Los Angeles Confidential

Fig & Olive Melrose Place Premieres Summer Menu

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Melon, prosciutto, and burrata salad makes a hearty and refreshing summer dish.

Beautifully envisioned by executive chef Pascal Lorange, the refreshed summer offerings at Melrose Place’s Fig & Olive appeal to both the eye and the palate. With an added 20 dishes, the bright and airy West Hollywood resto reimagines everything from starters to sorbets this season.

Lunch items include a colorful salad comprised of farm fresh melon, prosciutto, and burrata; and pea and mint soup. A Mediterranean tasting dinner is a feast of fare that features grilled lobster tail on puff pastry, served with shaved baby zucchini, pesto, and bell pepper tapenade; grilled filet mignon, alongside potato galette and roasted honey thyme eggplant; and truffle risotto with black crumpet, cremini mushroom, and Parmesan, drizzled in white truffle oil.

For the final act, enjoy desserts like green apple sorbet with citrus and olive oil, or a selection of tart du jour in flavors from chocolate ganache and caramel, to balsamic fig mascarpone. In homage to its French Riviera roots, Fig & Olive also expands on its signature starters with summer-inspired crostinis, cicchetti, and frittis. 8490 Melrose Pl., West Hollywood, 310-360-9100

Weekend Recommender: May 18-20

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A perfect example of Nancy Berry's work, which centers around self-portrait and landscape.

Nancy Berry “For the Dance Of the Light” Exhibition
Friday, May 18, 10 AM-5 PM)
LA-based artist Nancy Berry debuts a one-day-only photography showcase at The Pacific Design Center. A whiz with camera formats and color-enhancing effects, the music exec-turned-photographer focuses her enchanting exhibition around self-portrait and landscape. 8687 Melrose Ave., Ste, B315- 3rd Fl., West Hollywood; 310-657-0800

Los Angeles Ballet Presents NextWaveLA
Saturday, May 19, 7:30PM
Renowned Southern California choreographers Kitty McNamee, Sonya Tayeh, Stacey Tookey, and Josie Walsh present their NextWaveLA show at the historic Alex Theatre for one night only. The contemporary/classic series then moves on for its final May performances at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage. Tickets $30-95.126 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818-243-2539

The California Music Festival and AIDS Walk
Sunday, May 20, 2 PM-9 PM
This year's commemoration features a ‘70s-themed celebration complete with special tributes and star concert performances at The Greek Theater, a 3K walk in Griffith Park, and plenty of food and drink. The event benefits numerous HIV and AIDS charities, and big-names like Magic Johnson, who hosts the concert portion, will be in attendance. It’s not too late to register and start raising money for this important cause. takeaction.aidshealth.org

Graffiti Artists Tag Restoration Hardware

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:52:00 -0400

Restoration Hardware is exhibiting two colossal pieces of graffiti art in The Gallery on Beverly Boulevard, located in the brand’s West Hollywood store, this month. The two 12- by 24-foot pieces, specially commissioned by Restoration Hardware chairman and CEO Gary Friedman, are a collaboration between graffiti artists CMENTONE (Matt Boal) and GE-OLOGY.

Works are emblazoned with Japanese Sumi-inked tags of inspirational quotes written by Friedman to reflect the Restoration Hardware brand. “When we are open and giving of our light, we create an endless reflection that outlives our human existence,” reads one of the two quotes, titled Endless Reflection. Edge and inspiration, isn’t that what all LA abodes need more of? 8772 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, 310-652-0323

Q&A With: Vegan Handbag Designer Cornelia Guest

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

New York socialite and philanthropist Cornelia Guest’s eponymous handbag line proves that eco-friendly vegan accessories can be chic. Her latest Cornelia Guest Handbag collection for spring 2012 focuses on elegantly woven satchels, canvas and straw totes, colorful crossbody messenger bags, and oversized embellished carriers—all created cruelty-free. We got Guest's take on inspirations, favorites from her collection, and her affinity for animals.

What were your design inspirations for the spring collection?
CORNELIA GUEST: Down-to-Earth and elegant. [I want] women to be able to go anywhere with my bags.

As a New York fashion icon and designer, how would you say your line fits with LA’s laid-back style?
CG: It’s classic with a twist and cruelty-free. LA is always helping animals and creating new trends.

What are your must-have pieces from the collection?
CG: My Nicolas weave bag with the Winston weave clutch inside, and my teal straw tote and Whitney tote for the beach.

You’ve been a longtime animal rights advocate. Where does your love of animals come from?
CG: I have loved animals since I was a child. I saved every bug and critter I could find. I still do now…they’ve just gotten bigger!

What is the best piece of fashion advice you’ve received?
CG: Be comfortable in your own skin…for me that’s when we are most beautiful!

On May 17, Guest will make an appearance at Bloomingdale’s Century City (4-7 PM) for a trunk show featuring her spring line. For more information, call 310-722-7101. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., LA

Favorite Spots for Downtown Dining

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Water Grill sports a fresh new look after a massive renovation.

Once a culinary wasteland, Downtown is now LA's most exciting mealtime destination.

