belair magazine

BETTY WHITE: AMERICA’S NATIONAL TREASURE

ARTIST LEAH DEVORA’SCELEBRITY VISIONS

LOOKING BACK: A HISTORY OF

BEL-AIRDREAM CARS

THE MONA LISACODE

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30 LOOKING BACK: BEL-AIR’SILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY

38 BETTY WHITE: AMERICA’SNATIONAL TREASURE

52 THE MONA LISA CODE

58 PERFECTION IN PASO ROBLES

62 MITRA AHOURAIAN: A BEL-AIR

RESIDENT GIVES BACK

66 ARTIST LEAH DEVORA’S UNIQUE VISIONS

OF LOS ANGELES

78 BILTMORE AND LAND ROVER TOGETHER: A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

86 THE ARIZONA BILTMORE: THE SHIMMERING JEWEL OF THE DESERT

90 DREAM CARS: BENTLEY AND LAMBORGHINI

94 KOZ-TASTIC! DAVE KOZ MAKES

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND WINE, TOO

98 THE LAST WIZARD: ARTIST

EXTRAORDINAIRE JACK ARMSTRONG

TableofContents I

V O L U M E O N E • J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 1 0

14 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY www.belairmag.com

IN 1934, ORIGINAL DEVELOPER ALFONZO BELL'S DAUGHTER WAS MARRIED AT HOME IN BEL-AIR.

PHOTO COURTESY M

ARC WANAM

AKER/BISON ARCHIVES

100 THE PERFECT DESTINATION

WEDDING – VEGAS STYLE

108 WIN A GRAND CANAL WEDDING

AT THE VENETIAN RESORT & CASINO

IN LAS VEGAS: CONTEST

DETAILS AND RULES

109 THE “QUEEN OF LAS VEGAS” HOLDS COURT IN L.A.

112 REINVENTING THE

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

116 LUXURY GIFT GUIDE

132 FOLLOWING AN INTERNATIONAL

AGENT AROUND THE WORLD

134 A STUDY IN CONTRASTS: EXPLORING HONG KONG

AND SOUTH CHINA

140 SOCIAL SCENE

TableofContents II

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THERE ARE RELATIVELY FEW PLACES IN

the world that “have it all” – beauty,

elegance, luxury, sophistication, a

philanthropic spirit and fascinating people

who have succeeded in making a difference in

many areas of life. Bel-Air is one of those

unique places, and a place that should be

celebrated. So it is my distinct pleasure and

honor to welcome you to the premier issue of

Bel-Air Magazine.

Our mission is to inform, educate, spotlight

and entertain by featuring the people, places

and events that make this exclusive area of

Southern California more than an exceptional

region but also a state of mind.

We begin our quest by featuring Ms. Betty

White, a Hollywood legend who at the tender

age of 88 seems to be just hitting her stride.

We had the pleasure of spending several hours

with Betty at the Los Angeles Zoo, where she

has been a loyal volunteer for over 40 years.

She is as delightful, compassionate and

unaffected by her celebrity status as one could

possibly imagine. Her vitality, creativity,

generosity and lightning-fast wit are such an

inspiration to us all! I feel very privileged

indeed to have met Betty and to be featuring

her and her illustrious career in this issue.

In this issue we are also pleased to include

photos of a beautiful Bel-Air estate where we

will celebrate our launch at a party to benefit

Childrens Hospital. We are thrilled to be

working with Childrens Hospital to raise funds

and awareness for such a fine organization. We

will continue to support other worthwhile

charities in our publication, by featuring them

and those who tirelessly promote their causes,

as well as by sponsoring fundraising events

throughout the year.

I have been asked many times why I

would launch a new print publication when

magazines are downsizing or ceasing

altogether with increasing regularity. My

response has always been the same. I saw a

niche in the marketplace that had not been

satisfactorily served and an opportunity to

create something that would help to revive our

local economy and our spirit. By profiling

people who do extraordinary things,

spotlighting fascinating local businesses, and

highlighting worldwide luxury lifestyle

experiences, and then delivering those stories

and images consistently to a specific audience,

we create a synergy. A synergy among

businesses, charities and readers, from which

many people and organizations derive some

benefit and enjoyment. It is a true “win-win-

win” situation.

Special thanks to my Bel-Air Magazine

team, your commitment and passion have

been unwavering and immeasurable. I feel

very fortunate to have such a talented group of

professionals creating this magazine. To

Paulette DuBey and Cameron Falzone of the

Bel-Air Association, thank you for your

enthusiasm, support and compassion. You

have been tremendous and so very much

appreciated by the entire team. And to you,

our readers, thank you for being a part of this

journey. We look forward to serving you.

Rick Amor


VILLA GAMBERAIA, NEWPORT COAST

Pelican Crest

FromtheEditor


WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF BEL-AIR MAGAZINE.

We’ve searched the world, both right next door and to

far-distant shores, in order to spotlight the people, places

and things that will hopefully bring joy, meaning and even a life purpose

to our readers.

In every issue, you can expect to find a myriad of fascinating topics.

We’ll explore everything from philanthropists to fast cars, haute couture

to home design, real estate to exotic vacations, innovative entrepreneurs

to Hollywood’s biggest stars, and much more.

Speaking of philanthropists, we’re happy to put the Spotlight inside

on saxophonist Dave Koz, whose new line of fine wines gives all profits to

the Starlight Children’s Foundation. He and Betty White are our two

favorite people, both using their celebrity status to help those in need (in

Betty’s case, that includes animals, too).

Join us for a drive in the new Bentley Mulsanne, take a spin in the

Lamborghini Special Edition Valentino Balboni Gallardo and maybe

wander up to the Paso Robles wine district, too. We’ll introduce you to

some of our favorite artists, including Jack Armstrong and Leah Devora,

and even offer up a new theory on what Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona

Lisa” is trying to tell us with that mysterious smile.

And don’t miss our Gift Guide, where you’ll discover a collection of

unique items that are sure to bring a smile to your favorite graduate,

parent or best friend.

We hope you enjoy this first issue of our new publication; watch for

the next edition coming to your door in August.

Jenny Peters


LA Leaders Call to Action for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

Invest in the Leaders of Tomorrow by Giving Today.

Please call 323-361-1751 or donate online at chla.org/give/belair

Rendering of the New Hospital Building

Antonio R. VillaraigosaMayor, City of Los Angeles

Mary HartTrustee and Co-Chair, New Hospital Building Campaign

Richard D. Cordova President and CEO, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

"Richard Cordova, Mary Hart and I are working

together to help the children of Los Angeles

by raising funds for the New Hospital Building

at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. We invite

you to join our family of generous donors."

Antonio R. VillaraigosaMayor, City of Los Angeles

Our New Hospital Building will make a world of difference

for the sickest, most seriously injured children. If cancer,

diabetes, heart disease or other serious illness or injury did

strike your child or grandchild, chances are you’d come

to know Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Since 1901, it has

been the bedrock of the Greater Los Angeles community

as an international leader in children’s medical care, and

The Saban Research Institute provides children access to

the latest life-saving therapies. We are so close to the

completion of our “state-of-the-science” New Hospital

Building, but need your help now to get us there. Your

gift means the world to all of us.

DISTINGUISHED CHAMPIONS OF THE NEW HOSPITAL BUILDING*

Cheryl and Haim Saban

The Maurice Marciano Family Foundation

Marion and John E. Anderson

The Ahmanson Foundation

Jane Vruwink Palmer

The Walt Disney Company Foundation

John W. Carson Foundation

HBO

Dr. Charles Lilly and Joyce O'Gar Lilly

Anonymous (2)

*DONORS OF $5 MILLION AND UP

www.CHLA.org

A Welcome from the Bel-Air Association


ON BEHALF OF THE BEL-AIR

Association, I would like to

personally congratulate the

Bel-Air Magazine team on your June

launch! This is a very exciting time and

the Bel-Air Association is pleased to be

a part of this “history in the making.”

There are many desirable

communities in Southern California,

but you chose Bel-Air for the home of

your exciting publication. You saw

something more in our community. You

value Bel-Air’s extraordinary beauty,

graciousness and charm.

I would like to take a moment to

share what the Bel-Air Association

provides its members.

At present, the Association exists to

preserve the community qualities and to

enhance them whenever possible. We

are a non-profit corporate organization

funded by voluntary membership dues

and contributions. Our professional

staff is here to serve our members with

information, guidance, suggestions and

necessary action.

As an organization, we address

top-line issues such as our ongoing

Emergency Preparedness efforts, the

Bel-Air Security Committee, “Keep

Bel-Air Beautiful” and our very own

fight against the widening of Sunset

Boulevard through the diligent work of

our 405 Traffic Committee.

To share just a few, the Bel-Air

Association acts as a personal liaison to

Los Angeles city departments such as

the Department of Transportation,

Street Services and Building and Safety,

as well as Councilmember Paul Koretz’s

office and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s.

The Association also maintains

22 traffic islands, the East, West Gate

and the Moraga entrance island, with

the help of “Keep Bel-Air Beautiful”

and the Bel-Air Garden Club. We

communicate this valuable information

to our core members on the Bel-Air blog

at www.belaironline.blogspot.com.

Every day, in some way the

Association works to give the residents a

uniquely beautiful and valuable

experience. Our vision is to maintain

Bel-Air as a safe, sustainable and

beautiful community. This is done by

engaging our members to participate in

neighborhood efforts through

communicating, conveying and

supporting them in countless valuable

endeavors.

If any Bel-Air resident is not a

member of the Association, we would

appreciate having you on board! There

are many ways to support or be

involved. You can reach us at our office

at 310-474-3527 or via e-mail at

[email protected].

I look forward to working with

Bel-Air Magazine on future exciting

projects within the enclave!

Paulette M. DuBey, General Manager

The Bel-Air Association


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FOUNDER/PUBLISHER RICK AMOR

CO-FOUNDER DAN HAMILTON

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT STEVE TOLIN

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CARL HEBELER

EDITOR IN CHIEF JENNY PETERS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DAN IRVINE

MANAGING EDITOR ELLEN STERLING

FEATURES EDITOR MELANIE AMOR

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR BRIAN KALCHMAN

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR ALLISON MORYL

ART AND DESIGN EDITOR GLENN BRENNAN

TRAVEL EDITOR STEVE MILNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DIANE SILVER, KATHARINE ANGELO,

JES ALEXANDER, MITRA AHOURAIAN,

MELISSA MOORE, STEPHEN SCHAEFER,

SCOTT LUND, CLAIRE BERGER,

BRITT C. KNUTSON, CRYSTAL CHAMBERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS GLENN BRENNAN, JENNY PETERS, ANTHONY GOLSTON,

JANE HIGGINS, MICHAEL CAULFIELD, RON BEZ, GLEN DAVIS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS MELODY STORM

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR KIM HARWOOD

ADVERTISING SALES ASSISTANT DIANNE K. KER

ADVERTISING SALES RIMA DORSEY, BOBBI PROCTOR,

HOWARD ASKENASE, MIKE WALKER,

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ADVERTISING STEVE TOLIN, PRESIDENT

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PO BOX 1525, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270

(760) 346-1822

[email protected]

BEL-AIR MAGAZINE 9107 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 450

BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210

(310) 890-8348

www.belairmag.com

Bel-Air Magazine is a member of the Bel-Air Association© 2010 Platinum Triangle Publishing, Inc.


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REAL ESTATEHISTORY

�

When Alfonzo Bell acquired 4,500 acres 17 miles west of downtown Los Angeles in

1922, he hired an engineer and a landscape architect to plan a development there and

quickly began to sell lots in the subdivision he called Bel-Air. He said the development

would be “a haven of rest for the businessman who toils in big, noisy, congested Los

Angeles.” � Way ahead of its time, when Bel-Air opened its gates in 1923 there were

security guards at the gates checking in visitors. The aura of exclusivity underscored by

the security – the first in an L.A. community – as well as the massive entry gates and

the deed covenant requiring land purchasers to spend a minimum of $20,000

($293,895 in 2010 dollars) building homes there reinforced that atmosphere.

30 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY

LOOKING BACK: BEL AIR’SILLUSTRIOUSHISTORY

By RUTH LAUREN

~

BASIL RATHBONE LIVED IN THIS

HOME ON BELLAGIO ROAD.


IN THE 87 YEARS SINCE THOSE

now-iconic gates opened, Bel-Air has retained that auraand is home to celebrities andmoguls, granting the quiet andprivacy they seek when awayfrom the spotlight.

In the 1940s, Bell turned overmaintenance and management of thecommunity to the Bel-Air Associationand to this day the Association manages the community with somepaid staff and a 24-member volunteerBoard of Directors.

Although Bel-Air mostly makes thenews these days because of the spectac-ular estates there being bought or sold,

there have been times when the spot-light has been on the entire community.

The most glaring example of that isthe November 6, 1961, Bel-Air fire thatmade national news. While the causeremains undetermined – the best official guesses are either arson or a cigarette tossed from a car – the preva-lence of wood-shingled roofs in Bel-Air,a long drought, the density of the brushin the area and the Santa Ana windscaused it to spread quickly. Contempo-rary news reports (and the fire was international news) made much of thefact that the homes were valued at between $75,000 and $100,000.

Before the fire was controlled, it

had destroyed 6,090 acres, 484 homesand 21 other buildings in Bel-Air andBrentwood. The homes of Burt Lancaster and Zsa Zsa Gabor were lost.Others, including Fred MacMurray,Maureen O’Hara and former PresidentRichard Nixon, used hoses to keep theirroofs wet, thus saving their homes.Building codes today prohibit woodenroof shingles. Thankfully, no one diedin the conflagration.

Of course, in quieter times, it is thedoings of the residents who bring atten-tion to Bel-Air, as it has always beenhome to many well-known people. It isthe community to which PresidentRonald Reagan retired and where

HISTORY

THE CONRAD HILTON ESTATE.

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PORCUPINE CREEK, RANCHO MIRAGE | $75,000,000 | www.theporcupinecreek.com

Porcupine Creek is a private residence with its own 19-hole golf course, acclaimed by Golf Digest as the 13th ranked course

in all of California. The 249-acre expanse encompasses the grand main residence, multiple guest accommodations, full spa

facilities and gymnasium, a resort-style pool area, the championship 18-hole golf course with its additional playoff challenge

and driving range. The estate perfectly balances security with relaxation, and elegance with rustic charm. A memorable

entertainment venue, served by commercial kitchens, Porcupine Creek has hosted charity events comfortably attended by

more than 500 guests and international superstar bands, in addition to the most intimate family gatherings.

“Own your own golf course with thistruly awe-inspiring property.”

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RICK HILTON[310] 858.5406

BARBARA DUSKIN[310] 858.5408

10425 REVUELTA WAY, BEL-AIR, CAGATED PALATIAL FRENCH ESTATE

[ EAST GATE, LOWER BEL-AIR ]

Gated compound on approximately 1.67 acres formerly owned by Royalty with long private drive and magnificent grounds on twocontiguous parcels. Large motor court. Main house has ceilings and walls that are handcrafted by European Artisians. The elegantentry and foyer, spectatular living room and salon plus a formal dining room for lavish entertaining that can accomodate up to fiftyguests. Stunning great room with theatre is art in its truest form. There are numerous terraces, balconies and decks. The longprivate drive leads to exotic landscaped grounds with fully matured palm trees, multiple fountains, water treatments and tranquil koipond. Very large master suite with his & her baths and closets plus four additional bedrooms ensuite, plus staff rooms. The gourmetkitchen with designer appliances has additional separate kitchen and elegant breakfast room. Two story guest house overlooksfreeform pool with two separate apartments, each with living/ kitchen area and three bedrooms. Covered pavillion with outsidekitchen, spa, fittness center, sauna, massage and hair salon overlooks sunken lighted tennis court. The estate has every amenity. Arare collectable. Additional contiguous parcel on approximately .69 acre can be purchased separately for $6,500,000.

