Au Revoir Ma Petite...

There comes a time when a parent must let their child go off and travel on their own without parental chaperone or other adult assistance. It happened to me less than 48 hours ago. My 16 years old daughter boarded a night plane. Destination: Paris, France. She will be spending Christmas and New Year in the City of Lights and Maitre of all things sugary. This was not going to college, for a job interview, nor undergoing a special medical procedure.....it was during her winter break from high school. Lucky girl. Nice mom....

Being the parent, I was more nervous than she. I'd categorize her as an indoor cat. Isolated, protected, not certain of her survival skill....I fear on her own, she may end up being on the news. CNN's Headline: American Girl found in gutter near Eiffel Tower. (there is no gutter near Eiffel Tower) Dependant, lazy, and detached...she leaves everything to me when we are traveling together. So, when the opportunity arose that she could travel by herself, needless to say, I was quite weary.

Her grandmother and I took her to the airport. On the drive to the airport, at the airport, and while waiting with her in the airport, she received a mega dose of lectures, speeches, instructions, and warnings. We accompanied her until she enters the plane and the sight of her was no more.

Inside I was very excited and happy for her as I can imagine for a young girl traveling to the most gorgeous city in the world and without the annoying mom and micro managing granny....this is her first taste of freedom and adulthood. Bonjour Paris....!

As a mother nevertheless, I still needed to give the appearance of genuine concern and harrass her one last time until I see her again in 10 days.

I am confident that she will be fine. She has no choice. I am not there to help her. She must grow. Traveling alone does that....

Male Bonding at Matador

In a nondescript little strip mall in Costa Mesa resides a men’s home away from home. “It’s the living room that the wife won’t let you have”, jokes Mark, a member of Matador Alcove. Welcome to a gentlemen’s club: boy’s night out where culture, brotherhood, and camaraderie come together.

For a $200 annual membership fee, men can hang out to liberally smoke cigars, concoct special drinks at the bar, and watch sports on a huge plasma all they want without guilt and most importantly, be themselves and have a grand old time doing what guys do best: shoot the breeze. Members love that the front door has a window opening from inside to see who is entering. The owner, David Zimmerman, is the hospitable host of this testosterone filled lair. Aside from chilling in this Spanish themed crib, he organizes special event for members to partake at a reasonable additional cost. The group is luxuriously taken care of as they ride in a limo to enjoy a Lakers game and if there is wine tasting at Matador, tipsy members can take the London style cabbies safely and comfortably back home.

Matador is also a metrosexual’s haven where grooming services such as facial, waxing, massage and hair cutting are available to anyone. Inside this club houses a five chair hair salon where stylist, John Alanouf is the talent behind the men’s well coiffed hair. This masculine sanctuary also sells men’s skincare, hair products, and fragrance. Members also have access to a private locker with a personalized name plate; an Australian named his “Kiwi.” No gentlemen’s club is complete without an attractive female concierge cum receptionist who is part of the house fixture to answer questions on the local scene and make all your reservations.

“The Modern Gentlemen: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy and Vice” is the club’s bible where members truly want culture, education in refinement, and some fun in their establishment.
Matador’s vibe is cool and cozy, like a retro hip bachelor’s pad. Spanish Matador paintings adorn the walls and glass cases displaying iconic symbol of the finer things in life are part of the club’s look. While his wife is at their kid’s dance class, instead of being home alone, Mike visits his watering hole to enjoy a St. Germaine and smokes a stogie before returning to his abode. Someone commented, “We create this as our own house”. Although the gentlemen strive to keep the place kosher, but with a handful of dudes, sooner or later conversation can get pretty risqué. Mike laughs, “Like a classy locker room.” No subject is taboo and the men are authentic in their being. The energy is unpretentious as there is no agenda except friendship and relaxation. While a father gets his haircut, his young son enjoys a game of chess with the owner. One member lives in Laguna Beach but has lots of business in Costa Mesa; Matador has become his office.

