I really want to close-out my Oscars coverage for 2011 before the 2012 season is upon us!!! So, I’m going to combine two events I did on one day to show you just how hectic the season can be. (But I’m telling you about the impressive nighttime party first.) And remember, if you missed the columns about all the other suites, just go to the Gifting Suites section of this site and catch-up at your leisure.

QVC OSCARS PARTY

I have never seen more people at an event in my entire show business career!!! As we pulled-up to the Four Seasons Hotel valet, I thought all the people were there for several different events, but it turns-out they were all there for QVC’s humongous Oscars soiree!

The shopping channel was filming live while we were partying. [Note: when I used to host a couple of shopping shows several years ago, for a different company, we never got to do fun location stuff like this! And Mr. X kept buying the jewelry I was hawking, so I just had to move on to another show biz gig.]

It was that awful stormy night out, two days before the Oscars telecast, and this was a garden party, but, somehow, the hotel tented over the place and everyone was fine. Except for the girls in high heels, though, who had to navigate the muddy terrain. It’s the first time I was glad that my back situation is preventing me from wearing heels for a little while longer, so I had flat boots on.

Katherine McPhee hanging in the little lobby where many of us were hiding from the rain.

Anyway, this place was jam-packed with celebrities–I saw some of the Kardashians, Joan Rivers, Nicole Ritchie, Katherine McPhee, and the lovely Kelly Rutherford, to name a few.

And the passed hors d’oervres could not have been classier. Which means that there were none that picky I eat! But the rest of the assemblage went to town on them. There were tuna tartare, truffled grilled cheeses, caviar-topped blini, and shredded crab toasts. An unbelievably nice server named Sherri took pity on me and asked the chef to whip-up something that I could eat, which I told her was totally unnecessary at an event of this magnitude. But he sent out some plain blini for me, just in case, which was very kind of both of them.

The desserts were perfect, though–red velvet cupcakes, chocolate-caramel tarts, and red cotton candy in paper cones, even though my days in the circus (for reals!) kind-of put me off the last one a bit.

But, the piece de resistance was the goodie bags they gave some of us as we exited–I’ve really never seen anything like them at a party before. (They were so impressive that my friend’s bag even got pilfered while we were waiting for the valet, with her purse in it! The next day, the thieves returned the purse, complete with cash, but kept the goodie bag!!! That’s a first!) The giant bags themselves were literal works of art–paintings of girls with rhinestone jewelry studded on them. Just beautiful. And they were stuffed with hair and cosmetics products, vitamins, scarves, and work-out DVDs, among other items.

In conjunction with the party, QVC hosted a beauty suite in a room off the garden. It wasn’t a gifting suite–it was a total beauty suite, with everything from facials to hair to make-up. I arrived at the hotel camera-ready, since I had just been at a couple of suites earlier that day, but when my new blow-out got a tad damp from the constant downpour, I was invited into the suite by a guy who recognized me from my show. (Thank goodness there are still many who do!) Once inside, Matt, from Sally Hershberger in New York, freshened my droopy ’do so I could continue with the festivities. The whole bright room looked like such fun, though, that I hope the next time QVC hosts a suite, I’ll get to review it all for you. And for me, too, of course! (I hate when people, like the curly-haired Haley on American Idol, claim, “I do it for you, the fans.” Yeah, right–like the people who watch the show care if she sings or not??? Puh-leez. Gimme a break.)

There was an additional fun activity throughout the evening; a roaming photographer snapped posed photos of many of the guests, both famous and not, and we then found them on a computer in the garden, and emailed them to whomever we chose. Two cute girls next to me kind-of gasped, and they showed me that their pic was being featured on a giant board for the whole assemblage to see! They gigglingly took pictures of the photo on the board, which I thought was a good idea. So, when mine shockingly came-up later, I embarrassedly copied them, although it was far from my shining head shot. Considering the circumstances though, (the rain, not great lighting, having not looked in the mirror for about seven hours at that point, being beyond-hungry, etc.,) I was satisfied enough, and was happy to get in the swing of the event.

The evening ended with the hotel sending me home in an absolutely gorgeous new Rolls-Royce limo, driven by the personable Ray, who just may be the only person who seemed to know the shortcuts to my abode even better than I do! A classier close to the night I cannot imagine.

