Cheyann Benedict Opens
The co-founder of C&C California introduces her own eponymous high-end boutique.
April 01, 2013
Cheyann Benedict, best known for co-founding C&C California, has opened her own self-named store. The space most prominently features the new signature collection she launched in January 2013, which uses luxe fabrics like silk, cashmere, and high-quality cotton to fashion chic versions of everyday casualwear. The assortment of tees, pants, dresses, and sweaters ($80-$1,500) are all designed and made in the US. An array of global accessories and jewelry lines, including pieces by Samantha Grisdale, Jade Tribe, and the Mexican label Purpura Patula, will complement Benedict's pieces.
As for the space itself, Benedict teamed with design consultant Bret Witke to create a bright, airy vibe that makes the retail store seem more like a mid-century home—except here the massive wooden dining table serves up folded clothing, and the wooden bookshelves house accessories and antiquities. Each element of the store was carefully plotted, from scattered vintage accents to clean white walls that complement blonde-wood floors.
Benedict even designed many of the store’s tables and benches, which are also available for purchase, while custom couches, chairs, and ottomans may be specially ordered. Benedict’s pieces pair perfectly with comfortable seating in more muted tones, driving the homey feeling further and begging guests to sit down and stay awhile. 318 N. La Brea Ave., Mid-City, 323-936-2600
‘Kim McCarty Paints’ at SMMoA
The Santa Monica Museum of Art launches an interactive art installation and pop-up.
April 01, 2013
On April 6, the Santa Monica Museum of Art will debut a unique pop-up shop within its retail store GRACIE in conjunction with an interactive installation of works by internationally recognized California artist Kim McCarty. The exhibit and the pop-up, both dubbed “Kim McCarthy Paints,” will open with a reception April 6 (5-8 pm for members; 6-8 pm for non-members), showcasing a variety of watercolors crafted exclusively for the museum.
McCarty’s exhibit also gives museum-goers a glimpse of McCarty at work in the gallery’s Project Room 1. Although already sold out due to its popularity, art-lovers were even able to sign up to paint alongside the talented artist. The works that McCarty creates in Project Room 1 will be available for purchase immediately and pick-up after April 20, while the pieces in GRACIE are available to buy and take home immediately. The majority of the proceeds will be donated back to the museum.
Works by McCarty have shown in several galleries and museums throughout Los Angeles and around the world. The artist is best known for her intriguing depictions of youth, using a “wet into wet” watercolor technique that allows the paint to flow freely and create softer, mesmerizing shapes. The pop-up and exhibit will remain at SMMoA until April 20. Bergamot Station, Building G1, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, 310-586-6488
Photography courtesy of the artist (artworks); by Elizabeth Pezza (McCarty)
What We’re Reading
Former home of musical duo up for sale, Disneyland dabbles in high fashion, and more.
March 29, 2013
Own the same Frank Lloyd Wright home as musical couple Betty Comden and Adolph Green, pictured here in 1966.
This weekend sees the debut of Derek Cianfrance’s newest film The Place Beyond the Pines. The movie stars Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, and Eva Mendes, so our interest is piqued enough to survey the reviews. Here’s LA Weekly’s take. [LA Weekly]
The latest Frank Lloyd Wright house up for grabs is a historic gem—the Samuel-Novarro House was built in 1928 and has since housed the likes of Diane Keaton, Christina Ricci, and musical duo Betty Comden and Adolph Green. [LA Curbed]
Speaking of the ‘20s, while one doesn’t usually associate Disneyland with high fashion, the LA Times ran a review of the Gatsby-inspired looks that guests wore to the park for Disney’s annual Dapper Day. [LA Times]
Meanwhile, if you’re craving an old-timey cocktail, Los Angeles Magazine has the scoop on the Chateau Marmont’s classified drinks menu. [Los Angeles Magazine]
For something of the moment, though, same-sex marriage is a hot-button topic. Here, The Hollywood Reporter examines the stance of some entertainment companies. [THR].