Like women, men need guy time and want connection too. It is a healthy and positive outlet for men to be nurtured in their own way in an unthreatening and casual atmosphere with other men. Wives need not worry as there is neither questionable activity nor incriminating material to be found. Mr. Zimmerman wants to create the kind of traditional old school gentlemen’s club found in England and in the East Coast but catered to the modern men with emphasize on joie de vivre. He hopes to create a franchise and is constantly seeking different companies to cater to his clientele. How about a trip to Vegas in a private jet? That’s coming up!

www.NewportBeachMagazine.com February 2009 Issue

Spa Tisari, an Asian Inspired Sanctuary

An unknown secret nestles in the sleepy plaza of Lake Mission Viejo. There is a day spa showcasing Thai and Indonesian themed treatments where one comes to experience tranquility, spiritual reflection and exotic nurturing in a Zen setting overlooking the water.

Spa Tisari offers many unique spa services, yoga and Pilate class, a monthly membership and their own signature face and body skincare line comprising a cornucopia of products. Choosing from Tisari’s spa menu is like picking only one dessert from a gourmet sweet shop. In addition to the classics, a wide array of exotic services is what makes this establishment appealing.

If you’re long overdue for a facial, Bali Hai is the 911 you need to call. Your face will thank you after these nearly 2 hours of nurturing treatment. After a relaxing facial massage, a gommage of Salicylic Acid with micro beads is used to exfoliate then to be physically brushed for further debris removal. Then every square inch of your face is examined and extracted as necessary for this is the most important part of a facial; it is detoxifying and in preparation for a healthier skin. A germicide, Acne Complex astringent, is applied while a high frequency electrode glides the face to force oxygen into the skin by killing bacteria and drying excessive oil spots. Depending on your skin type, your esthetician will choose an appropriate mask to be followed by a serum of Vitamin C and collagen whereby it is forced deeply beyond the dermis by a galvanic machine. With its frequency wave penetrating the product, the result is 3-5 days of youthful glow. To finish off is a toner, 2 layers of moisturizers and a Bota-Peptide contour eye cream. There is also the high profile 02 Intraceutical Facial where oxygen is embedded in the skin to plump and smooth; a series is recommended for maximum result. A fave among celebrities, supposedly Madonna couldn’t get enough so she owns the machine.

A first timer should look into Regional Healing Treatments which incorporate a wide variety of different modality of massages, body scrubs using exotic Asian spices, honey or fruit based wraps, and aromatic floral bath soaks. It’s a “tasting menu” to sample different goodies.

A unique import is the holistic Traditional Thai Massage. While you lie on a floor mattress dressed in scrubs, the therapist stretches, pushes, pulls, and sits on you. There involves movement on your part. This therapy is an exchange of energy during your focused breathing and mental mantra chanting; letting go of the outside world is your goal. It has many positive health benefits and is said to relieve certain medical ailments. The Hot Jade Stone Therapy uses hot Chinese Jade to ease pain and soothes tight muscles. It is unimaginable to get up after this highly relaxing massage as slumber in Bliss Ville takes over. Elevate into Nirvana with the Shirodhara Crowning Glory as it concentrates on the neck and head while warm Indian oil drips to the middle chakra to unblock energy flow. The Hawaiian style Lomi Lomi uses elbow power to create a unique sensation in loosening those tense muscles. Whichever massage you chose consistency will yield many physical benefits as the body detoxifies and improves other biological functions.

Spa Tisari proposes a Wellness Program with three types of membership. Included with your choice treatment are a yoga or Pilate class, a Japanese salts whirlpool bath, and 10% off other treatments.

Relaxed and content, sitting outside the spa’s patio enjoying the serene lake view and sipping warm ginger tea is the Zen way to forget life’s hustle and bustle.

www.NewportBeachMagazine.com February 2009 Issue

Canaletto Ristorante Veneto Brings Authenticity to Newport Beach

There’s no longer a need to travel transatlantic to experience the exciting cuisine of Italy’s Veneto region. With its flagship restaurant in Las Vegas’ Venetian Hotel being the company’s most successful establishment, President and CEO of IL Fornaio Michael Beatrice and Executive Chef Maurizio Mazzon bring their vision of authentic Venetian fare to Fashion Island.

This multi-lingual chef, born and raised in Marcon, Veneto, created Canaletto’s menu which is inspired by his homeland’s varied resources. Italy’s richest region, Veneto, has seven provinces in which each produce unique and wonderful culinary delights: mushrooms from the Dolomites, olive oil from Lago di Gardia, cheese from Asagio, asparagus from Bassano to games from Cortina. Fresh and quality organic ingredients in the menu reflect the abundance that is Mazzon’s epicurean passion.