ALIVE EXPO

This final suite of the season for me was held at West Hollywood’s London Hotel. It was more of a jewelry-selling event than a gifting suite, but there were still some interesting gifts to tell you about. (Some of the companies, like hair-care ones, gave out sample packs, too.)

They did have a few snacks to keep up our strength, a bar, and a DJ. And their heavy goodie bags for us VIPs were very interesting; they featured mainly natural and organic gifts, including several skin and hair care lines and some household products.

Here are the highlights:

WACOAL ANTI-CELLULITE SHAPEWEAR–these slimming panties are more interesting than one would first think–not only do they smooth you under your tight clothing, as the more well-known brands do, but it’s recommended that you wear them eight hours a day for a month to reduce cellulite!!! How wonderful for womankind! Although, contrary to some of my “friends’” hopes, I don’t have any yet. But I just may wear them as a preventative. What do I have to lose? Except maybe a couple of inches off my thighs! www.wacoal-america.com

EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS–I have worked with this wonderful company many a time. I’ve featured them on my show as give-aways, and the winners who were polite enough to thank me were nuts about their many eco-friendly products. The lavender laundry detergent made my clothing the softest ever! www.ecos.com

SLIMMER SILHOUETTE BODY WRAPS–we received gift certificates from the owner of the company, who’s lost a ton of weight herself. www.slimmersilhouette.com

LOVE GONE APPAREL–these v-neck tees in lightweight, cotton, muted shades are perfect to wear over bright-colored camisoles with jeans. www.lovegoneapparel.com

That’s it for the Oscars coverage for 2011. But have no fear–there’s always another awards show around the corner. And I hope to be there to bring you all the highlights once again.

As you can well imagine, (you don’t have to imagine–I write about them!,) I get invited to “spa parties” all the time. These are events that are held either in an actual spa, or more often than not, at another venue, but featuring mini spa services.

They’re oftentimes confusing, with the attendees not knowing where to turn, and the party personnel not figuring out how best to accommodate the guests who desire each service.

But, I recently attended the most perfectly organized spa party ever! It was thrown by Spaphile.com, which is a website that hooks-up its subscribers with greatly discounted services on at least a weekly basis.

To show off some of the local Los Angeles spas they feature on the site, they threw a fun event at upscale Melrose store, Catherine Malandrino. (That made me conscious of the name when Modern Family’s Julie Bowen mentioned that’s who she was “wearing” at the SAG awards a few days later.)

This is what they did that was so brilliant: at the check-in table, you got to sign-up for whichever two services you wanted. You got a two-pronged numbered “ticket” that you wrote your name on. Then you gave one half to the head of the service area you had chosen, so that they would either call your name or find you when it was your turn. None of the usual haggling over who was behind whom on line, or wasting your whole time at the party waiting on line! Genius! I couldn’t have planned it better myself. (I’m always the guest who has to figure out a system for everyone once I’m there, which is really annoying. So, this was really great for me.)

My newly-blown 'do, which is too long for the frame!

In addition to loving the organization of the soiree, we had a lovely time. For my two services, I choose hair and face. First, Farid Taheri of Joseph Martin Salon blew-out my hair, noting that I had a lot of it! Considering that we were doing it in the cozy dressing-room of the store, and that I had used inferior shampoo that day, (trust me–you don’t want to know!,) I don’t know how he did such a great job!

Then I had a quickie skin-lifting treatment courtesy of Vera Bella Spa, while resting my head on the luxurious couch in the clothing shop. I really did see an immediate difference in the height of my facial features!

While I did those, my guest got a manicure from Bellacures, who had the biggest waiting list. (I was rocking gels on my nails, so I sat that one out.) There was also a make-up application area and even a chiropractor to consult with, who told me I have great posture–I guess those early years of ballet paid-off.

In-between services and discounted shopping for the evening, we had healthful salad roll-ups and hummus from newcomer Freshii. So, what did I do with my new fresh face and hair, and stomach-ful of good-for-you snacks? Rush home to watch the Australian Open, of course!

Two years ago, at a party thrown by Russell Simmons at the club Greenhouse in Soho, I met Barry, one of the owners. Within minutes, my friend found-out that he had just opened a neighborhood restaurant, Via dei Mille, and off we went to try it for lunch the following day.