Artisan House
You can't be all things to all people, but this new bar/deli/market/restaurant at the historic Pacific Electric Building certainly comes close. Executive chef Jason Ryczek, formerly of Boa, serves an ever-changing farmers' market-heavy menu accompanied by molecular- mixology cocktails, but Downtowners on the run can pick up a sandwich or local foodstuffs at the Dean & Deluca-ish deli counter and market. 600 S. Main St., LA, 213-622-6333

Bäco Mercat
Though chef/owner Josef Centeno serves his signature mix of world cuisine—Szechuan chicken ribs and chile relleno with pork and ricotta both appear on the brief menu—at his new casual-dining restaurant in the historic Old Bank District, the real draw is his selection of signature flatbread sandwiches (bäco). The Original—pork belly, beef carnitas, and salbitxada sauce—is a creation the chef used to make just for friends but now prepares for his legions of loyal followers who have already turned Bäco Mercat into a Downtown fixture. 408 S. Main St., LA, 213-687-8808

Blue Cow
If you already like the innovative sandwiches at Mendocino Farms, you'll love the owners' new sandwich laboratory, Blue Cow, in the former home of Casa. The Burger, created by collaborating chef Jason Travi (a patty of prime house-blend ground beef topped with butter lettuce, tomato, and spicy remoulade), is a can't-miss. Wash it down with an Old Fashioned on Tap cocktail, made with pecan-infused Woodford Reserve whiskey with vanilla-bean simple syrup, whiskey-barrel bitters, lemon, and orange peel. 350 S. Grand Ave., LA, 213-621-2249

Bottega Louie
The restaurant that sparked the all-in-one trend Downtown—with a full-service restaurant, confectioner's dream of a bakery, and gourmet market—quickly became a fixture on the area's dining scene. That's partly due to its setting in the Beaux Arts-style Brockman Building and also to a menu of classic Italian dishes and a decadent brunch spread that draws folks from far and wide to indulge. 700 S. Grand Ave., LA, 213-802-1470

Drago Centro
When chef Celestino Drago closed his eponymous Santa Monica restaurant in January, it sent shock waves through LA's foodie community—and sent them running Downtown to his Drago Centro, where the menu is a modern take on classic cuisines of the Italian peninsula. Ask the sommelier to select a vintage from the soaring glass wine cellar to accompany handmade pastas such as the spaghetti casarecce with duck ragout and ricotta salata. 525 S. Flower St., LA, 213-228-8998

The Gorbals
Who knew a restaurant named after a Glasgow neighborhood that serves an offbeat menu mixing soul food with Jewish and Scottish influences could work so well? Top Chef winner Ilan Hall, that's who. Once you taste some of his specialties, like bánh mì poutine and the bacon-wrapped matzoh balls that put this tiny gem in the creepy-chic Alexandria hotel on the map, you'll realize there was never any doubt. 501 S. Spring St., LA, 213-488-3408

Towne Los Angeles
The latest project from the Mi Piace restaurateurs, this upscale Mediterranean bistro anchors the ground floor of the new residential WaterMarke Tower near L.A. Live. The menu features classic dishes from Greece, France, and even North Africa, with a focus on everyone's favorite, Italy. There's also a bakery-café area for desserts and takeout—perfect for locals. 705 W. 9th St., LA, 213-623-2366

Water Grill
After a $1.5 million renovation, this old-school seafood restaurant is looking more gorgeous than ever with oversize horseshoe-style booths and a beautiful marble-slab raw bar serving the fresh, raw bounty of the sea (including Naked Cowboy oysters). Don't worry, you can still get your favorite crab cakes and charcoal-grilled filet mignon with watercress salad. 544 S. Grand Ave., LA, 213-891-0900

The Ultimate Summer Read: Crabgrass Crucible

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

It’s no secret that Southern California has a large population of environmentalists and eco-friendly residents who want to preserve its scenic setting. A new book by Christopher C. Sellers called Crabgrass Crucible: Suburban Nature & the Rise of Environmentalism in Twentieth-Century America explores where the love of the land all began, taking a specific look at LA and New York City.

Speaking to the idea that the environmental movement started with suburbanites, Sellers’ tome really reflects the sprawling suburb that is LA. The book is both informative and relaxing to read—perfect as you soak up a slice of California’s environment at the beach. University of North Carolina Press, June 18; Pre-order available at BarnesandNoble.com, $35.76

Q&A With: Restaurateur, Author Joe Bastianich

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Renowned restaurateur and vineyard owner Joe Bastianich has a lot to celebrate. His role as a judge on MasterChef, keeping up a healthy appearance after a big 2008 weight loss, and his obvious success in the restaurant business, especially with partner Mario Batali, are only a few of Bastianich’s accomplishments. He can now add author to his list of accolades, chronicling his upbringing in the newly-published Restaurant Man. Here, Bastiniach discusses his family's influence, the difference between LA and New York restaurant scenes, and his future plans.

What is the biggest lesson you learned from your parents?
JOE BASTIANICH: I learned, from an emotional stance, the importance of the sense of family. I learned a work ethic from them: that no one gives you anything in this world, and [that] you have to go out and fight and work for what you want. To be proud of your heritage, to be proud and celebrate where you come from and who you are.

What would your mom cook for you when you were little?
JB: She still does cook for me! She makes crab risotto and roasted chicken and potatoes. And she makes orecchiette with broccoli broth and sausage. And she makes apple strudel.

