Brunch Plans: A.O.C.
The perennial West Hollywood favorite launches brunch in its new location.
March 01, 2013
This Saturday, March 2, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s A.O.C. will launch weekend brunch at the new West 3rd location that opened earlier this month. The restaurant will serve all day, but the brunch menu will only be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Exciting a.m. items include a focaccia sandwich with Brussels sprouts, radicchio, burrata, and kale, as well as a farmer’s lunch that highlights roasted vegetables, chickpea puree, muhamara, burrata, and grilled toast. Goin will also reveal a variety of breakfast-related offerings on opening day.
A.O.C.’s new location boasts a bright, open-air layout with large archways leading to an expansive patio, while a long wooden communal table contrasts the industrial lighting and painted brick walls inside. And, if you’ve stopped by A.O.C. to check out its carefully cultivated bottle collection, a private wine room with balconies overlooking the garden patio awaits.
The weekend brunch accompanies several other additions to the A.O.C. experience, like a lunch menu and new cocktail list. Lunch service includes standouts such as a turkey club comprised of roasted turkey, bacon lardons, avocado, romaine, and buttermilk dressing, and creative concoctions like The Controller (rhum, agricole, bitter lemon honey marmalade, and dolin vermouth) will nicely complement whatever you order. Reservations can be made through opentable.com. 8700 W. 3rd St., West Hollywood, 310-859-9859
Photography by Aaron Cook | AACK Studio
Weekend Recommender: February 28—March 3
Sunset yoga and wine, a stylish launch party, and photos by Samuel Bayer.
February 28, 2013
Indulge in vinyasa yoga and wine tastings this Thursday night at Santa Monica's Exhale Spa.
Vino Vinyasa
Thursday, February 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Experience a sunset vinyasa yoga class hosted by Lululemon brand ambassador Elise Joan at Exhale Spa in Santa Monica, followed by wine tastings on the second-floor terrace. Admission is $50 for walk-ins, $35 for non-members who register in advance, and $30 for members. Space can be reserved at mindbodyonline.com. 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-319-3193
Rockin’ the Red Bar Challenge
Thursday, February 28, 6-8 p.m.
To close out National Heart Disease Awareness Month, Marina del Rey’s Café del Rey is hosting a bartending competition to support Go Red for Women. Behind-the-bar talent from Hal’s Bar and Grill, Chart House, James Beach, and Tony P’s will join Café del Rey’s representative to concoct the best red cocktail using Tito’s Vodka. Event-goers will enjoy unlimited samples of the cocktails, as well as healthy small plates from chef Daniel Roberts. Guests will vote on their favorite cocktails for a winner. Tickets are $40 and can be reserved by calling the restaurant at 310-823-6395. 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey
Marathon Man and Au Galop Double Feature
Friday, March 1, 7:30 p.m.
The Consulate General of Switzerland and the French Embassy team up to present a double feature highlighting the work of Swiss-born Marthe Keller. The evening will include a screening of the 1976 classic Marathon Man, followed by a Q&A with Keller, and then a screening of the 2012 film Au Galop. Tickets are available through fandango.com. 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
Kill City and Kontraho Launch
Saturday, March 2, 7-10 p.m.
LA-based punk rock-inspired denim brand Kill City and Kontraho Jewelry will be celebrating their Spring lines at a launch party hosted by LA CANVAS. Shop the latest collections, like a limited-edition collaboration between the brands, while enjoying music by DJ Keith 2.0, Champagne, and sweets by Crumbs Bakery. Submit your RSVP by clicking here. 7266 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323-413-2110
Samuel Bayer Opening Reception
Sunday, March 3, 2-6 p.m.
Artist Samuel Bayer will present his latest exhibit "Diptychs and Triptychs" at the Ace Gallery. Known for his still photographs as well as his iconic music videos for bands like Nirvana, Bayer will be presenting a series of large-scale black and white nudes being exhibited for the first time. The showcase is on view through April 27. 9430 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-858-9090
B Grill by BOA Steakhouse at LAX
IDG’s concept is one of many dining upgrades for the airport.
