The Kazanjian Foundation - Beverly Hills Sheet Official Website

April/May 2008
Two Dollars
BCAM Gala Chairs,
Jane and Marc Nathanson
Opening Night
The Kazanjian Foundation
"The Jewels for Charity Program"
Honored by
The Southeast Symphony
Children’s Burn Foundation
Oscar Night
Great Hotels of the World
South Africa, waiting for 2012 Olympics
Mount Nelson, Cape Grace, The Westcliff

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Anjelica Huston and Robert Graham
BCAM Opening
LAPD Chief William Bratton and wife
Joel Madden and Nicole Richie Christina Aguilera Lauren Hutton and Anjelica Huston Tom Ford and Rita Wilson
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Maria Shriver
LACMA's Michael Govan and Katherine Ross
Jamie Tisch

Jane and Marc Nathanson
BCAM Opening
A star-studded gala evening was the scene of the BCAM Opening. The Gala Chairs were Jane and Marc Nathanson who gave
ten million as a donation to help make it happen. The Contemporary Museum that Eli Broad dreamed of is here, and quite magnificent with
100 "Old Fashion" street lamps as a centerpiece on the plaza. A glorious sight on Wilshire Blvd. when passing. Eli Broad a "true citizen of
the world" has left his mark on the world and most certainly in Los Angeles.
Eli Broad, Edythe Broad, Renzo Piano and LACMA's Michael Govan
Takashi Murakami Environmental

The Kazanjian Foundation Honored by
The Southeast Symphony
The Kazanjian Foundation was honored by the Southeast Symphony for its community commitment. "The Jewels for Charity Program" sends inner-city students
to the very prestigious Colburn School of Music. This was also the 50th anniversary of the Kazanjian Foundation and the 60th anniversary of the Southeast Symphony. One
of the students, classical pianist Marvin Brown, played at the beginning of the evening at the honoring ceremony that took place in the penthouse of the Regency Club,
where Douglas Kazanjian received the Swarovski crystal piano for the Foundation in front of a crowd of 90 people (a very private event) who dropped $1500 per seat to
see two legends. Jazz icon Nancy Wilson and comedian Carl Reiner. They performed in the Regency Club that was transformed into an old fashioned night club, Sylvia
Lowry of "A Package Party" did the evening's decor reminiscent of the Copa in New York or Bobby Short at the Carlyle. The evening was a smash!
French Designer,
Patrick Mauboussin
Link Mathewson, Pascal and Paulina Ladreyt
Rhonda Fleming and husband Daryl Carlson
Classical Pianist Marvin Brown, Douglas Kazanjian and
the Evening's Chairman Terry L. King of San Francisco
Albert and Deloise Maddox
Betty Deutsch
Cyril asst. to French Jewelry Designer
Patrick Mauboussin
Pianist Marvin Brown, Virgina Kazanjian, Buzz and Lois Aldrin and Michael Kazanjian
Edye Rugulo, Director YMF Jeanie and Fred Calloway Dascha Stuart
Harriett and Dr. Robert Rose Reneé and Aaron Kumetz Barbara Lockhart Steve and Sally Welsh

Chuck Southcott,
the evening's M.C.
Anne and Shelly Lerher
Jacque Heebner,
Jacque Designs, the best chocolates ever
Glenda and Pat Patton
Virginia and Michael Kazanjian, the evening's honorees,
attending the private party for Nancy Wilson given by Barbara Fodor.
Dr. Chonita
Holmes, soon
to be a new
bride
Curtis and Julie Mathewson
Cat and her lovely mother Elizabeth Pollon
Gene Harbin and Nancy Wilson,
singer Gene Harbin brought down the house
at Disney Hall at the Southeast Symphony's
last benefit. He and Nancy recorded an
album together 15 years ago.
Publicist Dale Olson and Cat Pollon
Nancy Wilson and hostess Barbara Fodor, who has been a
supporter of the Southeast Symphony for the past 10 years.
Dr. Charles and Joyce Lilly
Lois and Buzz Aldrin
Taye Hansberry and Jason Maddox