Canaletto’s signature dishes include the famous Risotto Seppie Nere, a bold and flavorful black risotto made from Adriatic cuttlefish directly imported from Chioggia and its famous ink with shrimp and scallops. A diner had complimented Canaletto’s being better than the one he had eaten in Venice, and having traveled thrice in the magical city myself, I would have to concur. The kitchen, designed by Chef Mazzon, contains a Risottoria, a special station for preparing risottos. For seafood lovers, go visit the Mercato Veneto, a daily display of seafood just behind the restaurant’s second bar. Also, try the Vermicelli Cassopipa, a house made pasta with fish ragu, clams, mussels, and shrimp served tableside in a clay pot.

There are many chichetti, small Venetian appetizer bar foods (think Italian tapas), that are definitely worth sampling, as these authentic delicacies are to be enjoyed with Prosecco or Italian wine. Try some from the Valpolicella area, in Verona, the city of star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Typical are the Sardee In Saor, a sweet and sour fried sardine dish and the Baccala ‘Alla Vicentina which is imported dry cod baked in milk. The texture is a juxtaposition of the firm fish and creamy polenta. The ubiquitous Calamaretti Fritti is a perpetual crowd pleaser. Polipo Con Patate, another delicious dish, is a tasty salad mix of chewy octopus, crunchy celery, and soft potato in olive oil and lemon juice. Canaletto cold smokes and cures its swordfish. The Carpaccio Di Spada is eaten rolled up as fresh artichokes and micro arugula nestles inside. If you’re feeling amatory, the fresh and clean tasting oysters are a must. If you just want to snack or use your hands, go for the very tasty Salumi, assorted cured meats of Prosciutto, Bresaola and such. Canaletto uses Berkel, the Ferrari of meat slicers, a manually operated machine that never heats up, hence the sliced meats don’t change flavor. With all this, served aside Parmigiano Reggiano and crispy bread sticks made on premise, you’re good to go. Being in IL Fornaio’s space guaranteed you’ll be requesting a second basket of freshly baked bread and rolls.

No meal is complete without dessert. The Sgroppino, a dialect meaning “untying the knot from the stomach”, is a palate cleanser or a refreshing way to end your hearty meal. Don’t judge a book by its cover as it is presented in a small wine glass. but the experience is anything but. Vodka, lemon sorbet, Prosecco, and a dash of cream sprinkled with fine coffee grinds, pack a strong “wow”. Not to be missed is the Crema Fritta. The Amaretto crumb fried ginger custard with lime sorbet is contradicting in its hot and cold, sweet and tart and Asian and European taste…don’t leave the restaurant without trying this sweet gem. Meaning “mouthwatering”, the Golosessi Veneti is 7 kinds of traditional home made rustic Italian cookies; the quantity symbolizing the 7 districts of Venice. Last but not least is from Chef Mazzon’s granny. The Tiramisu In Gondola is from Treviso’s oldest recipe. Mazzon instructed, “Close your eyes and taste the flavor”. I obeyed and never being a fan of this popular Italian dessert, was able to taste each component: the espresso, Mascarpone cheese, and rum dipped Lady Fingers. Tiramisu is simple and poor and made for the simple and poor, explained the chef. After opening my eyes, I said “delicioso”! I was converted.

The elegant restaurant’s 7,000 sqft. offers several relaxed indoor and al fresco dining areas in a warm and contemporary setting with fireplaces, hand painted murals, barrel vaulted ceiling, mosaic floor, and sleek Italian marble. The architectural material and tableware were imported from Italy, down to Mazzon’s selection of the salt and pepper shaker stand.

The service is exceptional as over 100 team members of servers, line chefs, chefs, and hosts boasts the company’s biggest hospitality and dining professionals. Canaletto strives to provide a gracious dining experience in offering authentic Venetian cuisine served by a welcoming staff in an inviting atmosphere…”the most authentic Italian dining experience outside of Italy.”

http://www.newportbeachmagazine.com/ January 2009 Issue

Consulate General of Italy Hosts Family Christmas Party

The Italian Arts Council of the Bowers Museum consisting of Orange County Italian Cultural Association (OCICA) and Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation (OCAIRF) with its affiliated Italian organization and members, along with the Italian Institute of Culture and the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles hosted and sponsored a family Christmas party.

