Author: admin

Choosing Peace

Choosing Peace

It’s difficult to remain in a bubble these days with so many threats of war in places like Iran, the Congo, Iraq….  I wonder if most people feel as I do: Enough with the news already.  Let’s just listen to the radio.  And we can go on and on, with no information, believing that we are all O.K.; it’s only those people in Iraq, Palestine, and other regions like the Congo who suffer.

But don’t we all suffer from the plague of war?  And if we allow ourselves to think about what is happening to some of our fellow human beings, don’t we feel like we have to do something?  I do. I want a personal meeting with God and ask Him why there is no intervention.  Where is the earthquake to swallow up the war machine?  Where is the tornado to end the various holocausts being waged against the Palestinians and Iraqis?  I’m sorry, God, but where are you?

And then I begin to think that maybe we humans are gods, like those on Mount Olympus wreaking havoc upon the world to declare our superiority over the earth while destroying everything and everyone in our path.  After all, the earth is limited in its supply and in what it can sustain.  Do we really believe we will live forever?  How can we if we continue to waste each other and the planet?

Over one million Iraqi civilians have died.  Over three thousand troops have died since the beginning of the war.  That offends me.  That tears me up inside.  Why is it O.K.?  Tell me, who is being liberated?

I believe that I can share my planet with others.  I believe that I do not have to hoard everything for myself.  I have enough.

I thought about the war and how it seems to be a war over resources, because nothing else makes sense to me.  It’s O.K. to kill people because we need to maintain authority in that region.  It is no longer a war of liberation; it stopped being that years ago.

I know.  You want me to change the station, right?  O.K., who won on American Idol last night?  I have no clue.  How about on Project Runway, my favorite show?  But now I don’t know because I refuse to be distracted while the indigenous peoples of the earth are suffering en masse in holocaust-type conditions.

I refuse to watch my favorite show.  What can I do if God won’t reveal Himself!  What can I do to stop the “madness?”  Nothing!  So like all others who happen to linger too long on the wrong radio station, I will hurry up and change to music I love, to anesthetize myself and shield myself from feeling even a hint of the mass grief of the abused peoples of the world.  I will not allow myself to feel despair.

But I can no longer sit with my eyes closed.  I must see what we are doing and the crimes we are committing.  Then I must take action.

What can I do?  Plant a garden, ride my bicycle, depend less and less on oil, use recycled goods, write to the President, my congressman, march for peace.  I will not grease that squeaky wheel.  I will ride my loud and squeaky protest against the well-oiled machine of war and outrageous assault against the earth.

And I say to gods and goddesses alike… Amen.

By Lisa Trimarchi

Make the Most Out of Your Purchase

Make the Most Out of Your Purchase

I never buy a blouse, a pair of earrings, or hot heels to wear in just one style. Whether the cost of the item is $10 or $100, it is still an investment that I take seriously. It’s a wardrobe purchase either way! So when it came to my recent buy, an orangeish-red, long-sleeved top from Target, I decided to show the various ways to wear it in front of a group of men and women.

This group of guests arrived to my “Good Girl Gone Shopping” launch party in celebration of my going forward with a new venture: helping individuals uncover their inner styles with personal shopping and wardrobe consulting. So in between cocktails being poured, hors d’oeuvres being devoured, and a table of male and female accessories being plowed through, I decided to show four different ways I could wear my new, red top (with the price tag kept on to prove that it was a real demonstration showing I have yet to wear it). With my own clothes, shoes, and jewelry set out on display, I illustrated casual and chic, casual and funky, dressy and sophisticated, and dressy with an edge.

As I was talking to the group sitting on my couches, I felt completely comfortable and ecstatic that I was giving others ideas on how to make the most out of their purchases. I also gave each person a challenge: The next time they see a mannequin wearing a whole outfit they love, they should visualize how changing one piece would give the total outfit a different appeal. I also suggested that they refrain from telling the salesperson, “I’ll take the whole thing. I want exactly what the mannequin has on.”

Whatever I do and wherever I go, I am always noticing how style is exemplified and how fashion is used to express one’s personality. Yet with so many factors that play into the decision-making process while getting dressed, I can’t help but wonder how many people fear wearing one of the favorite pieces the wrong way. Who Cares? That’s what I say in regards to playing around with a purchase.

Exploring your options now is perfect timing! Springtime is pretty much here in

Southern California; and shortly thereafter, the salty beaches quickly become the favorite go-to place (despite the heavy traffic on the 22 Freeway towards Huntington and the 55 Freeway towards Newport). There are already uniquely cut bathing suits in the stores, and the cutest darn sandals making their way on my must-have lists. So as I envision myself basking in the sun with Lucky in one hand and sifting through the grains of sand with the other, I will continue to enjoy the versatility of fashion.

It makes me smile to think that someone such as Jacquie, my friend, co-worker, and new client, is looking forward to having fun with her outfits and steering away from playing it “safe.” Admitting that my services are influencing her new-found excitement to shop and stand up a bit more confidently, Jacquie is growing into quite the “stylista” simply by stepping out of her comfort zone and exploring her personality. I encourage everyone to do the same!

If you’re a loyal “Talking Chic” reader, you may remember when I wrote, “The ‘F’ in Fashion is for ‘Fun'” after Britney shaved her head. Well, when it comes to exploring your options with your wardrobe, I think that pretty much sums it up.

But O. K., so you take your favorite pink blouse and pair it up with your black and white pinstriped pants, and those bright blue shoes you just had to have, and walk through the doors upstairs to work. But soon enough, you feel completely silly. You feel foolish for thinking that you could pull off a look you always wanted to try out. But how else will you know what really works for you and what doesn’t? How will you ever truly feel confident in trying out new trends?

Sometimes the worst stares and comments are the best comments you could get. This tells you that you’ve taken a brave step and tried something new. Incorporating a purchase into a full-blown outfit is what it’s all about. Although every item in your closet and jewelry box should have a special quality, sometimes you have to experiment and mesh new items together. It could be quite the explosion.

Written by Elana Pruitt

Visit http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com andwww.myspace.com/talkingchic.

Devon Ball of Saigewear – Designing Active Wear for Women of Size

Devon Ball of Saigewear – Designing Active Wear for Women of Size

The clothes I was given to wear throughout my modeling career were not attractive or appealing, and if I ever had the opportunity to make a difference for women of size I would.

—Devon Ball—

Devon Ball is the founder and designer of Saigewear.  She founded the company over 3 years ago.  Having been a plus-size model herself, she was dissatisfied with the clothes she was provided to shoot in.  There was also a limited amount of clothes available for women who wore the plus sizes.  Out of that frustration, her clothing line was born.

In an industry that caters to smaller sized women, Devon Ball has pioneered a line of active and leisure wear that is not only flattering but promotes healthy body image and positive attitudes.  Ball purports that a lot of full-figured women don’t go to the gym because there is such a minimal selection of workout clothes available, that they just don’t feel comfortable working out in.  She herself realized that the only time she felt comfortable during her fitness regimen was while she was wearing men’s sweats.  Dispelling the myth that the average woman wears a size 5, Saigewear brings fashion to a starved and neglected population of women who deserve to look and feel good about themselves.  I met Devon at the shop in LA that manufactures her t-shirts and was given a glimpse of what this entrepreneur did to get her line out into the world.

All of us who are not a size 00 are grateful to you.

Thank you. I know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to find something that’s flattering, feel confident in, or have clothes that you just want to go to the gym in. It’s really frustrating when you can’t find appealing workout clothes. Also, on the weekends you want to wear a sweat suit or travel on an airplane, and you can’t find really cute gear.

This is casual wear?

It’s casual, leisure, and fitness. This clothing line can be used for the gym, or just for going shopping or to a concert.

Designers have their own techniques of gauging sizes from different models.  How did you determine the sizes for your line?

When I first started Saigewear, I went downtown to different designers, and [I looked for] manufacturers that would distribute really nice fitness wear.  Those clothes [I discovered] were not true to size.  That led me on a very frustrating path trying to find manufacturers that could cater to that need.  That’s what led me to the [realization that I would have to design these clothes myself].  That is what led me to Joanna Le, and I found Judy at Nancy LA because of that very issue.  I needed someone that was actually going to give me some clothes that were going to be true to size, because I wanted women of size to be able to fit into these clothes.  So, I met with Joanna, gave her my vision, and she came back with exactly what I wanted.  We actually sized these sweat suits a size or two up. We used suits that were extra large and made them a 1X or 2X, making that the new large.  We added length, too, because a lot of women who are ‘of size’ are taller.  So we’re not only catering to larger sizes, but taller sizes, too.

But it’s not just plus size is it?

When I would go to festivals, or I am out selling clothes, or doing fashion shows, I decided to cater to everyone, and now the sizes will range from medium to 4X.

Now what is a medium?

A medium is a 7/8 and we’ll take it to 4X, which is a larger size. If we have to go to 5X, I will, because I want to make sure that I am catering to everyone.

So you have the background of a model and a fit model, too.  So you know when things don’t fit.

I am a former Ashley Stewart model. In fact, they were one of the [companies] that gave me my start.  [As a plus size model,] I got knocked out of so many jobs because the things that they gave us to model just weren’t flattering.  So imagine being in front of a camera and you’ve got on these clothes that are tight in the arms, loose in the stomach and they hang over on the neck.  What do you do?  You can’t radiate your true inner beauty.  You’re not confident and you don’t feel at all that you can portray what they want you to.  I got knocked out of a lot of jobs because of that.

The most incredible thing I notice when I am having photo shoots for Saigewear is I don’t care who puts on those clothes, their figures are flattered, they look good, they feel confident, and it’s radiated throughout the pictures.  So if you look on the Internet at the magazine pictures that we have [on our website], my models are happy, and they look good.

What are some of the biggest areas you have to focus on when it comes to women’s bodies?

I think the biggest areas are the middle section, the hips, the rear end, the height, and the length.  And depending on if they’re top-heavy, it could be their arms are an issue.  I am trying to make things that are going to flow with your body.

What are your fabrics?

Right now I’m using cotton, lycra, and there is polyester involved. I don’t know exactly what I am going to pick next, but these materials seem to work very well.

Do your collections come out twice a year?

Well, right now they are coming out twice a year, but as Saigewear grows, I will be adding things in periodically.  I am having so much fun, I am starting to see different designs that I can bring into fruition. As I grow, so will Sagewear.

Where can we buy Saigewear?

Right now, it’s primarily Internet.  However, I am in the process of meeting with buyers. I’m looking at Sears, Macy’s, Lane Bryant, and Ashley Stewart.

Highest High

By just being a former [plus size] model, my passion has always been there. Before, I was always a size 4 to 6.  Once I became plus size, my ‘high’ became greater than me.  It’s almost like I have been instructed to create this [line] to help women want to get in shape, feel good about themselves, and to look good while doing it.

You’re going to help a lot of women’s self-esteem.

That’s exactly what I want to do. Saigewear actually started as a day spa.  This started back in 2003.  Getting $200,000 at that point wasn’t conducive to SBA’s thoughts at the time. They didn’t believe in it; so I kept downsizing, and I pulled out the boutique part, because Saige will eventually be a spa where people enter and regroup, refocus, get the inspiration they need to go out there and be all that they need to be in the world. So this is the very ground level of Saige.

Lowest Low

I was listening to Russell Simmons Do You!, and was just blown away because I think everybody that starts a business venture goes through what he described—I completely ran out of finances.  I put tons of money into [my business], and then I had to go through what worked and didn’t work. Had I known what I know now, I’d be so much farther along.  But with tenacity and hanging in there, the most incredible things have shown up to get me to the next point.  So when I’m at my lowest low, I may get down for a minute, but I am not out!

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs starting a business?

Really hone in on what it is you’re trying to do and make sure that it’s your passion, because if it’s not your passion, you will not stick with it.  This is my passion.  And the only reason why I can stick through the fire and the brimstone of it all is because it is my passion.  Surround yourself with people that are positive—that are going to help you to continue to see your dream, and people who are going to help you get to the next level.  Stay away from a lot of negative energy, because that will only bring you down and help your vision to dissipate.  When you’re doing something so great, you need to have very tight arms around you, because it’s not easy.  Also, choose something that is going to help other people.  I think that if there’s something you’re doing great, you can’t help but get it to other people.  Try to surround yourself with people that have the knowledge.  People that can understand your vision and can put you in touch with people that can help get you to the next level.  Pretty much, just do all your homework, whether it is getting books from the library or finding someone who is already in the profession that you want to get into.  School is never too much.  They offer classes all the time on ways to help you get the skills you need.  Most of all, pray!

Saigewear was featured in LA Focus, Save the Date, and Senior Life. To learn more about Devon Ball and Saigewear, visitwww.saigewear.com.