February 28, 2013
B Grill by BOA Steakhouse calls out to many of its sister restaurant's staples, like this BOA burger.
Dining at LAX just got a little more luxe thanks to the grand opening of B Grill by BOA Steakhouse. Housed within the airport’s Terminal 7, the new restaurant features a sit-down dining experience catered to the busy traveler. Innovative Dining Group, the hospitality powerhouse behind BOA and other Los Angeles restaurants like RivaBella and Delphine, teamed with Areas, an expert travel industry operator to present the new eatery. As for the décor, Corsini Stark Architects was commissioned to ensure that B Grill maintained the modern, chic vibe of its sister restaurant.
The menu at B Grill spotlights many familiar BOA steakhouse staples that travelers can enjoy before or after a flight. Items like the BOA chop chop, with artichokes, provolone, salami, chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts, or BOA’s signature burger with Camembert cheese, make for ideal lunch selections, while entrees like the petit filet mignon, NY strip, or Atlantic salmon are ideal for a leisurely dinner. For those traveling earlier in the day, B Grill offers refined breakfast options, like crab cakes benedict and buttermilk pancakes. Whatever you order, wash it down with a drink from the full-service bar or a wine from the exclusively Californian list.
The opening of B Grill is part of a larger LAX dining overhaul that will include a concept by IDG’s Sushi Roku called Luckyfish, as well as concepts from Chaya, Umami Burger, ink.sack, and more.
PaleyFest Kicks Off March 1
The ultimate television festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this week.
February 27, 2013
Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory at a panel discussion during PaleyFest 2009.
The Paley Center for Media will start off PaleyFest: The William S. Paley Television Festival this Friday, March 1, celebrating the small screen with live table reads and screenings of some of today’s best series at the Saban Theater. In its 30th year, the festival boasts an impressive line-up of panelists from shows like Nashville, New Girl, and Once Upon a Time.
PaleyFest opens with an already sold-out screening of The Walking Dead on March 1, followed by a Q&A session with cast members Andrew Lincoln, David Morrissey, Laurie Holden, and more, as well as the show’s executive producers. The event will subsequently be broadcast through Fathom Events at theaters nationwide, including LA’s Century City 15 and L.A. Live on March 7 at 8 p.m. (for tickets go to fathomevents.com). Fathom will also show the sold-out panel event for The Big Bang Theory live on March 13 at 7 p.m. (purchase tickets on fathomevents.com). The festival closes March 15 with the much-anticipated table read for American Horror Story: Asylum.
Especially noteworthy this year is PaleyFest's presentation of the first annual PaleyFest Icon Award today (February 27) to Ryan Murphy, creator of Glee, Nip/Tuck, and American Horror Story. Meanwhile, premier sponsor Hulu will stream full-length content and short clips on-demand from each PaleyFest panel. Tickets for the individual events are available through paleyfest.org. 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 323-655-0111
Q&A: A Soolip Wedding's Wanda Wen
The invitation designer dishes on her upcoming fashionable wedding event.
February 27, 2013
This Sunday, March 3, (12-4 p.m.), the chic Bel Air Bay Club will host A Soolip Wedding, a modern bridal event featuring the best in LA invitations, event planners, florists, caterers, designers, and more (for $55 tickets, visit asoolipwedding2013.eventbrite.com). Curated by A Soolip Paperie and Press founder Wanda Wen, this year’s showcase features a fashion show by St. Pucchi, cake tastings by Charm City Cakes West, expert panels, a high-end raffle, and luxury gift bags. We caught up with Wen about the event, her favorite Los Angeles wedding spots, and trends in the paper industry.
What prompted you to start A Soolip Wedding?
WANDA WEN: I started A Soolip Wedding 14 years ago out of what I felt was a need in the industry to collect the best of Los Angeles to inspire and educate the modern, sophisticated bride. I invented the event at a time when there were a lot of wedding events, but there wasn’t an event that spoke to that fashionable bride.
Are there any vendors that you’re particularly excited about this year?