Photography by Photo by John Jonas Gruen/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Brunch Plans: Bouchon Beverly Hills
Staple Beverly Hills bistro introduces new spring menus and Easter specials.
March 29, 2013
Get into the Easter spirit with the six-pack of golden egg mini macarons at Bouchon Beverly Hills.
Bouchon Beverly Hills just launched its new spring menu last Saturday (March 23), and they’ve also concocted an array of specials for those celebrating Easter Sunday. Whichever option you choose, a leisurely afternoon can easily be yours when you reserve one of the coveted outdoor tables on Bouchon’s upstairs or downstairs patios, which both boast prime views of Beverly Canon Gardens.
The new spring brunch offerings spotlight fresh seasonal produce from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. Diners can opt for lighter items like a red quinoa salad with feta, olives, heirloom carrots, and English cucumbers, or the poached shrimp Louie with Haas avocado, little gem lettuces, cherry tomatoes, and Hobbs Shore bacon. Comfort-food enthusiasts will want to dig into Bouchon’s spin on chicken and waffles—a roasted chicken served over a bacon and chive waffle, topped with Tahitian vanilla bean butter, and sauce chasseur—or ricotta crepes, with poached rhubarb, orange, and toasted almonds. If you can’t make it in for brunch, both the lunch and dinner menus have also been revamped to reflect the warmer season.
Come Easter Sunday, brunch becomes an all-day affair with extended hours from 10:30 am-10:30 pm. Selections from the new a.m. menu will be offered, combined with oysters and baked sweets from pastry chef Alen Ramos (pastries are also available for pick-up all weekend long). For holiday traditionalists, Ramos offers gooey hot cross buns, as well as a pretty presentation of six mini macarons shaped like pastel-colored Easter eggs. Other Easter-themed desserts include a rich chocolate foil egg, golden egg Easter shortbread, and individual egg bonbons. Call the restaurant at 310-271-9910 to reserve. 235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills
Plus, want more Easter dining options? See some of our favorites>>
Weekend Recommender: March 28-31
Duckhorn wine dinner, Red Bull art show, Rebecca Minkoff in LA, King Kong turns 80….
March 28, 2013
Acclaimed fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff is in LA to meet fans and show her spring line this weekend.
Duckhorn Wine Dinner at Fleming’s Steakhouse
Thursday, March 28, 6:30 pm
Head to the Beverly Hills outpost of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse for a five-course dinner ($95) by chef Brandon Powell paired with wines from Napa Valley’s Duckhorn Vineyards. The main course is a center-cut rib eye with white asparagus and aged white cheddar risotto, served alongside the Duckhorn 2010 cabernet. Reservations are required by calling the restaurant at 310-278-8710. 252 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills
Red Bull Curates at Factory West
Thursday, March 28, 9 pm-12 am
Red Bull has tapped 20 of Los Angeles’ most exciting contemporary artists like White Buffalo, Jill Knox, and Blinky, to participate in a creative one-day challenge. Participants must create a work of art to be displayed at a local bar/resto...on a canvas-wrapped Red Bull cooler. See the finished products at Factory West and vote for your favorites—the two winning artists snag a trip to Miami during Art Basel. No RSVP required, so plan to arrive early. 7811 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.
Rebecca Minkoff at Nordstom
Friday, March 29, 6-8 pm; Saturday, March 30, 1-3 pm
NY-based fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff will stop by two LA Nordstroms this weekend to meet with fans and showcase her eponymous brand. Shop the spring 2013 collection, inspired by Slim Aaron’s iconic photographs of people relaxing poolside, while enjoying refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and DJ tunes. Minkoff will be at The Grove (189 The Grove Dr., Mid City, 323-930-2230) Friday evening, and then at South Coast Plaza (3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714-549-8300) for Saturday’s installment.
