BON VOYAGE---AGAIN!!!!I

I AM LEAVING TO GO ON A CRUISE FROM BUENOS AIRES, AROUND CAPE HORN, TO SANTIAGO, WITH STOPS IN ARGENTINA, ECUADOR, PATAGONIA, AND ALL SORTS OF CRAZY PLACES. The highlight of the trip is the cruise through the Drake Passage, between South America and Antarctica. It's supposed to be "decently treacherous." I don't know what that means, and I've never heard of most of the tiny ports. Now THIS is an adventure. My posts will be irregular depending upon weather and internet hookups. PRAY FOR ME!

Buenos Aires

Punta del Este

Punta Montt

Santiago

God help me--fjords and glaciers in Drake Passage

P.S. Yes, guards and guns will be at my house. Nothing will happen while I'm gone.

JOSEPHINE, THE MUSICAL

Ellen Weston and Deborah Cox

Ken Waissman

A MUSICAL BASED ON THE LIFE OF JOSEPHINE BAKER has been in development for quite some time. It is produced by Ken Waissman (AGNES OF GOD, GREASE, AND OTHERS), with book by Ellen Weston and Mark Hampton, and music and lyrics by Steve Dorff and John Bettis. I have seen a run-through of it and it's sensational. Aside from the quality of the production, thanks to the above-mentioned people, DEBORAH COX PLAYS JOSEPHINE. Deborah is a protegee of Clive Davis and has made six albums and had No. 1 hits. Deborah is in LA right now playing the lead in Jekyll and Hyde at the Pantages. It's only here for a few more days, and her standing ovations are richly deserved. She's hot, sexy, moves well, and wow---what a voice! JOSEPHINE  is finalizing the plans for which Broadway theatre they are going into. Can't wait!

PARTY AT ARIANNA'S!!!!!!

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON CAME INTO LA FOR ONE NIGHT to host a book party for Nicolas Berggruen, founder and president of Berggruen Holdings, a private investment company, and the Nicolas Berggruen Institute. The Institute is a think tank that addresses governance issues. Berggruen is also a philanthropist and is involved with LACMA, the Berggruen Museum in Berlin, as well as wonderful projects for citizens of the world. He has formed the 21st Century Council for the world, The Council for the Future of Europe, and his California Project is called The Think Long Committee for California.  Members of that committee Eli Broad and Eric Schmidt (GOOGLE) were at the gathering. His latest book is:

Intelligent Governance for the 21st Century: A Middle Way between West and East by Nicolas Berggruen and Nathan Gardels

Nicolas Berggruen

Al Checchi, Kathryn Checchi, Carol Biondi, Frank Biondi, Molly Munger and guest

Nicolas, Nathan Gardels, Arianna, Steve Martin listening to Antonio Villaraigosa

Victoria Foyt and Chris Pardell

 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa introduced Berggruen and Gardels to the eager crowd.Among the attendees were Carol and Frank Biondi, Molly Munger, Al and Kathryn Checchi, Steve Martin, Edye Broad, author Victoria Foyt and sculptor Chris Pardell. Arianna still has her westside home, even though she now lives back east. Glad the house is still here. So many great memories there.

THE OSCAR MEMO--REVISED

TO: NEIL MARON AND CRAIG ZADAN (PRODUCERS)--YOU ADDED LIFE, MUSIC, AND GORGEOUS SETS. YOU CAN COME BACK.

TO: SETH MACFARLANE--YOU WERE FUNNY MOST OF THE TIME. NO ONE HITS 100%.

TO: RENEE ZELLWEGER--WHAT PLANET WERE YOU ON???? OR...WHAT WERE YOU ON?
HALF THE TIME WE COULDN'T EVEN SEE YOUR EYES...AND/OR THEY COULDN'T SEE ANYWAY. YOU ALSO LOOKED LIKE YOU HAD TROUBLE KEEPING YOUR BALANCE.

TO: KRISTEN STEWART--WHY DID YOU BOTHER TO EVEN SHOW UP? YOU LOOKED UNKEMPT, BORED, AND UNGRATEFUL TO HAVE A CAREER. WELL....WE'LL SOON SEE

TO: JENNIFER ANISTON--YOU WERE NEVER A MOVIE STAR; AND COMB YOUR HAIR.

TO: DANIEL DAY-LEWIS--THANK YOU FOR YOUR ELOQUENCE

TO: JENNIFER HUDSON--GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR TALENT

TO: CATHERINE ZETA-JONES---YOU SHOULD STOP LYING ABOUT YOUR AGE. IT'S CATCHING UP TO YOU. YOU ARE ONE LUCKY GIRL TO HAVE WON THAT CHICAGO OSCAR. EVERY TRULY GIFTED SINGER-DANCER I KNOW CRINGES WHEN YOU DO IT

TO: BEN AFFLECK--SO GLAD YOU GOT YOUR OSCAR ANYWAY, AND YOU WERE SO GRACIOUS AND TASTEFUL. THE DIRECTORS BRANCH OF THE ACADEMY HATES ACTORS WHO DIRECT. HA HA

TO: JENNIFER LAWRENCE--I LOVED THAT YOU WON AND YOU HAVE AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER AHEAD OF YOU. YOU REALLY HAVE "IT." IGNORE ANY ATTEMPT OF THE PRESS TO SET UP A RIVALRY. AND I KNOW YOU GET THAT.

