Nikki Reed with her 7 For All Mankind x Nikki Reed jewelry collection at 7 For All Mankind.

This weekend, we’re honoring mom, and many of us will be celebrating our special lady with food (see our picks for Mother’s Day brunch here). So, we loved LA Weekly’s roundup of local chefs dishing on cooking lessons they learned from their mothers and grandmothers. [LA Weekly]

Speaking of Mother’s Day, check out Guest of a Guest’s gift guide for last-minute ideas. Spoiler alert: covetable items from LA brands like Musa Sandals, Mark’s Garden, and the Peninsula Beverly Hills. [Guest of a Guest Los Angeles]

On the subject of cool LA labels, actress Nikki Reed has launched a new jewelry collection with 7 For All Mankind. The line alone is noteworthy, but we also suggest reading Reed’s interview with R29 about the brand, life in LA, and her musical husband. [Refinery29]

Did today’s premiere of The Great Gatsby put you on the hunt for a good book? See Daily Candy’s slideshow featuring ten fantastic tomes that celebrate our city. [Daily Candy]

Meanwhile, another film we can’t wait for—Man of Steel—has inspired new vintage eyewear from Warby Parker. The two limited-edition frames debut May 21. [The Hollywood Reporter]

Enjoy alfresco dining under the shade of olive trees on Aventine’s outdoor patio. 

Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day or just looking for a chic afternoon meal, consider checking out Aventine Hollywood’s brand-new brunch this weekend. The new menu will be launched with an event hosted by 78Violet’s Aly and AJ Michalka and their mother, Carrie on Sunday, May 12. Event-goers will be the first to try the brunch, which will be available this Sunday and regularly on Sundays afterward from 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

The new offerings feature breakfast favorites with creative Italian twists. For example, the chicken and waffles comprises a breaded chicken Milanese with bacon butter and bourbon maple syrup, while the benedict here is fixed with two fried eggs, smoked pancetta, and fontina fonduta, served over focaccia bread. Other intriguing items include a breakfast pizza with mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, organic eggs, and basil, and a tuna carpaccio with baby frisée, caper berries, and a blood orange vinaigrette.

Though the morning fare skews Italian-fusion, the craft cocktails from mixologist Nikki Martin tend more toward the classics. Try a bellini or aperol spritzer, or indulge in bottomless mimosas made with prosecco and a choice of pear, mango, or pompelmo juices.

Officially opened in January, Aventine offers Hollywood diners an alternative to the red velvet rope establishments in the surrounding area. Guests are met with a cozy atmosphere complete with industrial exposed beams, original brick walls, and scattered antiques from the owners’ families. An expansive patio, which boasts a reclaimed-wood deck and olive trees, adds to the feel. Reservations are encouraged by calling the restaurant at 323-500-0969. 1607 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood

Masumi's new sake gets paired with small bites at Bamboo Izakaya.

Masumi “Arabashiri” Sake Launch Party at Bamboo Izakaya
Thursday, May 9, 6-8 pm
New Santa Monica resto Bamboo Izakaya is celebrating the US release of Masumi’s premium arabashiri sake with a tasting event. Masumi’s Keith Norum will discuss the iconic Japanese sake brewer while guests enjoy pours of Masumi’s new sake—as well as the brand’s junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo labels—alongside complementary small plates. Bamboo Izakaya is also offering a $20 Uber credit to guests who prefer not to drive to the event (available at registration). Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 at the door), and can be purchased at worldsake.us. 1541 Ocean Ave., Ste. #120, Santa Monica, 310-566-3860

Beach Fitness Event at the Santa Monica Pier
Friday, May 10, 12-3 pm
Make the beach-ready body of your dreams a reality with exhale and BluePrint Fit’s inaugural fitness event. Head to the Santa Monica Pier, where you’ll enjoy a choice of yoga and mini spa therapies by exhale mind body spa, cycle rides courtesy Cycle House, Zumba from LA Dance Fit, and Hoopnotica classes. Event-goers also take home a gift bag with a one-day BluePrint Cleanse gift card. $45 tickets can be purchased at blueprintfit.splashthat.com. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Live Music at Project Gallery
Friday, May 10, 8 pm
Celebrate Project Gallery’s latest exhibit—“Jeremiah Kille: Fragile Empire”—with an evening of music by LA-based singer/songwriters Sarah Pigion and Jack Kovacs. Kille’s exhibit marks his LA debut with 20 highly stylized pieces that focus on our coexistence with animals and nature, portrayed with abstract lines and vibrant colors. E-mail contact@projectla.net to RSVP for Friday’s event; the exhibit continues through May 26. 1553 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323-462-1100

The A+D Museum Gala
Saturday, May 11, 7-11 pm
At The Architecture and Design Museum’s annual CELEBRATE: The Journey gala, they’ll be lauding the artistic path that leads to inspired design with a travel theme. Expect one-of-a-kind suitcases, carry-ons, vintage trunks, and more to be up for sale from some of the area’s most renowned design groups. Tickets start at $125 and are available at aplusd.org/celebrate2013. 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Mid City, 323-932-9393

See our five picks for Mother's Day brunch here>>

Comedian Ross Mathews can now add author to his resume.