By Kaylene Peoples

Rachel Pally – Designing for All Shapes and Sizes

Rachel Pally – Designing for All Shapes and Sizes

Oprah’s Favorite Things show, which aired Last November 2007, only reinforced what I already knew about Rachel Pally’s designs.  They’re fantastic, figure-flattering, and very universal.  Pally’s Swing Turtleneck and Sailor Pants proved to be a big hit on the top-rated talk show. Rachel Pally’s designs have been featured in countless magazines, and have become favorites among celebrities. Pally launched her collection back in 2004 at Los Angeles Fashion Week, and that collection has gained the momentum of a snowball rolling downhill ever since.  She has discovered the formula which makes every woman look and feel feminine, no matter what her size.

I remember that first collection. It was my very first time at Fashion Week, and I have to be honest, I expected stick figures in ‘unwearable’ garments to be walking down Rachel Pally’s catwalk. But to my delight, I saw clothes that even I could wear. Her collection was a women’s contemporary line, which utilized draping made from jersey to create sensual and beautiful tops, pants, dresses, and skirts.  Ever since that day, I have been a die-hard fan of Rachel Pally’s designs. Imagine my sheer delight when I discovered that she had also come out with a plus-size line. In keeping with this season’s theme, RealWomen-Real Fashion, I thought an interview with the designer herself would be an added bonus to this issue.

I’ve seen your work for quite a few seasons, and of course, I am a woman with curves. So your line really does appeal to me.  How do you get inspired?


I get inspired by looking at women and seeing the way women put themselves together.  I watch movies and read magazines, but I am definitely inspired by a variety of women.

When did you get started?

I started my business after college. I graduated in 2002 from Berkley, and I made a set of samples, carried them around, and found a new PR firm that was just starting and was able to take me on for next to nothing.

Has your family been very supportive of your designing?

My family has been very supportive.  Nobody’s actually involved with the business, but just in having an incredible support system.  Everybody’s very proud of me, and everybody tries to play their part for sure.

What caught my eye about your clothes, in particular, is that they are very figure-flattering for women of all figure-types.  What made you decide to design for that particular type of body as opposed to…?

The tiny contemporary shopper?

Exactly.

I make sure that in every season I have something for everybody.  In fact, I [not too long ago] launched a plus-size line that is exclusive to Nordstrom.  So saying that I was able to dress everybody in the contemporary market [isn’t true].  In fact, I was not able to dress everybody.  So, I added the second division in order to make sure that I can dress a larger woman as well as 0-12.  To me that’s super important.  I feel there are a lot of lines out there that don’t cater to everybody and there are plenty of women out there who would love to find great fashions to make them look fantastic.

Have there been any challenges in creating designs for plus size?

No, and for the most part we used designs that were selling in the other departments—in the contemporary departments.  Instead of having to design specific clothes for a larger woman, why can’t a larger woman just wear the same clothes, but in her own size?  So, we’ve definitely made some changes with the patterns and changed the way things were fitting. But for the most part I don’t feel like there’s any reason why that customer has to have something totally different, as opposed to being able to go to Nordstrom and finding the same piece in the Savvy Departmentas they find in the Encore Department, which I think is definitely the way that I’d like to take that kind of division.  That option doesn’t exist for a plus-size woman.

I really think it’s great. Like for instance with the Dove Campaign…

…And Tyra Banks having this whole backlash for those [unflattering] photographs, I think it is.  We have to be realistic about what women look like, and how there’s no reason why women can’t find gorgeous clothes to wear that make them look great.  There’s no reason a size 12 or size 16 or size 24 woman can’t look fantastic in her clothes.  It’s nice to give that option to people.  There isn’t another option. It doesn’t really exist in the market.

In creating your designs, was there any one particular body type that you felt was more challenging?

It’s definitely harder to fit the plus-size groups because women carry their weight in such different ways. But no, I work with jersey.  It’s stretchy and you kind of make do. And not every piece is going to look good on everybody.  But everybody in my office tries every piece on when we go through our sample fittings.  We all have very different bodies, so it’s very important that everything looks at least good on everybody.  It may not necessarily be the individual pieces we may want to purchase for ourselves, but it’s important to see that it works.  Since I work with such a forgiving fabric, which cut the wrong way is not forgiving, but the way that we do it it’s so forgiving that dressing some women over other women is not so [difficult].

So jersey is your main choice of fabric then?

Yes. We’ve done other fabrications, including a cashmere line, accented pieces with satin, we did a fur holiday group, and there will be some changes.  We will continue to add new elements, but for the most part it’s just jersey.

How well is the plus line that you launched with Nordstrom doing?

So far we’ve done very well. It’s selling online at Nordstrom.com. We’ve gotten a great amount of feedback.  But it’s going to take a little while because it’s a brand new idea for that market.  It’s not just another cute line that is available in thecontemporary market.  It’s something totally unexpected and different for a woman who is accustomed to having to wear those polyester printed moo moos.  So it may take a little while for it to catch on, but so far the feedback has been so glowing.

What are your price points?

The price points are about $150 for tops and about $250 for dresses. And it might be a little higher than that because it’s a little pricier than our regular contemporary line.

Highest High

My highest high was seeing a photograph of Sarah Jessica Parker in the Caftan dress.  And seeing a picture of Jessica Simpson in the Gaucho pants—and they took off everywhere.  I was just in Thailand, and my pants are still knocked off and hanging up on all those kiosks all over Bangkok.  You can still find my Rachel Pally pants everywhere.  That’s insane to be able to see that and say to myself, “Nobody around here knows, but I made those pants!  I started that!” And now years later, you can find them all over the world.  That’s definitely a high.

That’s a huge high!

Lowest Low

(Laughs) My lowest low was getting myself through reports today at Macy’s on the East Coast!  It’s business, and there are times when there are lows. But it’s never been anything that you can’t recover from, luckily for me, at this point of my career. I just keep making it happen.  I can’t get discouraged and you just keep pushing it through.  The lows are very fleeting.  The highs are very exciting.

As a successful fashion designer, what advice would you offer to someone who’s up and coming and trying to also achieve the same success?

I always feel like I give the same advice.  If you are interested in becoming a designer and having your own business, go to college.  No need to start and stop with design school.  There are a lot of things you can learn along the way, but you have to have your brain trained to solve problems, act fast, and think quickly.  That to me has been my biggest asset.  I did go to school and I did work really hard and I trained my brain to be fast.  I think that that has really helped me more than a design class.  There are amazing designers who came out of design school, but for me and the path that I took, my education was the most important thing.

What was your major in college?

I did city planning, cultural geography, and dance.  And I did very random things to have ended up in this industry.  But at the same time, thinking is thinking.

Do you think that because of the complex major that you had, this is why you’re able to think outside of the box and dress for all types of women as opposed to your standard?

Having a dance background is the reason that I can dress for all types of women.  I understand the body and I understand the way people move and I understand where things should fall and how things should drape—all based on costumes and based on movement.  I’m sure some of it has to do with the diversity in my interests over the years.  But I look at my collection and I think, “Wow, I was so clearly a dancer.”  There are things in my wardrobe that look like things that I had to wear as costumes, and things that I would have loved to have worn, instead of other things.  I feel like that’s where the roots are for sure.

What’s next for Rachel Pally?

I am just trying to continue to evolve and keep the line exciting.  There’s a lot of competition in the jersey market.  It’s nice to continue to offer exciting prints or exciting trims or different types of belts, accessories, and to make sure that we stay a step ahead of our game so that we can keep it fresh and keep our buyers excited. hel Pally, visit her website at www.rachelpally.com, and to purchase items from Rachel Pally’s plus-size line, visit Nordstrom’s stores or Nordstrom online.

By Kaylene Peoples

Lindy Flowers – Turning Modeling into a Longtime Career

Lindy Flowers – Turning Modeling into a Longtime Career

Lindy Flowers is a fashion model who has graced several magazine covers, been featured in countless editorials, is a runway model for Chanel, Donna Karan, Bill Blass, Oscar Del La Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Giorgio Armani, just to name a few. She has done umpteen runway shows for every designer imaginable.  She has been steadily working for almost ten years in an industry whose average lifespan is only 3-5 years.  And now Lindy is Agenda Magazine‘s spokesmodel.

Hello, Lindy, and welcome to the Agenda Magazine Family.  Would you mind sharing with our readers how long you have been modeling?

My first experience in modeling started back in high school when the most popular girl in school, Jessica, was taking a class at one of the local modeling schools, and I decided I wanted to be cool and popular like her.  So when she asked me to take the modeling class with her, I decided to do [the six week] class, and it gave me a taste of the modeling world.  I never thought that I could continue modeling and that it would be a career for me until one summer after my first year of college.  The boss’s son at a company where I worked asked me to shoot with his photographer friend.  I just thought he was trying to hit on me.  But his friend came through, and we had the photo shoot.  I got some free photos out of it, and he took the photos to an agency. . .and it started from there.

What are some of the things you’ve actually done as a model?

Modeling is awesome. It’s been an experience to learn about different cultures, about different people, a variety of different things. I have had the opportunity to travel overseas to places like South Africa, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, as well as the European markets, too: Paris, Vienna, Spain.  These are opportunities I never would have gotten in my everyday life.

Aside from being well-traveled, you’re quite the package.

I like to think so (she laughs). At least I sell that to the agents and the clients in the industry.

What’s your favorite kind of modeling?


I like the variety that modeling has to offer, but I’d have to say ultimately that print work is fun.  It’s creating a finished product that I like to see.

Are there any perks to modeling?  Have any designers ever given you one of their designs?

Yes, in fact that is one of the perks of modeling.  I had met Donna Karan.  I had done her fashion show in Beverly Hills, and after the show, four of the models [I was one of the four] stayed behind for the press.  We shot pictures standing next to Donna Karan in her creations while the press was shooting her.  At the end of it, she gave us the boots that we wore in the show.  I had never seen models change so fast. . .and we have to change fast in the shows. . .but we changed so fast so that she wouldn’t change her mind.  She gave us those beautiful boots that I still have to this day and will cherish because it’s one of my favorite things I have ever gotten.  

Let’s talk about the print work. What are some of the magazines you shot for?

Pregnancy Magazine was my most recent magazine.  I was pregnant with my second child, and that was really fun, just to know that I could continue modeling while I was pregnant, and to do something as wonderful as a pregnancy magazine cover.  Other magazines range from Cosmo to local magazines.  I shot South African magazines.  Each country has a different set of magazines like the Vogues and the Bizarres. I have yet to do aVogue.  If anybody out there from Vogue would like to shoot me, hey, I’m all yours.

Is there anything particularly difficult about modeling, or does it all come naturally to you

At a time when most people would quit, I was told my nose is too big, or I’m too skinny, or too fat, etc. The negative aspect is the most difficult part.  And the emotional part—to be able to take the criticism. The part of being able to be who you are when most people are telling you that you’re this way or you’re that way. And that’s probably the most difficult part of it.

You have a baby, and you don’t look like you’ve had a baby at all.  What is your secret to staying in shape?  You look amazing!

Thank you.  I have been very blessed genetically, because with this being my second baby, I was not quite as lucky.  So the first time in my life I learned how to use a treadmill. It’s a funny story.  As I was standing there trying to use the treadmill, pushing the buttons [with no results], I was hollering to the guy, my treadmill’s broken.  Well, it just started up.  I didn’t realize there was a countdown.  So I’m still learning how to work out and stay in shape.  I did play sports growing up, but hadn’t done such a structured routine.  I do yoga and a lot of walking, especially with the kids, just to get out and help clear my head.  It keeps me in shape.

Do you eat healthy food or do you just eat what you want?

Again, after having the baby. . .and I have met a lot of friends that have small children and are really into healthy food. . .and I’ve always been a fast food junkie, I’m finding that I’m not so much a fast food junkie anymore, and I think that that helps with my complexion, my overall feeling. It’s nice to have a strong core immune system and healthy food balance. So I have definitely stepped up. That’s not to say that I’m not going to swing through drive-through every now and then, but I definitely eat a lot healthier; and I am more conscious of it.

Well, you do have beautiful skin.  Let’s talk about some of your runway work.

The show that I was the most excited to book was the Guess show. They had their big anniversary show and they brought all the designers in from Italy.  My entire agency had gone on the casting, and two of us got called back, and I ended up booking the show.  They used girls from all over the world.  The sexiness combined with fashion. . .it was a spectacular night.  It was a spectacular show.  I was really sick that night.  My dream. . .I landed this show.  I was so excited. And before I landed on the runway, I was as sick as can be, but I ended up seeing the video from the show and it ended up turning out really nice.  That was probably my most exciting runway show that I have done.