King Kong’s 80th Anniversary at Egyptian Theater
Sunday, March 31, 7:30 pm
American Cinematheque celebrates the 80th anniversary of King Kong—one of the most iconic films of the 20th century—at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theater. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, the movie has inspired many remakes but the original still stands the test of time. $7 tickets available through fandango.com. 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323-466-3456
Plus, see where to savor Easter and Passover dining specials this weekend>>
Moët & Chandon's Must-Try Vintage
The luxe Champagne brand unveils the 70th iteration in its Grand Vintage Collection.
March 28, 2013
Moët & Chandon's Grand Vintage 2004 is the 70th vintage from the luxe Champagne house.
The next time you need to toast a special occasion, consider Moët & Chandon’s newest aged Champagne—the Grand Vintage 2004. One of the first Champagne houses to craft vintage blends, Moët released its premiere vintage Champagne in 1842, and the brand has only produced a vintage bottle in the best of harvest years since then. With the introduction of the Grand Vintage 2004, Moët now boasts 70 wines in their Grand Vintage Collection.
In 2004, the growing season was particularly fruitful due to unusually mild weather, thus the perfect year to concoct one of the coveted vintage varietals. Assembly falls to chef de cave Benoît Gouez, who must assess the harvest and create a unique formula for the vintage Champagne. While in the past, vintages were assembled using strict proportions of the pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay grapes, since 2000, Moët has allowed Gouez to craft the Champagne based on grape quality. This commitment to innovation, combined with an extended aging period, has yielded some of the most flavorful and complex Champagnes in recent history.
The 2004 Grand Vintage features a fruity bouquet with strong white peach, lemon, and pineapple notes, complemented by subtle herbal aromas and hints of pepper, marzipan, and candied melon. The vintage is tangy on the palate, with a delicate texture that allows the complex flavors to combine on the tongue for a crisp, light finish. The 2004 Grand Vintage Brut is now available in stores citywide, such as Wally's Wine and Spirits (2107 Westwood Blvd., West LA, 310-475-0606). The 2004 Grand Vintage Rosé will be available soon.
3 California-Centric Books
The changing wine industry, a behind-the-scenes LA personality, a home’s makeover….
March 27, 2013
From California’s lush landscape, to the area’s varied architecture, to its immersion in the film industry, there’s no shortage of inspiration for writers in our great state. Below, we examine three books out now or coming soon that highlight different aspects of the place we’re proud to call home.
Rock & Vine (by Chelsea Prince, February 2013, Chelsea Print & Publishing; $29)
Back in the ‘70s, a group of wine pioneers put the Napa and Sonoma Valleys on the map. Now, a new set of trailblazers seeks to bring winemaking into the 21st century. Independent publisher Chelsea Prince explores this group in her new book Rock & Vine, a coffee-table hardcover that profiles 11 innovative industry leaders. Between Jordan Kivelstadt’s wine on tap, Ben Flajnik’s biodynamic wine, and Joe Wagner’s best-selling pinot noir, there’s plenty to pique the interest of even the most amateur oenophiles. As a bonus, the book supports a good cause—a portion of the profits will benefit Wine To Water, a non-profit organization that provides clean water to those in need worldwide.
Building Beauty: The Alchemy of Design (by Michael S. Smith, May 1, 2013; Rizzoli New York; $55)
Design enthusiasts should save the date for the release of Michael S. Smith’s latest book—a visually gorgeous exploration of an uninspired 1993 Malibu home that Smith transformed into a stunning architectural specimen. The book chronicles his collaboration with architect Oscar Shamamian, as well as the landscape designer, contractor, and all the skilled workers he interacted with to realize his vision. The photos serve as both renovation inspiration and detailed information on what goes into transforming a home. The book will release in May but Christie’s Auction House New York will be selling over 500 lots of art, furniture, and antiques seen in Building Beauty April 23-24. The auction will be available online at christies.com.