WW: I’m excited about Rrivre Davies of Rrivre Works, I have a lot of respect for what he does, so I’m honored that he’s doing this. I’m also honored to have Rani Totman be our featured designer. This is our first time working with St. Pucchi and her gowns are incredible.
What trends are you seeing in invitations?
WW: I am finding a trend toward more classic invitations, with a little bit of a twist—so maybe we’ll do an engraved invitation with a calligraphed script, but we’ll have a thin gold twine wrapped around the invitation just to give it a little bit of an edge.
What are some of your favorite Los Angeles venues?
WW: There are amazing hotels in this city from The London (1020 N San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 866-282-4560), to Mr. C’s (1224 Beverwil Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-277-2800), to Shutters on the Beach (1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-458-0030) if you want a beach wedding. The Vibiana (214 S. Main St., Downtown LA, 213-626-1507) is an old archdiocese cathedral in downtown Los Angeles. It’s a great place; it’s not in a fancy area, but it’s beautiful. I love the Bel Air Bay Club (16801 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310-454-1391) if you want a more classic California look and feel.
Any advice for brides trying to plan the perfect wedding?
WW: The perfect wedding should be a reflection of you, and no one else. And the most important thing is that you enjoy the process of getting married and don’t forget why you’re getting married. So many brides get wrapped up in the aesthetics, but what’s tantamount is remembering why you’re having this party—you’re celebrating love. So during the whole experience, from the planning to the day itself, you should be acting in love.
Photography by Adi Benner, NEXT EXIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Mixology Course at Bow & Truss
North Hollywood resto introduces its “The Art of the Cocktail” class.
February 26, 2013
Mixologist Jonny Whitton mans the bar at Bow & Truss.
On February 28 (7-9 p.m.), North Hollywood’s chic Latin-American eatery Bow & Truss will host a special “The Art of the Cocktail” class to teach attendees how to craft specialty drinks. Spearheaded by mixologist Jonny Whitton, the evening will educate guests on the restaurant’s vast collection of Spanish sherries, and how they can be incorporated into signature cocktails. Whitton will also discuss the importance of fresh ingredients, clarify how to properly infuse an alcohol, go over basic mixology techniques, and then give step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect Old Fashioned, among other drinks off the menu. Bow & Truss executive chef Stephanie Meyers will offer a series of small bites to pair with the libations.
Under Whitton’s tutelage, Bow & Truss has put a heavy emphasis on fine cocktail techniques—everything from the ice to the freshly squeezed juices is specially tailored for each drink. The menu incorporates both classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Moscow Mule, and unique inventions such as the Vida de Pasion, with Vida mezcal, Fino sherry, whiskey barrel bitters, passion fruit, honey, and lemon. Whitton has also edited the cocktail list to incorporate the restaurant’s sherries and highlight Bow & Truss’ extensive collection of handcrafted bitters from the Los Angeles area.
Tickets for the mixology event are $25 and reservations are available through the restaurant’s website or by calling the restaurant at 818-985-8787. 11122 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood
Photography by Elizabeth Daniels
Old Hollywood Style at the Oscars
Celebrities channeled the art deco period at the Academy Awards.
February 25, 2013
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on February 24, 2013. Nominees, presenters, and other big-names paid homage to the style of old Hollywood on the red carpet.
From Seth MacFarlane’s soft shoe with Joseph Gordon Levitt and Daniel Radcliffe to the glittering beaded dresses that lined the red carpet, the 85th Academy Awards paid tribute to the glamorous art deco era of old Hollywood.
Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain set off the trend in a stunning rose-colored Armani Prive, completing the look with bright red lips and hair styled in long, soft waves, while another nominee, Naomi Watts, wore a structured one-sleeved silver dress by the same designer. Body-hugging gowns were sported by Halle Berry, whose sleek silver and black Versace gown was the perfect combination of structure and sex appeal, and Stacy Keibler, who sparkled in a silver beaded Naeem Kahn dress that accented her enviable figure with a tiered design. Other standouts included Nicole Kidman’s dazzling gold and black L’Wren Scott, which she paired with hanging Fred Leighton earrings and a glittering gold hairpin, and Catherine Zeta Jones’ Zuhair Murad, coupled with gold chandelier earrings by Lorraine Schwartz. Meanwhile, First Lady Michelle Obama picked up on the trend from afar, wearing a grey and silver Chevron-patterned Naeem Khan to present Argo with the Best Picture honor.
