Christian Louboutin, one of the world’s most celebrated shoe designers, has penned his first book and it promises to be be more than just glossy page after page of red-bottomed stilettos. Red-soled stunners aside, Louboutin is truly an artist who is passionate about and dedicated to his craft. And the pairing of great artists, perhaps less of a surprise given Louboutin’s own rising talent star; the likes of John Malkovich and David Lynch have signed on as collaborators.

Singer Elton John opened his new Las Vegas act at Caesars Palace last week, playing his new “million dollar piano” nicknamed, Blossom, that lit up in full technicolor to reflect the mood of each song. But then, we’d expect nothing less from Sir Elton John.

This Fall, restaurant openings seem a dime a dozen in San Francisco. But some of the major contenders may be worth watching. Here’s a look at the most drool-worthy, star-studded, and notable openings on the calendar for the next few months.

According to the records, Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud (known as Al Waleed to his pals) travels with an entourage of 26 people.

Food trucks continue to stay ever-popular, and that popularity is growing. Serving the masses from a mini-restaurant on wheels means a wider circulation and visibility, and sometimes even a lower price for quality food. Plus, Twitter has made it incredibly easy for fans to track the trucks. With rents constantly rising and restaurateurs looking for a quick way to gain attention, many entrepreneurs have turned to food trucks as the new business model.

Hardly the kind of reviews a restaurant wants to hear. And yet, despite the critics, Ninja New York — pummeled by a scathing critique from the New York Times’ Frank Bruni in October 2005 — is still a buzzing destination for tourists and locals.

The inaugural Napa Valley Film Festival is set to open Wednesday, November 9th to much fanfare, in the breathtaking communities of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. A must for cinephiles, foodies and wine lovers alike, the five-day “extended weekend” features a premier selection of independent films and hotly anticipated Oscar contenders, as well as conversations with some of the most exciting actors, directors, producers and writers working in movies today.

Dixon Yacht Design and Ken Freivokh Design have collaborated on an 80m ketch concept, offering a luxury lifestyle that is likely to attract yacht owners as well as sailors.

A licensing company has agreed to pay $1.3 million to use the name Tavern on the Green for restaurants outside metropolitan New York, under a deal approved by Tavern’s bankruptcy trustee.