Halloween: the ultimate chocolate experience

K Chocolatiers in Beverly Hills is celebrating this year with 'Boo-tiful' Halloween bags of their signature chocolates and pumpkin party favors. Choose from sophisticated delights such as truffles, Vodka shots or Scotch hi-balls. For adults revelers only! Visit K Chocolatiers by Diane Kron at 9606 Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills.

Halloween face painting

There was a great article in Sunday's LA Times, Image section, about face painting this Halloween. After reading this informative piece and being surrounded by so many great faces at our Beverly Hills CVB Halloween bash in New York, I am ready, willing and able to let my nieces do their thing on my face come October 31st. Wish me luck!

LA Food Event '09

On Sunset Restaurant at Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd was once again featured at Los Angeles Magazine's "The Food Event" in Malibu yesterday where 25 top restaurants and 25 wineries samples amazing food and wine. The sun shone while crazy zoo animals at the Malibu Family winery were grazing nearby and the crowd seemed bigger than last year. Chef Olivier brought some delicious tastes for the 2nd year in a row including smoked trout brandade and albacore tuna with soba noodles in yuzu vinaigrette. Yum! Stopping by with loads of compliments were many of the editors of Los Angeles Magazine, as well as bloggers Lesley Balla, Sophie Gayot, Adam Rubenstein and Venice Magazine's Andrea Rademan to name a few. It was great to meet Malibu neighbors and make new friends for On Sunset.

Good Humor

On Saturday night, Timothy Yarger Fine Art hosted an event for artist, Jean Wells, who delivered some "Good Humor". While the re-imagined good humor truck parked in front of the gallery, we all enjoyed this very special display of sculptures including Mabel who stands 6 feet tall with her bucket of fish and sun hat. http://www.wellsart.com/ Timothy Yarger is only two blocks from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive at 354 North Bedford Drive.

A Contented Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
You are terrific. You always remember my birthday. Aren't they coming faster these days? How did you ever get a hold of it in the first place? Spent the weekend up in Napa Valley and had a wonderful celebration! Take care and I hope all is well with you. Best regards, Marilyn [Travel Store]

Funny

"When a thing is funny, search it for a hidden truth." - George Bernard Shaw

Skyline

As skylines go, New York City has one of the best. As we were doing sales calls during the week, I couldn't help but wonder at this view from Valerie Wilson Travel. Ahhhhh!

Annual Beverly Hills CVB Halloween Bash

The Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau invited travel agents and corporate business planners to a haunting evening of tantalizing treats, chilling concoctions and thrills from "The Hills" on Wednesday, October 21st at Gilt Restaurant in New York to experience the magic of Beverly Hills. From the looks of it, everyone had a great time!

Breakfast in Beverly Hills

Travel writers were invited to experience the best of 'Breakfast' in Beverly Hills on Wednesday morning at Gilt in New York City. Cappuccinos were served foamy and hot. I was fascinated by the very fine caramel application on the surface, replete with palm trees.

Shopping in New York

Seems that when times get tough, we still go shopping. My Beverly Hills associates and I hit the pavement shopping on Sunday before we began a week-long series of sales calls in the Big Apple promoting Beverly Hills as a destination. Seen here trying on red lipstick at Barneys New York.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and for the "cut out". Starlight blue us actually one of my favorite colors and I believe there is much truth in the characteristics of those born on this day! I will particularly cherish the suggestion not to scatter myself in too many directions, because this is exactly what is happening now! Have a great weekend. Caio! Letizia [Italy-America Chamber of commerce West]

Gaga for Goga Fashions

Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your kindness and consideration to all of us at Triax on behalf of our client, Gordana "Goga" Gehlhausen. All the guests RAVED about the hotel!
Thanks, Lena

A Happy Client

Wendy,
Thank you so much for your card in the post today. My first Birthday card for the year. I haven't locked in any party plans as yet but will keep you posted. I hope you had fun on Monday at the screening. See you soon. Soph [Australians in Film]

Suits me just fine

Inspired by the uber stylish Mad Men, Brooks Brothers and the show's costume designer have paired up to produce a sharkskin suit which goes on sale until Mad Men's finale. The suit can be found exclusively at Brooks Brothers on Rodeo Drive and Madison Avenue. It's a limited collection so put down the scotch and cigar for a trip to 468 N. Rodeo Drive. http://www.brooksbrothers.com/

Greatest TV Vampire

I'm almost afraid to go out at night in the midst of the explosion in popular television vampire shows. The Paley Center and Entertainment Weekly are leading the undead charge with a poll for the greatest TV vampire of all time. Nominees included the obvious (Angel, Bill Compton) to the nearly forgotten (Count Chocula) The poll is open until November 2, so go vote! http://www.paleycenter.org/

It's a print!