How has having children impacted your modeling career?

As a mom with two children, [and they are also becoming involved in the industry as well], I actually get more excited when they book a job than when I book a job. I’m not the stage mom, but I get so excited for them. Even if it’s just a shot in Parents Magazine, I’m bragging about that. It’s so fun to watch them cruise through the industry, too. And to be able to know what I know and be able to shield them from things.

Highest High

My highest high was being treated so well on a job that I did forWomen’s Value Magazine. It’s a South African magazine.  I was here in Los Angeles, and they really wanted me for the shoot.  They paid to have me come out.  So I flew out there [to South Africa] and we stayed in the best of the best resorts.  I felt like a super model.  The photos were beautiful, and I made the cover of that magazine as well.  That was such a high for me to see that cover, to be treated so well, and to feel so special.

Lowest Low

My lowest low was after spending a month in Aspen Greece, pounding the pavement and going on audition after audition and not booking a single job and thinking, “What am I doing?” I had no money. I was the only model sitting in my apartment while everyone else was out on their bookings, and at this point the agency wasn’t giving me any castings because I wasn’t getting response.  I thought, “Why did I think I could do this?” That was the lowest point. I overcame that of course by going home and regrouping and being amongst friends and family, and people that loved me and pushing through and trying again. It was a very humbling experience, because until that point, I had been working every market–they loved me, I had jobs, and it was extremely humbling. . .and I really needed that.

So what’s next for Lindy Flowers?

Well, Agendamag (she laughs). I’m really kind of moving forward and really enjoying the hosting, speaking out and talking with people, and sharing experiences. So I think I’m moving in that direction. I’ll continue to do the modeling. I love it.  It’s my heart’s desire.  I love each new booking that I get, and each new client that I meet.

By Kaylene Peoples

The Many Facets of Coco Johnsen – Her Next Stop, Designing!

The Many Facets of Coco Johnsen – Her Next Stop, Designing!

Coco Johnsen has graced the pages of countless magazines as a model, including Essence, Glamour, and Vibe.  As an actress and former Lee Strasburg student, she was featured in the television shows The Parkersand Judging Amy, just to name a few.  There has been some controversy surrounding the former model/actress regarding her affiliation with Playboy, but she has dispelled any untruths in her blog.  After all, hobnobbing with celebrities like Anna Nicole Smith and Coolio, as well as constantly being sought after by paparazzi, do tend to make people exaggerate.  Oh yeah, and she’s also writing a book.  But I digress.  The reason for this article has nothing to do with gossip columns or what someone may or may not have engaged in years past.  My sole purpose of writing this article is to celebrate a person who has overcome adversity and has always landed on her feet.  If I didn’t know better, I’d think Coco Johnsen has nine lives.

How do you explain being raised in an orphanage, spending her formative years in foster care, and dealing with the harsh realities of the deep South filled with provincial attitudes and racial intolerance?  In most cases, you can’t.  But Coco Johnsen has proven repeatedly that she is the exception to the rules.

I interviewed a stylist a couple of years ago named Ty-Ron Mayes, who turned me on to a new designer named Coco Johnsen, who was launching her collection at LA Fashion week back in October 2007.  Her spring 2008 collection was a big hit—again, no big surprise there.  Everything this woman does is stellar.  She not only has a successful clothing line, but she also designs shoes, and has an accessory line that includes high end sunglasses, belts, etc.  Even her ad campaigns look like they have multi-million dollar budgets.  So who is this mysterious chameleon?  And what does she have to offer the fashion industry?  A lot.

How did you get started as a fashion designer?

I decided that I wanted to go back to school.  I had been a flight attendant for Delta Airlines for 13 years.  I realized I was getting older. I was traveling a lot.  So I got to see a lot of the world.  I was moonlighting with my modeling career for 20 years.  So I just wanted a little bit more, and I always was interested in design.  I attended the Fashion Institute of Design, and it opened up a whole new world.  I found an investor that was interested in helping, and it evolved from there.  And here I am today.

Did being a model influence your decision to become a fashion designer?

Oh, definitely!  Just traveling around the world and being in London and Paris, and especially for me, Milan, had a great influence on me when I was there.  I didn’t have a very good modeling career there.  I was too short.  I remember going to a couple of the big agencies and being told, “Unfortunately, black models don’t work here.”  And I told them I had friends in New York that were models and they did quite well.  They responded, “Yeah, because they’re 5’11.  We use them for shows.”  So I was a little discouraged.  I remember gettingback on the plane and going back to New York really disappointed that they weren’t able to see that I could do lingerie or swimwear.  And at that time in New York, there weren’t that many markets as there are now for swimwear models.  There were lots of markets for hair products that were in the black market, or a limited amount of swimsuits.  It was mostly work for video.  So I just took what I had seen as far as gowns, and the beautiful dresses that I saw when I was there in the shops.  I just used that and kept that in my mind to influence me for the future.  I just kept traveling around and doing what I could do to see myself in the future past modeling.  And that’s what led me to where I am now.

Tell me about whom you design for.

The Coco Johnsen woman is very feminine.  She is an individual, yet she can go with the trend. . .but yet powerful.  It’s really for a forward thinking type of woman who’s thinking, “I have this blouse now, and I want to be able to wear this next season.”  What jacket can I make that’s going to accentuate what she has?

What are some of your fabrics that you use?

We use silk, silk dupiani, the finest cottons, and jersey.  And in our fall collection we have wool.  So we’re really thinking about giving you something that you can retain for a long time.  And it’s a work of art.  My last collection was very focused on the French renaissance period.  A lot of our tops (tops with high collars), I made them so that if you had a jacket, it would accentuate what you were going to wear.  Even if you were in the office during the day, you could take your jacket off at night to go meet up with someone at a cocktail party.  So these are the kinds of things that I’m thinking about.  I believe a lot of that influence comes from me living in New York City, and packing a lot of stuff with me, when I’m walking around the city and being able to pull my jacket out if I need to.  Or put it on or take it off for an event.

Is Coco Johnsen couture?

Oh yes, definitely couture.  Our tops range from $150 for our ready to wear. Our gowns range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to $5,000.  We have a dress that’s $12,000.  And our clothes are manufactured in Brazil.  The workmanship and artisans there need to be recognized.  That’s the difference between a garment that you could buy at Macy’s, compared to something you can buy at Coco Johnsen’s.  Not many people will be walking around in that garment.  You know when you come to us, you’re going to have a top or pant that not many people will be able to have.  That’s one of the reasons that we’re in that niche of luxury line.coco johnsen spring 2008 garments

How did you decide to become a couturier?

I always loved the couture pieces.  Some of my favorite designers are Vivienne Westwood., Jean Paul Gaultier, and Chanel.  When you’re living in New York City, you aspire to wear those clothes.  Especially for me, having grown up in the South, it was my dream to be able to wear one of those tops or dresses. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be neat to be able to design in that way?  Use the same types of fabrics and be able to [enable just about] anyone to purchase that, and not be so far above what you can afford?”  That’s why we’re sort of falling in between the other designers in our price points.  We’re trying to wholesale a little bit under what you might find from Chanel, Monique L’Huillier, or Kevan Hall.  And those designers do inspire me.

What’s a typical day for Coco Johnsen?

I’m working on both lines now.  coco johnsen shoesWe started out with our couture collection Coco Johnsen, and then we added the ready to wear line Coco Johnsen Ready toWear.  And then we added sandals with Swarovsky crystals.  Every day could be a different project.  Because of the time restraints with Brazil, it could take up to 6 to 10 weeks to get a garment back to us.  So we are looking every day for new ways to make our products better, and to keep our price points as low as we can, but still make a profit.

Do you do your own pattern making and sketching, or do you have someone that does it for you?

A little bit of both.  Later on today, I’ll have a sketch artist come in and I will dictate what I’d like to see.  Maybe change the sleeve or make the skirt length this season below the knee.  Maybe sit with her for a couple of hours and flesh out what we want to have on the page, and she’ll go back and work on that on her computer.  Then, she’ll come back to me.  It can go through 2 or 3 revisions.  I also sketch as well, but because I am the CEO of this company, I have so many responsibilities.  I can’t sketch out every line as I would like to.  And I don’t do patterns. (Laughs) Some people don’t do windows.  I don’t do patterns!  I can tell you exactly what I want to see or what kind of cuts I would like.  The lines are very clean.  For my last collection they were a little broader.  And for every season I’m thinking about what I’d like to see.  As a woman, I do take my own taste into consideration.  I am not going to produce something or put something out that’s not going to flatter a woman’s physique.  And I do take different sizes into consideration.  Not only am I designing for a size 0 to a 2 to a 4 to a 6 and 8, but in seasons to come, we will be looking to design for our full-figured ladies size 12, 14, 16, and 18.  We don’t want to leave them out.

Highest High

Our first fashion week at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last season for our spring collection.  I was exhausted, but it was a definite high to see what we had designed go down the runway.  And the applause for the clothes—they really appreciate that we did something you could wear every day.  Sometimes, myself included, I will only design stuff for editorial use.  And sometimes it can be confusing to the consumer, if they’re looking us up to see what our collection was for that season.  They think, “I can’t’ wear that.” I really wanted our first collection to reflect that we are thinking about what you’re going to wear every day, a special occasion.  We did a 64-piece collection.  Something in there should be right for you.  No matter what size you wear.  You’d be able to find something in the collection that would accentuate your wardrobe.

Coco Johnsen Ready to Wear - Soring 08 Collection

That’s a big showing for a first-time showing, too.  That was very ambitious.

It’s always scary a little bit, because you don’t have anyone to really bounce that idea off of.  The collections move so fast.  I don’t think the public realizes that once a designer puts a collection out, they only have 3 months before they have to show their next collection.  And that’s a lot of work.  Some new designers will show a big collection like we did with 64 pieces and then they’ll skip the next season and then show you a next spring or fall.  We’re actually putting out another fall.  We’re limiting the collection in order to do it right, and to get the pieces forward that we believe are the strongest pieces for that collection.  But it is a challenge every season.  So I would say my lowest low would be realizing that we’re not able to do all of the things and produce all of the pieces that we initially designed. We may design 120 pieces, but the public may only see 64 of those pieces.  And sometimes that’s a bit of a letdown.  As designers, we have this vision of what we want to see and the pieces all interconnect.  But there may be pieces missing from the collection that are either too expensive to reproduce, or because of the lack of availability, it becomes one-of-a-kind.

Did you experience any obstacles when trying to start your business?

How much time do you have!  There are so many obstacles to overcome that I decided to write a book about it.  My book is calledFrivolous and it’s about the industry coming from a model’s point of view.  All these things that were happening to me like ordering fabric from a factory and you find out after you’ve made the garment, the factory is out of business, or the fabric’s not available.  So you just learn as you’re moving and progressing into this business that there are certain obstacles that you cannot avoid.  Because the fashion business is a frivolous business, finding funding is a challenge.  Let’s say you put into a shop a garment that’s taken you 3 months to make, it’s a trendy garment.  It’s gone.  Next season it’s out.  That fabric might not be in any more.  So I try to design around that and not to make my pieces go out.  You learn through designing and a lot of obstacles like spending a lot of money for fabric and then discovering that you can’t use it.  These are things that you can only learn from being in the business.  And the books that I’ve read [on the subject] don’t really touch on that.  Or say for example, the back end part of it of having co-designers that you work with.  Sometimes it doesn’t work out.  Sometimes they want to have their name above yours even though they’re not funding the company.  So these are the types of things that happen when you start a small business like I have.  And then I would like people to understand and to know before they get into this business that when you’re designing it’s not just about the designs.  It’s about the business side of being in the business.  If you’re going to be a designer, you have to learn accounting, payroll, taxation, incorporation.  I want to put it into a language that everyday people will understand.

That leads to my next question.  What advice would you give to an upcoming designer?

Learn all different variables of design, not just the pretty pictures—not just wanting to be in the magazine.  It would be good to find a way to your dream and it may not always be the most conventional way.  It may not always be the most popular way.  And don’t let people discourage you from it, like I did as a model.  I’m really only 5’7, but I said I was 5’8 on my comp card.  Whatever your dream is, you have to find a way to make that happen for you.  You have to love what you’re doing.  I would encourage especially women that want to be in this business, to understand the business-side before you jump in.

Where do you see Coco Johnsen 5 years from now?

I see the label growing and hopefully being something that I can be proud of.  Eventually being all over the world and being known for the quality that we produce.  I don’t mind if we don’t produce or sell as much volume as you might find in a Macy’s or Bloomindale’s.  As long as the quality is there and the fit is true to what I am designing for, I’ll be happy with that.

Any last words?