Finding My Voice: My Journey through Grief to Grace: Living with the Loss of Don LaFontaine (by Nita Whitaker LaFontaine, April 1, 2013, Nitwit Inc.; $17)
Although you might not recognize his name, you’d know his voice in a second—Don LaFontaine was known as “The Voiceover King,” having voiced thousands of TV ads, promotions, and film trailers. In the five years since LaFontaine’s passing, his widow Nita Whitaker LaFontaine has penned a memoir that explores her life with Don and details her grieving process. The book provides a rare opportunity to see a behind-the-scenes LA legend from behind the scenes.
Cover art by Francois Halard (Building Beauty)
Easter and Passover Dining Specials
A few choice ways to celebrate March holidays in LA.
March 26, 2013
Enjoy an adult twist on typical Easter eggs with Petrossian's egg royale.
With Passover in progress and Easter taking place March 31, this week provides plenty of excuses for a festive celebration with friends and family. Here are a few picks for each holiday—whether you’re looking for a sweet takeaway treat, a Passover seder, or an Easter brunch.
For a modern spin on Passover seder: Culina, Modern Italian
Culina, Modern Italian celebrates Passover with a noteworthy dinner that encompasses both unique takes on traditional fare and the requisite charoset. Their four-course prix-fixe ($55, March 26-27, seatings start at 6 pm) includes dishes like Italian-style chicken liver with crisp potatoes and chives, lemon-sage matzo balls in broth, and your choice of an entrée and dessert. Reservations required by calling the restaurant at 310-860-4000. 300 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills
For an Easter egg brunch: Petrossian
At this classic caviar house, executive chef Giselle Wellman is whipping up a four-course feast ($60; 10 am-4 pm) fit only for the most sophisticated palates. The meal begins with an adults-only egg royale that features Petrossian’s signature caviar, a soft scrambled egg, and vodka whipped cream in multi-colored egg-shells. Guests can also opt for treats like a caviar tasting or a croque madame with black forest ham, comte cheese, and arugula salad, all paired with either Champagne, a lavender mimosa, or a bellini. Reservations are recommended. 321 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-271-6300
For a family-friendly feast: LIVELLO at L’Ermitage
If you’re celebrating the holiday with a larger group, try LIVELLO at L’Ermitage Hotel. Chef Benjamin Dayag has prepared a decadent buffet ($85 adults, $45 children; 11 am-3 pm), while the hotel offers a rooftop Easter egg hunt from 12-12:30 pm on the patio. Children can then meet the Easter bunny for photos and face-painting, while the adults indulge in bottomless mimosas ($25 supplement) and dishes like smoked salmon, roasted chicken with shiitake mushrooms, and red wine-braised veal cheeks. Reservations are recommended. 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, 877-235-7582
For an Easter escape: The St. Regis Monarch Beach
Avoid the stress associated with the holidays by escaping to the St. Regis Monarch Beach, one of the top luxury hotels at Dana Point. Enjoy an expansive Easter brunch at Motif Restaurant ($115 adults, $36 children; 10 am-4 pm), which includes unlimited Champagne and a sizable spread of international dishes, carving stations, and breakfast classics. The hotel is also celebrating with an Easter egg hunt, face-painting, Easter bunny photo-ops, and other children’s activities. Post-brunch, book tee time on the resort’s championship golf course or plan a rejuvenating visit to the luxurious Spa Gaucin. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949-234-3200
For a take-home treat: Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia is honoring both Passover and Easter with a variety of special sweets. For Passover, pick up twice-baked mandel bread with chopped almonds and chocolate chips, or Magnolia’s signature matzo crunch, which layers matzo bread with buttercrunch candy, chocolate, white chocolate, and toffee pieces. Those celebrating Easter can enjoy “mini nests”— vintage egg cartons filled with a dozen vanilla or chocolate mini cupcakes topped with vanilla buttercream, toasted coconut, and chocolate-covered sunflower seeds—or pastel meringues. 8389 W. 3rd St., Mid-City, 323-951-0636
2013 Humane Society Genesis Awards Gala
LA influencers gathered to celebrate animal welfare at The Beverly Hilton.
