Weekend Roundup: First Look at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria

A FIRST LOOK AT THE ALL-NEW WALDORF-ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS

Anticipation is growing for the June 1, 2017 opening of the new Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, as the luxury hotel has shared a first look at its new rooms. Each of the 170 guestrooms is a true “room with a view,” offering unrivaled vistas ranging from a bird’s eye view of the Hollywood Hills to the nearby expansive urban canyon of Century City and well beyond. Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto oversized private balconies, perfect for drinking in the sunset or simply checking out Rodeo Drive within easy walking distance. On the hotel’s third level, spacious Villa Suites open onto manicured private garden terraces, perfect for entertaining friends at cocktail hour or having a quiet breakfast as the day begins. Located adjacent to The Beverly Hilton on the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards in Beverly Hills, the 12-story hotel is the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first new build on the West Coast, joining the iconic Waldorf Astoria portfolio of 26 hotels and resorts. The hotel’s 119 deluxe rooms and 51 suites are part of a world-class design created by renowned interior design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR) with richly upholstered furniture in tones of celadon, taupe and white, accented by pieces of bespoke art. Chic touches are throughout the hotel as well, from the triple-height lobby with a contemporary Art Deco design, hand-painted murals and custom Strass crystal chandeliers. Guests will delight to discover lovely Lalique installations throughout hotel, as well as one-of-a kind pieces of significant art throughout the property.

DJ Khaled attends day one of TAO, Beauty + Essex, Avenue + Luchini LA Grand Opening

Photo Credit: Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for TAO

TAO GROUP THROWS AN L.A. BLOCK PARTY TO CELEBRATE NEW OPENINGS

TAO Group, along with real estate developers Richard Heyman and Grant King of Relevant Group, celebrated the highly-anticipated TAO, Beauty & Essex restaurant, Avenue, and Luchini LA Grand Opening with an exclusive invite-only block party. Katie Holmes, Cindy Crawford, Orlando Bloom and Hailey Baldwin were among the Hollywood elite who came out to celebrate TAO Group’s Los Angeles debut. Spotted at Avenue, Cindy Crawford and hubby Randy Gerber enjoyed a fun night out, while DJ Khaled took the stage for a surprise DJ set. Orlando Bloom was also seen at the nightclub with a group of friends, while Draya Michele was seen dancing it up at a table with gal pals. Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross arrived together looking more in love than ever at Beauty & Essex restaurant. The inseparable couple weren’t afraid to show their affection for one another as Evan was spotted giving her a sweet kiss on the cheek. Jamie Chung, who was sporting an Elizabeth and James bag, was all smiles with husband Bryan Greenberg and were seen enjoying sweets at the Beauty & Essex restaurant dessert bar. Meanwhile at TAO Asian Bistro, Hailey Baldwin dazzled in a sparkly number showing off major leg. Enjoying late night slices of pizza at Luchini, were Michael Bay and Owen Wilson, who both kept a low profile throughout the evening. Eiza Gonzalez was seen rocking a Diesel jacket and Vice Camuto clutch while Adelaide Kane was spotted in a Rachel Zoe dress, Alice + Olivia clutch and Vince Camuto shoes. Taking the stage for a surprise special performance were NAS, Busta Rhymes and Anderson Paak while Ross One, DJ Cassidy, Chantel Jeffries, Chris Masterson, and Devin Lucien manned the decks throughout the evening. Tyga made an appearance with pal Scott Disick along with other notable guests including: G-Eazy, Zoe Saldana, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Nicole Scherzinger, and more. Guests enjoyed Poke Wonton Tacos, Petit Imperial Wagyu Sliders and Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings from Chef Chris Santos of Beauty & Essex and Chef Ralph Scamardella of TAO Asian Bistro and imbibed on Tao-Tinis and Emerald Gimlets specialty cocktails. Avenue will officially open its doors on Tuesday, March 21. TAO Asian Bistro, Beauty & Essex and Luchini Pizzeria & Bar will open to the public in early April. Dream Hollywood will open separately and later this spring with a new dining and nightlife concept from TAO Group called The Highlight Room, a rooftop lounge, pool and grill atop of the hotel. TAO Group will exclusively manage all of Dream Hollywood’s food and beverage operations, marking their first West Coast venture.

James Marsden and Courteney Cox pose for photos at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability Annual Gala to celebrate Innovators for a healthy planet and honoring Paul G. Allen and Toyota

Photo Credit: Vince Bucci Photography for UCLA IOE

THE UCLA INSTITUTE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY HONORS PAUL G. ALLEN AT STAR-STUDDED BENEFIT

Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen, idea man for the environment & human progress, and Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., accepting on behalf of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., were honored for their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability at the UCLA IoES gala. The event, which was thrown at the private home of Jeanne and Tony Pritzker in Beverly Hills, CA. The star-studded gala brought out Courteney Cox, Christina Hendricks, Frieda Pinto, and Moby, who were all a part of this year’s host committee. Attendees James Marsden, Edei, Eiza Gonzalez, Angela Lindvall, Madelaine Petsch and Pollyanna Mcintosh, also came out to support the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability annual gala honoring Paul G. Allen and Toyota. UCLA IoES representatives in attendance included: director Peter Kareiva, event co-chairs Lawrence Bender and Alexandria Jackson, Tony Pritzker and Tina Quinn. Robbie Robertson presented honoreePaul G. Allen and Brigitte Grisworld for Jim Lentz accepting on behalf of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. This year, UCLA IoES celebrated “Innovators for a Healthy Planet” and raised over $1M for the institute, which attracts the best environmental science students and scientists in the world and gives them the tools, network, and platform to be game-changers for sustainability. John Salley returned as the gala host which included a special performance by Jackson Browne followed by a one-of-a-kind live auction item to benefit the institute.

Katy Perry accepts the HRC National Equality Award onstage at The Human Rights Campaign 2017 Los Angeles Gala Dinner

Photo Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Human Rights Campaign

KATY PERRY ACCEPTS EQUALITY AWARD

On Saturday, March 18, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, honored global pop icon and longtime equality advocate Katy Perry with HRC’s National Equality Award at the 2017 HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner. Groundbreaking actress and LGBTQ advocate America Ferrera was recognized with HRC’s Ally for Equality Award. Ferrera was presented with the award by Lena Dunham, actor, writer, director, creator and star of HBO’s GIRLS and co-founder of LennyLetter.com. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, (D-VA), was the featured speaker at the gala, which also included a musical performance by Troye Sivan.

Photo Credit: James Beard Foundation

JAMES BEARD HONORS A SELECT CREW OF ANGELENO CHEFS AND FOODIES

The James Beard nominations are officially out, and Los Angeles has dominated the regional awards, with four of the six nominations for Best Chef in the West including Providence’s Michael Cimarusti, Gjelina’s Travis Lett, Rustic Canyon’s Jeremy Fox and Trois Mec’s Ludo Lefebvre. In the national capacity, Caroline Styne of Lucques/A.O.C./Tavern has been nominated as an Outstanding Restaurateur, and Margarita Manzke is nominated as an Outstanding Pastry Chef. Styne’s business partner, Suzanne Goin, as well as Evan Kleiman, are being inducted to the Who’s Who hall of fame. Other nominations include a design nod to the team behind Kismet, Gugu, as well as a nomination for restaurant reviewer Jonathan Gold.