Again, back to starting your business, I’d like to say enjoy your life and appreciate every day, and appreciate your clothes.

To learn more about Coco Johnsen’s designs, visitwww.cocojohnsenboutique.com.

By Kaylene Peoples

Apollonia Kotero – What Has She Done Lately?

Apollonia Kotero – What Has She Done Lately?

I am not sure how many of you remember the actress/singer Apollonia Kotero.  She starred in the oscar-winning movie Purple Rain back in 1984, and had a hit single “Sex Shooter” from her group Apollonia 6.  She has appeared in television shows, including Night Rider, Chips, Falcon Crest, and Fantasy Island.  She was in the films Back to Back, Black Magic Woman, and Ministry of Vengeance, just to name a few.  Her duet with Prince, “Take Me with You,” on the Purple Rain soundtrack ended up becoming her biggest hit to date.  But what has Patricia Apollonia Kotero done lately?

Last season I was seated next to her at fashion designer Joseph Domingo’s runway show at Fashion Week and was introduced to the beautifully, well-preserved Apollonia.  Having seen Purple Rain—I own the sound track—I was very much aware of who Apollonia was.  As we chatted before the show, she expressed her like for Joseph Domingo’s designs, as well as mentioning a few other designers she liked.  I thought it would be a great idea to shoot her for Agenda Magazine.  She agreed, and we had an informal interview, where I learned so much more about this very talented and impassioned woman.

Apollonia, would you mind sharing with our readers what you are up to these days?

I am excited to be attending AFI Woman’s Workshop for directing.  Maya Angelou, my idol, has taken the class.  I was in AFI in the early 90s.  I went through a divorce and lost my focus.  So I fell out of school back then.

You have a production company now?

Yes, it’s called Kotero Entertainment.  It’s a multi-media production company.  I have several lawyers, an agent, and we represent everything from art directors to directors to actors, actresses. . .and I have a little girl who is only 12 and sings like Billie Holiday.  We develop scripts.

What led you to develop the company?

There are so many talented people out there without guidance.  And I just know what it was like when I was growing up, and how difficult it was for me being a woman/minority.  Many times you don’t know anybody and you’re not related to anybody and it’s really tough.  It started off as a mentorship, and it became a full fledged company.

Was it a difficult thing to start?

Not really, I put my mind to it.  I always believe in what Shakespeare said, “The company makes the feast,” with the right group of people.  You have to be selective, trust the right people, trust [in] their ingenuity, talent, and their integrity.

You had mentioned earlier there have been a lot of things printed. . .some were true some weren’t.  Then you mentioned about some of the struggles as a Latina coming up in this industry.  I would love to hear a little bit about that, and how you overcame it.

It’s something that I think is pretty universal, being Latina, being first generation.  It also goes with the African-American actress—the ghetto gangster, the Latina maid, housekeeper, prostitute.  Those are the difficult things I think we all face in this industry.  Having to drive from the South Bay to auditions in my car that was falling apart. . .I was driving 5 days a week for casting and auditions; [and I heard things like] well. . .  “They went for the all-American girl,” or “You’re not tall enough, or “You don’t really look Latin.”  It was really tough, but I was never discouraged.  I have the fear of God in me.  And my family [encouraged me].  You realize that you’re not the only one going through that, especially for me in the early 80s.  Now you have a plethora of different versatile actors from all over the world.  There are more Latin shows like Ugly Betty, produced by Salma Hayek, who I adore.  It goes on.  But it’s taken so many years.  When I was cast in the film with Prince, it was just a mysterious woman.  I don’t think I’ve really played a Latina.  Out of all the parts I played in TV and film, the only time I got to play Latin with a Latin accent was just a few years ago on Air America with Lorenzo Llamas.

So you’re saying the face of the industry has changed a lot since the early 80s when you had first gotten involved.

Absolutely.  You look at people before that, I don’t remember anybody Latin when I was auditioning before except Ricardo Maltaban and Eric Estrada.  I can’t remember someone I looked up to other than the old school stars like Dolores Del Río, Rachel Welch, Freddie Prinz, and Desi Arnaz.  But there was nobody out there [who] I [could emulate].  They were older women, not the young hot Latina.

Going back to AFI, is the reason you decided to become a director?which is a huge thing?to maybe help steer Latin-based movies to open the doors for some other actors?

For me, when you start looking at an actor in another extension, the writer becomes the director, the actor becomes the writer/director.  It’s always in the same industry.  It’s all interconnected.  There’s a real chemistry when you write a script.  And then you see so many actors/writers who’ve become directors. . . for me, there are only 7 percent of women directing.  When you look from Julie Taymor to Penny Marshall, there are just a few.  One of the first Latin female directors back in the 40s was Ida Lupino.  It took Selma Heyak 10 years to get that movie [ Frida ] shot.  She never let go of Frida Kahlo.  She was ambitious, and she’d run you over if you didn’t listen.

As far as directing, I’d like to direct all varieties, whether it’s a music video or a comedy piece.  It doesn’t have to be a Latino-type story.  I was born in Southern California.  I live in Hawaii, and I surf (she laughs).  So it could be about anything as long as I have a passion for the words on the paper.

Tell me about the jewelry line you’re designing.

I am designing a line of Jewelry with Steven Zale, geared toward ladies of elegance.  If you can’t afford to go to Harry Winston, I can provide a great piece of jewelry, which is just as beautiful and just as well-made a design.   I’ll have a rings and little pink diamonds that are affordable—jewelry couture.  I think you can really tell a lot about a lady by the jewelry that she wears, or doesn’t wear.

What are the price points on some of the pieces?

We really haven’t discussed it, but I want to make sure that it’s something that is affordable.  We could do a variety of different pieces at different prices.

This is fine jewelry, then?

Yes.  It’s real.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I am also [involved with] a movie called the ” Winged Man,” I am helping them as a supporter.  [As a supporter I mean that] I’m doing whatever I can to help them out, and I have donated to their cause.  It’s a 15-minute short, directed by Marya Mazor, written by Jose´ Rivera; and Anna Ortiz from Ugly Betty is in it.

Apollonia Kotero is heavily involved in Project Angel Food LA, Nosotros, Women in Film, Los Angeles Mission, LULAC, The Violence Intervention Program Los Angeles, and The Wall of Las Memorias.  To learn more about Apollonia, visit her websitewww.myspace.com/apolloniakotero.

By Kaylene Peoples

Florida for the Holidays

ROMANCE ON THE ROAD

By Marilyn Anderson & Dennis Lanning

FLORIDA FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Christmas is around the corner-and that means travel for lots of us.  Where to go and what to do for the holidays?  For lovers who like their holiday cheer warm and wonderful, there’s no place better than Florida.  Forget the snow, and head to the Sunshine State with its beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants, and sights, and take in all the glittery Christmas decorations-along with sun, sand, and ocean!

Our Florida Issue features fabulous finds on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. From the elegant and romantic to the cute and casual-come visit with us in

* Coral Gables, Miami, and Miami Beach

* Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale

* Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach

* Naples on the Gulf Coast

Featured Hotels:

Biltmore Coral Gables-Miami

Hotel Nash, Miami Beach

Sundy House, Delray Beach

Hollywood Beach Marriott

The Inn on Fifth, Naples

Featured Restaurants:

Afterglo

Tantra Restaurant and Lounge

Wish

Fratelli La Bufala

Le Tub

Nick’s Fishmarket of Hawaii

Brazillian Tropicana

Naples Tomato

Featured Attractions:

The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

The Schooner Lady Stirling

…and much more!

Fabulous Florida Finds…for the Holidays or Any Day!

Coral Gables, Florida

For a romantic stay extraordinaire…

BILTMORE CORAL GABLES – MIAMI

The Biltmore is a National Historical Landmark, located in the residential enclave of Coral Gables, slightly west of Miami, Florida.  It is a magnificent structure worthy of its status and impressive both inside and out.  Filled with magnificent architectural features and arts and crafts, the hotel has a rich history, complete with folklore legends of the famous and infamous.

Besides being a hotel, over the years The Biltmore was a hospital, a government center, a banquet and wedding facility, and then was closed for years.  It is now owned by the City of Coral Gables and skillfully operated by The Leading Hotels of the World.

The Biltmore was originally built by George Merrick in 1926.  He envisioned his plush palace merely as a place for people to stay while they attended auctions for his land. At the time, none of the area was developed-but George thought it could be a resort surrounded by expensive homes on land that he owned.  George was one smart fellow!

But, you wonder, if it was built by George Merrick, why is it called the Biltmore? Merrick knew the “Biltmore” name had a reputation for elegance and luxury, so he asked his friend Biltmore if he could use the name.

And what a place he built!  It oozes quiet elegance and romance. Everywhere you look, everything you see is a beautiful work of art or intricate craft.  It has three ornate ballrooms, each with its own architectural identity, and the largest hotel swimming pool in the continental United States.  It was a grand sight as we sat at the pool bar, treated to the sounds of Reggae music by a local band.

Guest amenities include a Donald Ross designed golf course, 10,000 square foot fitness center, 10 tennis courts, health spa, and of course, the seductively secret poolside cabana suites, with butler service. And, are they discreet!  It also has a mystery suite, originally named for a famous Mafioso.

Want to sightsee and don’t feel like driving or walking?  There’s even a complimentary horse and carriage to take lovers around the area.  Don’t miss this!

The Biltmore has several restaurants, including the Palm D’Or, theCellar Door, the 1200 Courtyard Grill and the Cascade. Biltmore BarPalm d'OrCascadeThe famousBiltmore Barfrequently hosts celebrities and stars of the past and present.  Each of these places is distinctive and exceptional-and makes it easy for you to enjoy romantic wining and dining, along with the spirit of the holidays, without ever having to leave the hotel.

Our remodeled suite was a cross between traditional and contemporary with the most comfortable bed, bedding and towels found anywhere.  Light, bright, and extremely comfortable, it had double-sided TV screens between the bedroom and sitting room.  The spacious bathroom was a welcome treat.  The window from our front-facing room covered the brightly decorated hotel entry and offered charming views of old Coral Gables, with Christmas lights glittering under the twinkling sky.

Our stay at the Biltmore was memorable for the beauty and elegance of its outstanding property, its truly romantic atmosphere, and the genuine friendliness of the staff.  All of these give the Biltmore a special place in our hearts, and it’s why so many guests want to return.  We know we do…as soon as possible.

BILTMORE CORAL GABLES – MIAMI
1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
800-915-1926
www.biltmorehotel.com

A Special Christmas Romantic Attraction…

CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Coral Gables Congrgational ChurchRight across from the Biltmore Hotel is the Coral Gables Congregational Church.  As we returned to the hotel from South Beach on Christmas Eve, the entire area was dark, secluded and quiet, until we noticed a light at the church.  A glow seemed to emanate from the ground.  We soon realized that there were lit candles lining the pavement.  We parked the car and followed the candles to the door of the Church.  Entering, we saw it was packed with people at 11 p.m.  We had arrived just in time for their Christmas Eve Services!

The Coral Gables Congregational Church is non-denominational; and they happily welcome folks from any religion, ethnicity, age, or sexual orientation. There was a concert first-with a variety of singers, including a full choir, classical soloists, and an R & B duo.  Next was a heartfelt service, with more music that went on until past midnight.  Then everyone wished each other Merry Christmas and filed outside.  We were touched by the love of the people all around us and will always remember this incredible Christmas night.  If you’re in the area, put it on your Christmas list!

CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
3010 De Soto Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305.448.7421
www.coralgablescongregational.org

* * *

Where to eat a casual breakfast?

SERGIO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

Sergio's Family RestaurantWhere do you go for breakfast on Christmas Day?  Well, if you are in Coral Gables, you don’t have much choice-everything is closed.  Driving along the deserted Coral Way in desperate need of calories, we finally arrived at a food oasis with a packed parking lot and a line out the door.  We had found sustenance!

Appearing something like a Cuban version of Denny’s from the outside, it was much different when we made it in the door.  Although the line was long, the wait was short, since the turnover was quick.

Inside, Sergio’s was a frenzy of activity between take-out and eat-in, and large tables filled with families.  The menu is in Spanish (English translation available) and offers all the Cuban food specialties you could desire. We quickly changed our minds about ordering breakfast since their menu had so many other interesting items.

Marilyn likes plantains and Sergio’s has 5 different versions, so she had to try them.  She ordered chicken fajitas with rice, beans and mouras(fried plantains). Different from the Mexican version we are familiar with, the fajitas were tasty and plentiful…and she loved the plantains.

Likewise, Dennis abandoned his white bread French toast idea for something a little different, Pan con Bistec. This is a Cuban steak sandwich composed of cooked thin-sliced meat on a long roll with lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions on the bottom and French fried potato sticks on the top. Whoa!!  Sergio unknowingly delivered his Christmas present to Dennis. What a delicious surprise!