We loved everything we ate, especially the classy cheese platter (which I don’t know if they still serve,) the service, and the peaceful, grown-up lunchtime atmosphere. (The only problem during the day is parking, for us spoiled chicks who drive rather than take public transportation.)

So, when I was invited to their recent two-year anniversary soiree, I was happy to return. (I rarely repeat Manhattan restaurants, only my beloved Brooklyn ones, not because I don’t like them, but rather because there are soooooo many restaurants there and not close to enough time on even my month-long visits.)

Nighttime was a whole different vibe at Via dei Mille, let me tell you! It was definitely clubby, with kind-of a Euro feel; that is, pounding beats, dark lighting, and tons of bar patrons partying it up on proseco and bellinis. Very happening.

The food was generous with free-flowing passed hors d’oeuvres like tiny smoked salmon sandwiches, rice and cheese balls, and delicious brsuchetta, for the first hour, and full-on choose-off-the-menu-with-no-limits dinner immediately after.

The molten chocolate lave cake, which I couldn't help taking a bite of before I snapped the pic.

My guest and I were way too full from the cocktail portion of the evening to be able to give you a real review of the breaded, bone-in, veal chops we ate, but I can tell you that the molten chocolate lave cake I had for dessert, with a glass of cold, whole milk, was out of this world.

Sammy, our favorite waiter.

The best part of the evening, by far, for me was Sammy, our favorite waiter. And not just because he was adorable! In the midst of all the craziness, (tons of merry revelers in a relatively small space, magnums of champagne with sparklers being paraded around, and newbies arriving throughout the night,) he was just perfect: calm, collected, and most of all, super accommodating to not just me, but the entire assemblage. He’s exactly the kind-of reason that brings me back to an establishment. So, I hope we’ll both return next October to celebrate Via dei Mille’s third anniversary! Salute! [All photos by Karen Salkin.]

357 West Broadway   New York   212-431-0080 ‎  viadeimilleny.com

Long a fan of the twenty-two year-old Café 50’s in West L.A., (which has been in existence longer than several of my friends!,) I was excited when Craig Martin, the founder, told me last January that he would be opening another one on Vermont this summer, with his business partner Peter Kuyanov. So it turned-out to be this Fall, but it’s finally here. Yay! There should be one on every corner, if you ask me.

The most generous man on earth, Cafe 50's owner Craig Martin, manning the cocktail station.

And not just because Craig loves the Olympics as much as I do, (though he puts his money where his mouth is and actually goes around the world to attend them, whereas I stay home and watch every single second of television coverage,) but because of the fun fifties food.

I could drink one of their shakes every day. I promise that my posse and I will go back there soon for a real review, but now I must tell you about their uber-generous opening night party.

I’ve rarely seen a food event that was this benevolent, but that’s the kind-of guy that Craig is. The VIP party began at 7PM, and within minutes, the food was streaming out of the kitchen and the booze was flowing. [Note: I doubt that most of the guests deserved such sumptuous fare, but oh well to that. I hope that at least some of them are Los Feliz denizens who will make Café 50’s their new go-to eatery. I know that I would, if I lived closer.]

The service was non-stop and very pleasant. The cutely attired servers worked their butts off. No gym visits necessary for them this week! And always with a smile, to boot.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, let’s discuss the ambience. I don’t know where these guys find these things, but the walls and display cases were full of gorgeous new old (I know that’s an oxymoron, but I mean it) movie posters, magazine ads, and gossip pages. Each one is fascinating. And to see them all brand-spanking new was so fun. I could have spent hours just reading them. (I love nostalgia.)

There were also the requisite individual jukeboxes, which I was dying to use, but they had party music going all night, although I wish it had been hits from the namesake era instead. And most importantly, the female restroom was immaculate and sparkling. I hope it stays that way.

We early crowd members could sit anywhere we liked, (booths, counter, back semi-private room, outside,) and of course I chose the most happening area, a booth near the beverages and the servers exiting the kitchen. Many revelers were just as happy standing and mingling.

The blintze with blueberry sauce. I ate all of the other food items so fast that I forgot to photograph them!