What would you say is the hardest part of opening a restaurant?
JB: Everything. It’s a very difficult thing to do, and I think that the hardest part is trying to understand the complexity and magnitude of what it takes to open a great restaurant. I think people don’t really get it sometimes. It seems easy, but it’s not.

What do you think of the show that you judge, MasterChef?
JB: It’s the greatest food competition in the world. The process of tasting six thousand people’s food and bringing it down to one, the best home cook in America, is an amazing concept. It’s an amazing journey. The people are incredible, the food is incredible, the whole thing is amazing.

You have restaurants in both Los Angeles and New York. What is the difference between the dining scenes in each city?
JB: I think the restaurant experiences in each city represent or embody the complete environment of the city. For me, eating in an LA restaurant means great local produce, something from the sea, a warm night, a warm breeze or a sunny afternoon. The smell of flowering orange trees, all those things that are so very Los Angeles—when they come together in the dining experience, it’s magic.

I think in New York, it’s a night with traffic and black limousines all over the place, and a lit skyline under a haze of clouds with a slow drizzle, and people going off to the theater and art openings. And the sheer density and excitement and energy of the city, and when you enter a New York dining room it’s just this pop of pure rush with energy and magic. I think that restaurants in both cities can come to embody the energy and the aesthetic of the cities themselves.

What’s the next city you’re going to tackle?
JB: We’re opening up Eataly in Chicago. Hopefully, there may be a Mozza coming to San Diego. We just opened up Lupa in Hong Kong and we have our steakhouse, Carnevino, opening up in Hong Kong in August.

Kim Crawford & People’s Pops Present Wine Popsicles

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Kim Crawford Winery is partnering with New York-based artisan popsicle company, People’s Pops to make fun, frozen treats from their world-class wine. The luxury New Zealand winemakers have invented two fruit-infused, spiked popsicles using their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir just before the real heat of summer rolls in. Best part is, the companies provide at-home recipes, making for the perfect treat at your summer kick-off party.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Infused Yellow Peach and Vanilla Ice Pops

3 to 4 baseball sized ripe to overripe yellow peaches
4 ounces dark organic cane
4 fluid ounces water
1-inch piece of vanilla bean cut lengthwise
7 ounces 2011 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Mix sugar and water in saucepan. Gently heat while stirring until sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat, add cut vanilla bean and steep for 15 minutes. Remove bean and allow syrup to completely cool.

Rinse peaches and pat dry. With paring knife, remove pits and stems. Lightly puree peaches, being sure to leave some texture, resulting in about 16 fluid ounces. Combine puree with cooled vanilla syrup and 7 ounces of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, stirring well. Pour into molds, add sticks, and freeze until solid (about 4 to 6 hours). Once frozen, take out of mold and serve at once, or place in plastic bags for storage.

Makes 10 ice pops.

Kim Crawford Pinot Noir Infused Blackberry Ice Pops

1 ½ pounds fresh, ripe blackberries (about 5 cups)
4 ounces dark organic cane sugar
4 fluid ounces water
6-8 ounces 2010 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Gently heat while stirring until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool completely. Rinse blackberries and dry with paper towel. Lightly puree with blender or mash blackberries, resulting in about 16 ounces of puree. Add 6 ounces of cooled liquid sugar, 6 ounces of Kim Crawford Pinot Noir, and taste.

The sweet, lightly acidic blackberries will highlight the natural fruit notes of Pinot Noir, leaving a nice, slightly tannic finish. If stronger Pinot Noir flavor is desired, add remaining 2 ounces. Pour into molds, add sticks and freeze until solid (about 4 to 6 hours). Once frozen, unmold and serve at once, or place in plastic bags for storage.

Makes 10 ice pops.

James Franco 'Rebel' Exhibit Makes Debut

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

James Franco expands his artistic talents with the opening of "Rebel," a MOCA exhibition surrounding cult classic Rebel Without a Cause. Set to run May 15-June 23, the showcase explores director Nicholas Ray’s 1955 film starring James Dean and Natalie Wood through paintings, sculptures, drawings, video installations, photography, and behind-the-scenes footage. Reinterpretations by art and film talents such as Douglas Gordon, Harmony Korine, Ed Ruscha, Terry Richardson, Paul McCarthy and, of course, Franco, make for a unique show.

A chameleon of creativity whose roles have included actor, author, director, and artist, Franco is known for completely immersing himself in every project he undertakes, and "Rebel" proves no different. Having won a Golden Globe for playing Dean in a 2001 TV biopic, Franco has extensively researched the actor and his most well-known film. Captivated by Rebel Without a Cause’s coming-of-age story, Franco organized the exhibit to reflect the film’s central theme of teenage rebellion. Franco goes as far as carving “Brad Renfro” into his arm with a switchblade as an ode to his late Deuces Wild co-star in one film short. Open Tuesday-Saturday; 11 AM to 5 PM; free admission. JF Chen exhibition space, 941 North Highland Ave., LA

Scandinavian Brand Sand Opens Flagship in LA

Mon, 14 May 2012 01:00:00 -0400

Upscale Danish label Sand celebrates its 30th anniversary by debuting a North American store in Los Angeles. Situated in Sunset Plaza’s renowned shopping district, the store blends seamlessly with boutiques like H. Lorenzo and Calypso St. Barth. Sand stocks clothes in 32 countries and is sold at international clothing giants like Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Canada’s Harry Rosen.