Daniel Day-Lewis Jon Stewart and Casey Affleck Miley Cyrus Jennifer and Sir Howard Stringer
Helen Mirren Tilda Swinton Anne Hathaway and Diablo Cody
David Furnish and Elton John
Ethan Coen, Scott Rudin and Joel Coen
Michael Moore
Ruby Dee Kristin Chenoweth
Wolfgang Puck, Gelila Puck, Keisha and Forest Whitaker John Travolta and Kelly Preston Viggo Mortensen and Cate Blanchet

Heidi Klum and her husband Seal, a great looking couple.
Heidi looks gorgeous
Renee Zellweger
This looks like a leftover costume from Chicago.
Cameron Diaz
This reminds me of a baby diaper fanny wrap
Jessica Alba,
Best dress of the evening
Jennifer looks like the "Merry Widow", but
She is a happily married lady.
Marion Cotillard,
Will the "Real Mermaid"
please stand up?
Jennifer Hudson,
This gown's top looks like a bowl of flour.

Children's Burn Foundation
The Children's Burn Foundation, which provides the expertise and programs to prevent pediatric burns and to heal severely burned
children, celebrated its 13th annual Giving New Hope Benefit at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The event was attended by more than 700 guests
and raised more than $875,000 to help children and families in Los Angeles and around the world.
Additional support was provided by Lynda Fadel, live auction chair; Linda Vitale, silent auction co-chair; and Reiko Pultz, silent auction
co-chair, along with Susan Lynch, mystery box co-chair; Ellen Simmons, mystery box co-chair; and Jean Trebek, mystery box co-chair. The
Council has raised more than six million dollars since 1996.
Al & Lynda Fadel
Barbara Fodor & Sheri Biller
Dr. Arthur & Sandi Rosenbaum
Ted Chanock

Sandy & Larry Post
Alex & Jean Trebek Patty & John Nickoll
Jean Trebek, Ellen Simmons, Susan Lynch
Doug Mancino, chairman of board of trustees of Children's Burn Foundation;
Erika & Roger Greaves, Giving New Hope Honorees
Tony Maddox, executive vice president of CNN;
Doug Mancino, Chairman of board of trustees of Children's Burn Foundation

The California Chapter of Save Venice
produced a gala weekend event
The first event was a party at the home of Ruth and Hutton Wilkinson, “Dawnridge”. The
next day, Saturday, we all visited the Getty Villa in the morning where we viewed the Greek
and Roman sculptures and the gardens in and around the villa.
Manfred Kuhnert, Cat Pollon & friend at Rancho Concordia
Matthew White and Bea Guthrie at Casa Contenta Luncheon
Richard Mineards and Mara Robinson
at Casa Contenta Luncheon
Peter, Shane and Kacey McCoy
at Moonlight on the Lido Ball
Peter Lai and Mara New
at Moonlight on the Lido Ball
Contributing editors, Cover stories by:
Christina Basi, Jennifer Lucy,
Entertainment: Dale Olson and Anita Talbert, Starr Sisters
Terry L. King, Executive Travel Editor,
Link Mathewson Travel Editor,
and Newport Beach Reporter,
Dasha Stuart Travel Editor,
Correspondents:
Earl Heath, Sports Editor,
Heather Moore, Asssociate Travel Editor,
William Moore, European Travel Editor,
Lester Sloan and Chonita Holmes,
Life Style and Travel Editors
Host of Casa Contenta Luncheon
Richard and Lianne Weintraub
Sandra Ott at Moonlight
on the Lido Ball
Nick and Amanda Stonnington at Rancho Concordia
Cat Pollon dancing with “Charlie”
at Moonlight on the Lido Ball
Ruth Wilkinson,
Mark Hopkins McNob
at Moonlight on the Lido Ball
Beverly Hills Sheet
April / May 2008
Credits
Photographers:
LA Opera: Lee Salem
Southeast Symphony Event: Steven Cohn
Cover: Berliner Studio
BCAM Museum and Oscars: Berliner Studio
Save Venice: Mary Hillard
RBI Dinner: Earl Heath
WCIL Afternoon Tea
Betty Deutsch, Phillips Wiseman,
Roni Heller and Dascha Stuart
Anne Benatar
Paula Maras and Helen Sherick
Freedom Foundation
Penny Sandberg, Charlotte Meier and Sherry Shelley
Ruth March and Barbara Gordon
Beverly Hills Sheet
is published bi-monthly by Forbes Publishing
Editor-in-chief, LaVetta - Editorial and Advertising offices at:
5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1508,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel 323.938.9411 - Fax 323.938.1933
Not responsible for unsolicited materials
Copyright 2008
Artistic Director
Free Design Studio, Hollywood
email:bhmagazine@yahoo.com
www.beverlyhillsheet.com
Trudy Kallis and Betty Deutsch
Genda and Pat Patton
Tania and Joe Caligiuri with Judi Butler