So don’t fret if you’re stuck without a place to eat in the Coral Gables/Miami area on a holiday. Just drive until you find Sergio’s.  They have 2 locations, modest prices and long hours.  And excellent Cuban food!

SERGIO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
3252 Coral Way
Coral Gables, FL 33145
(305) 529-0047

Miami Beach, Florida

Where to stay…

HOTEL NASH

The Nash joins the ranks of boutique hotels lining South Beach streets these days, but with a distinctive difference: three intimate swimming pools filled with freshwater, saltwater, and mineral water, respectively, occupy a courtyard garden. It’s a small but personal space that includes cabanas and outdoor seating for Mark’s, their popular in-house restaurant.Hotel Nash

The 1930s building, tenderly renovated to chic standards, is located in what is now known as the Art Deco District of Miami Beach. The lobby is cool modern with the same theme carried over to each of the hotel’s 50+ rooms and suites. Furnishings are minimalist and adequate, conveying the post-modern emphasis on simplicity and casual elegance.

HOTEL NASH
1120 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
800.403.NASH(6274)
www.hotelnash.com

* * *

Romantic Restaurants in Miami Beach

afterglo

aftergloEntering this chic South Beach establishment is like entering another world, one that is healthier, friendlier and more spiritual than the one we now occupy.

Everything seems a little different…because it is. Banquettes, seating 2 to 4 people, surround cozy tables, and mirrored walls from floor to ceiling provide self-viewing, while you watch the other guests enjoying themselves.

Grecian and Egyptian accessories whisper “exotic” but are selected purposefully for their meaning of life. For the more daring, in the center of the room is a raised “bed” for eating with friends inside a 16th Century imported antique white marble gazebo.

Designed to be “a celebration of food, drink, and all life,” the menu designed by Chef Sandee Birdsong is based on the “The Syntropy Diet,” created by owner Dr. Tim Hogle. This diet is founded on the principle that eating is one of life’s most fundamental activities and has the power to greatly enhance beauty. Simply put, “syntropy” is an order-enhancing energy force stored in food that increases a body’s beautifying benefits.

Believing “food” has healing and regenerative powers is one thing; finding and serving it on a daily basis is another. That is why all foods served here are local, fresh, organic, and free range. And most are obtained daily to insure freshness and taste stability.

Meats include bison, antelope, beef, and lamb, all grass-fed. The fish variety is wild, not farmed, and the vegetables are not your run-of-the-mill variety. Instead, Chef Sandee dazzles your palate with exotic purple sweet potatoes, burdock, dandelion, and watercress.

Loving the opportunity to feel healthier and happier after eating, we made sure to consume as much as possible! Each course was stellar. Among the dishes we loved were the bison appetizer, wild rice with mushrooms, purple sweet potato, and a dessert of an exotic chocolate, covered with salt and drizzled with olive oil. Ooh la la!

aflterglo is remarkable in actually delivering what it promises-eat right to feel right! You can always tell when a chef adds a secret ingredient.  Your food looks and tastes special.  It is apparent that each dish here is imbued with something extremely special when it comes from the kitchen of Sandee Birdsong.  This ingredient is calledlove.

afterglo
1200 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305. 695.1717
www.afterglo-restaurant.com

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TANTRA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Walking in, you sense the soft springiness of grass. It’s wet, cool, and pungent. You have to look twice before realizing it’s real!  The dining room is draped in exotic cloths with subdued lighting. The floor is so dark you can’t see it. Erotic objets d’art are strategically placed around the room. The music is an emoting world beat.  The huge movie screen behind the bar is showing “Kama Sutra.”

Everything here is geared to the senses…including the aphrodisiac menu, created by Dr. Tim Hogle and perfected by Chef Sandee Birdsong.  Yes, the same Chef Sandee and Dr. Hogle from afterglo. Considering our unforgettable feast there, we simply HAD to try their other restaurant.

Tantra Restaurant & LoungeNot based on any particular region, all the ingredients used at Tantra are selected for their ability to provide a blend of aromas, flavors, and textures in each morsel. This “tantric” quality transcends the taste buds to tantalize all your senses for a spiritual revitalization.  And it’s all delectable!

Chef Sandee, a self-taught cook with a keen sense of “what-looks-good-and-tastes-good-combinations” prepared some very special dishes for us.  It’s her feel for the mixing of ingredients, all fresh-and many unusual-that arouse the palate above the mundane.

Our “Tantra Appetizer” was a sky-high festival of succulent seafood that included stone crab, shrimp, oysters, ceviche, spicy tuna rolls, seaweed, artichokes, olives, and edible flowers filled with crèmefraiche and caviar.  Culinary and artistic perfection so absolutely beautiful that we briefly hesitated eating it, especially the purple orchids with caviar placed inside to look like seeds.

The entrees that followed were equally extraordinary. We shared a Chilean Sea bass (fresh from Chile that morning!) served with a “bundle” of fresh vegetables and flowers; and a lamb chop and filet mignon combination with rosemary couscous and balsamic onions.  Each sauce was reduced to perfection, light and flavorful, and served hot, a feat often forgotten on busy bistro nights in high season, but not at Tantra.

Although happily sated and stuffed, we were unable to refuse Chef Sandee when she gleefully insisted we have dessert.  “Romeo & Juliet,” a rich chocolate lava cake with homemade ice cream washeavenly, but her c oconut mousse with passion fruit sorbet and passion fruit sauce was nirvana!

When you go to Tantra, plan to have dinner and then stay for a totally different experience. After 11, the lights go down and the music heats up, as disc jockeys appear at turntables and the place turns into a trendy night club.  We even discovered the private room with the hammock hanging from the ceiling where lovebirds can go to do what lovebirds do!  Keep in mind, Mondays are the hottest, most happening nights at the club.

If you love the sensual quality of food, prepared to near perfection and served in the ultimate romantic setting, Tantra is the place to be.

TANTRA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1445 Pennsylvania Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida FL 33139
305.672.4765
www.tantrarestaurant.com

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WISH

Wish I may, wish I might, eat at WISH every night!  We were smitten with this Miami Beach venue almost immediately.  As we walked through the empty dining room, the manager told us, “This is where we move you if it rains hard.”  He then showed us out to the already crowded, enchanting patio, and seated us next to the center fountain.

All the tables are covered by umbrellas, so the fear of rain is quickly forgotten. Lighting is indirect and the atmosphere is dreamy, as if you’re floating in the clouds. It’s an inspired piece of restaurant theatre, and perhaps why this place continues to be one of the most popular on Miami Beach.

Wish RestaurantThe menu is equally inspired, with its Italian/Vietnamese Chef Michael Bloise, producing novel and appealing meals nearly every day.  We were delighted with the refreshing “Wish Salad,” an eclectic mix of mango and baby bean sprouts and cashews with lychee-mint vinaigrette dressing. Equally pleasing was the Blue Crab salad in crèmefraiche.

Our main courses were models of superb culinary presentation, timeliness, and taste. Snapper-hard to do perfectly?  Yes, but not for Chef Michael.  The crispy skinned snapper over Chinese sausage and jasmine rice with Vietnamese tea foam arrived at our table hot and juicy.  It’s no wonder this house specialty is one of the public’s favorites.  Our other entrée was a delicious veal porterhouse adorned with spinach, stewed tomatoes, and polenta on the side, soaking up all those exotic flavors.

If we die now, we’re as close to food heaven as humanly possible!  And returning here would definitely be our last WISH.

WISH – At the Hotel
801 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-674-9474
www.wishrestaurant.com

* * *

FRATELLI LA BUFALA

From the outside, looking in the window of this restaurant, one sees neat rows of tables filled with diners, all apparently very happy.  Walking inside the brightly lit, colorful interior and getting a closer look, it’s easy to see why.  Enormous platters of cheeses, fresh vegetables, and breads are on every table.  The other reason is the uniquely Italian ambience this first USA venue of an Italian chain offers up. Extremely popular in most big cities of Italy, with over 30 locations, Fratelli La Bufala exudes a smooth operation, cool ambience, and exceptional food.

The menu is based around buffalo instead of cows.  Fratelli La BufalaAll the cold cuts and cheeses come from buffalo. One of the most revered cheeses in the world,mozzarella di bufala, is flown in fresh daily from their source in Southern Italy.  Pundits claim this cheese is the only mozzarella worth eating, the rest relegated as pizza topping. We don’t know about that, but the difference in taste, texture, and freshness is a joy on the palate.  If you like mozzarella, you’ll love Fratelli la Bufala.  And yes, even their pizza has buffalo mozzarella.

For lunch, we dined on a huge antipasto platter of prosciutto, grilled vegetables, buffalo provolone, and mozzarella that was enough for four people, not just the two of us. When a beautiful pasta dish appeared on our table, we were too full to eat it. Well, almost!  It was the most delightful, thick al dente pasta in a light tomato sauce that was way too good to pass up.

This restaurant’s concept is based on the use of buffalo meat as a healthier alternative to cows, for their significantly lower saturated fat and cholesterol levels. They believe that if you want meat, eat buffalo and live longer!  Whether or not it’s true, it certainly seems like you can have all the satisfying tastes and texture of beef at a lower health cost. Even such things as salamis and other cured products were buffalo preparations, lighter and leaner than pork or beef; and we loved them all.  You won’t be disappointed.  In fact, you’ll be very pleasantly surprised.  Be sure to enjoy this friendly and delicious spot for lunch or dinner.

FRATELLI LA BUFALA
437 Washington Avenue
South Beach, Fl 33139
305.532.0700
www.fratellilabufala.com/pages/en/miami.php

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Hollywood, Florida

Where to stay….

HOLLYWOOD BEACH MARRIOTT

Hollywood, Florida, lost between the glam centers of South Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, is making a comeback.  Long a center for hordes of Northern and Midwestern immigrants seeking an affordable beach stay, it went tacky from corruption and negligence in the 1950s, and is only now heading “upscale.”

Hollywood Beach MarriottOne of the early entries in the renaissance includes the Marriott Corporation with the newly renovated Hollywood Beach Marriott,located smack on the famous Hollywood Boardwalk, in front of the beach. The boardwalk is a 2 ½ mile concrete walkway populated by bicycles and walkers, and lined with restaurants, cafes, houses, and hotels.  There is also a band shell… performance stage, and parks, kept constantly busy.  This is one great location, a more “real” option to the high-styling South Beach, and offering greater value and fun than the trendy places to the south.

Right after checking in, we traded our street clothing for beach wear and elevated down to the boardwalk bar and pool. This was the spot!  Packed with other sun lovers from cold climes, we chatted, drank, ate appetizers, and swam, all the while listening to the compelling beat of the hotel’s steel drummer.  When the sun went down, we went up to nap before heading out for the evening.

Having had too much of everything at the pool and bar, we decided to stay in our room and order room service.  The newly remodeled rooms are cozy and very nicely decorated, with exceptionally comfortable beds and soft linens.  In fact, if you want the same ones on your bed at home, just pull out the descriptive brochure, pick the size you need, and add them to your bill!

Room service was quick and competent. And reasonably priced, compared to the typical room service menu.  We ordered flatbread pizza topped with jerk chicken, roma tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. The nicoise salad was made with a large chunk of seared tuna over a salad with roasted tomatoes, asparagus, hard boiled egg, and roasted potatoes.  They supplied a variety of tasty breads, including crisped pumpernickel raisin with sprinkled sugar, parmesan crispy bread, soft French bread and lavosh cracker bread.  With the bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir accompaniment, it was a late-night party extraordinaire.

Staking out an early position in the re-growth of Hollywood Beach is risky business, but it seems Marriott knows how to speculate successively.  The hotel was completely occupied.  We loved this place and recommend that anyone looking to see the “real” Florida head to the Hollywood Beach Marriott for a fun and fantastic time.

HOLLYWOOD BEACH MARRIOTT
2501 North Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
866.-306.5453
www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com

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The best hamburger in town…

LE TUB

Within walking distance of the Marriott in Hollywood, Florida, is a hamburger joint called Le Tub, definitely different.  You must go to find out why. Just be prepared to wait hours, day or night, to eat.  We went twice.  First, at 11:30 at night, we were told it would be 1½ to 2 hours for a table!  Then, the next day at lunchtime, there was only a 1 to 1 ½ hour wait. What the heck!  This looked like a fun place with a reputation for good food, so we stayed.Le Tub

To keep from starving, we sat at the bar and ordered a small seafood salad, which only took half an hour to get! Loaded with shrimp, crabmeat, and salmon in light vinaigrette, the dish was dee-lish.  But now we were no longer hungry.  Of course, some 55 minutes and several beers later, when the burgers finally arrived, we dived into them.  Admittedly, well worth the wait!  Warning: the bar is often filled,too.  So just make sure to snack before you go!

