Weekend Roundup: A 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.

Photo Credit: Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for TAO

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

Photo Credit: Vince Bucci Photography for UCLA IOE

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

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.