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BARBARA DUSKINEstates Director310-858-5408

[email protected]

RICK HILTONChairman

[email protected]


Nancy Reagan still lives. In their times,Loretta Young, Marlene Dietrich, ErnstLubitsch, Clark Gable and CaroleLombard all lived in Bel-Air. Over theyears, many Bel-Air homes have become familiar to filmgoers and television viewers as they were used forlocation shooting in myriad projects.Perhaps the most famous of all is thehome of hotelier Arnold Kirkeby, whoseestate was used as the exterior of themansion that “The Beverly Hillbillies”bought when they made their fortuneand moved to California on that long-running comedy.

Reporting on the residents’ lives isnothing new. On June 9, 1935, the LosAngeles Times breathlessly reportedthat “cinema notables” enjoyed ahousewarming at actress ConstanceBennett’s new home in Bel-Air. TheGeorgian home featured all-white interiors.

That night Bennett screened “OneNew York Night,” a film that starredFranchot Tone. He was at the partywith Joan Crawford, whom he wouldmarry that October. Also on the guestlist were Gary Cooper, Clark Gable,Zeppo Marx, David O. Selznick, MyronSelznick and William Goetz. The host-ess wore a “long clinging black gowntrimmed in silver fox.” Her sister, actress Joan Bennett, wore a “whitecostume.”

Today, the essence of Bel-Air remains what it was when the gates firstopened. Alfonzo’s “haven” is hometoday to 2,200 residents. And, thoughthere are few businesses in the community, it does boast the world-class Hotel Bel-Air (currently underrenovation and scheduled to reopen inmid-2011) and the highly regardedMoraga Vineyard. Herb Alpert’s VibratoGrill Jazz . . . etc., which is a hugelypopular spot as well.

In short, Bel-Air in 2010 is still oneof the nation’s most desirable enclaves,a thriving community that serves as aserene and private sanctuary for all ofits residents. BAM

HISTORY

THE ESTATE OF HOTELIER ARNOLD KIRKEBY SERVED AS “THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES” MANSION EXTERIOR.

THE BEL-AIR ESTATES ASSOCIATION OFFICE AS IT APPEARED IN 1950.

THE J.M. DANZINGER ESTATE IS THE LAND UPON WHICH THE HOTEL BEL-AIR WAS EVENTUALLY BUILT.

For information or reservations call 310.440.3090 or visit www.luxehotels.com

Luxe City Center – across from the Staples Center in the middle of everythingLuxe Rodeo Drive – the only hotel on Rodeo Drive

Luxe Sunset Boulevard – huge grounds, huge rooms

The Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel is Bel-Air’s example of the now legendary Luxe Hotels experience.And this June, the Luxe City Center Hotel – LA joins the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel – Bel-Air

and Luxe Sunset Rodeo Drive Hotel – Beverly Hills in delivering the chic, unique Luxe Hotels ambiance and service.An experience driven by our passion to give you everything you want and more than you expect.

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I first saw Betty White on TV when I was six years old.The year was 1954. I became an instant fan. � During her illustrious career spanning

seven decades, she has become one of America’s most beloved comedic actresses of all time.

� A true pioneer of early television, she has won six Emmys, and has been nominated 18

times. Best known for her roles on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Golden Girls” and

“Boston Legal,” White has carried away three American Comedy Awards and two Viewers

for Quality Television Awards. She was inducted into the Television Academy’s Hall of

Fame, won the Screen Actors Guild’s Life Achievement Award and has a star on Hollywood

Boulevard’s Walk of Fame (next to that of her late husband, Allen Ludden). She is known

as “The First Lady of Game Shows” for her hundreds of appearances on dozens of

programs. And she has found time to appear in 19 films and write five books. And since her

now-famous Snickers commercial aired first during the 2010 Super Bowl, she’s in demand

even more, recently hosting “Saturday Night Live,” starring in a new sitcom called “Hot in

Cleveland” in July on TV Land and in a new film, “You Again,” in the fall.


SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT

�

by STEVE MILNER

AM

ERIC

A’S

NAT

ION

AL

TREA

SUR

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PHOT

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PH B

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BREN

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www.belairmag.com

[TOP] BETTY WHITE AND

THE CAST OF “MARY TYLER

MOORE,” VALERIE HARPER,

EDWARD ASNER, MARY

TYLER MOORE, GAVIN

MACLEOD, CLORIS

LEACHMAN, GEORIGA

ENGEL; [MIDDLE] THE

CAST OF “THE GOLDEN

GIRLS,”BETTY WHITE,

RUE MCCLANAHAN,

ESTELLE GETTY, BEA

ARTHUR ; [BOTTOM]

WHITE AT THE

BEGINNING OF HER

CAREER, WITH AL

JARVIS IN SEPTEMBER,

1951, DOING HIS

“HOLLYWOOD ON

TELEVISION” SKETCH

COMEDY SHOW

SPOTLIGHT

40 BEL-AIR MA JUNE/JULY

PHOTOS COURTESY BETTY W

HITE

www.belairmag.comwww.belairmag.com

ETTY WHITE IS ALSO

KNOWN for her decades oftireless work as ananimal-rights advocate,however, winning theJane Goodall GlobalLeadership Award forLifetime Achievementand the American

Veterinary Medical Asso ciation’sHumane Award. She has been honoredby the City of Los Angeles with a bronzeplaque near the Gorilla Habitat in theLos Angeles Zoo. She has served as adirector of the Greater Los Angeles ZooAssociation for 35 years and asPresident Emeritus of the MorrisAnimal Foundation for 38 years.

In addition to fundraising andacting as an ambassador for the zoo, shehas been remarkably hands-on,

spending countless hours with theanimals, doing everything from feedingthem to cleaning their cages. We met atwhat she calls her “second home,” theLos Angeles Zoo, as the warm SantaAna winds were swaying the trees. Shewore a light blue outfit, mirroring herclear blue eyes, which twinkledfrequently with humor and enthusiasm.

BAM: When did your love of animalsbegin?

BETTY WHITE: In the womb,[laughing] in the womb! My motherand dad were just as bad as I am.They’d come home after a walk with adog or a cat, and they’d say, ‘Betty, he

followed us home. Can we keep him?’ Iwas an only child and the luckiest onlychild in the world. Everybody says‘lonely only,’ but I loved it! Most of myclose friends had a leg in each corner –they were all four-legged. We had awonderful time.

BAM: When you were growing up, youhad lots of dogs at home?

BW: I think the most we ever had at onetime was 26. It was during theDepression and my dad made radios tosell for extra income. Unfortunately,nobody had any money to buy theradios, so he’d trade them for dogs.He’d build a radio for somebody andthey’d give him a dog. He had to buildkennels in the back yard to house themall. Beyond that, we never had morethan three at a time, because you’d run

out of hands! You know, you can’t covereverybody at the same time.

BAM: So many critters to pet, so littletime!

BW: That’s right! I only have one now.It’s been a long time since I’ve beendown to one animal, but I lost mysixteen-year-old Shih Tzu, my ten-year-old Golden [Retriever] and my seven-year-old Himalayan kitty all within twomonths of each other. I was devastated,as you can imagine. When they heardup at San Rafael Guide Dogs for theBlind that I’d lost [my Golden], theycalled and said, ‘Betty, we have aGolden here, a career-change Golden.

We can’t give him to a blind personbecause he’s got a bum knee. We can’tjust give him away, since there is a2,000-person waiting list. We know thatyou would go through the surgery if heneeded it. I said, ‘No, I need a littleclosure, but, well, I’ll go up and meethim. I’ll just take a look at him.’ So, Iflew up one morning to San Rafael andI met him, and I got back on the planeto think it over. Have you ever heard ofanything more ridiculous? You meet aGolden Retriever and you’re gonnathink it over?? [laughter]

BAM: That doesn’t work, does it?

BW: No, that was so ridiculous. So ofcourse, my Pontiac came [home] withme.

BAM: Tell me about your connectionwith the zoo. How did that begin?

BW: Oh, my parents were big zoo-ophiles. Any city we’d go to, we’d hitthe zoo first. Dad had an office in SanDiego, so we’d drive down there. He’dgo to work for a couple of days andMom and I’d go spend all day, bothdays, at the zoo. Just wandering and it’salways changing. Bless their hearts,they taught me, ‘You don’t run from oneexhibit to the other and scream and rantand rave,’ like kids do in a zoo. ‘You sitthere and you just watch. Watch theinteraction – and watch the reaction.Pretty soon, you learn a lot fromanimals just by osmosis.’

BAM: Of all the critters, which are yourfavorites?

bOH, MY PARENTS WERE BIG ZOO-OPHILES. ANY CITY WE’D GO TO, WE’DHIT THE ZOO FIRST. DAD HAD AN OFFICE IN SAN DIEGO, SO WE’D DRIVE

DOWN THERE. HE’D GO TO WORK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND MOM AND I’D GOSPEND ALL DAY, BOTH DAYS, AT THE ZOO. JUST WANDERING AND IT’S ALWAYSCHANGING. BLESS THEIR HEARTS, THEY TAUGHT ME, ‘YOU DON’T RUN FROM

ONE EXHIBIT TO THE OTHER AND SCREAM AND RANT AND RAVE,’ LIKE KIDS DOIN A ZOO. ‘YOU SIT THERE AND YOU JUST WATCH. WATCH THE INTERACTION –

AND WATCH THE REACTION. PRETTY SOON, YOU LEARN A LOT FROM ANIMALS JUST BY OSMOSIS.’

“

”

�

SPOTLIGHT


THE LAST WIZARD

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are. You try to maintain that youngthing as long as you can. But therecomes a breaking point where you beginto brag about it.

BAM: But you maintain the pace of a20 year old.

BW: That is just being blessed withhealth and energy – and good looks!

BAM: Clearly. But what about diet andexercise? What are your secrets?

BW: Animal lover that I am, myfavorite foods are hot dogs and Frenchfries. You can see I’m a health nut. Asfar as exercise, I have a two-story houseand a very bad memory, so I’m up anddown those stairs all day. ‘What’d Icome up here for? Oh, I remember whatit was,’ and then I go back down. I’ll tellyou what I do weight-wise. I weighmyself every morning and if I go up apound, I take it off immediately. Onepound is a cinch to take off. Fivepounds can very well becomepermanent and I don’t want to do that.My mom had a very big sweet tooth. Ididn’t inherit that, thank goodness.She’d put on weight and she would fight


BW: Oh! That’s like asking which oneof your kids you like best – it’s tough.

BAM: I’ll accept your top ten?

BW: [Laughter] I always start to sayelephants – no, gorillas. I really have atough time with that. Those are theexotics. Of course, dogs and cats. I havea tough time with dogs and cats – I can’ttell between the two of them. Andhorses. I love anything with a leg oneach corner. I really do. It depends onwho I’m around. If I were sitting herewith gorillas, then gorillas would be myfavorite animal.

BAM: How did your involvement withthe LA Zoo begin?

BW: I was doing a show in 1970, called‘The Pet Set.’ I would have a celebrityfriend on and he’d bring his or her dogon. I’d write the show around thatbreed of dog or cat or whatever, and I’dshow all the other varieties of thatbreed and the colors and the ages. We’ddo an interview with the celebrity. Butthen I’d always have a wild spot. Atthat point, we had some animals fromthe zoo that we could bring ontelevision. We had a baby gorilla andwe had a baby chimpanzee that webrought on. I had elephants in thestudio, I had a water buffalo in thestudio. I had male and female full-grown lions on the set. So that’s how Igot involved with the zoo. I knew whatI was doing – and they haven’t beenable to get rid of me since!

BAM: You recently turned 88. How doyou stay so young?

BW: Easy. You just hang out – and itgoes by so fast! Seriously – I’m blessedwith good health. That’s the wholedifference, which gives you good energy.And passion is the bottom line. I feel sosorry for people who don’t have somekind of passion. I think I don’t havetime to find out all the stuff I want toknow about. I am very fortunate. I don’tknow where the breaking point comes.In show business, at first you’d just assoon people don’t know how old you

SPOTLIGHT

it so hard – but then the more she puton, the more it stayed there. So, Ilearned the lesson to take it offimmediately and you feel better.

BAM: Tell us about your first sitcom,the 1953 show “Life with Elizabeth.”How long did it run?

BW: We did 195 of them. We did threesegments per show, short anecdotes. Itwasn’t a continuous thing. Insyndication, they split them up intothree – and they would make 15-minuteshows. I think they’re still running in theOutback somewhere in Australia! Thatwas the first time we went national –and the first time we went international.It was a big thrill!

BAM: You’ve done stage, screen, TVand radio.

BW: Yes, I started in radio – doingcrowd noises on “The GreatGildersleeve.’ They did two broadcastsa day for the [NBC] Red and BlueNetworks. I’d do the early one. You’dsay, ‘Merry Christmas’ and you’d getpaid for it! I couldn’t believe it! Andthat’s when the first television spotscame up. They were going to try thisexperimental TV thing, and Tom, Dick& Harry, three comedians, sort of likethe Ritz Brothers, asked if I would bethe girl behind the hotel desk in theirshow. Never play in a scene with threeguys behind a desk when they have afeather duster! They had a duster andthey’d keep dusting the desk. Well, theydusted more than the desk! They’d getme laughing and then I couldn’t stop!

BAM: Of all the media, which was mostenjoyable for you?

BW: I loved the talk format, which wasprimarily what [my first show,‘Hollywood on Television,’ in 1949]was, anyway. So I was very comfortablewhen I started with [Jack] Parr andwith Merv [Griffin].

BAM: What were the best days for you?

BW: Mary – it had to start with Mary[Tyler Moore]. Grant Tinker, Mary’s

SPOTLIGHT

RUE MCCLANAHAN, BEA ARTHUR AND

BETTY WHITE CUT IT UP ON “THE GOLDEN GIRLS.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETTY W

HITE

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husband at that point, and my [soon-to-be husband] Allen [Ludden] werebest friends. So when Allen and Istarted going together, the first peoplehe took me to meet were Grant andMary. Then when she was putting hershow together [in 1970], we were verysupportive, and when she went on theair, we’d go every week to the show andwe’d sweat it out with them. Because itdidn’t start off as a big hit – it was ascuffle. We worked very hard givingthem moral support and finally itbecame a success and we knew all thepeople and we were all buddies and wesaw each other all the time. Onemorning I got a call from the studio,asking if I would do a guest shot on theshow. They had written this character,this Happy Homemaker. So, we did it –that was the show that Phyllis and I, herhusband had driven me home andsomehow, we didn’t get home until fouro’clock in the morning because we hadswerved to avoid hitting a dog and wehad to go to an all-night body shop.Phyllis was furious, [and Sue Ann

Nivens] the Happy Homemaker has putthe chocolate soufflé in the oven and theoven door is open and we are fightingback and forth. Jay Sandrich, who wasthe director, said, ‘You can’t have theargument with this open oven door, andyou are both too preoccupied. How arewe going to do this?’ Kidding, horsingaround with Jay, I kicked it closed withmy knee. He said, ‘That’s it – that’ll doit!’ Well, the soufflé became veryimportant then. I took it out and it hadall fallen. I say, ‘My baby!’ After theshow that night, [“The Mary TylerMoore Show” creators] Alan Burns andJim Brooks came over and said, ‘Don’tgo too far away. We’ve got an idea foranother show.’ That was a big thrill. Wedid the show on Friday night, and thenext morning, the doorbell rang. Hereare Mary and Grant with the soufflé panfilled with flowers and they said, ‘We’vegot several shows for you – now don’tleave town.’ Oh! Those are themoments that you just never get over!BAM: What’s a typical month for you?You are always working, it seems.

BW: It depends. I did ‘The Proposal,’then I did another Disney movie. Wejust finished, it’s called ‘You Again,’with Jamie Lee Curtis and SigourneyWeaver. We had a good time. That willbe out next September. I had never donesoap operas, but I did a guest shot on‘Bold and the Beautiful’ about a yearago. Well, they just wrote another storyarc for me. I said, ‘I don’t have time!’But they made it so tempting, and beinga ham actress, make it temptingenough, and writing good enough stuff– so I just did a week of that, five days.It just keeps you busy, and I love it. Younever know, the typical actor syndrome,the minute you finish a job, you’renever gonna work again. But it’s alovely business. It’s like living in a smalltown. Wherever you go, you run intosomebody that you’ve worked with. Oryou go on a new set and somebody willsay, ‘Hey, Betty, we worked together onsuch-and-such!’ Or you’ll walk into themarket, and people are so nice, theygreet you like a member of the family.It’s a great business.

SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT

BAM

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PHOTO COURTESY W

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TRAVEL TRAVEL

AFTER CENTURIES OF

speculation and misin -terpretation, the aston -ish ing riddle ofLeonardo da Vinci’s”Mona Lisa” is solved

here for the first time. The world's mostfamous work of art is not the portrait ofa mortal woman; it is the revelation of a

single heavenly soul divided betweentwo earthly bodies.

“Mona Lisa” is a female-male soulrepresenting the paradox of beginninglife. To achieve his ingenious vision, daVinci fused the heresy of a pagan god tothe Christian mystery of human gene-sis. He expressed divine conceptionthrough the dualistic symbolism of

Janus, the Roman god with two faces.The “Mona Lisa” can now clearly

be seen through the inner workings ofda Vinci’s own mind. These conclusionsare based upon da Vinci’s writings, ahidden code within the painting’s nameand obvious symbolic interpretations.

One belief that especially intriguedda Vinci was the manifest idea that a


bySCOTT LUND

Leonardo da Vinci — the original Renaissance man — was a skilled scientist, inventor, mathematician, anatomist, architect, musician, cartographer, writer and painter. His most famous work, the “Mona Lisa,”has been a source of fascination and debate for nearly five hundred years.Who was Mona Lisa? Why did da Vinci take 16 years to paint her? Andwhy did he keep her constantly with him until his death? � Scott Lund,an accomplished pianist, writer and student of forgotten history, severalyears ago turned his attention to the “Mona Lisa.” With incisive researchand his knowledge of ancient symbolic language, he has unlocked theMona Lisa Code. � Lund is now writing “The Janus Code,” a book aboutthis work, and is producing a multi-media exhibit about da Vinci’s secretsymbolism. Bel-Air Magazine is proud to print Lund’s first article aboutthe Code. For more information, visit www.scottlund.com.

cod

emona lisa

The

CREATIVITY�

32 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE www.belairmag.com BEL-AIR MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 32


mother and her unborn child had toshare a single soul. Da Vinci wrote explic-itly on that very subject, and his attemptsto understand the shared-soul mysterywere likely at the heart of his exploratoryautopsies of fetuses and wombs.

Da Vinci’s apparent artistic challenge to himself was not to paint anordinary human body but, rather, theawesome wonder of a celestial soul inthe midst of its sacred life-giving act ofsplitting into two separate souls. Byusing the duality of the god Janus as hisinspiration, da Vinci developed a cleverand uniquely suited theme for paintingtwo corporeal bodies as one meta -physical entity.

Most revealing is the anagram I deciphered that occurs when the lettersof MONA LISA are rearranged into theLatin words ANIMA SOL. This trans-lates literally as “Soul/Sun god.”

Sol was the pagan god who eventu-ally became the Sol Invictus (InvincibleSun) of Christian Emperor Constantine.But the Sun god had an intriguing origin. Sol had evolved from the morearchaic god Janus.

Romulus, the legendary founder ofRome, is credited with being the first toworship Janus, and thereafter Janus wasconsidered first in importance before alltheir other gods. As the god of “new beginnings,” Janus functioned well as

the appropriate overseer for the incep-tion of life, and the Romans neverbegan any endeavor without invokinghis name.

Janus was often characterized asone head with two bearded faces looking in opposite directions. Whilethe dual nature of Janus was clear, hisvirile representations belied the factthat he was essentially a god that wasone-half female. This feminine sidefound expression through the goddessJana – his less-conspicuous namesake.

While seemingly a masculine god,Janus had an ambiguous sexual persona that likely resembled Leonardoda Vinci’s view of himself, thus makingan attractive metaphor for him to use.

Considering its asso ciated mean ing,the ANIMA SOL anagram can be faith-fully inter preted as “the soul of Janus.”Because the anagram so clearly definesda Vinci’s intent, it is now self evidentthat he was the first to call his paintingthe “Mona Lisa,” not his biographerVasari. With the meaning of Janus hid-den within the “Mona Lisa” name, daVinci apparently intended to fool notonly the eyes of the uninitiated, but alsotheir ears.

The symbolic meaning of the“Mona Lisa” makes complete senseonce the viewer sees the painting as atwofold composite of a single hermaph-roditic soul. The right side of the paint-ing represents an expectant mother, and

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UPPER LEFT: ORIGINAL

“MONA LISA” WITH

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the left side of the painting represents amale fetus. (Because the figure faces theviewer, its right side is male and its left,or sinister side, is appropriately female.)

THE REASON THE FIGURE OF THE

“Mona Lisa” has no eyebrows,nor even eyelashes, is because fa-

cial hair is preempted by the unbornchild. For the same reason, da Vincipainted the facial structure in such a waythat there is no indication that any teethmight exist behind the enigmatic smile.

The way the hands are depicted ismost telling. The plump right handdominates the more feeble left handgrasping the end of the armrest. Thissymbolizes the separate entities of a robust male fetus that gains vitality atthe expense of a mother suffering thepain of childbirth.

The stormy waters of pregnancy areseen in the ominous lake depicted in thebackground on the left side of the paint-ing. From the lake there winds a roadbordered with blood-red color that evidently symbolizes an umbilical cord.

All around there are surreal rock

formations, including jagged protuber-ances that could never have seen theerosive effects of weather and time. Da Vinci masterfully painted that halfof the landscape in a way that depictedthe raw and untempered nature of anunborn child.

In contrast, the right side of the picture — the side representing themother — is calm and pastoral, with abridge providing a link to civilization.The horizon on the right side is higherthan that on the left, signifying the su-periority of the mother. Her superiorityis also seen in the dominance of the leftside of the face. As a soul would

presumably wear no jewelry, so we seethat the figure in the “Mona Lisa” alsowears none — not even a wedding ring.

Da Vinci took years to paint the“Mona Lisa” because he used apainstaking technique called sfumatothat required the application of thousands upon thousands of tiny dotsof color. This resulted in a glowing, otherworldly effect befitting the depiction of a heavenly soul. The incredible amount of time required, andthe fact that da Vinci never parted withthe painting, make it obvious that it wasnever a commissioned portrait for awealthy married woman. The womanidentified as Lisa Gherardini most likelymodeled to provide the female aspectfor the painting.

Extremely important, and usuallyoverlooked by the viewer, are two partial pillar bases on either side of thecentral figure. There are four historiccopies of the “Mona Lisa” by otherpainters that all depict a pair of complete stone columns. This suggeststhat the original painting eventuallyhad its sides trimmed off. Not only dotwo pillars support the overall theme ofbiformity, but they create the basis for“the primary symbol of the god Janus— an arch!”

Janus was considered by the Romans to be the god of all doorways,gates and arches. The Latin word fordoor (janua) was derived from hisname, and all triumphal arches werebuilt as his representation.

At the very center of the RomanForum there once stood the Temple ofJanus. It was a passageway with archedentrances at both ends flanked bycolumns. That temple was certainly daVinci’s inspiration for the architecturalsetting of the “Mona Lisa,” where webehold his ethereal figure seated in apassage in front of a columned arch.

There has been speculation that daVinci's homosexual assistant of 25years, Salai, is somehow incorporatedinto the “Mona Lisa.” Within the context of Janus symbolism, it seems

probable. It would be just like da Vinci toadd yet another layer of complexity to hispainting. The letters of MONA LISA canalso be reassembled into MON SALAI,which means “my Salai” in French.

Certain features of the “Mona Lisa”do resemble both da Vinci and Salai,and it is quite possible that da Vincifused his own likeness with that of hislife partner, whom he considered to behis “other half.” The necessary femaleaspect of the twin-gendered god couldhave been achieved by adding featuresfrom Lisa Gherardini.

With the probable presence in thepainting of Salai, Lisa Gherardini andda Vinci himself — I have little doubtthat the “Mona Lisa” represents daVinci’s ego as a self-loving woman.


TYPICAL REPRESENTATIONS OF

THE GOD JANUS ON COINS.

CREATIVITY

CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE TWO-FACED GOD JANUS

WITHIN HIS PRIMARY SYMBOL – AN ARCH.

THE AUTHOR, SCOTT LUND.

BAM

© 2010 Scott Lund. Used by permission.

www.belairmag.com

TRAVEL

IT’S A PERFECT

place for aquick weekendgetaway, espe-cially on thosespecial week-ends when theregion’s PasoRobles WineCountry Al-

liance joins together for celebrations. Their ZinfandelFestival always takes placeon the third weekend inMarch, the Paso Robles WineFestival is always the thirdweekend in May and theHarvest Wine Weekend happens everyyear in October. At the festivals, whichare usually centered around the charm-ing berg’s Downtown City Park, the region’s highly regarded wineries pourtheir current and reserve wines and localeateries serve up their tasty fare.

Naturally, Justin Winery, Paso’smost renowned producer, is an integral

part of those festival scenes, sometimespouring their famed Isosceles red blend.Their winery is in a lovely spot, andboasts a charming 4-suite luxury innthat is the perfect base camp for a festival – or any other – weekend. Andit’s a place filled with history, as their2004 Isosceles put both the Paso Robles

AVA and Justin and DeborahBaldwin’s beautiful propertyon the map back in 2000,when it was named one ofThe Wine Spectator’s TopTen wines in the world.

That acclaim madePaso Robles a true contenderin the world of top-flightwine areas, and the just-released 2007 vintage ofIsosceles lives up to thatpedigree, a lush, soft, immediately drinkable blendof Cabernet Sauvignon,Cabernet Franc and Merlotwith deep berry flavors,

touched with a hint of vanilla and awhiff of tobacco. And there’s muchmore to Justin than that award-winningred. In business since 1981, Justin(www.justinwine.com) also grows a widevariety of grapes, including Syrah,Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier,Petit Verdot, Malbec and Tempranillo,bottling all to worldwide acclaim.


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O BY

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IN ADDITION, THE BALDWINS HAVE

taken running a successful wineryoperation to a whole different level,

adding a fine-dining restaurant, Deborah’s Room, to their picturesquetasting room and inn. There Chef WillTorres creates organically driven, seasonally changing dinners nightly,and serves up luncheon on their shadedgrape-arbored patio; they also host anongoing Guest Chef Dinner Series, featuring the best culinary artists working in North America today. Fromfamed The French Laundry toqueThomas Keller to the recent Wine Festival-related dinner featuring ChefJustin Ermini of Connecticut’s Relais &Chateaux Mayflower Inn & Spa, thewinery annually hosts five special dinners, paired (naturally) with theirluscious wines.

Stay at the Justin Inn and dine inDeborah’s Room, but make sure to leavean evening for a trip to Artisan, one ofPaso Robles’ top dining spots locatedright off the city park square. BrothersChris (he’s the chef, formerly of Roy’s inSan Francisco and Brix in Napa) and

Michael (the general manager and for-mer L.A. music executive) Kobayashiput big-city living behind them to bringinnovative Contemporary Americancuisine to the Central Coast. Taking

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And don’t miss visiting some of theother top-notch Paso Robles wineries,who boast beautiful tasting rooms withhighly rated quaffs, including L’Aventure (try the Optimus 2007), Silver Horse (the 2006 Big Easy blendis a keeper) and Halter Ranch, whoseBordeaux- and Rhone-style varietals provethat you do not have to be European tomake exemplary Old World wines.

Make sure to stop at Niner Wine Es-tates, whose gorgeous tasting room has justopened in May. Try their delicious 2005Fog Catcher from Bootjack Ranch, a redblend filled with dark fruit, spice and oak.

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TRAVEL

IN 1979, SHE WAS WITH HER

mother Manijah and hertwo brothers on a visit fromtheir home in Iran with relatives in Los Angeles.Her physician father hadstayed at home. While theywere here, the Shah wasoverthrown.

Ahouraian recalls, “When that happened my dad had to close upeverything and move here with us. Mymom only had the two suitcases she hadbrought for vacation. In the early yearsthere was a lot of hope we could goback. But we’re Bahá’ís and there’s ablack list. Bahá’ís there are imprisonedfor their [religious] beliefs.”


PHOT

O BY

MIC

HAE

L CA

ULFI

ELD

PROFILE

by DIANE SILVER

�

Ask her about living in

Bel-Air and Mitra

Ahouraian will extol the

elegance, exclusivity and

the sense of entering a

sanctuary when going

through the gates. But

she also says, “The people

here have a sense of

accomplishment.” And,

by that standard, this

accomplished woman

is in the right place.

MitraAhouraian:A Bel-Air Resident Gives Back

MITRA AHOURAIAN PLANS TO HELP PEOPLE IN HER NATIVE IRAN THROUGH A FOUNDATION HONORING HER FATHER.


TRAVEL

The family settled in Bel-Air andMitra went to elementary school at Uni-versity Elementary School at UCLA, toPaul Revere Junior High School and toMarymount High School. The latter,though she’s not Catholic, proved to bea positive experience. “It was good thatthere was a dialog about religion in highschool. I believe that all of our ills todayare spiritual. The problem right now isthat there’s no mainstream dialog aboutreligion or spirituality. It was cool to bein a high school that had religiouscourses. You learn and it makes youmore open.”

At UCLA she studied premed. “I’ddreamed of being a doctor my wholelife. But, in my third year my father hada stroke and took ill. My life was chang-ing rapidly and we didn’t know whatwas going to happen. It would take tenyears to become a physician and tenyears is a big commitment.”

So, with a BS in psychobiology,Ahouraian enrolled in Loyola LawSchool and, after graduation, sheworked in business litigation, intellectual property and corporate law.A specialty program in entertainmentlaw at UCLA followed. She served asGeneral Counsel to Phoenix Books andtheir subsidiaries. There she workedwith book and audio-book publishingagreements, among them with authorsincluding Carl Reiner, Bill Maher, Governor Rod Blagojevich, Jim Moretand Gene Simmons. Today she is withLinzer and Associates.

Now, she’s helping some friendsstart a record label. “I have the blessing,” Ahouraian explains, “of having a tool that helps people realizetheir dreams. I can set up a corporation,work out financing — all the legal issues from beginning to end. I am sograteful I can do that.”

When not working Ahouraian has afull-to-bursting life. “I read,” she says,“usually business books but I’ll readanything as long as it’s well written.Now I’m reading Malcolm Gladwell. Ialso go to events and concerts, I work

out a lot and I takeballet and salsa les-sons. Most important, Ispend a lot of timewith my friends.”

Asked to describethese friends, she’svery quick to say, “Myclosest friends have al-ways been incrediblysmart, incredibly sexywomen who have greatheart, can do anythingand who don’t take theeasy way out.”

Ahouraian’s father died three yearsago and she moved back into the Bel-Air home where she grew up.

If, by the way, we learn a great dealabout values in the home, then her

mother Manijah has been an excellentrole model. “My mother,” she says withpalpable pride, “is working on her second Ph.D. She has a doctorate in sociology and this one is in psychology.In Iran she was president of thewomen’s organization founded by Empress Farah Pahlavi. She was aleader in the fight for women’s rights.That is one of the reasons we couldn’tgo back to Iran.”

It was surely growing up with sucha role model that taught Ahouraian herbelief that, “each of us has the capacity

to do what we want to. Anything I’veput my mind to I’ve done well at. It’s afunction of fostering interests. If you’reinterested in something and motivatedto do it, you probably can. I do my workin the spirit of service, which I learnedfrom my parents. My challenge is to beof service and to do good in this worldas an attorney.”

In terms of being of service anddoing good, Ahouraian discusses a project that is very meaningful to her.“In Iran my father practiced internalmedicine, general and pediatric surgery.In L.A. he had a family practice. Hewas so passionate about what he didthat he was a real example for me. Ibegan volunteering with the Los Angeles Childrens Hospital and now Iam setting up a foundation that willhonor the way my father lived his life.