This is just some of the food they served constantly all night: three kinds of burgers, two kinds of fries, the most non-greasy onion rings ever (which put the dreadful swimming-in-oil Umami Burger ones to shame,) chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes with gravy (that was, shockingly, my favorite item!,) the mac and cheese wedges that were the hit of my birthday party last January, turkey pastrami sandwiches, (which I inhaled,) tuna melts, waffles (which I was, sadly, too full to try,) and my guest’s favorite, the famous cinnamon-infused blintzes with blueberry sauce. Oh, did I forget to mention deluxe shakes in many flavors, beginning with Peanut Butter Cup, then moving on to Elvis and Hawaiian Tropic? I told you that I’d be there every day if it was closer! I’d never have to have the same thing in a whole month!

On top of it all, there was a strolling magician, Nathan Gibson, entertaining the huge crowd. His tricks were so wonderful that I even stopped eating for a few moments! That’s a magic feat unto itself!

And, as we left the soiree, we were each handed a hefty gift certificate to use on a subsequent visit, which, in my case, will be soon.

So, to sum it all up, I want to congratulate Craig and Peter on yet another Café 50’s to share with the world, and look forward to doing a full review in the near future. Until then, I’ll plan on just what to try next time, though with all that variety, it will be difficult. And that choice is the only thing not easy about a trip to this wonderful café!

850 N. Vermont Ave.   323-906-1955   www.cafe50s.com

[Note: I have to get this one grammar note off my chest, though. It has always driven me crazy that they write “50’s” erroneously, with an apostrophe before the “s.” Many others make that same common mistake. (At least their website address has to have it right, because URLs don’t accept punctuation.) The rule is that apostrophes indicate possession, except in the case of contractions and the word “its,” but let’s stick to one lesson at a time. In this case, it indicates that there should be something after the word that belongs to “Café 50,” not that the café is all about the era called the 50s. I guess that since it is their title, they can write it any way they like. But you know that I’m always out to make the world more literate, so I had to point that out. I’m sure that no one cares about it except moi, but since I didn’t want to change their logo for this column, which made me look erroneous as well, I had to explain myself.]

For those who missed it yesterday, I’m back from my month in New York, and raring to go. I have all kinds of fun stuff to tell you about from there, mainly restaurants, of course, but I made a point of getting back to Los Angeles in time for one of my favorite occasions, Halloween. (It’s not really a “holiday,” per se.) I’ve spent many in New York, and probably the three best ever in Rhode Island and Massachusetts with the young brothers Hazel, but I’ve also had a few good ones here, especially recently. So, Halloween in LA it was.

Ree Rodriguez and son wearing the most clever, and adorable (in the case of the lobster baby,) costumes at the party.

But, with the terrorist scares in Brooklyn, where I live when I’m there, and Kennedy Airport, and the ensuing delays, I was too jet-lagged to want to go out, especially in costume. But, I was invited to help at a fabulous party downtown that I had ruled-out last year, so I was determined to put in an appearance in 2010.

For years, I’ve seen hipsters move into downtown and make it quite the living scene, but I had never considered that families were moving there, as well. One of my favorite PR firms, Berman-Singer Public Relations, apprised me of the fact that hundreds of children now call downtown home.

To that end, they, and the organizers, wanted all of those kids to have a fun, safe Halloween in their own backyard, so that they didn’t have to go to other ’hoods to trick-or-treat. So, all downtown LA families were invited to the Third Annual Halloween Party for Downtown LA Kids. And since I was a volunteer, I got to have even more fun than they did because you always get joy out of helping others. (I don’t know how much help I really was, but more on that later.)

It was held at Grand Hope Park at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, which turned-out to be a perfect venue for this. It was big enough to have lots of room to see and be seen, without getting scrunched, and small enough that no one could get lost. Or more importantly, be far away from the treats. (The trick turned-out to be me doling out the cotton candy!)

This party was entirely free, with hot dogs, individual bags of baby carrots, juice pouches, water, and candy sponsored by Ralph’s Fresh Fare, (kudos to them for that, btw,) and everything else (cotton candy, popcorn, bounce house, game truck, photo booth,) being taken care of by the Downtown Center for Business Improvement District. And I was happy to see many security guards patrolling the area at all times, if even just to prevent revelers from making fun of my cotton candy-spinning prowess.