While Babbo Natale, the Italian Santa Clause, greeted children and passed out candies from his red sac, 300 guests enjoyed a buffet of Italian Christmas desserts of Panettone, Spumoni, Sardinian cakes, cheeses and beverages. One could get some Christmas shopping done at the table of Sardinian handcrafts where dolls, jewelry, boxes, bowls and traditional music CD were available for purchase.

The main event of the evening was entertainment from “Su Masu”, a 23 member folkloric cultural group from Elmas, Sardinia, Italy. The men and women dressed in traditional costumes performed folkloric music, dances and songs. The co-ed dance troupe had been practicing three times a week back in their homeland for their performance in the Bowers Museum. Their one week stay in California was a welcoming Christmas gift to the audience.

Newport Beach Magazine

A Vegan's Nightmare

As a professional traveler of sort, I do my homework before I board the plane to my far flung destination. The most important research is finding the best eats.

I will hunt and trek far and wide to experience life's greatest pleasure: masticating foreign comestibles.

I purposely go to Bologna, Italy just to taste the food to see if it's all that plus a bag of chips. This city is renowned and celebrated for its cuisine. The meat Bologna, Bolognese sauce (meat sauce), the Parmagiano Reggiano cheese, the different types of pastas are all produced from this little old city of Bologna. Needless to say, there are many fine dining establishments which I must partake and to spend a small fortune so that I am fully satisfied in knowing that my life purpose has been fulfilled.

Diana is a famous old restaurant which is a must-go-to. It is not trendy nor contemporary but a Bolognese Institution.

I am not looking for schnazzy hotspots where Italian fashionistas frequent. On the contrary, I am looking for a restaurant where the old school fine diner go to get their fill. Diana epitomizes classic traditionalism at its finest. The servers, all male, are dressed in impeccable white jacket with black slacks and black tie. They are older gentlemen who pride in their work and more than likely have been at it for decades and decades as Italians usually have one job for life.

The ambiance is genuine classic old school. There is a coat check where I don't need to lug my heavy winter coat. The furnishings and decor are veritable European. The table setting is class. Real heavy cotton linen with napkins to match. Fine sturdy plate and glass. Solid oversized silverware. A plate of assorted most whimsical shaped Italian bread awaits on my dining table.

My server, Franco, arrives with a big handsome looking menu. You open it and it's all in Italian. Good sign. This ain't no tourist joint. I'm here to order the most traditional dish from Bologna. So I order the boiled assorted meat and organ, aptly named the Bollito Misto. This feast of a dish is a carnivore's delight or a vegan's nightmare. The chef comes out with a rolling serving cart with a huge kitchen pot containing the assorted animal carcass. He dishes up snouts, tongues, and other assorted organs and animal meats. I think to myself as he lovingly puts a suspicious looking blob of gelatanous meat on my plate, "hmmm....this doesn't look so hard to make..dump recycled animal parts in big pot of boiling water. Serve."

After he departed with his creation on wheels, I spoon up some green sauce on my plate next to the bland looking pale meats. "Okie dokie..let's try Miss Piggy's nose." I cut a bite size piece, tine in meat, raise fork and insert food in mouth. What happened after that unforgettable. The flavor was overwhelming! It's not a salt or sweet or tart issue. It's an intensity issue. That was one fucking strong tasting meat! Last time I had to actually remove food from my mouth was eating sausage meat in the former Soviet Union. These meats are not rancid nor bad...it's extremely strong and intense in its flavor. A definite acquired taste. I'd describe it as the pungency of strong body odor. Granted, the regular meats ie. non organs, are fine and tasty especially with their assorted sauces.

I'm satisfied. I came, I order, I ate. My job is done.

French Dessert is Just Like Sex

In life, there are definitely some things that are as pleasurable and rewarding as sex. It's high up on the hierarchy.

A sexy pair of satin Louboutin, an inviting cozy Japanese seaweed bath, a luxurious Fendi beaver coat, or a deep tissue massage from Igor's strong Russian hands are all fine and dandy but total child's play compared to the sophisticated and fine art of patisserie à la Française.

I'm talking about the really, really, really, expensive, beautiful, decadent designer French species. Not the mediocre and plain Jane variety available en masse. This is reserved for the true snob and unapologetic elitist: a connosieur with a major sweet tooth.