The hotel was bustling on Monday afternoon with Mario Testino and Michael Kors using the hotel as a location for Kors' latest print campaign. Beautiful models in bathing suits and men clad in white and pale blue. Seen here checking photo set-ups is the brilliant Testino, surrounded by assistants and wardrobe & make-up.

Thought for the Day

Be careful what you set your heart on, for it will surely be yours. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever Popular Fall Festival

This weekend I found myself at the Original Farmers Market as they put up the decorations for the annual harvest celebration. October 16 - 18, watch for a variety of fall festivities including a petting zoo, western bands and the infamous pie-eating contest. Today, culinary expert Mario Martinoli from AM830 did a live radio remote "Food & Dining with Mario & Amy". I'm so very fond of them that I couldn't pass up the chance to stop by and say 'hi'. For a complete schedule: http://www.farmersmarketla.com

That Lucky Old Sun

Taschen organized an evening with American Music legend, Brian Wilson, last night for his collaboration with British pop art visionary, Peter Blake. Brian was on had to personalize copies of the limited edition book, That Lucky Old Sun. Someone in line at the bar took this artsy photo of me; note the lithographs by Peter in the background. Tashen is located only steps from the hotel. They carry hundreds of unique titles. http://www.taschen.com/

Christopher Guy

The sophisticated elegance and understated styling of Christopher Guy furnishings can now be found in Beverly Hills! The highly anticipated flagship showroom which opened on October 7th, is located in the heart of Beverly Hills across from Neiman Marcus. There is 2400 square feet of exhibition space which highlights Guy's latest collections. We couldn't help but gush over the pieces from the 'Canopy' collection, chandeliers and signature Chris-X leg chairs. Not to mention the gorgeous guests and Luxe Magazine signature cocktails! Seen here with the fabulous Christoper Guy, and Jennifer Albert, Special Events Manager.

The Original Pantry

Everyone has been to The Original Pantry except for me. Established in 1924, The Pantry has provided customers with generous portions of traditional American cuisine through lean and good times. Now in its new location at 9th and Figueroa [downtown], it's a great gathering spot. Margit Haut from the Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd and I were downtown on sales calls this week and we couldn't help ourselves, we stopped in for the biggest lunch I've hand since my Grandma Krueger's kitchen table. As the Pantry's current owner, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan likes to boast, "We never close. We're never without a customer."

A Happy Travel Agent

Wendy,
Thank you so much for the sweet card.
It is so adorable that you always think of me on my birthday.
Much love from the east coast. - K [Tzell Travel]

Me and Elvis

Just couldn't help myself! I had to mount this photo of me and Elvis Presley at the Pasadena Flea Market [yesterday]. "I don't think I'm bad for people. If I did think I was bad for people, I would go back to driving a truck, and I really mean this." Quote from Elvis himself.

"From the first time I was a kid, I always knew something was going to happen to me. Didn't know exactly what."

Ken Heyman's first solo show in Los Angeles

For his first solo exhibition in Los Angeles, Humanity, Heyman presents diverse images shot in more than 60 countries. The show chronicles the American photographer's prolific career which resonates with a global audience. Heyman has been probing the patterns of human behavior since his early days when he studied under famed anthropologist Margaret Mead at Columbia University and traveled with her on a field trip to Bali. 150 assignments for Life magazine later, the exhibit at Sundaram Tagore Gallery encompasses work from 50 years of 'family and kinship' and the dynamic composition people at work and at play. Exhibition dates: October 3 - October 31, 2009. http://www.sundaramtagore.com/

A Contented Travel Agent

Dear Wendy
Thank you for your e-mail. I enjoyed the inspection of your hotel and meeting with Tal. You have a wonderful hotel in a great location.
Thank you for looking after my clients and I hope to see more clients in the future.
Kind regards, Terry [Jetset Rose Bay]

L.A.'s Original Farmers Market Cookbook

While taste testing those beers today, I met the charming author of the Farmer's Market Cookbook, Joann Cianciulli. She celebrates the market from its humble beginnings in 1934 to its place as one of the top visited sights in Los Angeles. It's one of my favorite places and I was so glad to find that it is one of Joann's too. From Mexican, Brazilian to Middle Eastern cuisine and good old American fare, the market has something for everyone. Dupar's by far has the finest pancakes - ever! Then there are the assorted roasted nuts, fresh fruits, fudge & toffee, ice cream, glazed doughnuts - don't get me started. I can't wait to sit down and read each vendor's story. Meet me at 3rd and Fairfax!!

