Though L.A. was conspicuously missing from the “Outstanding Restaurateur” category in the hunt to bring home a James Beard Award, we did find other a plethora of other standouts who survived the first round on the chopping block to be named as semifinalists.

The James Beard Award semifinalists have been named and by all accounts, San Francisco is well represented. Congratulations ladies and gentlemen, and best of luck in making it to the finals on March 22, and the grand finale in New York City on May 3.

The fact that the Design District is becoming a hub for more than just design has foodies flocking to the area on a nightly basis. The luxury spa industry is also hoping to get in on some of the action. One of the first to lead the charge is Emena, a modern property housed in an historic space at the Buena Vista Building.

On February 24, Louis Vuitton and the Cultural Department of the Municipality of Milan will pay homage to the city of Milan and to the Indian artist, Sudarshan Shetty, with the installation of the artwork “Maison of Shades”. The opening event will be one of the most exclusive Italian red carpets, so if you haven’t already received your official invite, don’t fret. We’ll bring you all the photos following the reception.

Coming up in April, the 20,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor Spa Montage will be the host venue for the Art of Living Raw Retreat with wellness educator Susie Sondag who will serve as your personal guide through a weekend of health and revitalization.

Though Spring is not quite in the air yet, it’s right around the corner, which means that hopeful brides-to-be are already in party planning mode. Here to help with all the details large and small, the Union Street Wedding Ring is presenting the Union Street Winter Bridal Walk. If we’re talking weddings then we already know that you have your datebook out, so mark this one down in the calendar for Sunday, Feb. 28.

The Fast Company 50 awarded its title of the world’s “No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Design,” to BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Company president Laurenz Schaffer said, “As an honoree, DesignworksUSA stands shoulder-to-shoulder with rising newcomers and industry legends. We’re thrilled to be honored by The Fast Company 50, and to be included among the ranks of industry leaders whose passion and dedication is clearly evident through the game-changing quality of their work.”

Mercedes-AMG has teamed up with Cigarette Racing to unveil two beauties in high performance. Mercedes-AMG, the motorsports and performance division of Mercedes-Benz, developed the 2011 SLS AMG that will be available in May. Making waves at the Miami International Boat Show, the new Cigarette 46’ Rider reflects the AMG influence in its exclusive AMG paintwork, but more importantly, in its technology.

In the world of the affluent, membership in elite circles can make or break where ones stands is society. Membership can equate to power, and the relationship between power and money is unarguably closely connected.