My favorite innovation was the three “doors” stationed around the park, so that the kids could still have the fun of going trick-or-treating. You knocked on the doors, and volunteers answered them and gave-out candy, just as would happen traditionally. If you didn’t have a bag or pumpkin for collection, they were handed out at various stations, and you could even decorate your own at the arts-and-craft tables. You know I had to hold myself back from making one of those myself!

Scary stuff once it got dark.

The event also featured an inflatable bounce house, tons of Halloween decorations, and the famous Game Truck. I was happy to see so many grown-ups dressed-up in the spirit of the holiday. I’d say most of them were wearing at least some costume. My friend Lucia and I were particularly impressed with not one, but two Frieda Kahlo’s! One of them complete with unibrow! (The other just didn’t want to mess-up her cute face that much.) I guess downtown does have its share of intelligentsia. (I myself was dressed as a slice of pepperoni pizza, though my earrings were of a vegetarian cheese pie and slice. I guess I am comestible-centric!)

And even though this was a G-rated shindig, I did get to see some real horror. It was on the faces of the recipients of my pitiful cotton candy shapes. While I did hawk the stuff during my gig as the star of the sideshow of a traveling circus in my younger years, I had never actually made it before, which, by the way, is just pure spun sugar. (My teeth hurt just thinking about it.) And let me tell you, it was not easy to make it look pretty. Even the smallest kids seemed to know how weird my creations looked. But I got away with it under the guise of that this was special for Halloween. Maybe next year, I’ll volunteer for the popcorn machine. How much damage can I do there? I guess we’ll find-out in 2011.

In my recent role as restaurant critic for the Culver City News, I had the opportunity, a couple of years ago, to review Royal T, which is so much more than a tearoom. It’s really an art space and gift shop with interesting edibles. (BTW–I gave them an excellent review, despite the fact that they erroneously call it “high tea,” rather than the correct “afternoon tea,” which is a major pet peeve of mine.)

So, as soon I was invited to The Warholian Launch Party, I was there. Shamefully, (since I usually research everything ad nauseam,) most of what I knew about Andy Warhol previous to this reception is that he was big in the Pop Art movement, painted pictures of soup cans, and is still famous for those four-panel portraits that have now popped-up everywhere, including in the opening credits of Karen’s Restaurant Revue when a Brentwood picture shop made one of me as a fan present.

Andy Warhol's Barbie portrait, circa 1985.

So, besides knowing that Royal T would serve fun food, and the fact that Mr. X had just left town for a few days, the attraction was to see this exhibition of “photos, film, portraits and objects by Andy Warhol and various artists inspired and influenced by his work.” But the party was so packed (in a good way) with guests, many of whom looked like art work themselves, that I barely got a chance to view the walls through the masses. Luckily for all of us, the exhibit will be up for quite awhile. [Note--there was a press preview an hour before the party, but I couldn’t get a handle on the whole event from the busy invitation, so I thought the party was called for three hours later, not one, or else I would have attended the preview, as well, to be able to give you guys more info. I’m really sorry about that, to all of us.]

Goodie bag and content highlights.

I guess because Andy Warhol had famously done a portrait of Barbie back in the ’80s, our goodie bags were Barbie-themed. (The doll, not a porn woman. Don’t laugh–that’s what I had originally thought when I read the name on the invitation! I told you it was a tad confusing.) As one who still has her originally Barbie, and a couple of newer ones, I was thrilled to receive a Barbie tee and gift card. And they came in a plastic bag adorned with pix of colorful shoes. You could tell that just walking around carrying them put pep in the attendees’ steps. People were even trading Barbie tees. Really fun stuff.

The best chocolate cake ever!!!

And the food was pretty good, too. As always at Royal T, the waitresses were dressed as Japanese maids, the purpose of which I don’t get, but it sure made them easy to spot. They constantly served mini-bites all night, which were an interesting mix of tastes. There were grilled goat cheese triangles, figs with cream, pork on tortilla chips, truffled French fries, red velvet and chocolate cupcakes, and my absolute favorite–the best, lightest, chocolate cake ever!!! No one could have been hungry when they left the soiree.

The best part was that the guest list appeared to be all different folks than the ones I usually see at events, and often wish I didn’t. This group had a happening party vibe, and weren’t pushing others out of the way for a morsel of food, like happens at most of the other functions I attend. And many were attired so creatively that my friend asked me if they were dressed-up for some reason, like an early Halloween. We loved it.