Angelenos may recognize Sand from its prominent presence at Traffic LA stores. Building on that relationship, Traffic founders Michael and Sarah Dovan and Sand creators Lene and Soren Sand, plus the label's North American distributors, Triluxe, have rallied to launch the 2,500-sq.-ft. flagship. Expect this shop to sell Sand’s signature combination of elegant and edgy pieces. 8620 Sunset Plz., West Hollywood, 310-657-5469

Timberlake & Stylist Team Up for Home Décor Site

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Multi-talented entertainer Justin Timberlake has teamed up with his longtime stylist/interior designer Estee Stanley to launch HomeMint.com. Having garnered success in film, music, and fashion, Timberlake flawlessly fuses his creativity with Stanley’s 15 years of home design expertise in Beverly Hills and beyond.

Purveyed as “personal style meets home design,” HomeMint is a membership-based e-commerce site ($10/month) that showcases Timberlake and Stanley’s design tips and recommended products based on personal styles. At sign up, users are asked to take a style quiz so the offerings can be tailored to their tastes. Although members benefit from exclusive offers, insider advice, and more, the brand’s curated collection of luxury pieces, limited-edition art, and a home line by Timberlake and Stanley are available to non-members, too.

This new partnership is a natural step for the frequent collaborators and friends, who join BeachMint, the Santa Monica-based social commerce company, as the fifth celebrity-driven brand. Others include StyleMint with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, ShoeMint with Rachel Bilson, and more.

LA-Favored Scents Take Fifi Awards Precedence

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

CK One, Calvin Klein ($50). Sephora, Westfield Century City, LA, 310-843-0123. White Diamonds, Elizabeth Taylor ($68). Macy's, Beverly Center, LA, 310-854-6655. L'eau D'Issey, Issey Miyake ($96), Angel, Thierry Mugler ($78). Sephora, Westfield Century City, LA, 310-843-0123. No. 5, Chanel ($85). 400 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-5500. Eternity, Calvin Klein ($55), Giorgio Beverly Hills, Giorgio Beverly Hills ($72), Cool Water, Davidoff ($67.50). Macy's, Beverly Center, LA, 310-854-6655. Beautiful, Estée Lauder ($56). Nordstrom, The Grove, LA, 323-930-2230.

This year will see the launch of more than 1,400 new fragrances—a tidal wave of tempting newcomers from couture houses, celebrities, fashion designers, and independent perfumers. The question of which will become future classics—or even still exist a decade from now—is an uncertain alchemy. The average shelf life of a new scent is surprisingly short, with many being discontinued before the five-year mark. To even be considered for entry into The Fragrance Foundation’s FiFi Fragrance Hall of Fame, a fragrance has to have been around for 15 years or more.

“Winning a FiFi Fragrance Hall of Fame Award is akin to getting a lifetime achievement Oscar,” says Kate Greene, VP of marketing for fragrance industry leader Givaudan, of the esteemed group that includes such greats as Eternity, L’eau d’Issey, Beautiful, Cool Water, and CK One. “The Hall of Fame is really there to celebrate the fragrances that have shaped the landscape and stood the test of time,” adds The Fragrance Foundation’s vice president, Mary Ellen Lapsansky. “They need to represent the whole package: the bottle, the ad campaign, the juice itself. Everything needs to come together.”

Take the scent inspired by Rodeo Drive landmark Giorgio Beverly Hills. Although the store is now shuttered, its legacy lives on in the namesake fragrance whose unmistakable bouquet of jasmine, cedarwood, and orange flower is pure shoulder pads and sunshine in one spritz. As well as having the ability to encapsulate entire decades and moments in time, “these scents are often the ones [that] broke new ground and took risks,” says Lapsansky.

When Thierry Mugler launched Angel stateside in 1993, his potent combination of chocolate and patchouli divided opinion. Shocked Bloomingdale’s shoppers reportedly raced to the bathroom to wash it off, and industry experts proclaimed its blue-glass bottle unfeminine. Now 20 years old, it’s the sixth-most-popular fragrance in the US and credited with inspiring a new generation of perfume mavens: LA faces Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian both wore Angel before they launched their own fragrances.

But when it comes to celebrity scents, the forerunner to them all has to be Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds, which the star debuted in 1991 while living in Bel Air. Despite the constant flow of celebrity launches it remains the world’s best seller, notching up more than $1 billion in sales to date.

Thanks to White Diamonds, melding famous faces with fragrance is now de rigueur. When Chanel No. 5 first came to the US in 1924, it announced itself with no celebrity endorsement, just a single discreet ad in The New York Times. Eighty-eight years later, a bottle of Chanel No. 5 sells every 30 seconds, in part thanks to actresses Nicole Kidman and Audrey Tautou lending the legendary fragrance a constant influx of fresh Hollywood glamour.

