Vera Wang – Wonderful Sale

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Vera Wang on Melrose Avenue is having a huge sale on Friday – the day after Thanksgiving. Their fall and pre-fall ready to wear will be hard to resist as clothing and shoes are 40% off and accessories will be 20% off. Vera’s clothes are super flattering – perfect for all of the holiday parties coming up. Pryor Events are big fans of Vera Wang.

The Presidential Suite at Hotel Bel-Air

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The living room of The Presidential Suite at Hotel Bel-Air.

Hotel Bel-Air has always been one of my most favorite hotels. I was a bit concerned when the hotel closed several years ago for a complete remodel. Only the hotel’s signature swans remained during the construction.

I am very happy to say that the original charm of the hotel is intact. There are many changes from the sophisticated lobby to the delicious Wolfgang Puck restaurant to the new guest rooms. The changes enhance the beauty of the hotel without detracting from it. Each area is quite wonderful.
I had the pleasure of visiting The Presidential Suite with the lovely Lynn Racusin. I work with Lynn on booking rooms for my clients who are planning events at both Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel.
The colors in the suite are eclectic and yet calm and soothing at the same time.

My favorite part of the suite – a full sized swimming pool and lovely patio.

Another wonderful outdoor space – a tranquil patio with its own jacuzzi.

All of the new suites are gorgeous. Each has its own personality. Several are even built into the hillside and have amazing views.
The Presidential features 2,260 square feet of indoor space. There are two fireplaces, a wonderful kitchen and a formal dining room. The floor is made from limestone and there are natural wood ceilings. The outdoor areas are completely private and beautifully landscaped. The hotel is extraordinary so it is only fitting that
their Presidential Suite is truly spectacular. Pryor Events are fans of Hotel Bel-Air.

Sometimes Simple is best

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The classic Caprese Salad from the Island of Capri
This wonderful Caprese salad is easy to assemble and tastes amazing. Simply combine sliced yellow, green and red heirloom tomatoes with fresh mozzarella cheese. Alternate the slices and sprinkle with fresh basil and oregano. Drizzle with evoo and fresh ground pepper. Although the traditional recipe does not call for it, I add vinegar to mine. The key is in using the very best tomatoes – not as easy to find this time of year but definitely available and wonderful olive oil. You can find the ingredients at Whole Foods as well as local farmers markets.

Fantastic Hair!

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This wonderful Style, featured on BHLDN is all about old Hollywood Glamour.
It’s stunning but it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Learn how to achieve this look at http://www.bhldn.com/.

Hal Rubenstein Book Signing at Vera Wang

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I had the pleasure of attending the book signing event for the talented and knowledgeable Hal Rubenstein at Vera Wang’s boutique on Melrose Avenue. Hal is the fashion director at InStyle. He is also a founding editor at the magazine and the former men’s style editor for The New York Times. Hal is an expert on dresses and a big fan of Vera’s gowns. His new book “100 Unforgettable Dresses” is filled with gorgeous women wearing amazing gowns – from Grace Kelly to Michelle Obama. Vera Wang’s tangerine chiffon gown worn by Charlize Theron to the Academy Awards is one of the elaborate gowns featured in the book.

The book signing coincided with Vera Wang’s Trunk Show of her magnificent 2012 collection.

Hal Rubenstein proudly displaying his fantastic new book. In addition to the gorgeous photos there are fascinating stories on the dresses’ origins from the designers.

One of Vera’s dramatic new creations.

The lovely Tara Maietta – Manager of Vera Wang’s wonderful West Hollywood boutique

A small sampling of Vera Wang’s 2012 collection

I am excited with Vera Wang’s new collection. There are romantic, timeless gowns and also mystical creations that are quite unique.
Pryor Events are big fans of Hal Rubenstein’s new book “100 Unforgettable Dresses” and Vera Wang.

Let Them Eat Cake

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The Butter End Cakery is a wonderful artisan cake boutique in Santa Monica. Kimberly Bailey creates masterpieces that taste as amazing as they look. Kimberly describes herself as owner, baker, artist and dishwasher. I describe her as an artist with a rare talent.

The interior of the eclectic Butter End Cakery

A dramatic and unique cake that is fit for Royalty.

This wedding cake is adorned with edible lace and delicate flowers

This all white cake is stunning.
What sets The Butter End apart is not only the gorgeous and unique design of their cakes but the fact that they are so incredibly delicious. Kimberly uses the finest ingredients including free range organic eggs, Guittard Chocolate, Nielsen Massey Vanilla and organic fruit. Kimberly honors special requests such as gluten-free cakes. Instead of the typical gummy fondant, nearly all of Butter End’s cakes are covered in a tasty rolled chocolate. Kimberly’s passion is clearly evident when she meets with my clients and of course when they see and taste their finished cake. Pryor Events are fans of The Butter End!