Men also looked back for their suiting inspiration, many trading in the skinny lapels and bowties of recent years for more classic, filled-out tuxedos. Jennifer Aniston’s man, Justin Theroux, stood out in a suave tuxedo paired with his signature beard, while Bradley Cooper wore a peak-lapel Tom Ford that seemed straight out of the '20s. Hugh Jackman also opted for Tom Ford, but selected a double-breasted style that complemented his larger frame. Also sporting the double-breasted look was Chris Pine, with an extremely elegant made-to-measure Ermenegildo Zegna.
Oscar Stars Put on Their Party Dresses
Stars slipped into something more comfortable post-Oscars.
February 25, 2013
Now that the verdict is mostly in on who was best-dressed at the 2013 Academy Awards, we can move on to afterparty fashions. Take a look at these red carpet wardrobe changes for the Governor's Ball and the infamous Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.
photography by Pascal Le Segretain (Lawrence); Kevork Djansezian (ADELE); ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ (SEYFRIED, ADAMS, HATHAWAY, WATTS, SALDANA)
G-Star Debuts RAW Tailored Atelier
The brand’s LA locations help to launch an in-house bespoke tailoring program.
February 25, 2013
A G-Star in-house fit specialist takes a customer's measurements.
The G-Star locations on Rodeo Drive and Melrose introduce the RAW Tailored Atelier today (February 25), a new service that allows discerning denim-lovers to personalize their jeans right in the store. Shoppers start with the G-Star 3301 five-pocket denim, a jean made with Red Listing raw denim that has a skinny fit for women and a low tapered fit for men. Next, they work with in-house fit specialists who take measurements to ascertain the appropriate width and length of the jean. Lastly—to ensure that each pair of bespoke denim is truly unique—customers can choose their own buttons, rivets, and back labels from a wide range of options. Once all customizations are selected, a professional tailor completes the look within 48 hours.
The Red Listing denim used for the RAW Tailored Atelier is created on early 1900s shuttle looms to produce an irregular weave, resulting in denim that gains character and softens as you wear it. For a truly rustic feel, the folded edges along the outside seam of the pant and the single red warp thread also pay homage to old-fashioned denim craftsmanship. 413 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310- 275-5098; 7966 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323-658-6028
Luminario Ballet Hosts Annual Fundraiser
Dynamic LA dance studio throws gala event to raise funds for its upcoming season.
February 25, 2013
Lumanario dancers will perform at the ballet's March 4 fundraiser.
Tickets are now available for Luminario Ballet’s March 4 gala fundraiser at the Faisdodo/Sukonick Concert Hall, an event that will help raise funds for Luminario’s upcoming season. The evening will include performances by Luminario dancers and aerialists, a circus show by the children of Culver City’s Le PeTiT CirqUe, and ballet by dancers from Marat Daukayek School of Ballet. Cocktails, a silent auction, and a seated dinner reception are also in store.
Gala-goers will have the chance to mingle with special guest Debra Brown, the head choreographer for Cirque du Soleil whose credits include O, Mystere, and Zumanity, as well as countless awards shows, movies, music videos, and more. Brown choreographed Luminario’s upcoming May/June show Flying, and guests who donate $1,000 to the company will be invited to a private closed rehearsal with her.
Los Angeles-based Luminario was founded in 2008 and features a unique style of dance that combines aerial tricks with both modern and traditional ballet moves. The company is a not-for-profit and all gala tickets and donations are tax deductible. Tickets start at $250 for the 6 p.m. dinner, cocktails, and show, and $100 for just cocktails and the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are available for purchase online at luminarioballet.org. 5357 W. Adams Blvd., Culver City, 818-395-6506