“One part of the mission of the Dr.Keikahosrow Ahouraian Foundation isto provide scholarships to students inIran who want to study medicine — inparticular Bahá’í students who are de-nied access to education. We will alsofundraise for research and, perhaps, foran individual’s medical needs.”

Clearly ready for any challenge lifemay bring her or any challenge she maychoose to undertake, Mitra Ahouraiansays, “I love learning and always wantto learn. My biggest fear would be notknowing what I want.”

It seems unlikely that she has any-thing whatsoever to fear.


PROFILE

“

”

BAM

MANIJAH AND DR. KEIKAHOSROW AHOURAIAN

PHOT

O CO

URTE

SY M

ITRA

AH

OURA

IAN

I HAVE THE BLESSING OF HAVING A TOOL THAT HELPS

PEOPLE REALIZETHEIR DREAMS. I

CAN SET UP A CORPORATION, WORK

OUT FINANCING — ALLTHE LEGAL ISSUES

FROM BEGINNING TOEND. I AM SO

GRATEFUL I CAN DO THAT.


TRAVELCREATIVITY

eah Devora sees ghosts. No, not the kind you read about in scarystories. She sees what she calls the “Ghosts of Los Angeles,”reminders of a past time in a city where so much has happenedand so much is lost. � Devora brings to her art to all the placesshe’s lived. In an artist’s statement, she wrote that from the

south — Miami and Atlanta — come her landscapes. The “raw, grittyand rather honest” New York cityscape inspired what she says is her“moody, weighty” art. Chicago is seen in more expressionistic work andSan Francisco more conceptually based work. � Her path in art hasnot been a direct one. She recalls, “My father was an artist so I grew upwith it and took lessons when I was ten. After high school in Atlanta Iwent to the University of Maryland. I always wanted to be a fashiondesigner so I transferred to Parsons School of Design in New York.

L

LEAHDEVORA’S

by DIANE MAARTEN

LOSANGELESUNIQUEVISIONof

�

ARTIST

BEL-AIR MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 32www.belairmag.com

PHOT

OGRA

PH C

OURT

ESY

LEAH

DEV

ORA

“BABYLON,” A PORTRAIT OF

ELIZABETH TAYLOR FROM THE

“ICON” SERIES. MIXED MEDIA,

OIL PAINT, GRAPHITE AND

PHOTOGRAPHY ON CANVAS.


photograph byjane

higginsphotograph byja

nehigginsph otogr ap h

byjane higginsp

hotograph byjane hig

UT I DECIDED THAT WAS NOT

the right path for mebecause it doesn’t combinedesign and art. I began to domore sculpture-type thingsand moved into fabric andtextile design and began a

hand-painted clothing bus iness withgraphics on clothes. I did that for eightyears and then worked three years inthe music business. Finally, I went toPratt Institute and got an MFA.”

In Los Angeles for six years,Devora’s take on the city is differentfrom most. “I’ve always thought L.A.was haunted. I have a strong sense ofghosts, dead energy and a strong senseof déjà vu. Even with the sun, this is oneof the gloomiest cities I’ve ever been in.Los Angeles is a dichotomy. You have,for example, the beautiful kitsch of theChateau Marmont across the street froma peepshow.”

She moved to L.A. because shebought a condo in Los Feliz. “I was

going to rent it out and stay where I wasliving in San Francisco. Then I got anL.A. gallery to represent me. So it wasdifficult to do business long distance.And, since I had the opportunity withart in Los Angeles and I didn’t in SanFrancisco, I moved. When I first movedhere I was bored and depressed. I wasso uninspired.”

Devora begins composing her workon the computer. “I use a digital oil-painting program and combine it withtraditional oil paint, newspaper articlesand photography. Each painting is atime capsule and I strive to capture thedecade associated with each motif Iuse.”

Talking of her process, she adds,“When I create my art and ideas I’malone with my computer. I neverthought of myself as a painter. I’vethought as myself of a mixed-mediaartist — graphic art meets fine art. Ilayer images like I’m doing a collage.It’s like creating puzzles. I often work

I’VE ALWAYSTHOUGHT L.A. WASHAUNTED. I HAVE ASTRONG SENSE OF

GHOSTS, DEADENERGY AND A

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“SCRAQBBLE,” FROM

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PHOTOGRAPH

COURTESY LEAH DEVORA

ARTIST

PHOT

OGRA

PH C

OURT

ESY

LEAH

DEV

ORA

C A C H E R E S T A U R A N T & L O U N G E

3 1 1 0 M A I N S T R E E T / S A N T A M O N I C A , C A 9 0 4 0 5 / 3 1 0 . 3 9 9 . 4 8 0 0

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from photos and use traditional paint tofinish them.”

So it was natural that she firstdiscovered L.A. through the lens of hercamera. “I entertain myself that way. Ibegan photographing shopping carts. Iwas fascinated by the positions in whichthey were left on the sidewalks — likedead bodies. I thought, ‘Let’s make apainting out of shopping carts.’”

There are also words in much ofDevora’s art. “I write short stories andthat’s why there are words in my art. Ilike to tell stories.”

Her work has been used on the sets

of “Entourage,” “E.R.,” “Without ATrace,” “The West Wing” and “Six FeetUnder” and has been exhibited at theArcLight Cinema in Hollywood, as wellas other venues in cities across thecountry. It’s been collected byprominent individuals (including DavidBowie) and major corporations.“There’s a lot of money spent on art inLos Angeles — more than in New Yorkand San Francisco,” she notes.

When not working, Devoratravels and spends time with her threerescue dogs, Fred, Ethel and LittleRicky. (Lucy died a year ago.) She

“MARILYN,” A

PORTRAIT OF

MARILYN MONROE,

PART OF THE “GHOSTS

OF HOLLYWOOD”

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CREATIVITY

says she was fostering them and shefell in love. Devora does notanthropomorphize them, saying, “Ilike them because they are dogs, nothumans. I am an animal-rightsperson and a vegetarian.”

All that Leah Devora sees,photographs, writes and thinks about isexpressed in her art and that art — withimages of the familiar, of pop culture,board games and film — is accessible tomost people. But it is also, like theprocess of creating it, layered, fresheach time it is viewed and ceaselesslyinteresting.

PHOTOGRAPH

COURTESY LEAH DEVORA

3939 Cross Creek Road, Suite C100, Malibu, CA 90265 T: 310 456 7977

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BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 79www.belairmag.com

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or enthusiasm for what I was seeing.Our small group of journalists stayed atthe Inn on Biltmore Estate, a very nicehotel nearby. As much as we wouldhave liked to, today no one – not eventhe Vanderbilts who now own Biltmore– stays in the house.

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE

trip was my group’s private,candlelight tour of the house.

Our tour guide, Chris Connolly, was incredibly knowledgeable. In fact, theentire staff was perfect. Rick King, another staffer who’d started there as ahigh-school student, is still at Biltmore40 years after graduation.

Visitors can see all four floors andthe basement of Biltmore House. Theinterior is absolutely stunning, breath-taking. It’s the height of elegance. I wastotally taken by its grandeur and opu-lence. Among the many antiques andworks of art on display are Napoleon’schess set, portraits by John Singer Sar-gent, two Renoirs, 16th-century Flem-ish tapestries and a Dürer woodcut. Inthe library I saw 10,000 of the 23,000books Vanderbilt amassed. There waseven art in the servants’ quarters!

I was really surprised at the mod-ern conveniences that were original tothe house. For example, there was an el-evator with its still-operational originalengine, as well as generators, hot-waterheaters, clothes washers and dryers. Itwas apparent that the Vanderbilts en-joyed a singular lifestyle for their time.

As much care was taken with thedesign of the grounds as was taken withthe house. When you enter the propertythrough the gates, you follow a serpen-tine three-mile road up to the house; itserves to build up your anticipation ofthe entire adventure. There are differentspecies of plants and trees in a group ofgardens — the Italian Garden, theWalled Garden, the Azalea and SpringGarden and a conservatory. The groundsalso feature an equestrian center, bridlepaths for horseback riding and carriagerides and even an area where visitors

A REAL ESTATE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILTM

OREPH

OTO COURTESY OF BILTMORE

A THREE-MILE DRIVEWAY BRINGS YOU TO THE MAGNIFICENT FRONT ENTRANCE OF BILTMORE HOUSE.

EDITH VANDERBILT'S BEDROOM WAS DECORATED WITH SILK AND CUT VELVET.

[INSET] THE 102-STEP GRAND STAIRCASE IS LIT BY A CHANDELIER WITH 72 ELECTRIC BULBS.

32 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE www.belairmag.com82 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY

can learn to ride a Segway — the one activity I looked forward to but was prevented from doing by the rain.

Antler Hill Village — named for theridge where the Inn on Biltmore Estateis located — is a recent Biltmore addi-tion, a quaint village that is a bridge between past and present. Visitors cancheck out the Biltmore Legacy (featur-ing historical exhibits), a pub (one ofseveral restaurants on the property) anda winery. I was able to sample the RedWine & Chocolate experience in the win-ery and was sorry I had to leave to getready for dinner. It was quite a treat.

Biltmore (www.Biltmore.com) issupported solely by donations and visi-

tors to the property. Last year, therewere more than a million visitors and, ofthose, 60,000 are seasonal passholders.

Of course, my Biltmore trip wascourtesy of Land Rover and their driv-ing school was an important part of thejourney. The first time out, I was takenon a relatively easy ride so I could be-come familiar with the cars — the LandRover 4, the Range Rover Sport and theRange Rover. We drove 6,578 feet upMount Mitchell. Then I tested my skillsat the Land Rover Driving Experience,their driving school on the Vanderbiltproperty retrofitted by Land Rover toteach any driver about off-road maneuvering; and it was quite a test!

Remember, it was pouring that day.Thus, “off-road” meant “through themud.” I was instructed to let the car tellme the right thing to do. Sometimes,that “right thing” was counter-intuitive.For example: there’s a rut in the roadthat the rain has transformed into agully. The vehicle starts to slide intosaid gully. When that happens, instinctsays to turn the wheel to stop the slide.That is the wrong thing to do. You’resupposed to go with it. All the technol-ogy built into the car tells it what’s bestto do. Head instructor Greg Nicholasand his staff instructors Warren Blevinsand Darren Moore each clearly possessnerves of steel and the patience of asaint. It couldn’t have been easy butthey helped me make it through.

The rain was inconvenient and thecourse was difficult, but the car wentthrough every challenge with panache.I’ve thought about getting a Land Roverand I came away from the experiencewanting one even more. As I learnedmore about it, I developed a real level ofconfidence. The engineering is incredi-ble. I believe they've engineered forevery contingency and the drivingschool was great. Prices for the experience begin at $225; for more in-formation go to www.landroverusa.com.

In the end, I realized that, despitethe enormous construction cost, Biltmore is not just a monument to af-fluence. It is a place where people livedand entertained and, despite the factthat no one lives in the house any more,it is a place where people still have a lotof fun.

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RICK QUICKLY LEARNED THAT THE LEAVES AND THE MUD MADE FOR A VERY CHALLENGING OFF-ROAD COURSE.

BILTMORE HOUSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, 1894.

THE GARDENS AT BILTMORE HOUSE.

A REAL ESTATE

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by STEVE MILNER

HREE WEALTHY CHICAGO

brothers named McArthurgrew up in a house designedby Frank Lloyd Wright.The elder brother, Albert,was so inspired by Wrightthat he would study archi-tecture at Harvard and

train in Wright’s design studio beforegoing into private practice. Like most ofWright’s students, Albert would followthe unique Wrightian style throughouthis career.

Meanwhile, Albert’s younger broth-ers, Warren and Charles, found theirway West to Phoenix. Both immediatelyfell in love with the climate and beautyof the desert. The brothers opened aDodge dealership in Phoenix and soonowned 11 locations across the state. Astheir fortunes flourished, so did theirlove of the desert. They spent more andmore time camping, until they realizedthat their excursions could be turnedinto a business venture.

Soon, they had customized two

large Dodge trucks into early campers,with drop-down bunks on both sides.They called them Wonder Busses – andthey are credited with pioneeringtourism in Arizona in the early 1920’s.Visitors could hike by day and sleepunder the stars at night in their elevatedbunks. A staff cook provided all themeals, so it was a rather genteel form ofroughing it.

Based upon the success of the tours,in 1924 the McArthurs decided to openan elegant resort hotel. They began to

T

WELL-TRAVELED

The Shimmering Jewel of the Desert

WHEN THE ARIZONA BILTMORE OPENED IN 1929,

IT WAS KNOWN AS THEJEWEL OF THE DESERT.

� EIGHTY-ONE YEARS LATER,THE JEWEL STILL SHINESBRIGHTLY. �THE STORY BEHIND THE STUNNING

HOTEL IS FASCINATING – AND SPRINKLED WITH

FAMOUS NAMES.

�

THE ARIZONA BILTMORE’S

BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS MAKE

RELAXING HERE A BREEZE.

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by GREG MOESSER, ACAVP, Rodeo Realty Private Estates Division

APRIL / 2010 FIRST QUARTER*PRICE 2010 2009 NEWRANGE SOLD SOLD PEND.

4/9-4/10 4/8-4/9Bel Air/Holmby Hills$2M—$5 Million 32 37 6$5M—$10 Million 8 6 0$10 Million & over 11 2 0Total Sales: 51 45 6Beverly Hills (City)$2M—$5 Million 58 45 14$5M—$10 Million 22 22 3$10 Million & over 10 5 0Total Sales: 90 72 17Beverly Hills (PO)$2M—$5 Million 31 45 8$5M—$10 Million 5 5 0$10 Million & over 5 3 2Total Sales: 41 51 10Hancock Park$2M—$5 Million 30 34 8$5M—$10 Million 0 6 1$10 Million & over 1 0 0Total Sales: 31 40 9

MARCH / 2010 SALES REPORT*$2 MILLION & OVER

BEL AIR / HOLMBY (5 Sales)$15M 616 Nimes Rd $13M 215 Strada Corta $9M 16405 Mulholland $5M 1239 Linda Flora$4M 2283 WeybridgeBEVERLY HILLS (4 Sales)$7.5M 1170 Loma Linda Dr $2.8M 418 Elm Dr $2.6M 325 Camden Dr $2.4M 1802 Angelo DrBEVERLY HILLS PO(2 Sales)$18M 1407 Benedict Canyon Dr $24.5M 2 Beverly Ridge TerraceHANCOCK PARK (6 Sales)$3.2M 414 Las Palmas$2.9M 501 Rossmore $2.9M 324 June St $2.7M 637 Lorraine $2.7M 611 Lorraine $2.4M 514 June St *Appx. List Prices Shown

GREG MOESSER, Vice President ofRodeo Realty’s Private Estates Division.

He is a specialist in the internationalmarketing of properties from $2 Millionto over $20 Million.

For a confidential evaluation of your property please call 310-770-9014 or email at [email protected]. *

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STATEoftheMARKETThe luxury (over $2 Million) Westside —Trianglecommunities of Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Post Office, Bel Air and Hancock Park showed dramaticsigns of activity during the first quarter of 2010. Asignificant factor is that sellers have become muchmore realistic about value in the last year. The increased demand, in turn, has demonstrated agreater perceived value resulting in stronger buyer confidence.

THE LUXURY (OVER $2 MILLION) WESTSIDE — TRIANGLE COMMUNITIES

of Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Post Office, Bel Air and HancockPark showed dramatic signs of activity during the first quarter of

2010. A significant factor is that sellers have become much more realisticabout value in the last year. The increased demand, in turn, has demon-strated a greater perceived value resulting in stronger buyer confidence.

The average days-on-market for the most recent properties in escrowhas been reduced to approximately 100 days, and half of those propertiesreceived an accepted offer in less than 30 days. Additionally, three of thesefast offers were properties in the $8 Million range. Another sign that buy-ers and sellers are more in sync is the fact that the sold price was withinan average of 87% from the final list price and in Beverly Hills and Han-cock Park, that figure averaged only 94% from the list price. The days ofoffering 25% or more below the list price seem to be over.