Copper Willow – An Inviting Paper Studio

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Copper Willow in Culver City is a wonderful boutique that believes in the art of the written word.

The inviting entrance at Copper Willow

A few of their custom letter pressed cards. Just be careful the gift inside is as nice as the card!

Their letter press produces stunning invitations. These fine machines are no longer produced anyplace in the world.

If you are like me and you still appreciate fine paper then you must visit this charming boutique in Culver City. Two young and quite talented women, Leora and Jill create wonderful invitations, cards, stationery and gifts. They work closely with clients to design impeccable products. All of their materials are environmentally friendly from their recycled and tree free paper to the vegetable dyes used in their work. In addition to turning your ideas into reality they have wonderful letter pressed greeting cards with original sayings that are a treat to send.

Pryor Events are big fans of Copper Willow.

A Cafe That Cares

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Cafe Surfas is that kind of place you would find in another city and wish you had in your own neighborhood. The food is fresh and delicious. The combination of ingredients in their salads and sandwiches is wonderful. It’s comfortable, the staff is delightful and they even have parking. It’s located at 8777 w Washington Boulevard in Culver City.
The appealing and delicious Cafe Surfas

The sandwiches are made on freshly baked bread. One of my favorites is the Pressed Turkey Panini with oven roasted turkey, raclette cheese, red onion marmalade, roasted tomatoes and asparagus on whole grain bread. Another delicious sandwich consists of Jidori Chicken with Nueske Bacon, aged white cheddar, avocado, mixed greens, red onion and tomato on a rustic roll.

I often have days filled with client meetings and little time for lunch. It doesn’t help that we frequently discuss food at these meetings. I do not have time for a long, sit-down meal but I am not a fan of fast food. I was delighted when I found Cafe Surfas – the intimte cafe next to the Disneyland for cooks – Surfas. Cafe Surfas is the perfect place to grab a wonderful meal. Each item tastes as if it was well thought out and prepared by someone who really cared. Their salads are fresh and interesting. The homemade soup is wonderful and they always have a tempting display of dessert.
Pryor Events are fans are of Cafe Surfas.

Young at Heart

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Send In The Clowns puts on the BEST Children’s Parties in town

A colorful “shopping” experience awaits the lucky birthday party guests at this “On the Farm” themed party

A nautical theme was just what the toddler ordered for his party at The Jonathan Beach Club

One of Send In The Clown’s beautiful princesses.

If you want to do something really special for your child’s next birthday – Leesa Zelken at Send In The Clowns is your answer. Leesa has been providing wonderful decor and top entertainment for children’s parties for 22 years. Her performers are the most authentic and professional in L.A. Send In The Clown’s parties include unexpected surprises such as bubble showers, magical dress up trunks, arts & crafts projects and even miniature adult like furniture. Leesa is wonderful to work with. Her years of experience and amazing intuition will please children of every age.
Pryor Events are big fans of Send In The Clowns

Dinner at Farm Shop

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Farm Shop at Brentwood Country Mart has been a personal favorite for breakfast and lunch since they opened. They are now serving fantastic dinners.

The entrance to Farm Shop.

The flavorful and fresh butternut squash salad with roasted peppers & avocado – drizzled with creme fraiche

Spiced Roast Chicken – baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic croutons and fingerling potatoes.

While I have been enjoying breakfast and lunch at Farm Shop at Brentwood Country Mart for some time, this week was my first experience with dinner.
First of all – I love the concept. They serve a set menu each night – Wednesday through Sunday. Each course is served family style. The food is incredibly fresh and simple. They do not try to combine too many ingredients together. The room is unpretentious and comfortable. The overall feel is having dinner at a friend’s home , although not too many friends cook this well.
My dinner began with a perfect salad. Roasted butternut squash was the base and it was served with roasted peppers, avocado, coriander, creme fraiche and sections of heirloom lime. The creme fraiche served as the dressing and the traditional salad dressing was not missed.
The entree was a moist and flavorful Spiced Roast Chicken with cherry tomatoes, garlic croutons and roasted potatoes. It was seasoned perfectly. As a matter of fact – I never once reached for salt or pepper. For dessert there was a choice of Honey Cake with wild huckleberries or a Cheese Plate. My friend and I each chose the cheese plate. The Bellwether Farms San Andreas cheese served with fruit conserve and a crispy flatbread was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
Our waiter said they are experimenting with different menus but Sunday will most likely be fried chicken night each week. In addition to the featured entree, there is always a vegetarian option available. This is the type of restaurant that we need more of in L. A. While quite a few restaurants have come and gone from this location, I think Farm Shop will be serving their wonderful food for many, many years.

Pryor Events loves Farm Shop!