TO: JESSICA CHASTAIN--YOU WILL WIN MORE THAN ONE OSCAR IN YOUR CAREER.
THE "ZERO DARK THIRTY" BAD PUBLICITY DIDN'T HELP YOU, PLUS JENNIFER'S ROLE WAS MORE INTERESTING AND LAYERED. GET READY FOR A LONG AND RESPECTED CAREER. IGNORE ANY ATTEMPT OF THE PRESS TO SET UP A RIVALRY. AND I KNOW YOU GET THAT.

TO: CHARLIZE THERON--DANCE 10; LOOKS 10

TO: BARBRA STREISAND---I LOVE YOU 

TO: ADELE---YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT...AND SAY, "THANK YOU, DUSTY." 

TO: KRISTIN CHENOWETH--I KNOW YOU'RE A REALLY SWEET GIRL, BUT WHAT ON EARTH  WERE YOU DOING ON THE OSCAR SHOW (AND PRE-SHOW)?

TO: THE CLOSING NUMBER ABOUT BOOBS--GEE, WHAT A LOVELY WAY TO END AN EVENING. NOW GO FLUSH.

MONSIEUR MARCEL OPENS IN BEVERLY HILLS

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What is currently the hottest new restaurant in Beverly Hills? Monsieur Marcel. And at lunch...you'll see EVERYONE.

Home of the crème de la crème of French gourmet food and fine wines, Monsieur Marcel officially opened its Canon Drive doors the other night for a gala reception benefiting UNICEF.  Monsieur Marcel co-founders,  Stephane and Katy Strouk and new partner, Emile Malka celebrated their latest location at 447 North Canon Drive with an evening showcasing their unparalleled collection of the very finest in imported and domestic artisanal food and wines.

Co-hosted by Marc Friedland, Melissa Lemer Mogel, Lulu Powers, Jane Ross, Darren Star, Kimm Uzielli, Sandra Nelson Winkler and Christina Zilber, 20% of all purchases that day and throughout the evening benefitted UNICEF, a favorite charity of the Strouks.

The more than 200 guests were treated to a seemingly endless array of cheeses, charcuterie and hors d’oeuvres, including Boeuf Bourguignon, Maine Lobster with Mango Coulis, Croque Marcel, Duck Confit and Truffle Mac and Cheese, representing a taste of what one can experience while savoring a true French dining experience at their 136 seat bistro or via their extensive catering menu.  

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Dr. Barry Pressman and his wife, Sandy

Marc Friedland

Truffle Mac n Cheese

Since 1993, the Strouks have been dedicated to bringing the French bistro experience, as well as personally traveling throughout Europe to bring imported and domestic artisanal food, to Los Angeles epicures. This marks their third Southern California site.  The original opened 13 years ago at LA’s Farmers Market and an authentic petit bistro, five years later on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.

From caviar to charcuterie, glorious breads, cheese plates, desserts and beyond, Monsieur Marcel’s gourmet market is stocked with over 250 types of cheese, 350 kinds of wine, along with a dramatic assortment of meats, olives, gourmet marmalades, mustards and sauces, many exclusive to them.

The full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 9 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  sandwiches gives rise to classic entrees including boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin while mousse au chocolat and tarte tatin are favorites on the dessert menu.  Wines of international origin as well as Monsieur Marcel’s private label, can be purchased by the glass or bottle.  Custom designed gift baskets are welcome additions to any special occasion.

Originally from France, Stephane Strouk brought his passion for French specialty cuisine to Los Angeles in 1993, opening a small crêperie at the Grove Farmers Market.  He then took over the Farmer’s Market Cheese Shop, later combining the two into the concept of gourmet market and restaurant.  This gave rise to a Santa Monica location. Demanding quality above anything else, he and Katy make the time to sample every product they sell.  

Was there the other day with Kim Novak, and we ran into Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and Papas and a good time was had by all. That's the kind of place it is.

 

JOAN, LILY, JANE AND ME--Sat. Night!

This Saturday night is the season opening show of "Joan and Melissa--Joan Knows Best." I AM ON IT. The set up is a dinner party given by Lily Tomlin and Jane Lynch for Joan Rivers, and I am a guest. We shot over two and a half-hours of tape......and who knows how much is left after editing. Maybe all you'll see is my left hand. Who cares? We had a great time. The premise for the party is hilarious! It airs this Saturday night, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.and 9 p.m. on WE TV. For Time Warner cable Los Angeles people......that's ch. 486. It will end up airing all week. Let us pray. (for what?. Why did I say that?)