Photos Lee Salem
L.A. OPERA
Opening night parties for “Otello” and “Recovered Voices”
Diane and Peter Gray
Anneliese and Carol Shahin
Barbara Abercrombie
and Bob Adams
Kimberly and John Emerson
Nicole and Ebbe Videriksen
Anneliese and Carol Shahin Rene Kumetz with Rodrick Dixon
Michael and Pat York with Director, Darko Tresnjak
Opera Music Director James Conlon and
Recovered Voices underwriters, Marilyn Ziering and Loe Colen
Julie Christie and "Otello"
lighting designer, Simon Corder
Otello Stars: Ian Storey ("Otello")
and Elena Evseena ("Desdemona")
Conductor and LA Opera Music Director, James Conlon,
with Otello stars Ning Liang (played "Emilia")
and Mark Delavan (played "Iago")

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Screening
Now on DVD
12 Beverly Hills Sheet
Actress
Karen Kramer
and
Composer
Quincy Jones
Lexine Wong, Producer Dean Devlin, Actress Karen Kramer and Composer Quincy Jones
ANITA TALBERT
E!ENTERTAINMENT’S JULIANA RANCIC ….. and her handsome
hubby, TV host/winner of The Apprentice, Bill Rancic were spotted
checking into the Luxe Hotel in Beverly Hills late one night during Oscar
week to escape the fumes from their freshly painted apartment. I
extended an invitation to them to visit my Academy Award Red Carpet
Suite in the Rodeo Drive Penthouse; they were so excited about it and
I couldn‘t wait to lavish them.
My suite rocked! Film star Andie McDowell came by and was gifted lavishly
by our amazing designers. Joan Collins in a black wide-brimmed
hat, very Alexis Carrington-ish, came by with her sister, famed
authoress Jackie Collins, they were equally gifted with fabulous things.
When a nice gentleman asked Joan for a hug, she replied, “I don’t do
hugs”, to which he replied, “How un-American.” Touché!
Oscar Nominee Francesco Quinn and his lovely wife Julie came with
Celebrity Chef Mark Kearney of the Mark Kearney Group, Cheryl Hines
star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, film star Elizabeth Berkley, screenwriters
Bobby and Peter Farrelly, Ben Cross starring in the new Star Trek (May
release), Sean (Mrs. Larry) King, philanthropist Nancy Davis and son
Jason Davis, Roger Cross, Tony Dennison from The Closer, Gary
Dillenhunt from No Country For Old Men, CSO: Miami star Eva La
Rue Marie Osmond, Lisa Rinna and scores more visited our suites.
Comic Cheech Marin came with his stunning Russian-born concert
pianist fiancée Natasha Rubin. After seeing Rubin in a skin tight pair
of swarovski and lace embellished Amanda Adams Couture jeans by
Wendy Roberts, Marin seemed ready to run off and marry her that
moment.
La Toya Jackson came to our suite with her manager. Looking radiant,
Jackson tells me she has two reality shows coming out, one about her
family and the other her own show. As for her famed brother Michael,
she says he is fine, in Las Vegas with a CD about to come out and told
My designers were very generous with Jackson as they were to all our
A-list stars, stylists and PR people. Jackson was gifted with a fabulous
3-tiered pearl bracelet by Maggie Ferrari, a topaz and diamond ring by
Natalie K Collection, embellished jeans by Amanda Adams Couture, a
fabulous bag called Black Jack by designer Mary Frances and a pink
embellished horse-hair Nicole Barr Belt.
In our ultra luxury spa, Jackson arranged to have a private special oxygen
facial with Intraceuticals presented by Iduna Medical Aesthetic clinic
in Manhattan Beach; she also received a certificate for a eyelash
extensions with eyelash guru Daniel Dinh, as well as the new Joico trio
collection of anti frizz and special modeling paste and wax hair products.
Jackson also got a 24 carat gold Jelly Belly bean dispenser, they were
one of myr Presenting Sponsors. The CEO 4th generation, Herman
Rowland was there for the unveiling of the George Clooney portrait
made up of 10,000 Jelly Belly beans. His talented beautiful jewelry