And what of the iconic scents of tomorrow? If it were up to us, it would probably be The One by Dolce & Gabbana or Gucci Guilty. “LA consumers really buy into the sexy, raw, glam-infused scents,” says Jessica Hanson, director of fragrances at Sephora. “It’s the Guccis and the D&Gs that have become the new West Coast classics.”

So which scent will become 2012’s award winner? All will be revealed May 21 when The Fragrance Foundation holds its 40th awards ceremony at Lincoln Center, hosted by Glee’s Jane Lynch. The FiFi Fragrance Hall of Fame shortlist remains a closely guarded secret, so in true awards-show style, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:01:00 -0400

Unique Accessories
For a truly personal touch, stop by the Beverly Hills location of Kendra Scott and create a custom piece from the color bar. An array of styles and colors are available for rings, bracelets, necklaces, and cuffs. You can even bring mom in to design her own piece. 9511 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; 810-888-8600

A New Take on Bouquets
Botany Flowers in The Brentwood Country Mart has fashioned a Mother’s Day menu of fragrant bouquets, spring wreaths, and herb garden boxes featuring the season’s freshest flowers. The spring wreath ($400) lasts two to four weeks. Minimum $75 delivery charge; call 310-394-0358 to order. 225 26th St., Ste. 41, Brentwood

Spa Services for Every Sort of Mother
Pamper mom like a princess at cozy Abbot Kinney cottage spa, Nitespa. Relaxing services such as organic facials, holistic massages, and amazing manicures/pedicures come with a complimentary glass of wine. The day/night spa also offers 25% off for moms or those expecting, plus 15% off products. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up spa session too, book an appointment for yourself and your mother, and mom will pay only half price. Open noon-midnight (by appointment); for booking and pricing info, call 310-396-5122. 1301 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice

Brunch Plans: The Charleston

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Jet Tila’s new gastrolounge, The Charleston, is now open early for weekend brunch. Known for his inventive culinary repertoire, the celebrity chef has combined live jazz and American comfort food for a fun-filled, 1930s-style experience.

The Richard Glaser Band takes to the stage to perform classic jazz stylings while guests tuck into bottomless mimosas and breakfast favorites, including bread pudding French toast, chicken and waffles, and brisket hash and eggs. Brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM-2PM. 2460 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-828-2115

Petra Stunt’s Weekend-Perfect Stark Clutches

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Formula One heiress and fairly new LA resident Petra Stunt is revving up the luxury fashion market with handbags from her brand, Stark. Entering the design world around the same time she so famously purchased Candy Spelling’s mansion for $85 million, Stunt has been making a splash with her accessories company.

A reflection of her lavish style, Stunt’s latest pieces offer an over-the-top elegance with a modern edge. Made of exotic python skin and rich suede, the opulent mix of clutches come adorned with Swarovski crystals, gold buckles, and panther-shaped clasps. Stark clutches are the perfect statement-making carriers for dinner or dancing. Look for the collection at Saks Fifth Avenue. 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-275-4211

Weekend Recommender: May 12-13

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Vanilla maple French toast at Bagatelle.

Cobra Society Trunk Show
Saturday, May 12, 12-8 PM
Designer Alex Davis scored a massive hit in the fashion world with her premier line of Cobra Society accessories. This Saturday the high-end collection of travel-inspired boots, loafers, and handbags will be available at an exclusive trunk show. Stop by for 80% off fall 2011 and 40-50% off spring 2012 collections. Must RSVP via rsvp@thecobrasociety.com. 5410 Wilshire Blvd., LA

Bagatelle Brunch Opens
Begins Saturday, May 12, 11 AM-6 PM; every Saturday/Sunday after
Get a jump on the Sunday Mother’s Day crowd at Bagatelle’s first brunch service. An offshot of Bagatelle's NYC brunch, this party-themed a.m. meal will definitely pack the house with its flowing Champagne and live DJ. Lobster Suzette, vanilla maple Bagatelle French toast, and green eggs and ham are some of the anticipated plates. Reserve a table by e-mailing LAreservations@bistrotbagatelle.com or calling. 755 N. La Cienga Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-659-3900

Mother's Day Special at Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge
Sunday, May 13, 10 AM-6 PM
Make mom feel her best today with a pampering session at Blushington in WeHo. A perfect mother/daughter bonding opportunity, the ultra-girlie beauty shop offers full-face makeup application for both you and mom, but for the price of one. Blushington will also help keep you touch-up-ready with a complimentary take-home Stila lipgloss trio. 8591 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-652-5874

Aviator Sean D. Tucker Talks Time-Keeping

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Master of the skies Sean D. Tucker

It's hard to imagine entrusting more than a select few with your life. It's one thing to put faith in a commercial pilot, but it's a whole other situation to take to the skies with aerobatic aviation legend Sean D. Tucker—a master of rolls, loops, spins, and hammerheads.

"The air-show business is tough," says the 60-year-old Tucker. "Of my three great mentors, two are dead—and they were champions. You have to be quick, sharp, and never be a second late." Tucker, who founded the Tutima Academy of Aviation Safety in King City in the Salinas Valley, has a keen interest in saving pilots' lives and equipping them with the knowledge and hands-on flight practice they need in aircraft control. "It isn't just about aerobatics, it's about knowing what to do in an out-of-control situation."