LE TUB
1100 N Ocean Dr
Hollywood, FL 33019
954.921.9425
www.theletub.com

Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida

A hidden hideaway for a romantic stay…

SUNDY HOUSE

You can’t tell very much about the Sundy House from the street.  Located on an unassuming block in a gentrifying section of Delray Beach, it’s not far from the very trendy Atlantic Avenue.  Sure, there’s a small sign out front, but other than that, the street and entrance don’t hint at what lies inside.

In fact, as we first pulled into the parking lot, we were unsure how this overgrown, obscure place would turn out and were bracing for the worst.  As it turned out,we were completely and absolutely… WRONG!

The Sundy House is an elegant and ultra-romantic haven! After checking in, you stroll through a labyrinth of lush tropical gardens, crossing wooden bridges over small ponds, on the way to your room.  The variety of foliage-each identified with little brass plaques-is staggering.  Local wildlife populates the gardens, while marvelous, colorful Macaws perch along the paths. One will even talk to you, if he likes you!

Stopping briefly by the swimming pool, the first thing to notice is the natural waterfall.  And when you go into the water for a dip, you’re actually sharing it with fish, making it feel like you’re truly in a tropical wonderland.  One warning though:  no fishing allowed!

At night, the gardens become the backdrop for the Sundy House Restaurant and the Roux Bamboux Lounge.  There’s a patio and terrace for dining, but even more romantic are the tables in private alcoves, scattered throughout the gardens, where couples sharing champagne and smiles appear dreamily serene in their own little world.  Tables in the gazebos provide more ultra-romantic dining under a starlit night.

The Sundy House has only 11 accommodations, and we were lucky to get the historic cottage which consisted of 6 rooms:  a living room, dining room, kitchen with washer and dryer, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, and bedroom.  The living room featured antique furniture, including an exotic chaise, fireplace, and an entertainment system with a huge plasma TV.

The bedroom was our favorite place (of course!), with a sumptuous four-poster bed and amazing jungle mural, encompassing the entire room.  Even the window shades were hand-painted.  Our closet was covered with trees and a monkey, swinging from a branch.

Even the master bathroom was unusual, with a separate corner shower and a large whirlpool tub in the middle of the room.  There was a hand-painted mural border at the top with bluebirds.

The furnishings were splendidly eclectic, including artistic wrought iron pieces and custom-made furniture.  Of particular interest was the delicately hand-painted dining table.  The top was a detailed 1930s map of the City of Delray Beach, in exquisite, colorful detail.

We had arrived tired, so despite the wonderfully romantic and renowned restaurant, we opted for room service-it was simply too nice a cottage to leave!

We ordered a crab cake appetizer and their mushroom ravioli entrée.  This unique ravioli wasn’t pasta at all, but ever so thin slices of mushroom, wrapped around a tomato and ratatouille filling. Both were perfectly delicious preparations that went really well with our chilled Venetian Prosecco.  AWhy go out?

For breakfast, Sundy House offers three possibilities, and we tried two.  The first morning we had breakfast in bed. Why not?  Room service had been so fantastic the night before, and was again excellent.  Our second morning, the hotel gave us a prepaid chit to a local breakfast spot a few blocks away in Pineapple Grove.

The best breakfast they offer is, unfortunately, the one we missed-because we weren’t there on a Sunday.  On Sundays, Sundy House offers its renowned brunch.  Regularly $40, if you stay over on a Saturday night, the brunch is included in the room!

Everything about Sundy House whispers, “We’re here for you.”  So if you love luxury, if you love privacy, if you love “love,” you’ll love Sundy House!

SUNDY HOUSE
106 S Swinton Ave
Delray Beach, FL 33444
877.439.9601
www.sundyhouse.com

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Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Attractions:

THE HENRY MORRISON FLAGLER MUSEUM

Talk about a romantic gift!  Oil and railroad magnate Henry Flagler gave his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, this classical mansion as a wedding gift.  The year was 1902.  The cost was $2.6 million.

The 55-room, 60,000-square-foot building was designed by the architects famous for such landmarks as the New York Public Library and the Frick Mansion.  White Hall is one of the most outstanding examples of such elegant form and detail ever built and helped establish Palm Beach as the Gilded Age getaway for the rich.

The Flaglers rarely spent more than 6 weeks a year there.  Henry Flagler died shortly after falling down the stairs of his stately home in 1913, at 84 years old. Heirs sold it to a hotel group in the 1920s.  Much later, when it was going to be demolished because of fire and neglect, other heirs stepped in to save it.  In 1960, the foundation formed to save the home completed a major restoration, and the public was introduced to the grand “manse.”

The public is now invited to view the property all year, and special events such as the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Lunch Gilded Age Style continue to attract thousands of visitors a year.

Imbued with a notion of civic responsibility, Henry Flagler somehow knew White Hall would eventually become a museum, and its grandeur reflects his vision.  It’s a breathtaking monument to beauty and a must-see if visiting the Palm Beach area.

THE HENRY MORRISON FLAGLER MUSEUM
One Whitehall Way
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.655.2833
www.flaglermuseum.us

* * *

THE RAYMOND F. KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

This $50 million architectural landmark, located freeway close in West Palm Beach was named for Raymond F. Kravis, a geologist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who wintered in Palm Beach.  His friends donated more than $7 million to name the facility for Mr. Kravis.

The almost 40-year effort to have a major arts center in the Palm Beach area culminated in 1992 with the opening of the Kravis Center. Since then it has become ” the” venue for high caliber entertainment in South Florida, including an eclectic mix of shows fromSesame Street to La Traviota.  The main stage is blessed with excellent acoustics and comfortable seats.  Smaller theatres accommodate many other performances.

Over the years its calendar has expanded to include local theatre, acting classes, children’s theatre and a full season of successful events that keep the theatre well lit throughout the year.

The coming season is typical of the diversity and depth of the Center’s programming choices, which include the following limited sample (visit their website for the full program):

Comedy – EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND

Ethnic dance – BALLET FOLKLORICO DE MEXICO

Opera – TURANDOT

Big Band – GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

Jazz – MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

And much, much more…

THE RAYMOND F. KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
701 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
800.572.8471
www.kravis.org

* * *

CUILLO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

This season includes shows:

Viagra Falls

A JEW Grows in Brooklyn

Mod 27

Jazz’d up

Cuillo Uncorked

CUILLO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
201 Clematis St
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561.835.9226
www.cuillocentre.com

* * *

Boca Raton, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach Restaurants:

NICK’S FISHMARKET OF HAWAII

http://agendamag.com/Winter2007/PickNicks.html

While the name Nick’s Fishmarket doesn’t necessarily evoke an image of romance, I love to be surprised.  And Nick’s Fishmarket of Hawaii is chock full of surprises.

We parked the car on Palmetto Park Road in downtown Boca Raton and entered a nondescript office building. Hmmmm…we were still skeptical about its being “romantic.”  It felt like we were going to the bank.  But as soon as we walked through the front door, my skepticism vanished, and I surrendered to the magical atmosphere and divine ambiance that is Nick’s Fishmarket!

The décor has a modern Hawaiian flavor.  A long bar accentuated by a lighted pineapple fills the center of the room, with grass-covered “huts” for dining around the sides.

We were immediately greeted by a host who walked us over to our own special thatched hut- in a dimly lit corner.  I loved it!  The owner, Nick Nickolas came by to say hello. What a lovely and charming man he is!

We also had a terrific waiter who was helpful and gracious, but the service and attention didn’t stop there.  One of the special features of Nick’s is the congenial and individual service. You are served by a four-man “team” for each table.

They are all extremely attentive with an air of I’m-happy-to-be-here-for-you. At Nick’s, all of the wait staff seem to take great enjoyment and pride in what they do.  Interestingly, our waiter replaced our white linen napkins with black ones when we sat down.  Why? I wondered.  Since we were wearing black, they didn’t want us to get lint from the white napkins on our clothes!

After ordering the wine, we looked at the menu. And wow, what a unique selection-from Italian and French dishes, to Asian delicacies and Greek specialties, with a huge assortment of fresh seafood as well.  We sipped our wine and enjoyed the complimentary appetizer of smoked marlin with sesame crackers, while perusing our dinner choices.

The menu has a tempting array of appetizers that includes escargots,spring rolls, and sautéed calamari, but a simple name doesn’t convey the complexity of each of these tantalizing dishes.  For example, Dennis would never ordinarily order spring rolls (thinking Chinese take-out), but after the waiter described it, he couldn’t resist. And he wasn’t disappointed.  I ordered Calamari Sorrento with diced tomato, parmesan cheese and a demi-glaze.

For entrees, we decided on the Chilean Sea Bass Mirin, and the special lobster dish of the night.  We had no idea how fantastic-and fantastically large-it would be! When they brought out the plate, we swooned!  The lobster was a four-pounder, baked to moist and succulent perfection with a thick crab cake covering.

The sea bass was equally mouth-watering in its soy, miso and sweet mirin (Japanese wine) glaze accompanied by sticky rice and vegetables.  It was light, flaky, and delectable.

We always share our dishes, so Dennis started with the sea bass, and I began with the lobster, but very soon we switched plates.  I took my time with the sea bass, savoring every bite, while Dennis attacked the lobster.  He is a true pro at cracking each claw, leg, and back, and sucking out every last morsel.

We topped off our dinner with Nick’s Bananas Foster, a sweet and special ending to a scrumptious meal.  Unable to finish the dish, we sat back, happy and full. What’s more romantic than that!

When we learned that Nick’s had only been open about two and a half months, we couldn’t believe it.  It was soooo good, and soooo delicious; and the staff were soooo incredible!  How could it be soooo new?  Aha.  Then we found out how!

The owner, Nick Nickolas, previously ran his restaurant at the Boca Raton Resort and Club for 18 years.   So although this location is new, Nick has been a consummate restaurateur for decades.  And it shows.

Nick is a warm, cordial host with an eye to pleasing his guests.  There are photos on the wall of the many celebrities that have dined at his restaurants over the years.  He is used to having well-known diners.  But then, he treats all his guests like they are celebrities.

Nick’s Fishmarket is a romantic spot, complemented by an excellent kitchen and responsive staff.  And on Friday and Saturday nights, there’s dancing, too.  So next time you’re near Boca Raton, Florida, take a break from your relatives, grab your honey, and go Hawaiian!

NICK’S FISHMARKET OF HAWAII
150 E. Palmetto Park Rd
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
561.393.9880
www.nicksboca.com

* * *

BRAZILIAN TROPICANA

http://agendamag.com/Spring2007/brazillian.html

Some nights are for intimate romance, and some are for pure fun.  On this night, we grabbed another couple, Harvey and Barbara, and headed for a lively evening with a traditional Brazilian meal and an energy-filled show.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we started off with a pitcher of Sangria, which was cold, sweet, and filled with fruit.  Next, we headed up to the cold salad buffet, where we piled our plates with spinach salad, beets, hearts of palm, artichokes, and various other salad fixings.  They also had salmon, which I literally “forgot” to taste. Me, forget food?  Oh well…next time.

After the salad course, the servers bring you fresh plates, and put hearty family-style helpings of rice, black beans and fried bananas on the tables.

Then, the waiters come around…and around…and around…with long skewers of chicken, steak, and sausage.  There was top sirloin, regular sirloin, garlic steak, spiced chicken, and bacon-wrapped chicken.  As they cut slices for each person, you “catch” the slice with your individual set of small tongs.  All you have to do after that is eat, eat, and eat some more.  The servers keep coming back with skewers…until you tell them to stop!

A tray of desserts included chocolate cake, strawberry shortcake and tiramisu, but we were encouraged to try the homemade Brazilian desserts:  flan, passion fruit mousse, and coconut pudding.  We’re glad we did, especially when we learned that Rosa, our gracious manager, had personally made the flan and pudding, and the owner’s wife and choreographer, Dalva had made the mousse.

The entire staff for this Brazilian restaurant and show was almost like family.  It has been in business for two decades. They were located in Pompano Beach for years until five months ago when they moved to Boca Raton.  Mike and Dalva own the restaurant, but most of the wait staff and show people have been with them for years, as well.  Rosa, our manager, told us she has been with them for 19 years.  Rosa is a real sweetheart, so be sure to say hello to her from us when you go.

After satiating ourselves with food and drink, we settled back to listen to the band for a while.  There’s a dance floor and I was ready to jump up and move to the beat of the drums, but alas – Dennis and my crew weren’t budging. Next time, I’m bringing my boogey buddies!  On Tuesday nights, guests get a special low-priced package for the meal, band and dancing, and I’m guessing the dance floor is hopping.