We are still experiencing market issues with financing and appraisals.Most financial institutions, regardless of loan amount, tend to follow Fan-nie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines to make decisions. These programsare structured more for the lower end markets and have little applicabil-ity to our unique Westside markets. There are also problems with travel-ing appraisers that don’t understand our local market or are not currentwith our latest market trends.

Beverly Hills and Bel Air had the most significant increases in the over$2 Million category from a year ago. Even more extraordinary is the factthat the upper end, over $10 million sales, increased in all the Mid-Trian-gle areas with Beverly Hills and Bel Air (combined) having tripled theamount of sales. This increase is also a testament to the power of foreignbuyers in our market. Beverly Hill Post Office and Hancock Park had asmall decline in the number of sales but began the first quarter of 2010with a strong sales record.

We anticipate a continuation of the same trends in the second quar-ter. Financing and appraisals will still be problematic. Interest rates havebegun to rise in the last few weeks. The upper-end properties should con-tinue their strong demand.

While there is no ‘business as usual’, at least there are signs that weare returning to a market that we can understand.


raise money from their wealthy friends,including chewing gum magnateWilliam Wrigley, Jr. They also invitedbrother Albert to come west to design it.

The architect decided he wantedto use Wright’s textile-block system, in which building blocks

were cast on site by using a mixture ofthe soil from the excavation togetherwith concrete. The “Biltmore blocks”that make up the façade of the hotelwere designed by Los Angeles sculptorEmry Kopta. They were cast in twopieces that fit together to create an airspace which provided insulation fromheat, cold and noise.

Albert asked Wright if he would license the use of his system. Wrightagreed for a $10,000 consulting fee.When Wright came to Phoenix to see theproject, he fell in love with the desert,too. Later, he would move his designstudio and architecture school, TaliesenWest, to nearby Scottsdale. Wrigley, too,was smitten and built a home nearby.Construction began in 1928, but risingcosts more than doubled the original $1million estimate. Wrigley agreed tomake up the difference, taking a largerownership position.

The eleganthotel opened in early1929. Just as theirfirst tourist seasonbegan, the Stock Market crashed – andsoon, the hotel was infinancial trouble.Again, Wrigley cameto the rescue and ulti-mately became thesole owner. After theinitial panic subsided,the Arizona Biltmoresurvived the Great Depression in style. Itbecame popular withcaptains of industry,movie stars and royalty. And everyAmerican president

has stayed there since it was built.The hotel was sort of an elegant

dude ranch in the early days, withhorseback riding, a cowboy singercrooning by the pool and anotherbuckaroo acting as doorman. However,guests were required to dress formallyfor dinner. It was also the time of Prohi-bition, but the Biltmore’s wealthy clien-tele was not to be denied liquor, soMcArthur designed the exclusive “Mystery Room” in the tower, whereelite guests (men only) could smoke ci-

gars and imbibe. The room was concealed behind a false bookcase, atthe top of a narrow back staircase, accessed from the kitchen.

Today, the Biltmore is casually elegant. The beauty of the architectureand manicured grounds is breathtaking.Lush lawns, majestic palms, blue poolsand stunning design all converge at thebase of nearby rocky peaks – all underthe colorful Arizona sky.

The lobby is a shrine to the Wrightian style, with its sculpted block construction, built-in lighting, gorgeousstepped geometric lines and gold-leafceiling. There’s also a large backlitstained glass window designed byWright, welcoming visitors near the entrance.

Resort historian Becky Blaine andher staff offer free history tours of theproperty a few times a week. There’salso a Historic Dinner Tour, a progres-sive series of courses served in a numberof rooms. Tours of the Wrigley Mansionare available Wednesday through Saturday. The home also houses the elegant Geordie’s Restaurant.

A number of new buildings havebeen added to the Biltmore over theyears. The most recent addition isOcatilla, a hotel-within-the-hotel.Named after Wright’s nearby designcamp, the building incorporates a num-ber of the Biltmore’s original design elements. Custom furniture, ceramictile in the baths and backlit glass insertsin the headboards reflect the design ofthe original blocks.

There are two nice restaurants offthe main lobby. Wright’s is the moreformal dining room. Frank and Albert’sis a recent addition, with a more casualfeel. Chef Conor Favre has created aninnovative array of “Arizona comfortfood” (think gourmet diner), from in-gredients produced almost entirely inthe Valley of the Sun.

The Arizona Biltmore continues todelight visitors from around the world.It’s truly a “Shimmering Jewel of the Desert.”

WELL-TRAVELED

THE TEXTILE-BLOCK SYSTEM INSPIRED BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT.

WRIGHT’S, THE STUNNING FORMAL DINING ROOM

AT THE ARIZONA BILTMORE. BAM

PHOTO COURTESY ARIZONA BILTM

ORE

PHOTO COURTESY ARIZONA BILTM

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DIVERSIONS

dreamPASTIME MANY OF

us have indulgedin since child-hood is choosingour dream carwhen a beautyzooms past andcaptures our

imagination. As adults, there are alwaysa plethora of fine vehicles to catch ourattention, but none quite as dream ful-filling as the new Bentley Mulsanne orthe Lamborghini Special Edition Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

Two very different cars, but bothcelebrating the renowned heritage oftheir brands.

The Mulsanne reflects the true loveof W.O. Bentley, who founded theBritish company in 1919 and went onto achieve legendary wins racing his vehicles at Le Mans throughout the1920s. The new Mulsanne, so namedfor the home of the famous tight turn inthat race, is the company’s new flagshipsedan that sports a massive twin-turbo-charged, eight-speed V8. Designed to

surround the driver in luxury, the Mulsanne is the ultimate in Bentleyhandcrafted design, built at the company’s famed factory located inCrewe, England.

Burnished wood trim, luxuriousleather interiors and state-of-the-artelectronics are just part of the car’s all-new design. The company’s design director, Dirk van Braeckel, explains.“The team set out to create a sculptedform that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines.” Thattranslates to a stiffer chassis and a better ride than previous Bentleys, without sacrificing the comfort that thebrand has always represented.

The car has two new control systems, cam phasing and variable displacement, which combine to createa more fuel-efficient profile, includingthe vehicle’s ability to close off four ofthe engine valves while cruising, which creates maximum fuel economy. Theyalso improve the torque, smooth out theacceleration and help reduce the sedan’s CO2 emissions.

The elegant new Mulsanne rolls offthe factory floor this summer, with abase retail MSRP of $285,000. It will belocally available at the O’Gara Coach Company located in Beverly Hills (www.rollsroycebeverlyhills.com).

While some dream of the ultimatein a luxury sedan, others have a lesspractical fantasy. That’s where Automobili Lamborghini steps in, withtheir ferocious street-legal racecars thatcannot carry the family, nor evan a single set of golf clubs or suitcases. No,Lamborghini’s muscle machines aremade for one thing, and one thing only– driving.

Since the early days in the 1960swhen Ferruccio Lamborghini decided tochallenge fellow Italian Enzo Ferrari’srule of the performance sportscar world,Lambos have captured the imaginationof car lovers everywhere. He did so withthe help of his main technician and testdriver, Valentino Balboni, a soft-spokenman who recently found his owndreams fulfilled by the company he hasbeen devoted to since 1967.

Acars


by JENNY PETERS


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named for me, Istill cannot quitebelieve it,” Val-entino Balboniadmitted as wedrove along the10 freeway at

150mph in the Special Edition Gallardothat bears his name. “I keep saying, ‘Isthat me?’ I am so proud of that. It hasnever happened before, that a worker,an employee of a car company gets acar named for him. Okay, we have EnzoFerrari, but he’s the owner. But to havethe Valentino Balboni label on a Lamborghini makes me really happy.”

His namesake is a beauty, and a purposeful throwback to the Lamborghinis of old. After decades ofproducing four-wheel drive vehicles,this 550hp Gallardo is a rear-wheel-drive monster.

“After almost 18 years we decidedto go back to two-wheel drive with thisGallardo. Going back to the originalroots of Lamborghini and to offer thisversion definitely surprised people andrequires a different driving attitude,”Balboni explained, then continued.

“You can drive the four-wheel driveGallardo thinking of your business,being a little distracted, but still makesyou feel like you are a professional. Thetwo-wheel drive requires you be drivingthe car all the time. It’s a very human,smooth car to drive, but you have to payattention and control the car, with yourhands and your whole body. It’s for thedriver that wants to have fun driving.”

“Fun” was an understatement, asBalboni handed over the reins of thesleek, racing-striped beauty to me. Therear-axle transmission is stiff andstrong, yet supple enough to zoom alongPacific Coast Highway’s twists and

turns with nary a slip. The 10-cylinder,6-speed engine sounds like a roaringbeast as you punch the throttle and shift into high gear with the steering-wheel paddle shifters; once you settle into a steady speed, it moves as sleekly asa lion through the trees. And no matterwhere you roam, this is a car that justgrabs attention, even when zoomingthrough the jungle of the slightly jadedcar culture of Los Angeles. At O’GaraCoach, the vehicle retails for $245,890,and has golden wheels.

With only 250 of these limited-edition sportscars made, the beautifulLamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2Valentino Balboni that is the “link fromthe real beginnings of the company,from when Ferruccio Lamborghinibegan it so long ago” is a truly uniquecar that only a select few will ever layclaim to; I know I am still dreamingabout that exhilarating drive.

H“

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Fall

inlove again

and

again and

again

...

Golf Pro Kim Codding and Kraft Nabisco ChampionshipBusiness Manager, Gabe Codding fell in love while playinggolf in Rancho Mirage.

Find out why the Codding’s make Rancho Mirage theirhome and book your next romantic get-away by visitingwww.RelaxRanchoMirage.com

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INE AND JAZZ

have alwaysbeen a perfectpairing, butfor most ofs e v e n - t i m e

Grammy nominated and internationallybeloved saxophonist Dave Koz’s life, thatcombination was purely social, unless thejazz playing happened to be from one of

his mood-setting CDs. That is, until afriend had a brainstorm.

“A good friend of mine, JaronLowenstein, he’s a marketing genius, hecame to me a little over a year ago withan idea,” Koz recalls. “He said, ‘You playall these wineries every year, wine andyour music just seem to go together likea hand and glove. It seems like it wouldbe cool if you came out with your own

brand of wine.’ My answer was, ‘What doI really know about wine?’ And he said,‘Let’s just explore this and see what wecan find.’”

It wasn’t as if Dave Koz needed morein his glass. The talented musician is thenew co-host and bandleader of “TheEmeril Lagasse Show” on cabletelevision’s ION network; he hosts a dailyradio show on the Smooth Jazz Radio


SAXOPHONIST DAVE KOZ PLAYS AN EXQUISITE TUNE FOR CHARITYAS HE LAUNCHES HIS OWN LINE OF WINES AND GIVES ALL THEPROFITS TO THE STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION.

by JENNY PETERS

SPOTLIGHT

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SPOTLIGHTNetwork and a syndicated weekendshow called “The Dave Koz RadioShow”; and he’s in the recording studioworking on his thirteenth album,tentatively called “Hello Tomorrow.”

But when the 47-year-old musicianthought a bit more about becoming awine producer, he had his “ah-ha!”moment.

“I figured out that if we could makethis a fully philanthropic thing, thatwould make it worth doing,” he recalls.“Because I felt a little odd talking aboutmy wine, but if I could talk about thewine and say, ‘Hey, if you buy a bottle,you not only will drink good wine, butyou will do good as well,’ then I couldreally put my heart and soul behind it.”

So in the fall of 2008, Koz andLowenstein teamed up “with a smallwinery in Temecula County.” It is calledWilson Creek, “and we made 100 casesof Cabernet, did it really small, andspread the word that the proceeds of thesale would go to my longtime charity,the Starlight Children’s Foundation.”

From that little beginning sprang amuch bigger effort, the result of yet

another of Dave Koz’s projects. “I host acruise every year, and I was doing awine-tasting event on the trip, whichwasn’t even including my wine since itwas sold out, but I mentioned theproject,” Koz says, referring to theannual Royal Caribbean jazz cruise thathe hosts.

“And there was this man, a gueston my cruise, who came up to me andsaid, ‘I really love this idea of you doingyour wine. I want to try it, and if youever want to take it to the next level, I’dlove to be able to help.’ It turned outthat he is Patrick Bradley, the presidentof Whole Foods! The thing thatimpressed him most – he said, ‘youraudience and the Whole Foodscustomer is a natural fit, and the factthat this is something that isphilanthropic, I think will resonate withour client base.’”

SINCE KOZ’S FRIENDS AT WILSON

Creek were too small to serve theneeds of the larger-volume

planned release into Whole FoodsMarkets in California, Arizona andNevada, they “started again fromscratch, looking for the right winery” inorder to produce three wines under theKoz label: a Napa Valley CabernetSauvignon (retailing at $29.95), a NapaChardonnay ($16.99), and an “ElDorado ‘Red Alto’ Blend” of Syrah,Grenache, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah(a Rhone-style blend for $16.99) fromEl Dorado county.

What they found was a winery anda winemaker that spoke to Dave Koz’sunique sensibilities. “We finally selectedone called Vinum Cellars, which is runby this very charismatic winemaker, ayoung guy in his thirties named ChrisCondos, who just reminded me of amusician, very creative and veryimprovisational and very passionate.”

The result is a trio of very smooth,drinkable wines, and a way for DaveKoz to give back to the world that hassustained him through his 20-yearcareer. And to give back to the groupthat Koz has supported since 1993.

“The best thing about the wholething, for me, is to be able to raiseawareness for the Starlight Children’sFoundation (www.starlight.org). It is allabout creating awareness and letting thepublic at large know of the unbelievablework that they are doing in easing the

pain and disorientation of families thathave kids in hospitals for a long periodof time.”

And when it is suggested that DaveKoz may have just taken the first steptowards creating a charitable empire torival that of the late Paul Newman’samazing Newman’s Own food business,which to date has given more than $280million to various charities, he justlaughs.

“This ride that is my life has beenbeyond my wildest dreams and a bigpart of that is that it is always changingand the twists and turns, no matterwhere they lead me, are alwaysenlightening,” Koz chuckles. “I do knowthat everything that I have put into theStarlight Foundation, I get back tenfold.So I am happy to give back as much asI can.”


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T h e F i n e s t i n I t a l i a n D i n i n g

GIACOMINO AND TANINO DRAGO

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THEIR NEWEST RESTAURANT


TRAVEL

BORN IN OMAHA, HE RECALLS, “I’VE

been painting since I was five.When you do that you become amaster. You don’t have to go to school.”

The journey to his home of the moment in Palm Springs has been aninteresting one. He’s been friends with

Doris Duke, Liza Minnelli and, mostimportant of all for his work, AndyWarhol. “Andy always told me,” hesays, “that if you listen to somebody

else you’ll never discover yourself.“We talked about painting a lot. He

said that what I was doing was ‘magic.’And he told me, ‘after I’m gone you’llbe the last wizard.’”

Today the wizard is very busy. He’sdecided to do only 100 paintings. (He’scompleted 91.) He has just publishedtwo books filled with his multi-milliondollar works, “The Last Wizard” and“Cosmic Dream Museum.”The print run is 100 copiesof each and each will sell for$1,000.

Why only 100 paint-ings? “It’s an ephemeralthing,” he explains. “Youhave a limited amount ofmagic.”

Armstrong is painter ofchoice of architect NarendraPatel, a leader in the field ofgreen architecture who hasused his work in buildingsincluding the carbon-neutralNet Zero Hotel in China. Hispaintings, “Dream Star #1”and “Primal Sun,” gracePatel’s Rancho Mirage head-quarters

In March, Armstrong’sballet – story, sets and cos-tumes – “Cosmic Firebird”premiered in Palm Springs.He’s negotiating for filmrights and will expand it forBroadway. And, in 2013there will be “The Last Wiz-

ard,” a film about a small boy who findsa magical gem. His story and works canalso be seen in a doc umentary currentlyairing on Fine Arts TV Europe.