Now if only I had seen more of the art, which was the reason for the bash to begin with, I’d have had the perfect party experience. But next time I’m in Culver City, which is often, you can bet that I’ll be checking it out. And not just for some more of that scrumptious chocolate cake!

The Warholian Exhibit running through Jan. 31, 2011                                                                                                                                                                          Royal T 8910 Washington Blvd. Culver City

I promise that next week I’ll give you all the scoops on the Emmys Gifting Suites. And my thoughts on the show itself and the red carpets’ foolishness, too.

But last night I attended two really fun cocktail parties that I want to tell you about, so first things first, in the order of my visits.

BELLE COUER JEWELRY LAUNCH

This one actually had nothing to do with the Emmys, and just happened to be scheduled the week that just about everything in this town is Emmys-related. But it sounded good, and who can give up a trip to Fred Segal Santa Monica?

It was to launch the Belle Coeur Jewelry line, of which I wanted just about everything! The line is beautiful and consists mostly of my kind of basic, feminine jewelry, with lots of diamond-studded hoop earrings and the like. Most of the earrings and bracelets made my mouth water.

John manning the Creative Cuisine bar.

Speaking of mouth-watering, the tidbits served-up by Creative Cuisine, while we browsed and mingled, was just that! I could not stop eating their brilliant filet slices on toast with the most magical dressing ever! I never eat rare meat, even though I know that’s the desirable way to serve it, but I could have scarfed a hundred of these! (And just about did, as their amiable staff can tell you.)

In addition to a set-up bar manned by John, with drinks passed by Peter, there were Kevin and Danni passing three special appetizers and, later, huge dark chocolate truffles–it all was just perfect. Can’t wait to catch more of their catering at other swanky soirees around town.

GBK EMMYS SUITE PREVIEW PARTY

Classy GBK guests at the even classier buffet.

This was the party that’s the prelude to GBK’s always-incredible suite. It was held at the swanky, happening SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, and was executed to perfection. The food and drinks were served on the lovely private back patio, and we were able stroll around the suites to peruse the goodies that will be featured at the actual event today and tomorrow. How perfect to get to leisurely plan your gift-gathering visit beforehand!

Also on the patio were the perfect party activities of manicures and massages. Nothing like getting relaxed and pampered before the craziness begins! I had already had a manicure and pedicure earlier in the day, but I was very happy to get a chair massage from Erin Rodriquez of City Life Spa. I knew she was good when she could tell I was tired just by touching my arms!

The buffet was uber-classy, and was a true treat for carnivores and herbivores alike. Beautifully laid-out, as at all SLS functions, there was quite the spread of specialty meats, such as proscuitto, salamis, and the best home-made pepperoni ever. Along with those came many cheeses, pre-cut in perfect strips, marcona almonds, and colorful veggies, such as asparagus, red peppers, and full-on carrots, in beautifully-arrayed barrels.

The Coca-Cola ladies at the manicure station at the end of the night.

For imbibers, there were cocktails made with Lombardi Lemon Liqueur, and for the rest of us, my favorite little bottles of Coke.

And they sent us home with goodie bags chock full of some of the sponsors’ most interesting products. GBK sure knows how to throw great events! I can’t wait to visit the actual suite. Look for my column about it early next week, but give me a day or two to re-charge after the sure-to-be-hectic week-end. I could probably use that massage therapist on Monday!

As a bon vivette who believes in all things for beauty, I’m always happy to welcome a new purveyor of such to the ’hood. Geri Giagnorio is a Skin Therapist (I love that title!) who just opened her private practice at the beginning of the Sunset Strip. (Or end–depending where you come from.)

The grand opening party was just lovely–there was something happening at every turn. It was in the afternoon, so we also got great views from the big windows in the medical offices Geri shares. (And we got to touch fake boob blobs in one of them–I sure hope it belonged to a plastic surgeon!)

As we entered the party, after being greeted by the most pleasant door girl ever, the first thing we saw was a beautiful array of simple, raw food snacks, some from Geri’s cookbook (that’s as skinny as she is, so I trust them both!,) Eating For Better Skin: 10 Simple Steps. I couldn’t stop filling up on the watermelon that had something on it, like an herb, but I’m afraid I couldn’t find that recipe in the book. (Maybe I’ll find out if I get the chance to try one of Geri’s signature facials!)