Autumn Beer Fest

At the original Farmer's Market (3rd and Fairfax), E.B.'s and Monsieur Marcel offered more than 50 different beers from around the globe, gourmet sausages, cheeses and live music. A portion of the proceeds went to The Saban Free Clinic which provides dependable and affordable quality health care and human services for those who are most vulnerable. Seen here testing some beer after I won a raffle prize. I swear I never win anything!

GenLux Fall 2009

To celebrate the Fall Fashion issue, GenLux Magazine threw a small soiree at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. The Rodeo Penthouse was subtlety decked out with candles, white lilies and a gaggle of lovelies in chic cocktail attire. Seen here with Fabi, Pamela and Janine for pre-party drinks in Cafe Rodeo.

A Happy Guest

Hey Sweetie,
I am always excited when I receive a reply from you! It settles my soul to know that you are still at my favorite [hotel] place in the world. Thanks for supporting me in the latest adventure. Your California friend in Florida. Bev [Vice President, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission]

The Elixer of Love

The Bel Canto period of operatic composition, or the art of beautiful singing, was chosen to open this year's LA Opera Season with a piece by Donizetti. L'Elisir d'Amore was once described as the best Mozart opera after Mozart. For tenors (like Nemorino), sopranos (Adina) and the lyric baritones (Belcore), it was enough to give them beautiful melodies and a series of applause-provoking solo arias. Nemorino, the shy admirer of the charming Adina, is sold [a bottle of Bordeaux] by a traveling charlatan in hopes of making her fall in love with him. When truly we are all charmed and intoxicated by the elixir through the inspired beauty of the music. I was truly hoping for a sample on the way out! Seen here with my dear friend, Cheri.

Christmas in Beverly Hills

Surprised to see Christmas decorations along Rodeo Drive? They are going up earlier every year! Well, it's not exactly what it seems. Filmauro, one of Italy's most important production and distribution companies, and Luigi De Laurentis have decided that this year "Christmas in Beverly Hills" would follow in a long line of holiday films for the Italian market. Chosen for its 'hot location', the film will be released in Italy on December 18th 2009. Luxe Hotel will be seen in some long shots of Rodeo Drive and has served as a green room over the past month as filming has progressed. Seen here are trees and soldiers awaiting their walk-in cues.

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,
I had a great stay at your Hotel. Thank you for your help. Kind regards, Luis [Sayrols]

Malibu Flea Market

Sun block and a big hat - I did what the dermatologist said. Seen here with friends at the Malibu Flea Market on Sunday. This event takes place only once a year and is a favorite of many local shoppers and seasoned scavengers. Weather was perfect and the Lions Club serves a pretty good cup of coffee.

Thought for the day

Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. - Sara Bernhardt

Macy's Passport Event

Well, it was another successful year of Passport with over $28 million raised to fund HIV/AIDS research, treatment and prevention. This 27th year, they integrated the Come Together campaign targeting domestic hunger and the ongoing focus on raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. Founding Chair, Dame Elizabeth Taylor spoke such gentle and inspiring words to kick off the evening. Then Sharon Stone took over and raised some big bucks before the energetic and musically enhanced runway show began. It was all about Fashion + Compassion!

Outdoor Chic

The Pacific Design Center and Luxe Interiors+Design co-hosted an al fresco fete that concluded Fall Market Week. The Blue Lobby of the PDC was transformed into a lush garden replete with tableaux of outdoor products from the many Pacific Design Center showrooms. What could be better than mingling with the most handsome people and sampling hors d'oeuvres by Wolfgang Puck and 'green' vodka martinis by Filip Vodka? Strains of an island steel band in the background.

Fabric & Color

Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine hosted a soiree last night with cocktails and conversation on Fabric & Color. Located in the charming and quiet Almont Yard on Almont Drive, I ran into an old friend, Louis Briscoe of Watch Me Tick. Thank you to Jo Campbell Fujii, Publisher, for the wine and networking.