NEW SEGERSTROM CONCERT HALL

Segerstrom Concert Hall

Kenny G

Segerstrom Lobby

Weatherby's Rouge

Andrea Marcovicci and Michael Karm

I know we all hang out at the Music Center, Disney Hall,  The Broad and the Geffen, but about an hour south of us is the extraordinary Segerstrom Concert Hall. This is a new building that complements their legitimate theatre. To say that it is gorgeous is an understatement. I went down there with Andrea Marcovicci and Michael Karm for Kenny G's concert with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. OK. I know what you're thinking about Kenny G. ... First) I wanted to go play with Andrea and Michael; Second) I wanted to see the Hall; Third) We were having dinner at the Hall in the Patina-owned Weatherby's Rouge. The food and service were spectacular, and the Hall was breathtaking. NOW--Kenny. MUCH TO MY SHOCK, I REALLY ENJOYED HIM. Yes, his records are sappy white bread. But in concert, he's a brilliant jazz musician, and he has a rhythm section that is HOT! What musicians! I didn't want them to stop playing. So there. And, we met Kenny back stage and he's a really nice guy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WENDY BURCH

THE PARTY JUST KEEPS GOING ON...........Wendy's birthday was at the new RivaBella Restaurant where the old Sunset Strip Hamburger Hamlet used to be. I was apprehensive about returning to my old haunt. I loved it so much. It was also where my friend and neighbor Charlene Groman Sarstedt and I hung out---AND-- she and I were there on the last day.

So....who do I see sitting there as soon as I walk in??? Charlene!!! That made me feel better. RivaBella is owned by the folks who own Boa, Sushi Roku, etc., and, you know what, I liked Riva Bella. They have taken what was the right side of the Hamlet, and transformed it into a space that look just like the Soho House roof garden restaurant. The service is wonderful, and so is the food.

(L-R) Me, Irena, Danielle, Wendy, Dorothy and Ana

Dorothy and Ana

Wendy, Danielle Del, Irena Medavoy, and Wendy's Good News Girls Ana Garcia and Dorothy Lucey made it i night to remember. What a great time. And we love Wendy's Hermes purse....

HOLLYWOOD HOSTESSES

In the 40's, Hollywood was blessed with the style of Jean Howard, who was a wonderful hostess and photographer married to top agent Charlie Feldman.  In the 40s and part of the 50s you had the daughters of Louis B. Mayer--Irene Selznick, married to producer David Selznick and her sister, Edie Goetz, married to producer Bill Goetz. Irene was much more interested in the business and producing, so Edie became a pre-eminent hostess.

The 50s and 60s were the era of Connie Wald, wife of producer Jerry, Edie Wasserman, wife of Lew, and Doris Stein, wife of Jules. Their parties ranged from extravaganzas to intimate Sunday brunches. In the 70s and 80s, Candy Spelling and Wendy Goldberg emerged, and they each did gorgeous parties. In the 90s and beyond, Irena Medavoy dazzled us. Irena could still dazzle any time she wants, but she chose and chooses to devote herself to her and Mike's son, Nicholas. Good choice, Irena, and congratulations on 6'8" Nick being recruited for UCLA basketball!!!!!!! And honorable mention to our beautiful, beloved Nancy Daly, who was perfection.

But now it's 2013, and the Hollywood idea of entertaining has changed into a combination of entertainment industry, society and international business. The hostess of this era (and for a long time to come) is Alexandra Dwek. Her Bel Air home is like a French chateau, with grounds for lawn parties, and anything else one would choose to do. She has the right staff and chefs, but it is she who plans and designs everything...invitations, seating arrangements, flowers, music, colors, menu, decor...simply magical touches. The guests of the luncheon are in pictures below, but I must mention Irena Medavoy and her "impromptu improv" of Real Housewives where she played all the parts at lunch. People were crying they were laughing so hard. No, I'm not giving you the city.

The chef was Oren Zroya, a professional private chef who travels all over the world with his clients. He lives in Malibu and caters for any number of guests...AND he gives cooking classes. You can find him at orenzroya@gmail.com or his website.

Connie Wald

Doris and Jules Stein

Edie Goetz

Pavolva dessert

Polenta Mason jar

Chef Oren Zroya

Guest Jane Eisner

Edie Wasserman

The side centerpiece. It's a swan!

Alexandra with Danielle Del

Yours truly with Georgia Spogli

Elizabeth Leanse

Laurie McCaskill and Carla Sands

Alexandra and Lisa

The dining room

Good cheer

Wendy Burch and Linda Thompson

Cara Esposito and Jenny Jones

Brooke Davenport, Irena Medavoy, Linda and Vanessa Sandin

I covered her Christmas Luncheon here and now it's Valentine's Day. Imagine walking into a dining room where the entire ceiling is covered by red Valentine's balloons with red ribbons hanging down. The luncheon first course was polenta, mushrooms and spinach served in a mason jar!!! Red roses and hearts were everywhere, and there were alcoholic and non-alcoholic pink/red drinks to match the decor. It took your breath away.