Manami modeling her own bejeweled nails better than I could!

There were different beverage stations featuring healthful drinks, both alcoholic and non, and three different beautifying activities. Our favorite was the manicures from Manami, whose personality matched the very sparkly polishes we chose. She had some brands from Japan that were so fabulous you just knew they had to be from someplace known for beauty. (Her card bills her a Nail Artist, and that is really correct!)

There were three different types of massages from one company, High Maintenance Mobile Spa. One guy did reiki (more of an energy type thing than a massage,) Arianna did chair massages, and the piece de resistance was a lying-down-while-dressed one of the neck, arms, legs, and feet from Nate Geare. We were doubled up in line waiting for him, let me tell you!!! And it was worth the wait.

Geri G has developed a skin care product, called Mixer, which was in the gift bags, and she had a lovely make-up artist there, Roberta, to show us how to use it. Since I never wear face make-up, it’s hard for me to explain, but I think that you mix it with your foundation to enhance your glow. (Check-out her website for a better understanding of just what it does and how to use it because I believe there are very many uses for Mixer.)

Mani, massage, make-up, healthful food, nice personnel, and a gift bag–exactly my kind-of event! I wish Geri G the best of luck with her new location.

www.gerigcosmetics.com

I went to a really fun cooking birthday party at Chefs, Inc. recently. It was so different that I was jealous I didn’t think of it. But, since it involved cooking, of course I wouldn’t have thought of it!!! As long as it didn’t involve cleaning, I was all right to attend, though.

This was such an interesting way to host a party, birthday or otherwise. There’s no work for the host, except to bring some beverages and do the cooking along with your guests. This is how it works: Leslie McKenna, the owner of Chefs Inc., plans the menu (with you, of course,) and has everything you need set-up at the many kitchen stations through-out the space. (Chefs, Inc. is mainly a cooking school.)

I don’t know if every party is the same, but I think that’s the basic plan. Each station also has a helper, thank goodness for the people who had to eat my cooking. I’m not a restaurant critic for nothing, you know!

This is like a "Where's Waldo," but with ME! Think it over, and I'll print the answer in a column down the road. Hint: I'm paying strict attention.

As we arrived, we were treated to some appetizers the staff had whipped-up pre-fete, and the cocktails that the host had provided. Then we took our seats and Leslie explained what was about to occur. There was a booklet of the recipes we would be using at each place setting, and she went through each one, so that we could decide who wanted to make what. The numbers worked-out perfectly with everyone getting his or her choice.

It was really a lot of fun! Everyone mingled, which is absolutely not the case with regular parties. We hung with our own cooking quartets as we created, but it was easy to roam to check on just what everyone was doing. And some groups made more appetizers, so we met them as they passed the trays. I had a few gawkers as I was peacefully going about licking the bowl of the chocolate cake that I so wisely chose based on my ability to do just that, post-baking. So, I apologize to those I met with a dirty chocolately face!

Then we sat down to a gourmet buffet dinner, which included both filet mignon and salmon, made by…US! And, shockingly, it was delicious! I have a feeling that Leslie and her helpers had a lot to do with just how delish it all was. (It reminded me of art school when I was little. The teacher helped me so much that all my paintings were beautiful! Now that I’m a semi-grown-up, I think my pix were more the teacher’s work than mine. Maybe that’s where I perfected my great Tom Sawyer-ing techniques!!!) [Note: In actual cooking classes with Leslie, I know you learn a more than at a party, where everyone’s out for a great social experience, rather than a cooking lesson, per se. But, even through the alcohol, everyone who wanted to learn, did. And you just couldn’t help picking up a tip or two, which some of the more talented guests have already applied at home.]

It was a whole happy event, and so much warmer than most Los Angeles shindigs. So, if I were you, I’d try to become one of my new BFFs by January, because I’m really tempted to copy this party for my January 14 birthday. Or, perhaps easier than dealing with my dictatorship, maybe just host your own friends at Chefs, Inc. Either way, you’re sure to have tons of fun.

Chefs, Inc.    10955 West Pico Blvd.    310-470-2277    www.chefsinc.net