The Tutima Grand Classic Chronograph UTC 781-04 ($4,500) houses a mechanical automatic movement and is crafted in stainless steel with a sapphire crystal exhibition case back. It features a bidirectional rotating bezel and is water-resistant to 100 meters. Morgan’s Jewelers, 22200 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, 310-375- 4471.

Having flown more than 24,000 hours, Tucker has had to bail three times, deferring to his parachute while watching his plane go down. And even that was perfectly timed. "You have to know that a jump takes X number of seconds, and a parachute takes another X seconds to open. You have to be able to think clearly, look at your watch, and gain altitude while you can to make the jump," he says. "The higher you are, the more time you have. "I work in units of time—I know when the engine's running, I'm burning fuel. I know it takes 10 minutes to warm up, six minutes to taxi, and 13 minutes for a main air show. I can't function without a watch," says Tucker, who always wears a Tutima. "And it has to be an analog watch. I need to see the hands that show time passing."

Even when he doesn't have an air show, Tucker flies three times a day in order to keep his body accustomed to the intense g-forces it must tolerate. He also allots time every day to walk through his routines and visualize every moment of them. "You have to have a reverence for the sky," he says. "Flying is truly a privilege, and all of us at the academy know and respect that and work hard to honor the privilege."

Tucker—an inductee in the National Aviation Hall of Fame—has received the Living Legends of Aviation Award and is an honorary Thunderbird, Blue Angel, and Snowbird. He is one of the only civilians to ever fly in formation with the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, and he has an impressive roster of world-class awards and accolades. An active heli-skier and cave diver (where he has also saved a life or two), Tucker is constantly pushing his own personal limits, recently summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. But aviation is his true love, evidenced by the time he spends developing new maneuvers for air shows and perfecting his training methods.

"It's all about knowledge and safety," says Tucker, who insists on synchronizing watches every day with his team of flight instructors and those with whom he flies in formation. The pilot is never without his watch, and he is never late. "If you're late, you're not professional. Minutes lost can translate to lives lost."

Venice Art Walk & Auctions Combines Culture & Charity

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Venice Art Walk & Auctions attendees will get a glimpse inside Google's legendary LA office.

Art and design enthusiasts—mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Venice Art Walk & Auctions, May 19-20. Since 1979, local artists and architects have opened their studios and homes as well as donated works in an effort to raise funds for the Venice Family Clinic, which provides free community health care to those in need.

In addition to annual draws like the Art and Architecture Tours and Angel Event (highlighting sculptor/painter Huguette Caland this year), 2012 brings a new and noteworthy contributor: Google Los Angeles. As host of the final day’s Silent Auction, the tech company will turn their famous, Frank Gehry-designed "Binoculars Building" headquarters in Venice into a mock art gallery. The silent auction offers a chance to bid on stunning collections from the best of the Southern California art scene, as well as enjoy gourmet food trucks, music courtesy of celebrity DJs, and more. For tickets ($50-$125) and further information, visit veniceartwalk.org.

Q&A With: Kathleen Turner

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Kathleen Turner plays Eileen Cleary in The Perfect Family

With a career spanning over three decades, encompassing roles in film, theater, and television, Kathleen Turner is a staple in the entertainment industry. In The Perfect Family, a 2011 Tribeca Film Festival official selection, in select theaters now, Turner plays a devoutly Catholic woman attempting to prove she has the perfect family. Below, the actress discusses her new film, her future plans, and the effect technology has had on the entertainment business.

How did you come about the script for The Perfect Family?
KATHLEEN TURNER: I have a reputation for being quite open to reading scripts that come through the proper channels. The script came to me through [director] Anne Renton. I got kind of hooked on the character, in that here is a woman that I think is a good one, a well-meaning woman. I don’t think she’s intolerant or even judgemental. Yet, she has accepted these rules that are so intolerant. How does she expect to make this work in the real world?

Starting with that, I thought the script wasn’t all there. Then I got Anne on the phone and we went over the script in a lot of detail. I got the rewrite back and they were quite thorough and used everything we talked about. Then I said yes, and they went on to cast it. Suddenly, I had this terrific cast.

Tell us about your character, Eileen Cleary. How did you prepare for the role?
KT: A good script has almost everything you need in it. I did go to mass one day; I went to Mother’s Day mass. And I did read about the doctrines of the church, and its positions on all kinds of things. None of which of course actually affected me personally, [but] it gave me some guidelines for Eileen’s behavior.

You’ve had a long career, and, with the advent of technology, things have changed dramatically in the industry. How do you feel about it all?
KT: I think it’s getting much more exciting now. Because of technology, we can make these quality films with so much less money and less crew. We used to have to hire these huge cameras for hundreds of thousands of dollars, which made filmmaking so inaccessible to so many people.

The studios used to have a real lock on distribution, and it’s still pretty tight, but we’re getting around it. Which means fresh stories, new ideas—I’m, so sick of being told they’re remaking another TV show as a film. Who cares? Not me.

Any upcoming plans you’d like to share?
KT: A play about writer Molly Ivins [Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins]. She’s a political humorist [and] columnist, she died a few years ago. She was a tremendous voice for liberalism. I developed a play in Philadelphia about two years ago. This last January and February I did it at the Geffen Theater in Los Angeles. Now, and this is my dream come true, I’m taking it to the arena stage in Washington D.C. in September and October—before the election. I want her voice, in D.C, before the election. It’s going to be fun.