Wednesdays through Sundays include all the above, the buffet, the Bossa Nova band and dancing, along with the Brazilian Tropicana Show.  And what a show it is!  I must admit, I wasn’t expecting it to be that good, but what a terrific surprise!  There’s singing, dancing, and a martial arts specialty called Capoeira. I t’s all energy-packed and loads of fun, sort of a mini-Las Vegas Revue.

I absolutely loved the Capoeiristas. These were 5 amazingly built guys doing a combination of fighting, dancing, and gymnastics, and they were sensational.  One of the C apoeiristas looked very young, and when I asked afterwards, it turns out that he was 13!  I was told that sometimes one of the female dancer’s daughters joins them as well.  She is only 9!  The other Capoeiristas were older-and wow, what pecs!

Barbara and I loved watching these guys.  Dennis and Harvey liked them too, but better still, they liked the dancing feather-headdressed and sequined and beaded bikinied showgirls who moved their stomachs, torsos, and buns in twenty directions at a mile a minute!

It was all a delight to watch.  And even more so when the lead singer, in a Carmen Miranda tribute, danced through the audience and cuddled up to men at different tables. Then, she took one of the guys back to the stage to dance.  Guess who the lucky guy was? Dennis!  It was a hoot, especially when she asked him questions, and one of the Brazilian guys from the band put the answers in Dennis’s mouth-literally!  The audience roared, and Harvey, Barbara, and I got a great kick out of it.  When Dennis got back to the table, he thought I had “set him up.”  But no, I didn’t have anything to do with his being chosen.  Actually, it’s usually me who bounds up to the stage when they ask for a volunteer.  Finally, this was HIS turn!

With regard to atmosphere, the room itself isn’t fancy or stylish, but once the food and fun begin, it doesn’t matter.  Everyone there was enjoying themselves.

Before the show started, I got to chat with one of the dancers, Heather.  She is the only one in the troupe that isn’t Brazilian, and she’s been dancing with them for three years  I’m a sucker for a good romantic story, and I love how Heather met her hubby of two years.  She started taking Capoeira lessons – and he was the teacher!  He has also been a part of the show for 12 years.  Unfortunately, he wasn’t in the show the night we saw it; he had broken his leg.  (Iknew that looked dangerous!)  Heather made sure to tell us he didn’t injure it in the show, but at his Capoeira Academy, where he teaches.

Another thing we learned about Capoeira was from our friend Harvey, who was with us.  Harvey had taken six years of Martial Arts, so he knew the history of the Capoeiristas. It seems when they were slaves, their owners prohibited them from having weapons or practicing any kind of Martial Arts because they didn’t want the slaves rebelling or having an uprising.  So instead, the slaves started dancing and put their martial arts into dance so their masters didn’t know what they were doing.  Yes, there were some rebellions, but they were all to a dancing beat! Besides having a background in Martial Arts, Harvey told us that he has lots of Spanish-speaking relatives from Columbia, and he can’t wait to bring them all for a night at Brazilian Tropicana!

The supper club is great for couples, families, and groups.  There are lots of tables for people celebrating birthdays and other occasions.  Organizations can book the entire room for banquets and private parties on off nights.

Meanwhile, now I’m deciding whether to practice my samba and gyrate my buns, or try Capoeira with all those marvelous spins and high kicks.  Hmmm…you think if I practice them, I’ll work off some of that food and end up in the great shape those gals and guys were in?   Oh…if only!

BRAZILIAN TROPICANA
7880 Glades Road
Boca Raton, Florida
(561) 477-5421
www.braziliantropicana.com

* * *

And for casual eats…

Doc’s All American

Doc’s is a 1950s drive-in burger stand on a very busy corner in downtown Delray Beach, Florida. If you get the yearning for cheap eats in a down-and-dirty-dive with great-and-greasy charbroiled burgers, there’s Doc’s.  There’s always a line, and the burgers only come one way, well-done.  It’s also well known for its fries, onion rings, and soft-serve ice cream dipped in hot chocolate.

Repeatedly voted “Best Family Dining” by the Palm Beach Post, Doc’s secret of sticking to what it knows best formula is loved by kids and their parents for great fun and good value.

Doc’s All American
10 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33444
561.278.3627

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Our other restaurant faves:

BOSTONS ON THE BEACH

Happy crowds, fantastic location, and lotsa lobsters!

Late night music and dancing, too!

BOSTONS ON THE BEACH
40 S. Ocean Blvd. (A1A)
Delray Beach, FL 33483
561.278.3364
www.bostonsonthebeach.com

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SEASONS 52

A fabulous concept! Everything on the menu is 450 calories or less-and scrumptious!

For dessert, you’ll definitely want more than one of their elegant choices, from key lime pie, to strawberry shortcake, to chocolate mousse, and more, all served in shot glasses!

SEASONS 52
2300 NW Executive Center Dr
Boca Raton, FL 33431 ·
561.998.9952
www.seasons52.com

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SPOTO’S OYSTER BAR

An authentic, premier oyster bar, featuring fresh shucked oysters, signature oyster stew, littleneck clams, and other delicious seafood.

SPOTO’S OYSTER BAR
125 Datura St.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561.835.1828
www.spotosoysterbar.com

Or just stroll down the wonderful and trendy Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach to find many other great restaurants and shops.

Florida’s West Coast – NAPLES, FLORIDA

For a romantic stay at Christmastime or anytime…

THE INN ON FIFTH

The Inn on Fifth is right in the midst of things, on a block filled with restaurants, ice cream parlors, outdoor cafes, and all kinds of shops.  Once checked in, there is no need to take your car out until going home.  Fifth Avenue is the main street of Naples, Florida, and it is hopping!

We arrived shortly after New Year’s and the elaborate Christmas displays were still up, with dramatic and beautiful effect.  The Inn on Fifth is known for their extraordinary holiday decorations around the property.  The main courtyard in the hotel was decorated with a silver tree bedecked with lights, ribbons, and elegant ornaments and lined with hundreds of bright red poinsettias. Figurines of Santa, his Christmas elves, and happy carolers complete the festive lobby.  This is the main photo op for visitors during the season.

Checking in, we were delighted to find a staff that was extremely attentive and eager to please.  Questions were answered and assistance given like it was their pleasure to do it, a service we greatly appreciated in these nonchalant days. Another feature we found even more valuable was the hotel’s complimentary valet parking. Most hotels these days consider parking a significant profit center with daily fees up to $36, so this hotel immediately felt especially warm and welcoming.

The Inn on Fifth is exceptional in other ways, too. Basically a charming boutique hotel with 87 rooms and suites, it offers features of larger hotels, including state-of-the-art fitness center, full-service spa, roof-top pool and hot tub, golf privileges at local courses, and two restaurants, both of which are among the most popular in town.

McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and we found it always crowded with happy revelers. Trulucks is a seasoned seafood and steak restaurant with an outdoor patio and piano bar that is always cool and crowded, no matter the temperature outside.  Hang out here for lots of fun with locals and tourists. We did and loved it.

Ensuring guests the utmost comfort, each accommodation is feature-rich with pillow-top mattresses, oh-so-soft high-thread-count bedding, plush robes, movies, 25″ TVs complimentary newspapers, safes, 3 telephones, and wi-fi.

Our room was a great high-ceiling space with sitting room, desk area, and adjoining bedroom with outside balcony.  The balcony had comfortable lounge chairs, which we enjoyed while viewing holiday strollers along Fifth Avenue. The bathroom was very large with a huge whirlpool bath and a separate double shower.  The whirlpool, with scented candles and a chilled bottle of champagne, hit an 11 on the 1 to 10 romance scale with Marilyn.

With a keen eye on guest comfort, The Inn on Fifthoffers the intimacy of a charming boutique inn with the amenities of a much larger hotel.  We felt coddled and cared for at the crest of the Christmas season.  Ask Santa to send you and your sweetie here for a real holiday treat!  Whatever the season, just grab your honey and head on over to make any day a special occasion at this fabulous Naples getaway.

THE INN ON FIFTH
699 5th Avenue South
Naples, Florida 34102
888.403.8778
www.innonfifth.com

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A Special Favorite for Wining & Dining in Naples:

NAPLES TOMATO

Naples, Florida, was named for its sister city in Italy at a time when early developers of southern Florida were fascinated with the notion it could become the Italy of America.  Consequently, there is no shortage of Italian-style restaurants, both traditional and hip. But none truly capture the essence of the Italian love for food and wine as does Naples Tomato.

Leaving downtown, we were directed 10 miles north to an unassuming strip-mall. From the outside, we would never have guessed the treasures awaiting us inside. Even after entering, we weren’t sure if this was the place for our anticipated “romantic dining experience.”

Walking in, we noticed a food preparation area to our left, fully stocked grocery-style refrigerators directly in front and huge cans of imported Italian tomato sauce stacked waist high on the floor. Upon turning to our right, everything changed.

There was a bustle of activity with clusters of well-dressed people chatting and holding wine glasses, while the soft notes of a pianist singing romantic songs filled the air. Suddenly we knew we were in for a special occasion, one which included an innovative, high-tech wine pouring concept, called Enomatic, imported from Italy.

IN VINO VERITAS

The Naples Tomato “wine lounge” is arranged living-room style with comfy couches and ottomans, art on the walls, and subdued lighting.  Along the walls were six self-serve wine dispensers, each containing eight bottles of wine. Above each bottle was a description of the wine, including winery, origin, varietals, and year.  Also shown was a price list for the 1, 3 or 6 ounce portions of your choice. Guests buy a “debit” card to slide in each wine bank.

Besides being fun, the high-tech wine system gives you the opportunity to sample a variety of different wines, including many that would not be readily available by the glass. It’s pay-as-you-sip, with wines ranging from $1.20 to over $25.00 per ounce.  You can choose wines that would bust your budget and bless your taste buds, without having to buy more than you want.

Like kids in a candy store, we sampled wine after wine, imported and domestic, red and white. But with almost fifty wines automatically available, it’s not possible to try them all at one time.  We spent a leisurely forty-five minutes sipping cozily on the couches, but it’s easy to imagine couples spending hours here, tasting the fine wines and enjoying the delightfully relaxed ambience.

To accompany your wine tasting, Naples Tomato offers a separate menu of assorted cheeses and appetizers.  Our plate came with smoked Gouda, French Brie, and Italian truffle cheeses, and sun dried tomatoes, dried figs, currants, and pistachios.  It was the perfect accompaniment to our wine tasting.

A professional sommelier, Angela Robertson, oversees the restaurant’s five thousand bottle inventory, for which Naples Tomato received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  Recently, she was chosen to participate in a Wine Spectator symposium on Pinot Noir held in California.

Knowledgeable, efficient, and gracious, Angela will help you select a wine and answer any wine question with confidence.  When serving in the dining room, she carefully decants your wine and serves each guest personally.

Naples Tomato has a private wine cellar and tasting room in the center of the restaurant.  With a list of over 500 wines, it’s easy to find one you like. Their prices are lower than standard restaurant mark-up.  A notation on the menu indicates that if you like a particular wine that they serve you, they will be happy to get you a case for a 15% discount. Special clients may store their wines here, also.

Their wine club is another facet of Naples Tomato that shines with over 1,200 members.

It’s apparent that wine is a very important element in the operation of Naples Tomato.  With as much space devoted to wine service as food service, it is clearly an equal partner in the owners’ highly successful business plan.

MANGIA

Deciding it was finally time to stop drinking and start eating, we moved into the dining room.

Dennis started with “Our Famous Floridian Salad,” a zesty combo of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, apricot stilton cheese, dried cherries, basil, bacon, pistachios, and homemade citrus dressing.  Marilyn had the escarole and white bean casserole with toasted parmesan crumb topping.  Very unusual and tasty!

The Naples Tomato salad and antipasto bar is a special treat.  You can go all vegetarian, or for $5 extra, add an assortment of “Arthur Avenue” meats.  Dennis asked, “Is that Arthur Avenue in the Bronx?”  The owners had been to the Arthur Avenue Market and loved it. They don’t ship to out-of-town restaurants, but after a year-long pursuit, they finally got Arthur Avenue to supply them.  Now, Neapolitans (from Florida) can enjoy the same delicacies New Yorkers have extolled for about 50 years.

Their most popular seafood dish is the “Capri,” homemade pasta with two colossal shrimp, porcini mushroom, sun-dried tomato, and brandy flambé in a pink sauce. They also serve the “Plate Licker,” homemade fettuccini with Raffaello’s vodka sauce. So many dishes…so many decisions!