Describing his work – his oeuvre isonline at www.jackarmstrong art.com –Armstrong says, “If Van Gogh cameback today, had modern paint andcame to Palm Springs, he’d paint likeme. I’m Van Gogh on steroids.”


CREATIVITY

by ELLEN STERLING

Talking to painter Jack Armstrong is a singular experience. He’s a man who not only believesin magic, but who believes most of all in his own magic. His words tumble out quickly, fallingone on top of another, in an effort to help the listener see his vision and share his dream.

thelastwizard:ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE JACK ARMSTRONG

NARENDRA PATEL AND JACK ARMSTRONG WARHOL NAKED, OIL ON CANVAS

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY JACK ARM

STRONG

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BRIDAL

N 2009, APPROXIMATELY 93,000 weddings — first weddings — tookplace in Las Vegas. But, before yougrimace at the thought of a Las Vegaswedding, you should know that this isnot your mother’s Las Vegas wedding.It’s a different Las Vegas from the cityit was a decade or two back.

Now, you can go to Las Vegas andbe instantly transported to other worlds.Take, for example, Venice, a city you’llfind on the Strip at The Venetian Resort(www.venetianweddings.com), the spotwhere well over 1,000 weddings takeplace each year.

James Filtz, manager of the

Venetian’s weddings, says, “Most of ourcouples come here for the destinationaspects of the Venetian. We get peoplefrom the U.K., Western Europe, Chinaand other parts of Asia. In addition to theVenice experience — and people believeItaly is very romantic — they pick us forthe luxury aspects of the property.”

by ELLEN STERLING

A wedding nowadays can be just about whatever, and wherever, the brideand groom wish. It may be large or small, simple or extravagant, have atheme like the Renaissance or ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll, for example, or it may bea destination wedding in some exotic locale. The choices are limitlessand, lucky for us here in Southern California, all of these choices — andmore — are available a mere 300 miles away in Las Vegas.

The Perfect DestinationWedding –�

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A WEDDING ON THE

BELLAGIO'S TERRACE

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BEAUTIFUL ONE.


ONCE THEY CHOOSE THE VENETIAN,the wedding couple still has decisions to make. Their

ceremony may be held on the bridgethat overlooks the Grand Canal and thePonte al di Piazza. A chapel wedding ispossible either indoors or outside on theChapel Terrace that overlooks thegardens and the pool. The couple maychoose to be married outdoors in theVenezia Courtyard or at one of the locations at the adjoining Palazzo Hotel.

The last choice for the ceremony location is, perhaps, the most unusualand the most spectacular at the Venetian. This is a Gondola Wedding onthe Grand Canal.

[In September, Bel-Air Magazineand The Venetian Resort, Hotel andCasino will award a Grand Canal wedding to the winner of our contest. Forcomplete details and contest rules, seepage 108.]

Of course, as Filtz says, “Each wedding is designed for the couple. Ourwedding coordinators service their owncustom weddings and we offer a fullrange of in-house services — floral,photography, spa and catering.”

Short of bride, groom and weddingparty actually traveling to Venice, Italy,the weddings described here are surely“only in Las Vegas” events. And otherhotels offer similarly singular eventswith customized touches and a weddingplanner for each.

For example, Renaissance-themedweddings can take place just about anywhere in the world. But only in LasVegas can Renaissance romantics (ormembers of The Society for CreativeAnachronism) have their wedding in apalace like those offered, complete withperiod dress rentals, at the medieval-themed Excalibur Hotel and Casino(www.excaliber.com).

PHOTO COURTESY TH

E VENETIAN RESORT

“

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SHORT OF BRIDE,GROOM AND

WEDDING PARTY ACTUALLY

TRAVELING TOVENICE, ITALY, THE WEDDINGS

DESCRIBED HERE ARESURELY “ONLY IN LASVEGAS” EVENTS. AND

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THE VIEW OF THE LAS VEGAS

STRIP AS SEEN FROM VENICE.

A special experience awaits you...

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The tast ing room features outstanding world-class red and white wines.

A fairytale sett ing, the beautiful grounds are only matched by the award-winning wines.

Special iz ing in small lot, l imited production red wines; we invite you to come and taste the enchantment of Briar Rose Winery.

PHOTO COURTESY TH

E VENETIAN RESORT

A WALK THROUGH THE VENETIAN'S

MAGNIFICENT COLONNADE IS MEMORABLE.

www.belairmag.com BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 107

IF THE HAPPY COUPLE PREFERS A PALACE TO A CASTLE (OR

even knows the difference) there are multiple choices atCaesars Palace (www.caesarspalaceweddings.com).

Caesars’ new Juno Garden offers an upscale daytime orevening wedding experience in a lush, private outdoorlocation boasting ornate Roman-style architecture. The venuealso offers weddings in another garden and three chapels. Thebride and groom may have Roman Centurions standingguard or the bride may be carried in on a litter, à laCleopatra.

If Italy — ancient or modern — isn’t the couple’s cup ofcappuccino, they may opt for Paris (www.parislasvegas.com)and be married outside at the top of the 50-story Eiffel Tower,on the observation deck, inside at the very Versailles-likechapel or at the outdoor wedding terrace. As at all the hotels,a broad selection of packages is offered.

The historic and legendary Flamingo Hotel and Casino (www.flamingolasvegas.com) has a lush, beautiful pool areawhere couples may be married in tropical splendor and the brideand groom may add a sand ceremony to their exchange of vows.

Sand (complete with a beach) is also a feature at Mandalay Bay (www.mandalaybay.com) where a long menuof plans and locations are available.

One of Mandalay Bay’s sister hotels, the gorgeous Bellagio (www.bellagio.com) offers couples chapel weddingsbut also offers a wedding on the Terrazza diSogno, the “Terrace of Dreams.” The venue overlooks a Tuscan-stylelandscape and a Mediterranean-blue lake with fountains.

Even with all of these options in hotels, there are still couples who will prefer a wedding in one of Las Vegas’ free-standing chapels. Wedding expert Joni Moss, of LV WeddingConnection (www.lvweddingconnection.com) plans everythingfrom simple ceremonies to elaborate theme events. She’s awarethat these chapels have been the butt of many jokes over theyears, but points out, “there may be more flexibility for awedding in a chapel, and the wedding party, in my experience,is always treated very well. And these chapels have changed somuch over the past few years. They can be as nice as a hotelwedding or they can be really unusual.”

Moss has arranged ceremonies in spectacular naturalwonders, including the Grand Canyon, where the weddingparty may travel to the canyon by helicopter, land in the bottom of the canyon and have champagne and appetizers ora light lunch. There are several other canyon locations on theWest Rim. Or, closer to Las Vegas, couples may opt for anoutdoor wedding; ceremonies can be held at Red RockCanyon and the Valley of Fire.

One of Moss’s favorites is the Little Wedding Chapel ofthe Flowers (www.littlechapel.com), family owned for 50years. “They constantly change and upgrade the facility,”Moss says, “It is as elegant and beautiful as any other place.”

Another favorite, one she recommends for a more unusual Las Vegas experience is the Viva Las Vegas WeddingChapel (www.vivalasvegasweddings.com) because it offers“traditional and unusual themed weddings.” There are 32 ofthe latter, including Elvis-, Tom Jones- and Alice Cooper-themed weddings, or a Rock ‘n’ Roll Wedding with an “authentic” 1950s diner and a rockstar officiant.

In addition to weddings, just about every venue in thecity offers ceremonies for both commitment and the renewalof vows (Moss even arranged one on the pirate ship at theTreasure Island Hotel, www.treasureisland.com).

In short, a Las Vegas wedding can transport the bride andgroom to almost any location and back to several eras in time.It is a destination wedding city that offers myriad destinations,easily making that dream wedding a reality.

BRIDAL

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OTO COURTESY THE VENETIAN RESORT

BAM

THIS GRAND CANAL WEDDING CAN BE YOURS.

THE VENETIAN FLORIST

WORKS WITH THE

BRIDAL COUPLE TO

ACHIEVE FLORAL

PERFECTION.

WYou can�win the�destination wedding of your dreams on the

Grand Canal�at the Venetian Resort and Casino�in Las Vegas.Please�tell us in 250 words or less why�you should win the�wedding.

Full contest rules below:*This contest includes:

CEREMONIA SUL ACQUA:

• Exclusive use of our signature white wedding gondola

• Personal event planner for ceremony and reception logistics

• Custom-Created Bouquet and Boutonniere ($150 Value)

• Gondolier to Serenade you after the wedding ceremony

• Celebrant to perform the wedding ceremony

CEREMONY ADD-ONS

• Two-Night Stay in a Venetian Luxury Suite

• One-hour photo walk about the property with 12 5x7 photos

• One-hour limousine service to get your marriage license

• Chocolate-covered strawberry turndown service

RECEPTION PACKAGE: THIRTY (30) GUESTS MAXIMUM

• Private use of the Venezia Concierge Lounge for up to 3 hours

• Domaine Chandon Champagne Toast

• Imported Cheese Display

• Selection of Five Butler Passed Hors D’Oeuvres

• Venetian Wedding Cake

• Coffee, Tea, Decaf and Sparkling Fruit Punch

TOTAL VALUE OF THE PRIZE IS $5,600.00

The wedding must take place by April 1, 2011

to meet our May-June 2011 issue deadline.

*Contest does not include license/airfare/transportation to Las Vegas. Winners

will be advised of the laws forgetting a marriage license in Las Vegas and will

be responsible for obtaining theirs prior to the ceremony.

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS SEPTEMBER 30. 2010

WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY OCTOBER 10, 2010.

All entrants must be at least 21 years of age.

Entry must include the full names and home town(s) of bride and groom and

a phone number where they can be reached.

Your entry — the essay of 250 words or less

telling us why you should win the wedding —

must be submitted electronically to:

[email protected]

BONUS PRIZE: The winners will be given 14 tickets to

Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular.

Acceptance of the prize indicates that the winning couple gives

Bel-Air Magazine permission to photograph the wedding for coverage

in the May-June 2011 issue. (These photos will be used for Bel-Air

Magazine’s coverage of the wedding. They will be the property of

Bel-Air Magazine but the wedding couple will get copies.)


TRAVEL

SHE OWNS BASKOW &Associates, a companythat provides clientsworldwide with eventand meeting planning— from weddings tointernational medicalconferences — while

seeing to all their needs in Las Vegas,books talent, casts films, television andcommercials and has a speaker’s bureau. Thus, when Jennifer Lopezsang at the 60th San Remo Festival anda very graceful Mike Tyson danced onthe Italian version of “Dancing with theStars,” it was all her doing.

It is clear that Baskow is very successful. But how did it happen?Family money? An inheritance? Awealthy investor? None of these.

Jaki Baskow went to high school inthe high-end suburb of Cherry Hill,New Jersey, where one of their neigh-

bors was singer Al Martino. But her parents weren’t wealthy by any meas-ure. Her mother Ella ran a wholesalemeat house and her father Martinworked at various businesses. While hewas a cab driver in Philadelphia, he sawsomeone attacking “American Band-stand” star Dick Clark. The cabbiegrabbed Clark, put him in the cab andsped away. Thereafter, he drove Clarkto work every day.

In 1961, Martin Baskow left thedriving business bought the Nine ThirtyNine Bar at 939 Market Street in Cam-den, NJ, a city as rough and impover-ished as any inner city.

When she was in high school, JakiBaskow danced on a local Philadelphiatelevision show hosted by DJ Jerry Blavat.There she danced to music by SmokeyRobinson, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. She says she “just loved it.” Herdream was to be an actress. When she

was 16, that dream — along with her entire life — suffered a cruel blow.

On the morning of July 14, 1967, ashe was opening his bar, Martin Baskowwas robbed and murdered. The callcame into police at 9:39 a.m. The killerhad stolen about $200 but left a littlemoney in his victim’s pocket — $9.39.

This was, of course, a devastatingblow to the Baskow family. Despite intense police investigation — the firstdetective assigned to the case was former boxer Jersey Joe Walcott — thecrime remains unsolved still today.

With the father she adored gone,Jaki Baskow graduated from highschool, worked part-time for her mom,commuted to Manhattan to break intoacting and went to college in Miami.There, director Bob Fosse cast her in asmall role in the film “Lenny.” But a caraccident that left her hospitalized formonths derailed that plan.


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ENTREPRENEURS

by ELLEN STERLING

�

“She knows everybody. For someone who doesn’t livein L.A., it’s amazing. And, of course, she knows everyone in Las Vegas.” � The speaker is actor KevinSorbo and the “she” to whom he’s referring is JakiBaskow, who was given the title of “Queen of LasVegas” in a television series about the city. In 2009, In Business Las Vegas named her the most influentialwoman in Las Vegas Entertainment.

THE of LAS VEGAS

HOLDS COURT IN L.A.


TRAVEL

Then, “I went with a friend to theConcord Hotel in the Catskills. We meta man named Bob Kane who told us hewas opening a movie studio in Las

Vegas. We went back to New Jersey andthree months later packed and drove toLas Vegas. I wanted to act and I wantedto earn enough money to hire a privatedetective to find my father’s murderer.”

Arriving in Las Vegas in March,1976, it quickly became apparent thatthere was not going to be a movie studioin the city. Kane left for L.A. when hesold a script for a film version of hiscomic-book creation, “Batman.”Baskow’s friend also went to L.A.

“I was left in Las Vegas with nojob,” Baskow recalls. “I saw an ad seek-ing a temp secretary and applied. That’show I went to work for Telly Savalas.He talked me into opening a talentagency. I thought, ‘why not?’ Afterawhile I wanted to make a better livingso I started doing event planning. It wasa gamble, but I had nothing to lose.”

Through hard work, luck and intel-ligence her business took off, assisted byan introduction to Frank Sinatra, whosent some work to her. In the 34 years

since, she’s worked with seeminglyeveryone and, it being Las Vegas, therehave been interesting encounters withpeople. These include a serial killer, assorted connected types, and a breathtaking range of talented people.

As her company grew, Baskow remained sharply conscious of the factthat her father’s killer was neverbrought to justice. In Florida for a charity event, she was introduced to police lieutenant Joe Schillaci of theA&E show “The First 48.”

He says, “I was fascinated by herspirit. She had me at ‘hello’ and thentalked about her father. He was herworld, the rock of the family. She’s will-ing to give up everything for answers.That spoke volumes to me about the

person she is.”In 2006 Martin Baskow’s case was

reopened by Jim Pisano, a detective inthe Camden District Attorney’s office.Schillaci is consulting on the case.

Meanwhile, living by a philosophyof “pay it forward” Baskow is increas-ingly active in charity work. Every January, for example, under the aegis ofCanon USA, she puts together a galaand golf tournament to benefit the Na-tional Center for Missing and ExploitedChildren (NCMEC).

John Arnos, special advisor toCanon and NCMEC, says, “I can’t say

enough about Jaki and her company.She makes the event a success. You either have it or you don’t. You can’tteach her level of professionalism, classand integrity. I’ve never heard her say‘No.’ We ask her to do something shejust says, ‘I’ll make it happen.’”

One of the people Baskow met at agolf tournament is Richard Burgi, actorand owner of Kings Road Cafes in L.A.He says, “I fell in love with Jaki immediately and not just because we’reboth from Jersey. Right from the start Iknew Jaki had a profoundly beautifulheart and spirit. Our time is alwaysfilled with laughter, fun and openness— two like-minded people who havebeen through a lot. And, you know, herlife would be a great hour TV series”

That may be, but, at the moment,there is a “Queen of Las Vegas” television show in the works, along withan autobiography.

Business necessitates her spendingseveral days a month in L.A. When shedoes, her home there is with her friendJeanne Marie in Bel-Air. The two metwhen Jeanne Marie was 17, a dancer inLas Vegas looking for extra incomethrough modeling. Baskow became heragent and they bonded.