The Perfect Family opened in select theaters on Friday, May 4

Alicia Silverstone Launches Juice Beauty Line

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A longtime vegan and environmental advocate, Alicia Silverstone expands her vast eco-friendly portfolio to include a new line of organic beauty products. A collaborative effort with Northern California skincare and cosmetics brand, Juice Beauty, the “Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty” collection launched on Earth Day.

The five-piece collection includes chamomile cleanser, pressed powder, nourishing moisturizer, glow highlighter, and purely kissable lip color in a universally flattering pink hue. Packed with antioxidants, essential oils, and fruit extracts, the offerings are held to the greatest ethical and eco standards and packaged in 95% recycled materials.

To commemorate the launch, Juice Beauty hosted a brunch at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood, where the actress addressed special guests and media on her involvement with the brand and her take on an eco-conscious lifestyle.

Silverstone said that being green was about keeping a healthy, beautiful appearance through the use of natural, organic products that don’t endanger the Earth. She went on to state that everything in the collection—from the eco-friendly packaging to the locally sourced ingredients—was created with that mantra in mind.

The “Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty” collection retails for $16-$36 and is available on Ulta.com and JuiceBeauty.com.

Kate Spade & Shutters Hotel Team Up for Exclusive Tote

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Shutters, the famed seaside hotel hangout for locals and out-of-towners alike, has collaborated with Kate Spade on a limited-edition tote set to launch this week. The beach bag ($198), adorned in a green and blue “Solar” print from Spade’s Florence Broadhurst décor collection and fashioned from waterproof, lacquered cotton, will be sold exclusively at the hotel’s in-house and online stores (shuttersbeachstyle.com). Pre-order yours now—only 100 totes will be produced. 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-458-0030

Pazzo Gelato's Seasonal Sweets

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

As LA begins to really heat up, cool off with Pazzo Gelato’s homemade gelato/sorbetto. Known for farmer’s market flavors and natural, locally grown ingredients, owner Mike Buch releases a seasonal line of gelato that ranges from simple to adventurous. The new flavors center around peak, market-fresh ingredients, featuring California fruit, herbs, and single-origin chocolate and coffee.

Daily-produced batches served up from scratch include gelatos like rose petal with swirled candied pistachio and sea salt caramel lavender with white chocolate. Toasted coconut macadamia is a favorite sorbetto flavor, while summer-appropriate strawberry options run the gamut from custard, yogurt, and sorbetto. Look for these and other refreshing treats at both Pazzo locations in Silver Lake and Echo Park. 3827 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323-662-1410; 1910 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, 213-353-9263

Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:41:00 -0400

Highlights from the annual awards ceremony celebrating the talent behind the camera.

Opening Soon: Sandast Flagship

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Stepping into the new Sandast flagship in downtown LA, one will get the sense of the high-quality work and expert craftsmanship put into its line of leather goods. In an interesting ode to the brand’s vintage-inspired design philosophy, owner and artisan Milan Franeta chose to convert an old auto garage to stand as Sandast’s first store location. Blending that traditional premise with innovative crafting techniques, Franeta designs his USA-sourced leather bags to look aged, and its hardware to appear scuffed and well-worn.

The resulting collections, “American Rugged” and “Italian Vintage,” exude both elegance and toughness. Joining his two staple categories, Franeta has also launched a new “Artisan Collection”—everyday unisex bags and totes made with a new leather burnishing method. Complementary brands like Redwin, H by Hudson, Nudie jeans, G-Star, and Thom Browne sunglasses will round out Sandast’s namesake selections. Officially opening with a launch party on May 17th, Sandast will also feature a large workshop window for customers to view the entire bag-making process. 1205 South Hill St., Downtown LA; no phone at press time

LA Film Festival Announces Screenings

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival returns for its 18th year, June 14-24. The recently released 2012 lineup includes more than 200 features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos to be screened at L.A. LIVE’s Regal Cinemas and the Bing Theater at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

This year, plenty of big-name talent lights up the silver screen. Opening night marks the North American premiere of Woody Allen’s To Rome With Love, in which he stars alongside Penélope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Alec Baldwin. Many anticipated gala screenings are also on schedule, including Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, pairing Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley together in a funny yet resonant film about the final days of humanity. Passes on sale now at lafilmfest.com.

Décor Stores for a Haute Home

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Furnishings with rustic appeal at Nathan Turner.