Experiencing a royal French pastry is a sexual encounter of the first and unique kind.

The selection from a dessert menu or decision making in-situ is love at first sight. Your heart palpitates, knees weak, and your mouth salivates. A little boner to be. Anticipation awaits.

Why is it that the French can evoke romance on something so banal that's made from flour and sugar?

Looking at the carb-filled beauty is like eyeing your lover. You shop and decide which you'll take home to ravish and devour. Next you buy it. You have to court it. It's not cheap. We're talking like $10-$ 15 a piece. You say it's not that expensive? You must put it in perspective. It is expensive. It's a personal size dessert.... for God's sake. It's a glorified donut or a fancy decked out bon bon. It's wearing its finest French couture and dabbing its rarest fragrance made from the most exquisite and rare Bulgarian rose. It is well educated and from the finest breed. It is coy and sassy. It's flirting seductively to you. It is saying " look at me, admire me, undress me slowly, give me little fun nibbles to tickle and arouse me, slowly lick me and savor my cream....when you can no longer control yourself, then devour me whole until you are wholly satisfied and can no longer do anything but dream and sleep".

After experiencing an orgasmic French delicate pastry, one can no longer settle for anything less. Welcome to Expensive French Pastries Anonymous. Only the best and most beautiful will suffice. Like a gorgeous man or woman, you fully appreciate the exotics and treat it like precious gem for they are a true luxury and the ultimate treat where it is worth the travel to find. An elegant addiction indeed.

Tea Time is Quaint Time

Punk rockers, the London Bridge, and Queen Elizabeth conjure images of England.
But Tea Time is the perennial favorite...or at least it sure is mine.

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live. High tea with a glass of champagne for 1 person is without exaggeration around US $75. Without the bubblies, it's about $50. Some may add a main course so consider another $20 or so. Naturally I am referring to the most reputable and elegant of establishments, not your local pub where a Lipton teabag and a biscuit will call it a day. One has to do tea when in London. I'd place it as must-do as visiting the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. That's how important it is. Tea time is an English tradition and institution. It's a lifestyle.

Does the high price tag justify a pot of tea with some dinky finger foods? Absolutely indeed! The real cost is only a fraction since there is nothing of great monetary value. Couple tablespoon of tea leaves and a whole lot of sugar, flour, and butter cost nothing however what one pays for is the refined ambiance and the formal civility it brings to life. That my friend, is what tea time is all about. It's quite reflection while connecting with your tea time mate...and what better way to do it than in front of a 3-tiers display of goodies. Delicate assorted finger sandwiches, scones with homemade jam and cotted cream, mini pastries like tiny object d'art and a fragrant pot of flower fruit tea or if one prefers, a robust masculine variety is such a lovely partner.

After you book your flight to London, start reserving tea time at the The Ritz Carlton, the legendary hotel. During Christmas season....you better make that inquiry before Halloween!
...and please...dress nicely for God's sake! I recommend after shopping at Harold's, go visit Ladurée which is on the floor with its gourmet food section. It's a gem of a place to relax, eat and soak in the beauty that is this French gourmet tea house with its exquisite pastries and gorgeous gifts available for purchase. The decor is opulent.

A formal elegant tea time makes you feel like royalty!

Abuse Me is Funny

I've discovered a way that makes me explode like a crazy hyena on Speed. The result is unrequited and unstoppable laughter and joy. It's not a silly pet, a new sitcom, the Sunday funnies, nor a new boyfriend with a questionable sense of humor.

It's my kid.

She is sarcastic as hell. She verbally abuses me with her patronizing tone. She lectures me as if I was a dim witted twit. She is a bitch and a witch in the morning like a Vampire who dislikes daylight and finds no wrong in lashing out her grumpiness in the early dawn. On the exterior, she is cool and calm like a cucumber. In the interior however, get her pie hole going and this girl cracks the driest, meanest, most hilarious, knee slappin'-belly achin'-fetus position on the ground-pee in your pants sayings!

She and I are a t.v. show in the making. Some have gotten a preview of the "Wendy and Fendi Show" where mother and daugher verbally bash each other with one liners and cheap shots. I would like to think I take main stage only because I'm the mother. Seniority rules. When she unabasheldy with private joy jousts me, I retort. However she really is the driving force that brings out the ridiculousness and immaturity in me so maybe I am actually her sidekick. Either way, with Ethel, Lucy is funnier. Without Laurel, there's no Hardy.