Happy Hour

Hi Wendy:
Thank you again for joining us for lunch today. It was nice to get together and of course, lunch was delicious. Best regards, Anita [Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce]

Medea

Where: Freud Playhouse on the UCLA campus

When: Sept 23 - October 18

Two Words: Brave staging

Two More Words: Stunning performances

Director Lenka Udovicki, working from a 1995 translation by Kenneth McLeish and Frederic Raphael, creates a modern version of this classical Greek tragedy which includes a 12-women chorus and live Persian music by the Lian Ensemble. The passionate and destructive forces between Medea, played by Annette Benning, and her ambitious Greek hero, Jason, are palpable. Euripides' tale still grips us after 25 centuries. "What anger worse, or slower to abate, than lovers' love when it has turned to hate." http://www.uclalive.org/ Seen here with Joann Nishi, Eres Boutique Manager and Christie Lesinski, Grants and Corporate Partnerships Manager for UCLA Live.

Romancing the big screen

Last night was one of many screenings for Bright Star, Jane Campion's new film set in 1818 London where a secret love affair begins between 23 year old English poet, John Keats and the 18 year old girl next door, Fanny Brawne, an outspoken student of fashion. The story gently rolls forward with an unstoppable momentum with poems and love letters until the two are swept into romantic obsession. There was a great Q&A after the screening sponsored by Australians in Film. Seen here with actor, Paul Schneider who plays poet, Charles Armitage Brown.

Seeing Red

W's latest supplement and a look at fashion trends, it's wellred. In the market for a new suit - the 'it' color is red. I walked up and down Rodeo Drive and Prada wins first prize for the best display of the power hue. They're located just steps from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. In fact if you request facing west accommodations, you can window shop from one of our charming rooms, meticulously made-over this year for the discriminating shopper! http://www.prada.com/

Happy Hour

Wendy, It was an absolute pleasure to have lunch with you yesterday! Thank you for your generosity and delightful conversation. I hope you have a great weekend and look forward to seeing you again soon. All my best, Rob [Taschen]

A Happy Client

I wanted to say THANK YOU for always being so thoughtful and remembering my birthday. I got the card in the mail yesterday which is perfect. I just totally forgot to thank you yesterday! Hope you are doing well. By the way, I don't know if Sherwin told you but I was sitting right behind him at the Liza concert at the Bowl. She was divine! LOL Tom Mesquit [United Talent Agency]

Highlighting Recent Acquistions

As a MOCA member I was invited to the End of Summer Social on Sunday evening to view two exhibits: Recent Acquisitions and Painting and Sculptures from the Collection. It was the perfect duo of new and classic. Not to mention, the entire portfolio of photographs, The Americans, made during the mid-1950's by Robert Frank. It was the first time in a long time that I was so excited by compelling new works acquired over the last five years for the permanent collection. Watch for Suzanne Lacy's piece, 'Prostitution Notes', 1975, a diary-of-sorts which highlights a trip through Beverly Hills and Hollywood. http://www.moca.org/

Andrew Bush: Vector Portraits

West Hollywood gallery, M+B, opened an exhibit of color photographs by Andrew Bush titled Vector Portraits on Saturday evening which will run through October 17th. The series was shot between 1989 and 1997, in and around Los Angeles used his car as a tripod and capturing Angelenos vis-a-vis their unique relationships with their automobiles. Every one of the photos was unique; I feel as though I might have passed one of those individuals in the past decade. http://www.mbfala.com/

Happy Hour

Wendy,
Thanks for taking the time to meet with us. The hotel is lovely and we really enjoyed your company. I keep thinking about those fish tacos. Mmm! Have a great weekend! Robyn [Preferred Group]

Art of the Movie Poster

"Art of the Movie Poster" is now on display at the Academy's Grand Lobby Gallery through December 13. Between the 1950's and '80s, the movie poster was conceived by art school-trained craftsmen working with studio advertising departments or at ad agencies. The exhibit explores the visual elements of the movie marketing campaign. Posters and preliminary design artwork are showcased, 10am to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday and on weekends. Admission is free at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Blvd.

The Teuscher Effect

Thank you Sarah Sebastian, from Porsche Design, for the afternoon chocolate lift. The little note inside the box of truffles says, "We hope the Teuscher experience will be one you will enjoy and remember." There's a good reason that Bon Appetit magazine calls them the most meltingly marvelous of all chocolate creations. You shouldn't have. But we're glad that you did. Seen here with Oscar, concierge and Jennifer Albert, Special Events Manager. http://www.teuscher-beverlyhills.com/

Inspired by Frette

Moura Starr partnered with Frette of Beverly Hills for a month long celebration of bedroom inspiration. Look for store displays from September 7 to October 7. Last night's kick-off party, launched 7 days in which 20% of all purchases benefit Habitat for Humanity. Seen here with Cecilia Moreno, publisher of Genluxe Magazine!