A+R
Innovative design is A+R's stock and trade, and this Venice boutique has corralled an eye-popping assortment of globally sourced home products under one roof. Standout designs include Oskar Zieta's Chippensteel 0.5 chair, made from welded, air-inflated sheets of steel; and Nikolaï Carels's shapely Boomerang woks, named for their cupped, rounded edges. 1121-1 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310-392-9128

Dragonette Limited
Specializing in auction-worthy décor and furnishings, Dragonette Limited is a favorite vintage spot of interior guru Kelly Wearstler. Find vintage Tiffany & Co. bowls, brass wall sconces by Hans Grag, custom-framed original paintings, iron and brass folding stools by William Haines, and a cornucopia of collectible odds and ends—from pillows to Murano-glass vases. 711 N. La Cienega Blvd., LA, 310-855-9091

Fendi Casa
Launched in 1989, the Fendi Casa collection of furniture echoes the opulence of the Italian design house's luxurious fashions. Look for long, low sofas decked out in supple leathers and jewel-toned velvet; headboards swathed in quilted, patterned textiles; tables with stone tops and glossy steel legs; and elaborate chandeliers melding modern and classical aesthetics. 308 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-854-1008

Haus
One of the best resources for Midcentury Modern furniture in the city, Haus specializes in sturdily built replicas—and spin-offs—of iconic pieces from the era's seminal designers, including Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, Le Corbusier, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Find whimsical pieces (the circa-1968 Ovalia egg chair) along with stately classics (the squared-off Knoll loveseat in gunmetal-gray wool). 652 N. La Brea Ave., LA, 323-932-6580

Huset
Stunning home furnishings is one of Scandinavia's most impressive exports, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more charming collection of home décor from the region's emerging talent and iconic designers than at Huset. Spare yet playful pieces such as the Swedese Tree coat rack and the Design House Stockholm Cloud chair—an appropriately lumpy, cream-hued seat—add modern panache to any space. 1316 1/2 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 424-268-4213

Lawson-Fenning
The locally made furnishings at Lawson-Fenning put a modern spin on 20th-century-inspired pieces by using mostly sustainably harvested woods and forward-thinking forms. Designers Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning—who met while studying environmental design at the Art Center College of Design—create chic, earthy pieces that mix raw and cut woods with glass, laminate, and steel for beautifully bohemian results. 7257 Beverly Blvd., LA, 323-934-0048

Nathan Turner
The interior designer's eponymous boutique is a one-stop shop for classically contemporary aesthetics. Think oversize floral art prints, rustic wood coffee tables, vintage glass lanterns, throw pillows swathed in retro African fabric, leather cocktail tables, and mod deck chairs in bright, Pucci-esque prints. 8546 Melrose Ave., LA, 310-275-1209

Rummage
A vintage Italian school chart of insects intermingles with a dragon-emblazoned Tibetan rug at Rummage, the worldly and eclectic boutique founded by Kishani Perera—interior designer to stars including Gary Oldman, Molly Sims, and couple Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham. Perera scours the globe for such distinctive pieces as Art Deco chandeliers and ancient glass vitrines, while also creating custom pieces, including Eastern-inspired furniture and printed kilim-covered throw pillows. 7374 Beverly Blvd., LA, 323-935-5483

Ritz-Carlton’s Garden-Grown Cocktails

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Farm-to-glass cocktails: Verbena Lemonade, Cucumber Martini, and Pineapple Mojito.

The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles has revealed innovative spring/summer farm-to-glass cocktails for its WP24 Restaurant & Lounge by Wolfgang Puck and BLUE rooftop pool bar. Plucked from its own “cocktail garden,” mixologist Klaus Puck uses seasonal fruits, herbs, and plants to create unique cocktails

Meant to be enjoyed while taking in the hotel’s spectacular downtown views and perfect for a pre-dinner or poolside sip, the menu includes refreshing choices like the Verbena Lemonade (citron vodka, kalamansi, lemongrass, and verbena leaves) and the Ginger Crisp (Chambord vodka, sake, lime, and ginger). The cocktail garden will be changed up seasonally. 900 W. Olympic Blvd., Downtown LA, 213-743-8800

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MI&MO PHOTOGRAPHY

California Find: Sophie Monet’s Eco-Friendly Ring

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Sophie Monet’s Malachite ring ($100) is the embodiment of a carefree, wear-with-anything summer piece. Perfect as an everyday staple or statement accessory, the shedua wood and green stone ring speaks to Monet’s usual aesthetic of handcrafted, California-cool jewelry.

Drawing on her home base, Southern California, for inspiration, Monet created a sustainably crafted line reminiscent of the area’s natural beauty. And Monet has remained true to the pieces that put her on the fashion map despite her quick climb from emerging artist to acclaimed designer. Her wood pieces are an ode to LA’s palm-tree-lined streets, and the collection’s gemstones, crystals, and gold-leaf accents perfectly combine the glam and earthy elements California is known for. For a list of California retailers or to order online, visit sophiemonetjewelry.com.

Bentley Reveals Luxe SUV: EXP 9 F

Thu, 03 May 2012 22:00:00 -0400

Bentley made a statement the night before the Geneva International Motor Show during VW’s Group Night, where each of the parent company’s brands showcased their latest and most spectacular vehicles. The British luxury maker wowed the crowd with its first SUV concept, EXP 9 F.

Massive 23-inch alloy wheels; the signature bold Bentley grille; a powerful 6-liter W12 engine that can make up to 600 horsepower; an 8-speed transmission; a fold-down champagne cooler; and luxury tailgating fit for the Kentucky Derby, seem to overly exceed expectations of consumers looking to purchase an ultra-elite SUV. Bentley’s sports utility vehicle is in competition with other luxe cars like the Range Rover and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo. While the design and composition keep all the usual Bentley trappings, it is unknown if this foray into SUVs will be met with negative or positive feedback.