The main ingredient to her humor is that she is essentially right about things. She puts a god damn sarcastic spin to make her point biting and sharp. Added that to her dry and calm delivery and you've got a recipe for smart ass teen humor with real wit and insight.

Aside from her personal delivery of insults, her e-mails have me cracking like a loony nutbag just out of the asylum. Her writing magnifies her sarcastic humor. I prefer reading her insults more than receiving it face to face. It's softer on my ego.

At times I want to smack her ass as she disrespects me with her in-your-face-no-holds-barred correction and shut downs. A major slap in the face to me as a mother. After her scolding, I feel like a nimrod with a dunce hat sitting in a corner. However either I'm agreeing with her internal goodness or laughing that I am already defeated and too pooped to fight back. So I give up and just enjoy what is.

Laughter is the best medicine. If that means it's on my account...I'm glad to be the butt of her jokes.

Barclay Butera Toasts 15th Anniversary with Publishing Debut

The boyishly handsome celebrity interior designer, Barclay Butera, had good reasons to celebrate this holiday season. December 4th marked exactly 15 years ago that he introduced his first luxury showroom to Newport Beach. Bringing his taste and lifestyle direction to Orange County, to continue his brand and success, Los Angeles, Park City, and New York City soon followed. His high profile clients, to name a few, have included Barbara Streisand, Sharon Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Renee Zellwegger, the Simpson sisters, and Josh Groban along with some high end hotels and other renowned residences such as the St.Regis, Frank Sinatra Jr. and the Marilyn Monroe Estate.

The Newport Beach flagship store anniversary party was a vivid collage. The showroom, lavishly decorated with holiday trimmings and Christmas trees, had become a spotlight for fashionably dressed guests including Mr. Barclay’s staff, family, friends, clients and movers and shakers from the real estate and design industry. Actress, Lynn-Holly Johnson, a former Bond Girl, was spotted among the mass. They flowed from one packed room to another while enjoying their champagne and wine. Catered by his neighbor, Haute Cakes, an inviting display of smörgasbord was a feast for the tummy and eyes as the offerings were refined and colorful. The perfectly moist and flavorfully baked salmon took center stage and was clearly the crowd pleaser along with Cellar B’s generously donated wines. That whole entire fish was quickly consumed as it was quickly caught. It was also hard to resist the mini lemon bars, nut-filled brownies, and the cutest mini-me pistachio sprinkled pumpkin pie.

As guests partook in the warm and lively ambience, there was a beeline for Mr. Barclay to sign his first coffee table book, Barclay Butera Living In Style. Published in October 2008 by the French premier publishing house, Assouline, the $65 hardcover features Butera’s most iconic and celebrated work. “Fashion for the home” is his design approach and concept. Butera believes that “every room should have one truly fabulous establishing piece.” His inspiration is a mix of Hollywood glamour, European sophistication, and the exotic Far East. The 176 pages of visual journey are divided in five different lifestyle categories of Beach, Town & Country, Mountain, Desert, and City. If one can’t be furnished by Butera, at least one can smell like it. Available for purchase are The Barclay Butera Home candle line which reflects the five themed inspirations as a compliment to his five lifestyle line.

In the middle of the soiree, the anticipated 7:30 PM toast finally arrived after Ray Langhammer, Butera’s creative director, gained the room’s attention by clinking at his Champagne flute. The gregarious Mr. Langhammer began to thank all attendees for the evening’s very successful turnout. With appreciation, he shared the heartfelt story of their beginning, vision of their business, and future projects. The dynamic duo, with Butera stylishly decked out in a three piece Tom Ford plaid suit and his former lover in a John Varvatos velvet Nehru jacket, embraced and happily toasted each other for their achievement. The proud mother, Karen Butera, who is a local interior designer in Corona del Mar, joined in to bask in her son’s success. When asked how she felt about that evening’s celebration and all her son’s accomplishment, she beamed and simply said, “I am very proud of him.”

www.NewportBeachMagazine.com January 2009 Issue

South Coast Plaza's Penthouse Celebrates Grand Opening

Located in the quite corner on the third level adjacent to Nordstrom is South Coast Plaza’s new 20,000 square feet luxury wing which caters to discerning customers. This deluxe area houses the popular French bistro Marché Moderne, SoCa St. John featuring Southern California lifestyle fashion, French shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, exclusive to South Coast Plaza, fine Italian menswear Canali, and the ever fabulous Oscar de la Renta. Next year, a Louis Vuitton VIP suite will be added among other boutiques planned.

