest Wendy and Cecilia: On behalf of the ETRO GIRLS, thank you SO MUCH for the wonderful evening at the Luxe last night. There really is no other cure to lift spirits than spending time with GOOD Girlfriends. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is greatly appreciated. Here's to the BEST of Holidays! Lots of love and aloha, Janine

A Happy Travel Agent

Dear Wendy,
And thank you for your birthday card and Zodiac info.
I never knew I was a Delft! I'll have to come up with
some way to turn Delft to my advantage. Hmmm...
(any suggestions?)
I hope we can get together after the new year and I
wish you a Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas, and a
Happy New Year.
To a healthy and prosperous and less stressful 2009!
Corkie [van Zak CTC, CTIE ] Supervisor, Luxury Travel Protravel International * A Virtuoso Agency *

Miracle on 34th Street

Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" is my favorite seasonal movie but running a close second is "Miracle on 34th Street". Edmund Gwenn won the supporting actor Oscar for his enchanting turn as Kris Kringle who gets a job as Macy's Santa Claus. Last night the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented a digitally restored 35mm print which was recreated from archival elements stored both at the Library of Congress and Twentieth Century Fox. After this Best Picture nominee's credits rolled and the lights came up, there were families slowing milling about and putting on their coats. Like Maureen O'Hara's cynical divorced store executive, we were all a bit restored. I do believe!

Anthropology

Anthropology won "Best Use of Lights" in the Courier's Beverly Hills window decorating contest. See their store on Beverly Drive, just a block east of the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. On Friday, December 12th, the Beverly Hills Courier has a special section revealing all of the winners. Can't wait.

A Contented Guest

Thanks Wendy,
I always enjoy my stay at the Luxe, it’s like my home in LA!
Have a nice Christmas and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Jennifer [Angel] www.jenniferangel.com

She won!

Stage & Screen Travel hosted their annual holiday shindig at The Crescent Hotel last night and Justine Liddelow, National Sales Manager, held a drawing for some great travel related gifts. Everyone loves to have a winner in their midst. http://www.stageandscreen.travel/

A Happy Client

hello jennifer!!
thank you sooo very much for the great set up yesterday!!
you and your team really took such good care of us and are always so accommodating , i really appreciate all of your help!!
the rodeo penthouse area is perfect for our group , and will definitely use it again in february for our next show .
thanks again and see you soon!! happy holidays!!
eve :) [eve nicole smalley]
roxy sales southern california

The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live

Last evening, Los Angeles Magazine hosted a marvelous party on the rooftop of the new Grammy Museum in downtown L.A. Surrounded by the best holiday music and delicious bites, the attendees were invited to visit the 3 floors of Grammy memorabilia and interactive programing. It's a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of music, culture and history. We all wished we could have stayed longer! http://www.grammymuseum.org/ Seen here are Sherwin Banda, Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive General Manager, Roger owner of Grace Home, Samantha Greenfield, Luxury Goods Director for LA Magazine and me.

A Happy Client

Wendy,
We love working with you. Have a wonderful Holiday Season! Thank you for everything you do for us. Best, Allison Polumbus, The Kennedy Wilson Multifamily Management Group

Thought for the day

You can take all the sincerity in Hollywood, place it in the navel of a fruit fly and still have enough room for three caraway seeds and a producer's heart. -Fred Allen
Let's hope that SAG settles their contract soon and we all have a peaceful holiday season.

Loteria Hollywood

The Loteria Grill in Hollywood was our destination last night. Owner Jimmy Shaw shared some tequila and micro brew with us before we dined on a delicious meal. The four of us tasted a variety of items while Jimmy entertained us with stories of Loteria, a Mexican game of chance similar to Bingo. The walls of his Hollywood restaurant and those at his Farmer's Market location on Third Street are decorated with cards from the game. Worth a trip to either destination.

Rodeo Drive sparkles...

Come and visit throughout the holiday season. The UNICEF snowflake and Baccarat chandeliers will continue to sparkle through New Year’s Day, and visitors to Beverly Hills will also enjoy two hours of free parking at City parking garages along Rodeo, Beverly and Canon Drives (look for the turquoise blue parking signs). There are some amazing bargains out there!

Seen at the Luxe

Emmy Award winner, Academy Award nominee film director Kenneth Branagh was seen in the lobby today. We look forward to seeing him in the soon-to-be-released thriller Valkyrie.

Strike a Pose

Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913–2008 is the first major exhibition to bring together the magazine's historic archive of rare vintage prints with its contemporary photographs. The exhibition explores the ways in which photography and celebrity have interacted and changed and represents pieces by Cecil Beaton, Harry Benson, Julian Broad, Imogen Cunningham, Annie Leibovitz, Man Ray, Mary Ellen Mark, Steven Meisel, Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts, Edward Steichen, Mario Testino, and Bruce Weber. Things have changed and not changed at all! I was fascinated by the early period, 1913-1936. I had forgotten that Vanity Fair was resuscitated again in 1983, so there was a bonus contemporary section too. Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive is offering a weekend package with two tickets included. Strike a Posehttp://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com/