S Factor

As part of Fashion's Night Out, La Perla had a marvelous reception with S Factor. It was a perfect match. The S Factor was designed by a woman for all women; a radically new program inspired by a combination of Pilates, yoga, pole dancing and ballet. It's about taking ownership and loving our S curves. Seen here with model, sequined mannequin, Shermeen from Omega and Kristine, La Perla Boutique Manager. http://sfactor.com/

Cold Shower

This week my landlord has planned plumbing repairs which look like they are going to drag into next week. After a patient half hour wait for the hot water this morning, they finally suggested that I take my shower in apartment C. So there I was in my bathrobe, soap and shampoo in hand walking through the lush green courtyard to apartment C; sun shining and birds chirping. It brought back a flood of camping memories from my youth. But back then I didn't wear a bathrobe.

Saving the Alpacas

When an associate asked me a few weeks ago if I would accompany her to Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas at Geffen Playhouse, I thought "Of course I'll come with you. I love my brown alpaca Vera Wang coat. Anything to save them!" And saves them, he does! The play takes place over the course of two weeks in Beverly Hills and on Mount Chimborazo in the Ecuadorian Andes. We loved French Stewart and Jeffrey/Pierre de Perrie Jouet. Matthew is quite charming making fun of celebrity activism at every turn. Life size alpaca puppets finally get some 'afternoon delight'. Yeah! Seen here at the reception with Corey Roskin from West Hollywood City Hall.http://www.geffenplayhouse.com

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy:
I Received a card and horoscope reading from you in the mail on my birthday. Thank you! Nicole [The Promotional Edge]

Shopping 'til we [almost] dropped

I hope everyone had a restful Labor Day weekend. It's back to work and back to school today! It was hot, hot, hot in Palm Springs over the weekend. But managed to relax poolside with friends and do some shopping at Cabazon Outlets. It's always hit or miss at shopping centers like this but they were packed with tourists and eager bargain hunters none the less. My girlfriend thought about dropping breadcrumbs in order to get back to the car since we were parked in the hinterlands! Note of caution: the parking lot isn't marked or numbered and it's not as though you can recognize the spot from one particular tree, sagebrush or streetlight. They all start looking alike shortly after you walk away from your vehicle!

A Happy Travel Agent

Thank you for my lovely note; very nice of you to think of me. Best, Dave [Carlson Wagonlit Travel]

Anthropology

Anthropology relocated a few months ago to South Beverly Drive, or better known in Beverly Hills as SoBev. instead of a one block walk, they are three. But it's worth the trip. The store is two stories of daylight and color. Neatly arranged tables, bookshelves and racks display all the clothes, accessories and housewares your heart can hold! For the thrifty, there is a fabulous sale room on the 2nd floor.

Global Concierge

This evening I had the great pleasure of taking the Preferred Group on a site inspection of the hotel. Their premier global concierge service as been catering to privileged families and individuals since 1999 utilizing their meticulous attention to detail and elite personal touches. Between me and this blog, they can arrange for anything! As long as it's legal. Seen here with Emad Ghobrial, Founder & CEO and assistant concierge Robyn Bizier.

An Evening With the Mayor

The Honorable Nancy Krasne, Mayor of Beverly Hills, delivered her State of the City address tonight at Greystone Mansion. Located in the Beverly Hills, I looked out upon the city through a rose tinted sky, due to the wildfires north of Los Angeles, in awe of this magnificent community. The evening included a reception sponsored by Lawry's Restaurant and organized by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. Seen here with Andrea Levin, Director of Events at Mastro's and Daniel Walsh, CEO of the Chamber.

Television's First Decade

It's interesting to recall that, just 60 years ago in its infancy, television was perceived as a threat to the movie and radio industries. Perhaps the Internet is viewed in the same way today. With this in mind, The Paley Center for Media is taking a look back at the golden first decade of TV and showing some of era's biggest hits at 12:30 PM daily, starting August 26th through September. Catch Gunsmoke, I Love Lucy, Dragnet and more. http://paleycenter.org/

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I am off on my vacation ... a perfect way to start my "new year". Regards, Carol [The Travel Collaborative]
"Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven't committed." Anthony O'Malley (1852 - 1932)

Thought for the day

When you can't have what you want, it's time to start wanting what you have.
- Kathleen A. Sutton