“It appeals to a clientele who wants a more private shopping experience. This sophisticated mix of luxury brands appeals to clients both locally and internationally.” said Anton Segerstrom, partner of South Coast Plaza

At the grand opening party, guests enjoyed five different tasty bite-sized hors d’oeuvres from Marché Moderne with red and white wine. A trio of musicians played in the background while invites mingled and enjoyed the beautiful boutiques at the Penthouse and admired models outfitted in Oscar de la Renta fashion. The best part of the evening was the yellow banana flavored cotton candy and yellow t-shirts with SoCa St. John emblazoned on front tied with a black ribbon as your gift for the evening.

Newport Beach Magazine

Potluck Party Poopers

I suppose I should be grateful to be considered as a guest when invited to a party. Any party.

However, I 'm annoyed as parties these days are by far...potluck.

To me, a party means the following:

1. I don't have to cook.

2. Someone will cook for me.

3. I don't have to do the dishes.

4. Someone will do the dishes.

5. I can dress up nicely and have a good time.

6. I can eat other people's cooking.

7. I don't have to cook.

8. Someone will cook for me.

9. I don't have to do the dishes.

10. Someone will do the dishes.

Selfish, you sigh? Ain't gonna deny that!

Let's face it, as a guest your goal is to have fun and look good. That's your role as an invite; a fixture to fill the room symbolizing the host's popularity and clout in having so many friends come to his party. Truthfully, the majority of people want free food. Human beings are just elevated rats. They will congregate where the buffet of food happens to be. It's that simple and clear.

Also, another thing that irks me, people tend to bring the cheapest badass food at potlucks: the $4.99 cookie pack, the tired looking cheese and cracker platter, or the standard pasta salad.

Lastly, the unattractive hodge podge of different serving plates. Some people don't even take out the Colonel's fried chicken from the paper bucket! At least put it on something attractive to offset the cheap and cheesiness, will ya?!?! Or how about the moron that provides a personal size something...assuming if EVERYONE provides a personal something....each and every guest would have enough to eat! It doesn't work this way, if Sue Ling brings a plate of 15 potstickers, that means only 15 people each get one. What...there's no seconds? Or how about this one, everyone pretty much brings the same kind of food, ie. 8 different kind of desserts, 5 total pasta and rice dishes, 3veggie dip platter. It's just too random.

I don't want to have to get dressed up, buy a hostess gift, cook or buy the food, haul it in my car in hopes there's no spillage, walk to the party carrying the tupperware in high heels, and after the party, lug that DIRTY tupperware back to my car. Think I'll just stay in and eat leftover Chinese.

I apologize to those who have invited me to their potluck and have lied in order not to participate in your cheapass party...if ever you decide to have some style and be nice to your friends, don't forget me. I would love to come eat your free food .

South Coast Plaza’s Black Friday Open House

What better way to de-stress from hectic mall activity on Black Friday than in the sanctuary of South Coast Plaza's hospitality suite. For the past 9 years, it’s an all day perk fest for VIP, store managers, and the media.

The fancy entrance draped in red velvet and hung wreath signaled a welcome retreat. Fresh cookies from Charlie Palmer restaurant sit waiting to be nibbled as invites signed the guest book. Courtesy of Spa Montage in Laguna Beach, guests were pampered as they chose a facial, massage, dry body brush or a reflexology treatment. After 30 minutes of bliss, your take home gift was a goody bag containing a Japanese Sisal brush and a jar of Sea Cal Bath from Spa Technologies.

In the cozy lounge with two Christmas trees, guest sipped Piper Heidsiek Champagne provided by Napa Style and enjoyed assorted dishes catered by a dozen SCP restaurants including Marché Moderne, Pinot Provence, and Morton's. Nespresso offered a variety of delightful coffee drinks as a post meal treat.

Last stop was a visit to Jo Malone's refreshing fragrance bar as generous perfume samples were being given. It was only fashionable to end the day by smelling like a VIP.

Newport Beach Magazine