designer wife Maggie Ferrari was a co-Presenting Sponsor, she created
an homage to the jelly bean with a fabulous series of Jelly Belly gold,
diamond, rubies and sapphire necklaces, earrings and a special pair of
cufflinks for her hubby.
Natalie Kreim, the beautiful green-eyed, blonde twenty-year old daughter
of Moshe and Vickie Kreim of Beverly Hills is the inspiration and codesigner
with her dad of the fabulous diamond Natalie K Collection; they
gave a fabulous piece to Jackson, Kimora Simmons was dripping in
their jewels on Oscar Night.
Everyday we had different cuisine for lunch including the fabulous Sage
Restaurant & Lounge‘s great Cuban American food; Joe’s Brooklyn
Pizza with the best thin crust pizza I’ve tasted in years and to die for garlic
rolls and of course deli platters from everyone’s favorite Beverly Hills
eatery, Nate & Al’s.
The best vendors in Beverly Hills were Nate & Al’s and Porsche Design,
fabulous people to work with.
Our opening suite dinners were extravaganzas by Chef Ehrlich of
Celebrity Gourmet Catering, his partner, ice carving artist Sam
Kumuryan and his sous-chef wife Joanne Ishe, wowed our dinner
guests with their extraordinary artistry.
Our centerpieces created by Rubick Uluchyan of Renaissance Flower
in Hollywood were pure magic. The layered stones in each vase
changed colors continuously, both lighting and changing the mood at
each table; Uluchayan is an amazingly creative florist.
When Phil Spector and his beautiful wife Rachelle, one of the smartest young
women I know and her mom Karen attended our dinner, people were awed
to see the reclusive Icon. People were coming up to him to get autographs
and tell him how they loved his music and had grown up to his hits.
Our guests received sumptuous gift bags with a Traveler bottle by Clive
Christian, perfumers to the Queen of England, the most expensive perfume
in the world; We also had trips for VIP’s to 5-star Sedona Rouge
Hotel & Spa in Sedona Arizona, villas in Tuscany, 5 star hotels in
Florence, Italy and the coup de etat of all trips, to Hotel Marques de
Riscal in El Ciego Spain, the city of Wine; the oldest winery owned by
nobility. The Marques de Riscal was recently updated by world
renowned architect Frank Gehry and the hotel which offers fabulous
Caudalie Vinotherapie ( out of this world) and the most enchanting place
Speaking of the best of Spain, Oscar Winner for No Country for Old Men
Javier Bardem wanted to come up to our suite, but sort of freaked when
he saw all the press we had, even though we had cleared the room for
him. He fled; silly boy, we had great things for him and an unbelievable
trip. Oh well, he did get that little gold statuette and boy does he deserve
it. Bravo Javier!
Another of our vendors, Fine Jewels by Rafi of Beverly Hills loaned
Kimora Lee Simmons a platinum diamond watch to wear on her show
Life in the Fab Lane. He also gifted Marie Osmond with a $20,000 diamond
watch. Rafi’s jewelry is stunning and incredibly well priced.
AT OSCAR NIGHT PARTY NIGHT OF 100 STARS … produced by
Norby Walters at the Beverly Hills Hotel, I met Larry Birkhead; sweet
and genuinely concerned about my sore feet, the charmer came over to
sit with me. While we chatted, he told me that Anna Nichole Smith’s
mom Fergie sics child welfare services on him constantly to try to take
his daughter Daniellyn away from him. He’s a good daddy and people
need to move on in their lives.
Paris Hilton and her tattooed boyfriend Benni Maddon, the brother of
Hilton’s long-time friend, Nicole Richie’s boyfriend Joel Maddon, quietly
entered the Polo Lounge to relax from a long jet trip. Hilton
looked demure and lovely in a white cashmere cardigan with
swarovski buttons and grey skirt, really classy. She was sorry she
missed our suite and wants to be invited to our next one. No problem
Paris, you are always welcome.