He may have started off as Ross the Intern on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, but now Ross Mathews is a staple on the LA comedy circuit, with frequent appearances on Chelsea Lately and E! News and his own talk show set to air this fall on E!. Mathews also just released a book on May 7, Man Up! Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence, which chronicles his journey to the spotlight and takes a hilarious look at how he turned his obsession with Hollywood stars into an asset ($25 on amazon.com).

Catch our chat with the comedian about his book, what to expect from his talk show, and his favorite celebrity meeting, then see him live at Largo at the Coronet on Monday, May 13 at 8 pm ($25 tickets on largo.com).

What inspired you to write Man Up?
ROSS MATHEWS: I've lived a ridiculous life—from growing up in a farm town to being plopped into the center of Hollywood—I couldn't not share my adventures along the way.

What drew you to Los Angeles?
RM: Ever since I was a little kid, I would flip through the magazines and see the stars and say, ‘one day I'll be there!’

Any funny stories from when you first moved here?
RM: When I first moved to LA, I lived in this gross little apartment that was infested with cockroaches [laughs]. But I'm still best friends with all the people I lived with.

Any tips for other small-town folk trying to make it big in LA?
RM: I define Man Up as you are what you are—you have to celebrate what makes you different instead of hating it. So identify what makes you different and use it to make you stand out, which is a hard thing to do in a big city like LA.

How did you break into the business?
RM: I did it in a really unorthodox kind of way. Most people get a headshot and go to auditions. I was sort of in the right place at the right time, and had the right talent that people were looking for.

Which celebrity have you gotten really excited about meeting?
RM: I met Michelle Obama and that was a game changer, because this is the First Lady—she's like living history!

Tell us about your talk show. 
RM: It's interactive; I want to bring fans and pop culture together. There are so many shows that tear down pop culture and say ‘isn't that stupid,’ but I love it. I want to create a place where we can celebrate it, so we'll be Skyping people into the audience and we'll be able to ask celebrities questions.

Where can we find your book?
RM: The book is available at Target, so you can see me at the City Target, the one in West Hollywood, and the one in Glendale—I'll probably be shopping there. So go get the book and you'll probably bump into me!

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The upscale décor at Riviera 31 evokes a luxurious French Riviera retreat.

 

Take a seat at Riviera’s cozy communal table.

 

A bar menu, featuring items like the chicken roulade, offers everything from light bites to more substantial meals.

 

The Monte Carlo Bay cocktail combines sparking wine, aperol, and fresh blood orange.

 

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The Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills fêted a revamped Riviera 31 lounge on May 3, with an event featuring finger foods from chef Marius Blin, music by DJ Gabriel Diggs, and performances from Zen Arts LA. The opening celebration showcased the lounge’s refined décor, which includes a black, white, and red color scheme, and classic photography by Edward Quinn.

Now opened to the public, guests at Riviera 31 can opt for a low leather chair at a large communal table or snag a spot at one of the many banquettes, where craft cocktails are prepared tableside. The beverage menu by Matthew Biancaniello pays homage to the classic libations of the Riviera, but with a creative twist—the Negresco, for example, adds a rim of ghost pepper salt to a smoked mescal and tequila cocktail, while the Thirty One combines Bulleit rye and punt e mes, Cointreau, maraschino, sea salt, and orange.

To pair with the drinks, chef Blin has crafted a menu of sharable small plates that range from a flight of French fries to a half-dozen oysters, as well as more substantial items like steak frites or fennel pollen roasted shrimp. Mixed charcuterie and cheese plates are also on offer. Meanwhile, weekly entertainment will add to the overall atmosphere, mixing cultural events Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays with live musical acts Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Table or list reservations can be made by visiting esterelrestaurant.com/Riviera-31. 8555 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-358-3979

Last year's PRECOGNITO Gala and Preview.

To mark their 25th anniversary, the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMoA) will host a gala event Thursday, May 9, followed by an exhibition and art sale on Saturday, May 11. Dubbed PRECOGNITO, the gala will kick off at 7 pm with a dinner conceived by Chez Panisse chef Alice Waters, and catered by Suzanne Goin of A.O.C. and Lucques renown.