Today, she assists Baskow withprojects that take them all over theworld. Of her friend, Jeanne Marie says,“Aside from being good at business, shehas the gift of schmooze. Everyone fallsin love with her. She also has a thickskin. She can brush off the negativityand she forgives to a fault. She has a lotof patience and is very good at turningpeople around. “Jaki is amazing.”


ENTREPRENEURS

ON THE MORNING OFJULY 14, 1967, AS HE WAS

OPENING HIS BAR, MARTIN BASKOW WAS

ROBBED AND MURDERED. THE CALLCAME INTO POLICE AT9:39 A.M. THE KILLERHAD STOLEN ABOUT

$200 BUT LEFT A LITTLEMONEY IN HIS VICTIM’S

POCKET — $9.39.

JAKI WITH KEVIN SORBO AND JOHN GRETSCH

JAKI WITH JON BON JOVI

JAKI WITH RICHARD BURGI

“

”

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PHOTOGRAPH

COURTESY JAKI BASKOWPH

OTOGRAPH COURTESY JAKI BASKOW

Play, Stay, Win

Ultimate Fantasy WeekendMAY 22-23, 2010

Palm Springs annual playboy golf scrambleNOVEMBER 12–14, 2010

Frank sinatra celebrity golf invitationalFEBRUARY, 2011

Contact our Vice President of Player Development, Dan London, to see how you can join the fun and

excitement at these fabulous events - [email protected] or call 760.238.7496

800.827.2946 � www.FantasySpringsResort.com

In the Palm Springs Valley


TRAVEL

OVER THE YEARS, MIXOLO-gists have created anumber of variationson the theme, includingthe Mimosa, the Belliniand the Kir Royale.

Now, thanks to a former lawyer,some of these time-honored classics areavailable pre-mixed in individual bottles – all with a feminine touch.

Enter Kristen Raskopf, a New Yorkentertainment attorney and founder of

Dirty Blonde Cocktails. “I had alwaysenjoyed the sparkling bubbles in Cham-pagne Cocktails,” she says, “but I hatedwatching unused bottles go flat aftermixing only a few drinks. I saw what Ithought was an untapped opportunityand I was determined to bring it about.”

She transformed her kitchen into atasting laboratory, consulted withchemists and flavor experts and ulti-mately took her concept to a winerythat agreed to bottle it. All she needed


�

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The Champagne Cocktail, the mixing of the bubbly with a

fruity taste, dates back to the 1800s. � During World War I,

Franco-American flying ace Raoul Lufbery created the

French 75 (champagne mixed with cognac), which was made

famous at New York’s Stork Club in 1919. After Prohibition,

the sparkling cocoction gained more popularity – and the ca-

chet of an elegant libation enjoyed by the most sophisticated

revelers. Remember Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in evening

clothes, each ordering Champagne Cocktails on board an

ocean liner in the classic film “An Affair to Remember”?

ENTREPRENEURS

COCKTAILReinventingtheChampagne

by STEVE MILNER

�

John Williams & The Rings July 24 & 25 Star Wars E.T. Superman Schindler’s ListLord of the Rings Wagner: The Ring The Terminal featuring Lasers by YLS, plus violist Evan Wilson and clarinetist Michael Arnold

Frank, Tony & The Maestro August 7 & 8Hits made popular by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo CapricciosoRimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade Elgar: Enigma Variationsfeaturing the song stylings of Broadway star Kevin Earley, plus violinist Daniel Shindarov

Beethoven & Broadway August 21 & 22Beauty And The Beast The Lion King Les Miserables The Music Man Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 _ Ode To Joy Beethoven: Leonore No. 3 The Little Mermaidfeaturing singers Catherine Ireland, Marya Basaraba, Steve Grabe, Roberto Perlas Gomez and the Cal Phil Chorale

Andrew Lloyd Webber Goes To Italy July 10 & 11Phantom of the Opera Cats Evita Tosca Aida La Traviata Jesus Christ Superstar Nessun Dormawith singers Angel Blue, Mathew Edwardsen, Ralph Cato and the Cal Phil Chorale

America The Beautiful June 26 & 27Rhapsody In Blue 1812 Overture Lincoln Portrait Sousa Marches Appalachian Springwith singer and actor Brian McKnight, pianist Bryan Pezzone and a pyrotechnics display(pyrotechnics at The Arboretum only)

Saturday evenings at 7:30 pmGates open at 5:30 pm

Angel Blue

Brian McKnight Lasers by YLS

Steve Grabe Bryan Pezzone

Pyrotechnic Display

Catherine Ireland

Mathew Edwardsen

Kevin Earley

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ENTREPRENEURS

then was a distributor, which provedmore elusive than she expected.

But while she was test marketingthe product at a Phoenix bridal show,she attracted the attention of the wife ofa distributor, someone she had been trying to reach for months. The meeting soon resulted in a distributiondeal – and the new company was on itsway (www.dirtyblondecocktails.com).

Four flavors were initially introduced – with a fifth one in theworks. There’s the Peach PassionBellini, the Citrus Mimosa, theSparkling Mojito and the RaspberryFlirtini, all in a distinctive bottle and

served with a colored straw. Obviously,the demographic is young women.

And Raskopf’s company is doingsome creative marketing to reach hertargeted audience. In addition to traditional in-store marketing, her DirtyBlonde Concierges offer samples innightclubs and restaurants, at eventafter-parties, festivals, trade shows andfilm premieres. She even hired a Chippendale’s male dancer to attractwomen to a tasting at a bridal show.Dirty Blonde cocktails will also be featured at Bel-Air Magazine’s launchparty and fundraiser for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. They are avail-able locally at all BevMo stores.

I HAD ALWAYS ENJOYED THE

SPARKLING BUBBLESIN CHAMPAGNE

COCKTAILS,” SHESAYS, “BUT I HATEDWATCHING UNUSEDBOTTLES GO FLAT

AFTER MIXING ONLYA FEW DRINKS. I SAW

WHAT I THOUGHTWAS AN UNTAPPED

OPPORTUNITY AND IWAS DETERMINED TO

BRING IT ABOUT.

“

”

WITH A SMILE AS SPARKLING AS

CHAMPAGNE, KRISTEN RASKOPF IS

MAKING HER DREAM A REALITY.

PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE HOME OF

ERICA ZODTNER; DRESS BY ELENE CASSIS;

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY BROOKE SHOLBERG.

BAM PHOT

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L A ’ S B E S T K E P T S E C R E T

OVER 30 YEARS OF CUTTING EDGE EXPERIENCE:

• Expert Party & Event Planning

• Full Service Catering and Menu Design

• Creative Invitations

• Incentive Travel & Hotel Accommodations

• Employee Team Building Events

• Theme Entertainment

L O S A N G E L E S • N E W Y O R K • L A S V E G A S

Corporate Office 310-542-1234 • Charlie Scola aka PartyCharlie’s Direct Line 310 560-4140

emai l : info@partychar l ie .com • web: www.PartyCharl ie .com www.Charl ieScola .com

�

Charlie Scola aka PartyCharlie


TRAVEL


GIFT GUIDE

WISE WOMEN GIFT SET“Wise Women” by Joyce Tennesoncelebrates amazing women with stunningportraits and pithy quotes. Combine thatwith a pile of luxurious products that willremind your favorite female to pamperherself every day. Also includes LavenderSalt Scrub, Lavender Lotion, and OrganicPeppermint Oil with Mint Leaves SpaSoap. $82, available from St. HelenaOlive Oil Co. at www.sholiveoil.com.

DOLCE & GABBANAHANDBAGSD&G’s hottest purse for summer is theMiss Sicily, a hand-manufacturedcrochet bag featuring leather and suedetassels with metal details; this one willmake any woman the envy of all theother gals on the block. $1,850,available at the Dolce & GabbanaBoutique on Rodeo Drive in BeverlyHills or at www.dolceandgabbana.com.

GIFTSFORHERTHATSHEWILLCHERISHFOREVER

sherrill

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760.325

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32 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE118 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY

TRAVELGIFT GUIDE

SIMON G JEWELRYSimon G’s beautiful designs feature an18K white, yellow and rose gold braceletstudded with diamonds, citrine, coniac,and amethyst stones, and a matching14K yellow gold, diamond and citrinering. And when you buy, 30 percent ofthe proceeds are donated to the NancyDavis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis.A perfect present. Bracelet, $4290,ring, $1,100, available atwww.simongjewelry.com.

MBT WALKING SHOESYoung, old, or in between, all womenneed MBTs, the original physiologicalfootwear, with amazing technology thatsimulates walking barefoot on sand.Better posture, joint relief, improvedcirculation and increased metabolism;what a gift! The Fora walker shown is$245, available at the Walking Company in Century City or at www.us.mbt.com.

GODIVA BLACK ALMONDTRUFFLE CANDLEFor the hot mama who watches herfigure, give the Godiva BlackAlmond Truffle candle, inspired bytheir creamy Roasted AlmondTruffle, with scents of roastedblack almonds and velvet darkchocolate, enhanced with goldenhoney and black pepper essences.Yum, and no calories! $22.50,available at Neiman Marcus orwww.neimanmarcus.com.

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GIFT GUIDE

DIOR GLOSSY LIMITED-EDITIONSUNGLASSES If she loves to be unique, then theDior Glossy Limited-Edition sunglassesare for her. Only 500 pieces of thislimited- and numbered-edition gold-colored frame are being produced,with a special temple featuring theDior logo in 18K solid-gold lettering.$1,295, available at Dior Boutique,Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue,and Solstice Sunglass Boutique.

CHOPARD’S ANIMALWORLD WATCHESEvery animal-loving woman canwear her heart on her wrist, withone of Chopard’s just-releaseddiamond-studded watches withanimal motifs. The Monkey, Penguinand Polar Bear are made of 18Kgold with satin straps, and are partof Chopard’s partnership with theWorld Wildlife Fund in support ofsaving wild tigers. Pricing is byrequest, available at Chopard onRodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

CHOCOLATEBOX CAFÉ“SWEET DREAM” BOXSometimes, only chocolate willmake a woman truly happy. At theChocolateBox Café, you choose herfavorites, all packed into their“Sweet Dream” box. Pick artisanalchocolates, hand-rolled truffles,ganaches and marzipan. $10 to$95, available at the ChocolateBoxCafé in Malibu, 310-456-7977, orat www.chocolateboxcafe.com.

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TRAVELGIFT GUIDE

THE SPA MONTAGE SOIREEThrow her a party she will never forget at the MontageBeverly Hills with their Spa Montage Soiree. Your special ladyand up to 14 of her friends will be greeted with champagne,then everyone gets an hour-long spa treatment, as well aslunch or afternoon tea and a little swag bag. Plus the guestof honor goes home with a monogrammed spa robe. Bliss!$200 per person, eight-person minimum, available at SpaMontage on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, 310- 860-7840.

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THE ULTIMATE ROSE Tell your flower-loving sweetie you love her with a biggesture. Go for the Ultimate Rose! Choose towering fresh cutthree-, four-, or even six-foot roses; these Ecuadorian-grownbeauties are unbelievable. Order in red or mixed colors, bythe dozen or individual stems. $49–$239, available at 1-800-986-2918 or at www.theultimaterose.com.

ZO SKIN HEALTH OSSENTIAL™ RADICAL NIGHT REPAIR PLUSDr. Zein Obagi’s “hero product,” his night-repair creampacked with timed-release retinol will make a woman of anyage love how this gift will make her skin appear younger,healthier, more even-toned and radiant. $195, available at Obagi Skin Health Institute in Beverly Hills, 310-275-3030, or at www.obagiskin.com.

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TRAVEL


GIFT GUIDE

OMEGA WATCHESTwo classic timepieces get an update from Omega, just intime to really treat your best guy. The OMEGA SeamasterPloprof 1200M is their famed scuba diving watch,updated for the new millennium and waterproof to 1,200meters. Now that’s one deep dive! The SpeedmasterMoonwatch “Apollo-Soyuz” Limited Editioncommemorates the 1975 joint spacewalk between theU.S. and the U.S.S.R., when both craft commanders woreOMEGA Speedmaster Professional chronographs. Itboasts a meteorite dial. $9,000 and $8,400respectively, available at Tourneau in Century City.

ROBERT GRAHAM MLB SHIRTMenswear designer Robert Graham, whose iconicpatterned shirts always have colorful andcontrasting reveals at the collar, cuffs andhemlines, has begun creating shirts that shout outyour man’s favorite baseball team. The Dodgersshirt is shown here, but you can also choose froma variety of other teams, including the Angels,Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies and more. $198,available at Nordstrom, www.MLB.com, and the new Robert Graham shop in Venice, opening in June.

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TRAVELGIFT GUIDE

CLEAN MEN COLOGNEFor the man who always says he wants andneeds nothing, this masculine shower wash andcologne may just be the gifts he remembers.They have a fresh, sexy blend of ruby redgrapefruit, English lavender, wild raspberry,clove, lime, patchouli and musk, that somehowsmells as fresh as he does when he steps out ofthe shower. $79, available at Sephora inSanta Monica.

SPERRY TOP-SIDERSWhether your favorite gent has a boat or justloves the comfort of Sperry Top-Siders, a newpair of those iconic boat shoes will put asmile on his face. The company celebratestheir 75th birthday with an anniversarycollection that features the original outsolePaul Sperry created in 1935. In the photos,the 75th Anniversary A/O brown classic isleather, while the green Seamate and thewhite CVOs are canvas. $75-$90, availableat J. Crew in Santa Monica.

NAPA SOAP’S SHAVING MUG SETElevate his daily shave with this eco-friendlyalternative to shave cream. Napa Soap’sfabulous shaving soap is poured into thisbeautiful ceramic mug, then used as needed.Their luxurious, proprietary shaving-soap blendcontains Napa Valley grapeseed oil, pure aloevera and French clay, as well as other skinconditioning ingredients. Includes the mug,brush and a year's supply of shaving soap.$49.95, available at www.napasoap.com.

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TRAVEL


GIFT GUIDE

BLOCK TRILBY HATIf your fellow likes to look like a sharp-dressed man, help him to put his besthat forward with these sophisticatedtrilby toppers from Block Headwear.Superior design, superb fit and amodern look set these perfect-for-summer hats apart from the rest. $48-$53, available at www.Saks.com.

BARTON PERRIERA SUNGLASSESNo man can resist these cool new aviatorsfrom Barton Perriera. The “Mitchell” is vintageinspired, but with a twist, featuring a customzyl insert (you’ll notice the wire frame on theinside) and gradient polarized lenses, whilethe “Breed Love” aviator sports titanium witha snakeskin-textured genuine leather top barand mineral-glass polarized lenses. $480 and$510, available at Barney’s, Neiman Marcusand Saks 5th Avenue.

THE DALMORE SINGLE-MALT SCOTCHGents with a taste for the finer things in life simply musthave The Dalmore. This limited-edition 1263 King AlexanderIII single-malt scotch that is made in the Scottish Highlands(since 1839) is filled with notes of almonds, citrus fruit,wild berries, vanilla and creamy caramel. It’s a libation fitfor any man who’s king of his own castle. $250, availableat BevMo in Manhattan Beach or West Hollywood.

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CUSTOM CLOTHES BY WILLIAM SANI

702.491.9122

www.hongkonggrand.com [email protected]

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TRAVELGIFT GUIDE

SPIEGELAU’S BEER GLASS CONNOISSEUR KITA great gift for the beer aficionado, this set of four different stylesof glasses are designed to enhance the enjoyment of their namesakebeers – wheat, lager, stemmed pilsner, fluted pilsner. Each glass isexpertly crafted to enhance the taste and presentation of differenttypes of beer by showcasing the varying flavors of the grains, yeastand hops used in the different styles of beer. Each glass alsochannels the aroma and preserves the frothy head and volatiles.Completely dishwasher safe; he may need two sets, so that friendscan join in on the fun. $49.95, available atwww.spiegelauwebstore.com.

www.belairmag.com

ECCO WORLD CLASS GTX GOLF SHOESIf your mister aspires to be the next LeftyMickelson (a great golfer and family man),he’ll reach his goal faster with a gift ofthese amazing golf shoes. ECCO World ClassCollection GTX shoes are handcraftedleather, with soft, breathable uppersintegrated with a GORE-TEX membrane forguaranteed weather resistance. And even ifthey don’t trim a few strokes off his game,he’ll sure look good trying. $450, availableat www.eccousa.com.