Marilyn Lewis
Honored
The National Association of
Business Owners, honored
Marilyn Lewis by placing her in
their Hall of Fame. Never more
a deserving person. Marilyn
has been a mentor for so many
for 50 years. She not only has
been a great mentor, she has
served the community in so
many ways. She even guaranteed
a loan for over a hundred
thousand dollars for the
Southeast Symphony to buy their
first building, for the children to
have their rehearsals and
recitals. She has been a true
value to all communities. She
now prides herself with the joy
of her two sons running both
Kate Mantilini's and the
Gardens on Glendon, and of
course her better half, Harry.
Dennis Gilbert and daughter Hailey
RBI Dinner
Reviving Baseball in the inner City
Dodger Broadcaster Charley Steiner and Coco Crisp
(L to R ) Former Dodger Great Ron Cey, Terry and Ken Landreaux
Marilyn Lewis
Even Marilyn is a RBI Fan Darryl and Tracy Strawberry
Photos Earl Heath
Karen and Don Newcombe
DALE OLSON
Reading CHARLOTTE CHANDLER'S personal biography of JOAN
CRAWFORD, vividly reminded me of the impact left by Crawford both on and
off screen. Aptly titled "NOT THE GIRL NEXT DOOR," (Simon &
Schuster) it's pure Crawford, the distinct and unforgettable one of a kind epitome
of a movie star who always said, "If you want the girl next door, go next door."
I can't claim to have been a friend of Crawford, but I once was on the
receiving end of the famous personal notes on her little blue stationery Joan
sent to anyone she considered helpful to her career. Bravo, Joan, you sure
knew how to merchandise yourself in a business that historically chews up
those who never learned how to play the game. I saved those little notes (who
wouldn't?) in a hefty Joan Crawford file until my office was robbed by a very
selective burglar, who ignored dozens of clients and friends like Shirley
MacLaine, Rock Hudson, Steve McQueen and Laurence Olivier, snatching only
those of Crawford, Steve Allen and Gene Kelly - so, dear reader, if you find
a little blue note with Joan Crawford embossed at the top and a dedication
to "Dear Dale" as you surf E-Bay, let me know. It belongs to me. Meanwhile,
if you want to know what a real movie star is like, read Charlotte's new book.
True to the incisive personal style of the earlier earlier celebrated bios of
Bette Davis, Alfred Hitchcock, Ingrid Bergman, Fellinni, Groucho and his
zany brothers that have made Chandler the foremost movie biographer of
our day, she totally captures the personal Crawford, as well as the fiercely
competitive, driving personality that made sent her to the top. To do this,
Charlotte only writes about people she has known, tells her subject's story
in her own words, carefully gathered and saved from personal encounters
through the years. Interspersed are the observations of peers, friends and
family, in this case never before published memories from Crawford's
husbands, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Franchot Tone, Phillip Terry and
Pepsicola President Alfred Steele, who couldn't compete with her stardom,
but who all loved her passionately and understood her enough to remain
friends. To underline the Crawford reign as Queen of Hollywood, UCLA Film/
Television Dean Robert Rosen launched publication of the book with a
standing room only seminar featuring co-star Cliff Robertson ("Autumn
Leaves"); Los Angeles Times respected veteran film critic, Kevin Thomas;
legendary publicist Warren Cowan, credited with the first independent "Oscar"
campaign that resulted in Crawford's Academy Award for "Mildred Pierce";
longtime Crawford secretary, Betty Barker, archivist Sean Sobek, and even a
loving grandchild in a seminar tribute to the star that surely would have seen a
bevy of little blue notes fluttering from Crawford's prolific pen. . If you love the
movies and if you love people who are bigger than life, you'll love "Not the Girl
Next Door," which Joan Crawford certainly wasn't. I can't wait for Chandler's
next tome, which will be a closer look at another screen legend, the inimitable
Mae West* * *Everyone knows that entertainment publicists are always on the