During the gala, acclaimed gallery owner Margo Leavin and prestigious opera and theater director Peter Sellars will be honored for their contributions to the art world, while a live auction will offer the chance at covetable items like taking over the Chez Panisse kitchen for a day, or having chef Waters cook in your home. Guests will also have the opportunity to exclusively preview 700 original works by celebrated artists like Mark Bradford, Catherine Opie, Raymond Pettibon, Ed Ruscha, and Betye Saa, which will be up for grabs during the INCOGNITO benefit sale on Saturday (7 pm).

True to its name, the INCOGNITO art sale will comprise pieces by over 500 contemporary artists, but collectors will not know their identities until after purchase. Each artwork is signed and dated on the back, and available for $350 plus tax.

Remaining tickets for the PRECOGNITO gala start at $1,200, while individual tickets for the INCOGNITO auction begin at $150, and combination tickets are $5,000. Proceeds from the events support SMMoA, helping to keep it free and accessible to the public. Tickets can be purchased by calling SMMoA at 310-586-6488, e-mailing incognito@smmoa.org, or visiting smmoa.org. 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica

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The 2,000-square-foot salon boasts a separate mezzanine level.

 

Sleek hardwood floors and a steel stairwell contribute to the salon's sleek aesthetic.

 

A red brick accent wall adds a pop of color to the space.

 

The salon features comfortable washing stations and an array of products, including Kendall's signature line.

 

Expert makeup applications are also on offer.

 

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James Kendall, well known for his A-list celebrity clientele and precision dry haircuts, has opened an expansive new salon in Beverly Hills on Brighton Way. Clocking in at over 2,000 square feet, the space embodies a chic, modern vibe with dark wooden floors, stark white walls, and mid-century-inspired salon chairs in front of mod white mirrors. Track lighting overhead accentuates the high ceilings, while a red accent wall gives the main room a pop of color. An industrial steel staircase leads to an open mezzanine level.

The salon offers cuts, color, and blowouts, as well as makeup application, with each service reflecting Kendall’s focus on sophisticated techniques and satisfying his clients. In fact, customers are so essential to Kendall that he even names products after them, like The Betty—his signature soft-hold hairspray named for a devoted client. In addition to his own line of products, Kendall carries Oribe and Sachajuan.

Between cuts, customers can take advantage of the salon’s high-quality blow-dry services. James Kendall has partnered with nearby Equinox gym to offer discounted blowouts to clients post-workout, and even offers classes to teach women the skills they need to get the salon look at home. For Mother’s Day, they’re offering a special package of six blow dries for the price of five. Call the salon at 310-858-8045 for more information on services and the exclusive offer. 9635 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills

Woody Allen at the opening night screening of To Rome With Love at the 2012 LA Film Fest.

The LA Film Fest, presented by Film Independent, recently announced the lineup of films that will be showcased at L.A. LIVE June 13-23. Now in its 19th year, the festival will highlight new talent across all genres, screening almost 200 films, shorts, and music videos from around the world. Pedro Almovodar’s highly anticipated movie, I’m So Excited!, will open the festival, while Fox Searchlight’s The Way, Way Back, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, and Maya Rudolph, will serve as the festival’s closing night film.

Other highlights include gala screenings of Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, and Nicolas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives, starring Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas. Special complimentary-admission community events celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Dazed and Confused, and the 25th anniversary of John Waters’ Hairspray, are also in store.

The fest also includes an array of exciting programming, such as evenings celebrating music in film at The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, master classes with Maya Rudolph and Gustavo Santoalalla, conversations with David Mamet and magician Ricky Jay, and much more.  

Festival passes are currently on sale to Film Independent members and the general public, while general admission tickets will go on sale May 21. For more information or to purchase tickets call 866-345-6337 or visit lafilmfest.com.

Hollywood’s elite gathered last night at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons hotel for the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund fundraising event—An Unforgettable Evening. Presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, the event marked the 16th anniversary of the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, which raises support and funds for innovative breakthroughs in cancer research.

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Lisa Kudrow, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant, Julianne Hough, Tommy Hilfiger, Monique Lhuillier, and more paused on the carpet before heading inside the ballroom for the cocktail reception.

 

Chelsea Handler hosted the event, introducing the programming during a seated dinner and awards presentation.

 

Kylie Minogue, who is a breast cancer survivor, was honored with the 2013 Courage Award, which recognized her efforts to help raise awareness for the disease.

 

Actress Rita Wilson presented the Nat King Cole Award to designer Carolina Herrera—who had dressed Wilson as well as Kate Capshaw, Kylie Minogue, Chelsea Handler, and Julianne Hough for the evening—in recognition of her continued support of the EIF Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

 

The evening concluded with a high-energy performance by Bruno Mars, who sang an assortment of his greatest hits including “Billionaire”, “Money,” and “Just The Way You Are.”

 

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