TRAUM’S LEGACY SAFEFor the man who truly does have everything, thisTraum Legacy Safe is the ultimate gift. Designed withan elegant exterior (available in light or dark colors)and an interior protected by massive layers ofarmored plates, this safe is specifically engineered towithstand assault and to protect anything that hecollects, from watches and other fine jewelry todocuments, coins, etc. $74,750 (with other modelsranging from $35,000 to $205,000), available atTraum Safe on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, or atwww.traumsafe.com.

INTERNATIONAL REAL-ESTATE AGENT GREG MOESSER.


TRAVEL

THIS INTERNATIONAL AGENT IS NOT

a gun-toting 007; instead he’sa real-estate agent that special-izes in worldwide luxury properties. The name is notBond, James Bond, but

Moesser, Greg Moesser, Vice Presidentof the Private Estates division of RodeoRealty in Beverly Hills, and he’s a manthat’s doing something different. Todayalmost every real-estate company ad-vertises international marketing, butmany companies define that as justhaving a few affiliated internationalproperty websites. Agent Greg Moesser’sbusiness model is much more hands-on,bringing on-the-spot knowledge to theworldwide properties he represents. Ina recent conversation, Greg revealed hisundercover secrets to taking his luxuryreal-estate business to a global level.BAM: How long have you specializedin international marketing?GREG MOESSER: It began aboutseven years ago when I had two in-quiries from my website, one was froma European buyer and the other was avacation rental request from the MiddleEast. After specializing in the luxurymarket domestically, I found that manyclients, instead of just moving locally,are often moving between global cosmo-politan cities. The number of foreignbuyers in our market has also risensteadily in the last few years. This iseven more true today with the weakerdollar and the recently devalued worldproperty markets, such as Spain, Ireland and Dubai, just to name a few.

Now I have inquires every month fromall over the world on my websitewww.LAClassicEstates.com.BAM: Why do you think you have beenso successful in this exclusive niche?GM: The difference is personal net-working and connections. Agents andbuyers want to work with someone theyknow and trust. You can’t achieve thatby just marketing a property on a

bunch of global websites. When anagent from New York, San Francisco,London, Dubai or Paris has a client forLos Angeles, they will call me first, because I have an established personalrelationship. My approach takes a lotmore effort and planning, but it gets results. It’s also a great advantage to myseller clients, as they get the benefit ofboth an extensive local and interna-tional market representation.BAM: Where have you been already this year? GM: In January I attended the Interna-tional Luxury Real summit conferencein Rome, Italy. This is a worldwidegroup of top agents, owners and presidents of leading firms that meetannually to discuss global propertytrends and strategies to market luxuryproperties. In March I attended the

MIPIM conference in Cannes, France.The agenda included meetings with topagents, buyers and investors, foreignministers and even the American ambassador. I was also in Punta Del Estate, Uruguay performing some property research for a client.BAM: What is the Private Estates division?GM: The Private Estates division atRodeo Realty specializes in representingmulti-million-dollar properties inSouthern California’s premier luxurymarkets. Our specialists are able to provide the highest level of expertise,professionalism, personal attention anddiscretion that is simply not available atlarge companies or franchises. Our international database is second tonone, including our Luxury Real Estateaffiliation with luxury agent specialistsin over 60 countries worldwide.BAM: What’s currently your most interesting property?GM: I just did a price a evaluation onan extraordinary pre-war, French-styleestate in Hancock Park that was featured in one of the first issues of Architectural Digest and should becoming on the market soon. I’m also excited about my latest internationalproject. I’ve been selected as the exclu-sive U.S. agent for the Residenza DelLago Azure in Lake Como, Italy. This isa rare new luxury development of 28 villas and apartments and should becompleted by early next year.


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by KATHARINE ANGELO

Followinganinternationalagentaroundthe

A MOESSER PROPERTY SOLD TO A FOREIGN BUYER.

BAM


by JENNY PETERS

TRAVELWELL-TRAVELED

KONGHONGA STUDY IN CONTRASTS:

CHINASOUTH

exploring

and

BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 135

WELL-TRAVELED

HE TRADITIONAL

Chinese concept of yin and yang isnowhere more evident than in thecontrasts you’ll experience when visitingHong Kong and nearby South China;they are extreme opposites, yes, butsomehow complementary as well.

For while a trip to the vibrant,bustling place that is Hong Kong bringsan exhilaration that few cities in theworld can offer, heading across the waterinto South China’s verdant, pastorallandscape offers up a feeling of calmserenity. So near, and yet so completelydifferent.

The trip to Hong Kong is simplefrom Los Angeles via Cathay PacificAirways. Choose one of their top-notchbusiness-class seats on their late-eveningflight, adjust your watch immediately (itis much earlier in H.K.), wait to havedinner until you are on the plane, stayup later than normal watching yourpersonal entertainment screen, andfinally go to sleep at about 4 a.m. L.A.time on the fully flat bed. Wake up, and you’ve lost a day crossing theInternational Date Line, but it simplyfeels like early the next morning as youland in Hong Kong, and you should beright in synch with the time zone.

Jump right into the heady whirl thatis Hong Kong by booking your stay ateither of the city’s most prestigioushotels, the InterContinental Hong Kongor the Peninsula Hotel. Both havestunning, harbor-view locations on theposh Kowloon side of Victoria Bay(Hong Kong Island is the other side),with gorgeous suites, top-notch spas,

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and restaurants to die for. ThePeninsula’s famous high tea served inThe Lobby is a Hong Kong tradition,while the InterContinental boasts ChefLau Yiu Fai (aka“Simon”), a trulyfan tas tic one-starMichelin chef whoworks his magic atYah Toh Heen, anextremely tra di -tion al Cantoneseeatery that offerswhat is possibly thebest Peking duckever made. He’lleven give you aprivate dim sumclass, if you’reinterested. Thehotel also has atruly wonderfulNobu outpost, anda delicious Spoonby Alain Ducasse,

if Japanese or French cuisine suits yourfancy one evening instead of Chinese.

Food is a huge part of the HongKong experience, both in visiting the

city’s numerouschic and sophis-ticated restaurantsas well as doing awander throughthe city’s famedWet Market, whereh o m e m a k e r susually visit twice aday, shopping oncefor lunch andagain later on fordinner. The steepmarket street ischock-ablock withopen-air boothsthat sell live fish,freshly butcheredmeats, vegetablesand fruits of everyilk, and even a few

PHOTO COURTESY INTERCONTINENTAL H

OTEL HONG KONG

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WELL-TRAVELED

[ABOVE] THE BALCONY AND VIEW OF

HONG KONG ISLAND FROM THE

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE.

[BELOW] THE WOK-SHAPED PEAK TOWER

OFFERS VIEWING TERRACES AND A WIDE ARRAY OF

ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING AND DINING OPTIONS.

Chinese medicine remedies andhealthful teas thrown in for goodmeasure. If you’re feeling hungry aftera market visit but not exactly ready tocook, try Kowloon’s latest hot spots,Busy Suzie or the 1881 Heritage,which is a series of cool eateriesnestled in what was once the HongKong Marine Police Headquarters.

And then there is the legendaryshopping. Hong Kong is incredible foranyone that loves to shop, from theastonishing number of haute couture

shops dotted everywhere (thinkLouis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, etc.,multiples of those and many more) tothe custom-made clothing shops thatdot the streets. Give them a couple ofdays, and Hong Kong tailors willmake you a suit, shirt, dress, or evencobble up some shoes that fit youperfectly. Wander through the JadeMarket, where amazing deals can be

found on jade, pearls and beautifullydesigned necklaces made with onyx,agate and assorted other materials.Make sure to visit Alice at Booth 148;her designs are divine. Women shouldalso make sure to hit Keiki, a chain ofshops with top-quality, beautifullydesigned Chinese-motif jackets andother clothing at terrific prices.

Check out Hollywood Road onthe Hong Kong Island side, toshop for antiques and modern

design home goods, and stop in at the

WELL-TRAVELED

[TOP, L-R] SAI KUNG ONE OF HONG KONG’SMANY BEACHES;

NGONG PING 360, A CABLE-CAR SYSTEM, IS ONE OF THE

DIVERSE WAYS TO GET AROUND HONG KONG;

[MIDDLE] THE PEKING DUCK AT YAH TOH HEEN RESTAURANT;

[BOTTOM] HAPPY STATUES AT A HONG KONG MARKET.

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ONG KONG TOURISM

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BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 137

Man Mo Buddhist Temple there, too.The temple, built in 1848, sportsmassive red doors and huge spirals ofincense hung from the ceilings, offeringsto the two gods, Man and Mo, who areenshrined inside. You can have yourfortune told there, too, then movefurther up the hills that characterize allof Hong Kong, and make your way tothe tram that chugs up to the Peak,where incredible vistas of the city await.

IT’S A HEADY PLACE, HONG KONG, AND

one that can overwhelm with itspace. That’s when it’s time for a

weekend getaway to South China, doingwhat the locals do when they are readyfor some serious R&R. Rent a car (butremember that Hong Kong drives onthe left, China on the right), or hire adriver and roll out to Huizhou, taking a75-mile trip into an oasis of calm.Remember, too, that Hong Kong andChina are still separate entities, so you’llneed your passport and a visa to enterChina, and Chinese yuan renminbi(CNY) to spend, instead of Hong Kongdollars; you’ll pass through customsright on the highway.

WELL-TRAVELED

EXPERIENCING THE YIN AND YANG OF SOUTHCHINA AND HONG KONG

MAKES FOR AFASCINATING TRAVEL

ADVENTURE, ONE THATBRINGS BOTH CHINA’SANCIENT TRADITION AND VERY MODERN

CULTURES INTO SHARP FOCUS.

“

”

[L-R] VIEWS OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL HUIZHOU RESORT

IN SOUTH CHINA: A SPA SUITE; A COUPLES’ TREATMENT ROOM

IN THE SPA; ZHU YUAN, THE CHINESE RESTAURANT WHERE

TRADITIONAL CANTONESE FARE IS SERVED.

PHOTO COURTESY H

ONG KONG TOURISM

PHOTOS COURTESY INTERCONTINENTAL H

UIZHOU


32 BEL-AIR MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE www.belairmag.com BEL-AIR MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 139

The hilly, lush countryside,just past where the cows wanderdown the middle of the road andrice paddies stretch across thelandscape, is where you’ll sud -denly come upon the just-opened, elegantly modernInterContinental Huizhou Resortand Spa.

IT’S A PERFECT BLEND OF

modern and traditionalChina. Modern, with stun -

ning pools fed by steaming 400-year-old hot springs, a pretty18-hole golf course, personalizedbutler service, a spa andexcellent restaurants. Ancient,with offerings from the old worldlike Tai Chi and yoga classes,fascinating consulta tions with atraditional Chinese Medicinedoctor, and visits to the localancient temples and villages inthe area, dating back to 581.

Cycle up into the rolling

hills, swim a few laps in eitherthe indoor or outdoor swimmingpools, shoot some billiards, playa little tennis, or just relax inyour spa suite, where a personalhot-springs-fed hot tub isperched on your balcony, look -ing out over the resort’s prettylagoon. Or just drink in theserene landscape with a bottle ofDom Perignon by your side. Theresort features an impressiveinternational wine list for such aremote location, available at any oftheir three fine restaurants. Thoseinclude a traditional Can toneseeatery, a Medi terranean-inspiredspot, and an open-kitchen Conti -nental café with an organic focus.

Experiencing the yin and yangof South China and Hong Kongmakes for a fascinating traveladventure, one that brings bothChina’s ancient tradition and verymodern cultures into sharp focus. BAM

[ABOVE] THE PENINSULA HOTEL AND THEIR FLEET

OF ROLLS ROYCE SEDANS, READY TO WHISK YOU AROUND HONG KONG.

[BELOW] THE BRILLIANT RED DOORS OF THE MAN

MO BUDDHIST TEMPLE IN HONG KONG.

NOTE THE LARGE INCENSE SPIRALS ON THE LEFT.

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Stars of both the big and smallscreens gathered at the Hollywood

Museum to check out the legendaryGrafitti Gown. Created by JERAN, thedress sports the signatures of over 350famous females and will be on displayuntil November, when it will beauctioned off to benefit AIDS causes.The party drew everyone from DonnaMills and Stefanie Powers to MargaretO’Brien and Rose Marie, all united inthe fight against the terrible disease.

LEFT: RIP TAYOR, JOANNE

WORLEY, FLORENCE

HENDERSON AND NANCY

DUSSAULT.

BELOW: MELANIE AMOR,

JERAN DESIGNER RANDY

MCLAUGHLIN AND

RICK AMOR.

The Hollywood Grafitti Gown Fete

SOCIAL SCENE

PHOTOS BY GLENN BRENNAN, ALEXANDER KOEH

NE,

ROBERT FREEMAN AND BRIAN PUTNAM

RIGHT: KIM RHODES, ILENE GRAFF,

FLORENCE HENDERSON AND DEE WALLACE.

BELOW: DONNA MILLS AND THE SIGNATURE DRESS



SOCIAL SCENE

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS AND

JASON Alexander hostedthe hi-jinks at the annual MagicAwards held at the AvalonTheater. Ed Alonzo wonMagician of the Year, and otherwinning magic mastersincluded Andrew Goldenhersh,Doc Eason, and Jeff Hobson.

AnEnchantedEvening atthe 42ndAnnualAcademy ofMagicalAwards

ABOVE:

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS AND

JASON ALEXANDER.

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USC HONORED HOLLYWOOD

ICON Robert Redford withnew annual prize called the“Robert Redford Award forEngaged Artists” and hisfamous friends joined him forthe gala night. “I’m honored bythe fact that this awards is tiedto such a prestigious school asUSC,” Redford said.

ABOVE:

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS.

ABOVE: KATE LINDER, JASON ALEXANDER, ALISON ARNGRIM.

USC School of Theatre Honors Robert Redford

FAR LEFT: ROBERT REDFORD WITH

THE USC SCHOOL OF THEATRE

“ROBERT REDFORD AWARD FOR

ENGAGED ARTISTS.”

ABOVE CENTER: MARY MCDONNELL,

STEVEN AND DAYNA BOCHCO,

ALFRE WOODARD.

ABOVE RIGHT: MADELINE PUZO,

DEAN OF USC SCHOOL OF THEATRE,

AND RON RIFKIN.

LEFT: PERFORMERS BRIGA HEELAN,

MICHAEL MCLEAN, RACHAEL WEINBERG

PUGH, DONALD WEBBER, JR. AND

LAURA DARRELL.

PHOTOS BY CRAIG M

ATTHEW

www.belairmag.com

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Your Source for

Mid Century Modern

CORPORATE / WEDDINGS / SOCIAL / FASHION & STAGE

P: 310.670.8515 / WWW.LIGHTENUPINC.COM

WE CREATE YOUR AMBIENCE.

When you live to travelThe World, offers you a travel lifestyle like no other. A life which allows you to explore the globe with 200 like-minded adventure seekers. It is a place that is beyond place, where journey and destination become one.

This one-of-a-kind elegant community of only 165 residences offers the ultimatecombination of a friendly and lively atmosphere, unrivalled personal service and theprivileged access to the earth’s most beautiful destinations.

Design your own voyage or select from some of our favorites.

• Greenland Expedition – September 1 to 22, 2010 – Reykjavik to Quebec• Capitals & Cabanas – December 4 to 14, 2010 – Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires• South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition – January 3 to 21, 2011

If your passion is travel, come live a life like no other.

For more information, please call Rusti McFarland at 858-759-5172 or email at [email protected]

The Worldwww.aboardtheworld.com

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