run, but JULIAN MYERS, who turned 90 in February and is still out there
selling Hollywood with vim, vigor and enthusiasm, is certainly proving the point.
To celebrate his impressive natal day, Julian began a jaunt from San Diego that’s
ended up in March a Philippe's, the site of the original French dip sandwich, in
downtown LA. When his sweet bride, Patsy, invited 290 of his pals to greet the
end of his marathon. Julian called it an "AMIGO DAY" celebration, plugging
the organization promoting friendship that has been his passion for as long as
I've known him. By the looks of the crowd that filled all of Philippe's parking lots,
the stairs, top floor and the lines downstairs waiting for their French dips, they
all came, maybe the biggest collection of yesterday, today and perhaps
tomorrow Hollywood press agents, who collectively have been marketing
movies, music and TV and their stars since almost the time Hollywood began.
From the legendary Warren Cowan to reps from the studios, networks, indies
and music companies, I had fun reminiscing with people I've known for the 50
years I've been in this business (l958) and what a joy it was. Yes, Julian
is certainly the right person to be promoting Amigo Day because the day certainly
proved that he has made a lot of amigos in this business over the years and
they haven't forgotten him. I think I even saw his devoted clients like Dennis
Weaver and Richard Mulligan in the lines for French dips and baked apples.
Way to go, Julian. We all love you and Patsy and wish you another 90
years* * *Wasn't it grand, wasn't it lovely and wasn't it elegant when our
publisher, La Vetta Forbes, took over both the Regency Club and the penthouse
of the stately Murdoch Building and turned it into a cabaret starring the
inimitable NANCY WILSON AND CARL REINER benefit for the SOUTHEAST
SYMPHONY, at 60 years the longest continually performing multi-ethnic
symphony in the country. Regency staffers said they had never seen anything
like it and even one member couple of the exclusive club, who shall forever go
unnamed, was so taken with the unusual event, which an exclusive audience
of multi-ethnic civic leaders shelled out $3,000 per couple to attend, they
crashed the party. Wilson, who is celebrating her 71 th birthday, was in rare form
in a dazzling red La Vetta gown. She performed standards and special
material, and Reiner in equally top form with his witty bon mots, while radio's
popular "Music of the Night" host Chuck Southcott made all the right introductions.
Southcott also presided when the famed KAZANJIAN family and their
Foundation supporting young musicians was honored. Third generation
Douglas Kazanjian accepted the award, an amazing Swarovski crystal open
grand piano, while l7 year old Marvin Brown entertained the crowd with his
amazing virtuosity. Brown exemplifies the prodigies supported by the
Kazanjian's, whose unique display of current and celebrity estate jewels were
available to the affluent crowd with a hefty percentage going to the Symphony.
Sponsors and big spenders got to mingle intimately with Wilson, as well as such
guests as Lois and Buzz Aldrin, Daryl and Rhonda (Fleming) Carlson, Elizabeth
and Cat Pollon (who bought the amazing solid ruby frog band ), the following
night at the lavish art-filled Century Hill home of BARBARA AND Dr. PETER
FODOR, longtime supporters of the Southeast Symphony. Bravo to chair Terry
L. King, Co-Chairs Marilyn Lewis and Barbara Lockhart and one and all for one
of the most elegant events the town has seen in years* * * Former Women In
Film President PATRICIA BARRY and I joined many of the ladies of the
industry when PETER GUBER, certainly one of the moguls of today's
movie world, opened his lavish Bel Air home (or at least part of it) to welcome the
female Academy Award nominees. We wandered the lavish structure
housing Guber's awards, from "Oscar" to Golden Globe and everything
else, in the tasteful, masculine setting of Guber's home business and
entertainment center and lavish screening room, making me feel we were
in the modern world's San Simeon, the overly-gilt and audacious
castle-like residence of an earlier mogul we've all heard about.