March 25, 2013
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba, the evening honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Animal enthusiasts gathered Saturday, March 23 at The Beverly Hilton for the annual Genesis Awards Benefit Gala to celebrate the important work of The Humane Society of the United States. The evening brought together stars like Kelly Cuoco, Michael Vartan, and Beatrice—the dog from Modern Family—who honored entertainment professionals and other influencers who have helped raise awareness for animal issues.
Hosted by Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba, the event featured a cocktail reception, a gourmet vegan dinner, silent auction, and an awards ceremony. This year’s Wyler Award was presented to Ke$ha for her work raising awareness about animal issues through her website and social media. Ke$ha is the Humane Society International’s first Global Ambassador for Animals—the singer has spoken out about street dogs, trophy hunting of endangered animals, cruelty-free cosmetics, and many other animal-welfare concerns.
Meanwhile, a variety of media outlets were also honored, such as the film Big Miracle with Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski, the dramatic series Harry’s Law, and National Geographic’s Wild Justice. The silent auction gave guests an opportunity to bid on rare items like two tickets to Jerry Seinfeld's April 12 show at Caesar's Palace, a five-day package at Ezulwini Lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve of South Africa, and two paintings exclusively created for the auction by chimps at Chimp Haven sanctuary. For more information or to donate to the cause, visit humanesociety.org.
Nail Art: 3 Spots for Luxe Manicures
Decorate your digits at these LA manicure/pedicure places.
March 25, 2013
Forget French manicures or classic red polish—fingers today are blank canvases for skilled manicurists to flex their artistic muscles. While many salons are offering more creative polish colors and gel manicures, a few locations in LA specialize in crafting personalized designs. Read on for three of our favorite spots to dress your digits.
Mars the Salon
The first U.S. location of the highly lauded Tokyo-based salon, Mars the Salon brings the precision Japanese gel manicure to West Hollywood. Mars offers guests head-to-toe luxury, from private nail suites that come equipped with flat-screen televisions and high-end headphones, to completely customizable designs. Whether you’re looking to recreate a favorite painting or want to match a dress pattern exactly, no task is too ornate for these technicians—up to five experts will work on one design to ensure that it’s perfectly executed. Manicures begin at $50, pedicures at $60, with custom designs extra. 606 Westmount Dr., West Hollywood, 310-652-0930
Heavy metal custom manicure at Ki Nail Salon.
Ki Nail Bar & Organic Spa
Sister nail bar to the celebrity-favorite Chi Spa in Beverly Hills, Ki Nail Bar features a full line of organic services in a hip downtown environment. Treat your mitts to a jade stone treatment or reflexology massage, before browsing their vast selection of nail services. Standouts include their custom nail art, which boasts floral designs ideal for spring garden parties, bold colorblocking that’s right on trend with the latest fashions, and hip “heavy metal” designs with crystal embellishments. Custom styles start at $5 per nail for regular polish, and go up to $100 for a full gel set. For the woman on the go, Ki offers over 100 different selections of Minx nail wraps ($60 fingers, $75 toes)—a greener alternative to polish that will last just as long. 105 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Downtown LA, 213-928-0888
Candy Paint
A new collaboration between accessories designer Melody Ehsani, blogger Aureta Thomollari, and renowned nail artist Yoko Sakakura, Candy Paint Los Angeles is a full-service nail studio operating within Ehsani’s West Hollywood jewelry boutique. The experience includes complimentary teas and drinks, nail design magazines from Japan, imported Japanese candy, and of course, luxury nail treatments. Ehsani collaborated with LA-based brand NCLA for a series of designer nail wraps, which are available at the salon for busy women who still want a colorful, designer look. Meanwhile, Sakakura and a team of skilled technicians are also on hand for custom 3D designs that pair perfectly with Ehsani’s jewelry. 424 ½ N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, 323-272-3930
Photograph courtesy Aureta Thomollari (Candy Paint)