We decided to go with our waiter’s recommendations, and were glad we did. Dennis chose the Tilapia on a cedar plank, with potatoes and broccoli rabe.  Their perfect preparation brought out its best characteristics, arriving at our table with the unique and tasty essence of cedar and cooked perfectly moist and flaky.

Marilyn went with the “Black Tie,” a truffle mélange raviolinni with Bolognese sauce and Urbani white truffle oil.  She doesn’t usually go for meat sauces, but she savored this Bolognese. It was light and delicious, with the truffle combination providing the perfect blend of flavors.

After dinner, our waiter suggested we “take our dessert” back in the wine area.  We settled into the deep couches and shared the specialty of the night, a light filo stuffed with a berry combination in crème fraise , topped with a dollop of whipped cream.  Then we sat back with a final glass of dessert wine, reveling in what a true “find” Naples Tomato is.

While enjoying the “afterglow” of an exotic wine and food experience, we took note of the other features of Naples Tomato that make it a rare and special venue.

ENOTECA, TRATTORIA, GROCERY, AND COOKING SCHOOL, TOO!

Remember when we arrived, we were confused about this fabulous place.  Well, those supermarket style refrigerators are chock full of specialty foods made fresh on the premises and imported from around the globe, available for take-out.

And the food prep area?  This is the pasta-making room, complete with high stools used for classes, where the pasta chef instructs customers in the art of making spaghetti.  Later, the students share a tasting.  On Fridays, visitors can make their own pasta and then come back later to have it at dinner with their special guests.

ONCE UPON A TIME… before NAPLES TOMATO

Naples Tomato is an enterprise that seems genuinely pleased to be serving you and to be sharing their experiences with you.  We noticed that some of the dishes on the menu were marked “Nadine’s favorite.”  So of course, Marilyn had to ask, “Who is Nadine?”

Nadine and Jack Serfass are the wife-husband team that created and owns Naples Tomato.  We love to learn how couples meet-and their story is a wonderful tale of wine, food and determination.

Jack Serfass was a single guy living in Connecticut.  He went on a wine-tasting getaway in Napa Valley with his girlfriend.  At one of the group wine-tastings, they chatted with another couple, who lived in New York.  Yes, it was Nadine with her boyfriend.

A year later, Jack was sorting through the old receipts from his Napa trip.  Suddenly stopping, he found a woman’s business card from the wine-tasting group.  No, it wasn’t Nadine, but a friend of hers.

He called the friend, and shyly asked about Nadine.  Even more awkwardly, he asked for Nadine’s phone number. Reluctantly, the woman gave it to him. Jack called Nadine…and, happily, Cupid was on his side.  She had broken up with her beau from that trip.  Jack and Nadine started dating.

The two always had a special love of food and wine, but it would take years before they could make their dream of a restaurant and wine bar come true.  Jack had been an executive chef in other restaurants but left the food business to go into the hi-tech arena.  It was there that he made enough money to go back to his true calling, becoming a restaurateur and starting a wine-tasting bar with Nadine.

Jack and Nadine married and have been together for fourteen years.  Their love of life, food and wine flourishes now in Naples Tomato, which opened about two years ago. Both Jack and Nadine are there nightly, greeting patrons as friends and imparting their love of a gracious and delightful Neapolitan lifestyle.

We wish many more years of success to Jack and Nadine-and think that all lovers of good food and wine should take a sojourn to this very special dining and wining experience.

NAPLES TOMATO
14700 Tamiami Trail N.
Naples, FL 34110
239.598.9800
www.naplestomato.com

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And for breakfast….

THE COFFEE SHOPPE in the Cove Inn

Sunday morning breakfast…okay, so it wasn’t morning.  It was high noon-but it was breakfast.  In fact, when Dennis tried to order from their lunch menu, they said, “No lunch on Sundays!”

The place was The Coffee Shoppe, a tiny local spot in the lobby of the Cove Inn.  A limited menu didn’t seem to bother all the people that were there this Sunday. They were lined up and waiting to be seated in the place that was awarded “Best Breakfast” and “Best Pancakes” and “Best French Toast” in Naples.

Dennis and I both ordered pancakes.  I got them plain with a side order of ham.  Dennis got them with pecans and blueberries.  The pecans were inside the pancakes.  The blueberries, a humongous portion, came in a side bowl-and he poured them on.  They weren’t fresh, but fresh frozen, and the pleasant surprise was that they weren’t gooshy or sugar-corn starchy-sweet-syrupy, but almost like fresh!

The pancakes here are ultra-thin and light, and we could easily understand why they are award-winning.  They tasted delicious, and happily, they weren’t served with butter on them.  The restaurant also had low fat, sugar-free Smuckers syrup.

The place is totally unassuming and homey, down to the fact that their placemats have diagrams of fish and the names of everyone who works there, from the owner and chef to the waitresses and busboys.  Priscilla waited on us, and we also said hello to the owner, Lori.  Priscilla told us that her sister is one of the chefs and Lori’s nephew Matt works as a busboy.

Other things on the menu included corned beef hash with eggs, a special omelet with Monterey cheese, and their special French toast.  Although lunch wasn’t available, Dennis had tried to order the tuna salad.  We were curious about it since the menu stated “tuna prepared to order.”

Somehow The Cove Inn didn’t “look” like they would have fresh tuna.  Priscilla gave us the scoop. Pun intended.  The tuna is from a can-but they don’t make the salad until you order it-so they can add a little or a lot of mayo; they can include onions; or celery; and make it just the way you like it.

Which is how we felt about the great time we had at The Coffee Shoppe-it was just the way we like it!

THE COFFEE SHOPPE

Cove Inn on Naples Bay
900 Broad Avenue South
Naples, Florida 34102
800.255.4365
www.coveinnnaples.com/restaurants.htm

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Other Naples restaurants to enjoy….

VERGINA
700 Fifth Ave S.
Naples, FL 34102
239 659 7008
www.verginarestaurant.com

First Watch: The Daytime Cafe
225 Banyan Boulevard #100
Naples, FL 34102
239.434.0005
www.firstwatch.com

CASTAWAYS BACKWATER CAFE
2025 Davis Blvd
Naples, FL   34104
239.417.8879
www.naplesnews.com/places/castaways_backwater_cafe/

MR. MOM’S DINER
3560 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
239.775.6667
www.naplesnews.com/places/mr_moms_diner/

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A Sunset Sail for Romance….

THE SCHOONER LADY STIRLING

Touring the waterways of Naples, Florida, on The Schooner Lady Stirling at sunset is about as romantic an event you could give your sweetheart.  With a slight wind to your back, the huge sails majestically bellowing with warm air and the sun heading into the horizon, the Lady Stirling is an emotional bliss-filled ride.  If you love your romance slow and your fresh air filled with gorgeous views, this is for you.

The Lady Stirling is an 80-foot gaff-rigged schooner, built in 2004. Intended to be a reminder of the clipper schooners of the past that transported people and cargo to our shores, The Lady Stirling sails along at about 8 knots, as you view the beautiful homes and lush greenery on the shores of Naples Bay. Reaching the Gulf, Captain Bill turns around and heads back to shore.  Before hitting land, deckhands bring out boxes of pizzas and cold drinks, beer and wine for a mini-party with your sailing mates. It was a fun-for-all!

More serious, but something to think about, are the memorial services and ash scattering ceremonies they offer.  Your loved one’s ash scattering location is marked by GPS, and a framed memorial certificate marking the exact location is provided.

So whether this is your first or last ride on the Lady Stirling, it will be memorable. We won’t soon forget it.

THE SCHOONER LADY STIRLING

Port-O-Call Marina
550 Port O Call Way
Naples, FL   34102
239.642.0499
www.pmcharters.com

Marilyn Anderson
Romance on the Road


Beverly Hills Goes Pink for a Night!

Beverly Hills Goes Pink for a Night!

By Marilyn Anderson

What’s pink and green and full of love?  With fantastic food, featured femmes, and fabulous fashions?  The Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County 7th Annual “Fashion for the Cure” Gala, held at 2 Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, October 23 rd !

It was an extremely special night for an extremely worthy cause: Komen for the Cure is a leader in breast cancer research, awareness, and education.  Their mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find the cures.

The evening was highlighted by a “Think Pink and Green” fashion show, featuring Uber Models and the new couture collection of Los Angeles celebrity eco-designer Deborah Lindquist.

There was a special guest appearance by actress Mariel Hemingway, who authored the newly published book Healthy Living from the Inside Out: Every Woman’s Guide to Beauty, Renewed Energy and Radiant Life.  Lizanne Falsetto, international fashion model and CEO of Think Products, was the emcee.

But the real stars of the night were twelve Breast Cancer Survivors who modeled designs by Sash, Eco-Centric, Staci, and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.  Survivor model Stephanie LaRue wore a “ThinkThinPink Wrapper” dress designed by Lindquist, made from natural nutrition bar wrappers.

Each of the survivors received the loving touch of a hair and makeup makeover by Jose Eber and his salon staff for their fashion runway debut.

The gala was hosted by the always wonderful, ever popularMcCormick & Schmick’s ~ A Pacific Seafood Grill, which offered an array of delicious treasures from the sea, including oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, stone crab claws, ahi, albacore, andtako sashimi and ceviche. Add to that, lobster pot stickers, salmon skewers, vegetarian spring rolls and other healthy, fresh organic appetizers, all presented by McCormick & Schmick’s Executive Chef David Iino. And what’s a party without desserts: heavenly treats like brownie bites, key lime squares, mini brulee, and passion-fruit mousse cups!

To go with the tasty cuisine, cocktails were flowing, and a special wine tasting was hosted by Agua Dulce Vineyards. Live music was provided by Jones, and tunes continued through the night withDJ C-Note spinning.   Guests also enjoyed a silent auction and a live auction, where they bid on fantastic items, including vacation packages to the Fairmont Kea Lani in Hawaii, the Wynn Las Vegas, a Colorado Ski Package, and Golf at Pebble Beach.

Komen for the Cure’s featured artist, Phil Barnes, who lost his grandmother to breast cancer, painted “One Love,” a 6′ x 6′ acrylic on canvas specifically for Komen’s Fashion for the Cure. “One Love” was auctioned off at the event, and represented the victorious, healing, yet feminine essence of those affected by breast cancer.

All proceeds from the evening benefited The Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Founded by Nancy G. Brinker in honor of her sister Susan, the organization is the world’s largest private funder of breast cancer research and community outreach programs.

Everyone is invited to save the date for the Komen Race for the Cure in the Los Angeles area on Saturday March 15, 2008.

For more information on Komen for the Cure, contact the Los Angeles County affiliate at 626-577-2700, or go towww.komenlacounty.org.

And for great seafood any day or night:

McCormick & Schmick’s ~ A Pacific Seafood Grill
Two Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90210
(310) 859-0434

“WATCH” WHAT HAPPENED…AT THE MILUS EVENT

“WATCH” WHAT HAPPENED…AT THE MILUS EVENT

By Marilyn Anderson

There’s no woman or man who wouldn’t love Santa to shimmy down the chimney with a MILUS watch!  And it will be easy this year with the new MILUS showroom boutique on Rodeo Drive.

On Sunday, October 21, the luxury Swiss watch brand celebrated their USA opening with a two-part launch event in Beverly Hills.  Three hundred guests attended the fabulous evening, including some of Hollywood’s brightest stars from television and film, such asDianne Farr from Numbers and Rescue Me, and Lindsay MacFarland and Elle Travis from First Watch, Broken, and Men Don’t Lie.

The evening began with a VIP reception at the MILUS boutique and then moved to Beverly Hills’ AQUA Lounge, where guests were treated to drinks and appetizers, along with a marvelous live performance by jazz singer and MILUS brand ambassador Jane Monheit.

The exquisite MILUS watch and jewelry collections were on view at both the entertainment venue and the showroom.  President and CEO of MILUS USA, Doron Basha, said that their new space is intended to encapsulate their “Highly Personal” brand philosophy by educating key consumers and retail dealers about the brand in an intimate, personal setting.

The new MILUS boutique is located in the heart of the Beverly Hills luxury district and is the company’s first joint corporate and private retail space in the United States.  It will serve as a convenient one-stop-shop destination for media, buyers, corporate initiatives, events, and private sales, all by invitation or appointment only.

The grand opening was a phenomenal evening, capped off with oh-so-grand goodie bags, containing a Jane Monheit CD, MILUS cufflinks for men, and MILUS pendants for women.

Hmmmm…when I sit on Santa’s lap this year, I think I’ll ask him for that gorgeous Apiana 18K Red Gold watch with 98 diamonds. Why not? After all, I’ve been both naughty and nice!

Milus Showroom Boutique
342 Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-424-5701
www.milus.com