Westcliff Hotel
Our journey to South Africa began in Johannesburg. After years of hearing about the country, and its tangled past, we were eager to
see the land that we had heard so much about. What was revealed was a place rich in history that was eager and ready to accommodate.
The trip surpassed our wildest expectations.
Nestled into the hillside of Johannesburg's Parktown neighborhood, every view
from the Westcliff Hotel is a sweeping vista of the city. This historic and elegant
hotel has the feel of a private Mediteranean village with an oasis of restful garden
paths that lead you around the grounds. Each room is individually decorated, and
the luxury suites have private terraces overlooking stunning views. Not surprisingly
this is the place Brad Pitt stays when he's in Joburg for one of his many African
causes.
For dinner we tried the Westcliff's La Belle Terrasse. An elegant fine-dining
restaurant with a lovely selection of Mediterranean dishes, and traditional African
cuisine. Try a game option with the springbok scallopini, which is divine. The grilled
kligklip is wonderfully light yet flavorful. We finished the evening with drinks in the
sophisticated wood-paneled Polo Lounge Bar.
A few days later, after short plane ride we found ourselves in Cape Town and off to
our next destination, the Mount Nelson hotel. The Mount Nelson Hotel opened its
doors in 1899 and was designed to provide the finest accommodation to the most
discerning traveler. From the beginning, the Mount Nelson surpassed expectations.
Winner of numerous
awards, including the
2007 award for "Africa's Leading Hotel" as well as "South Africa's Leading
Hotel" at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards, it is regarded the world over for
its charm, elegance, and superb hospitality.
Set at the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town's iconic image, the 9 acres of
lushly landscaped gardens make for an impressive and stunning property. The
144 rooms, and 57 suites, are equally
beautiful and comfortable. And within
walking distance of Kloof Street's
fashionable shops and restaurants,
the Mount Nelson has the perfect
location.
After a rest we dressed for tea.
Afternoon Tea at the Mount Nelson is
Mount Nelson Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel
South Africa, waiting
for 2012 Olympics in all its Glory
Cape Grace Hotel
an institution. While listening to the
soothing sounds of live, classical
piano, we enjoy delicious pastries and
Table bay Hotel
savory bites with a wide array of exotic and traditional teas. For dinner, we tried the Mount Nelson's
signature Cape Colony restaurant. The recent appointment of Executive Chef Ian Mancais brings
a fresh perspective to the hotel's cuisine. Guests have the choice of two menus, of traditional
African or Asian Fusion selections. And for parties, and special gatherings, guest scan also arrange
for a private dining experience inside the heart of restaurant's kitchen at the Chef's Table.
The newly redone Planet Champagne Bar inside the Mount Nelson Hotel was a perfect place to
start before an evening out. Popular for after- work drinks with the young and sophisticated
Capetonian, the Planet Bar has also attracted celebrities like Leonardo di Caprio and Carlos
Santana.

For our next destination we traveled from the mountain to
the waterfront. Ideally positioned with views of the yacht
marina and Table Mountain, the elegant Cape Grace offers
all the ease and luxurious comforts of modern amenities and
warmly engaging service. Spacious and well-appointed
rooms include French doors leading to private balconies and
stunning sunset views of the Atlantic. Among the guests who
have enjoyed this view include Bill Clinton and Beyonce.
Try one of the innovative dishes at onewaterfront, Cape
Grace's signature restaurant. Executive Chef Craig
Paterson is one of the most respected chefs in Cape Town,
Cape Grace Hotel
and is lauded for his ability to coax new flavors out of old
ingredients in his Cape Malay influenced cuisine.. After a
great meal, finish the evening with a glass of whiskey at the Bascule bar, chosen from a highly impressive
selection. This harbor-side lounge has the perfect ambiance for an intimate tete-a-tete in one of their plush
club chairs, or for sitting at the bar and striking up a convivial conversation with fellow travelers.
Evenings out are a breeze at the Cape Grace. We booked the luxury BMW courtesy car. The drivers were
pleasant and happy to take you and pick you back up again at your leisure. The concierge can recommend
many excellent restaurants in the hip newly redeveloped Green Point neighborhood nearby.
For elegant meals, Cape Town did not disappoint. In Green Point, with new loft developments and hip
nightlife, the creators of Pigalle have transformed an old-ice rink into a fabulous Art Nouveau restaurant.
Step back in time to a glizzier era with their live jazz band and large dance floor under dramatically vaulted ceilings. The glowing light from
the custom-designed chandeliers make everyone look like a million dollars. This 300- seat restaurant is impressive to say the least, but still
surprisingly manages to be cozy and intimate when seated. Start off your luxurious evening with a dozen local Nimibian oysters. Wonderfully
fresh and full of flavor served with Pigalle's signature chili lime sauce - they are not to be missed. The highly attentive staff shows a
laudable attention to detail - offering a lemon sorbet perfectly on time between courses to cleanse your palate.
For a contemporary dining experience try Salt. A stunning ocean-side restaurant, Salt brings together the best location in Cape Town with
sleek modern-designed interiors for an unforgettable dining experience. Nothing but a glass wall divides you from the breath-taking view of
waves crashing below on this picturesque rocky beach at Bantry Bay. Sip your mojitos while watching the sunset, and taste from a selection
of dishes at the tapas bar. Chef Pete Goff-Wood offers a delightful seasonal menu using the freshest and most sustainable local ingredients.
The innovative choices draw from a variety of ethnic influences, but always keeps the flavors simple and clean. Impressive entrees include
the Ostrich fillet, which was accompanied perfectly by the spicy iman bayildi and the cool walnut raita.
Also located on the V & A Waterfront, Sun International's Table Bay has a prime location. Offering the best in spa amenities and fine dining,
it is a perfect place for the business or leisure traveler. Entering the Table
Bay's sun drenched lobby was a sensory experience. High, vaulted ceilings,
expansive windows, and the smell of orchids make for a warm and dramatic
entry. The décor is a subtle mix of contemporary elegance, accented with
African inspired fabrics and artwork.
Each of the uniquely decorated 329 rooms has its own breath taking view.
For a truly opulent encounter, book the Lion's Head or Table Mountain
suites. Tastefully appointed with handcrafted furnishings and delicate
crystal, you can enjoy private butler service, and an amazing view of the
sunset from your own private patio. The Table Bay Hotel offers the best in
health spa accommodations.
As we were winding down our trip, we were pleased to see that shopping
for that perfect gift was never easier than at the Table Bay. The hotel's gift
shop had a wonderful selection of hand painted ostrich eggs, or African fabrigege.
All in all, South Africa was fantastic. Can't wait to go back!.
Erin Harkey / Susan Hwang
Westcliff Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel
Westcliff Hotel