Jan 12
A Week of Dining and Redecorating Adventures
When it comes to dining in the Big Apple, my late, wise mom used to say–
“If you want good French food, go to France. If you want good Italian food, go to Italy. If you want good everything, come to New York.”
This week, I was reminded of just how true this is as I had the pleasure of eating out five times (a personal record, I think). Four of those meals were at three favorites: my beloved Beach Cafe, La Fonda Del Sol and Hill Country Barbecue.
The fifth brought me one of the great foodie joys of being a New Yorker — discovering a fantastic new restaurant right at your doorstep.
Jean Claude II is utterly delightful (photo courtesy: jeanclaudenyc.com)
Tuesday night, my friend Colin and I enjoyed dinner at Jean Claude II, a cozy, charming little French bistro on the UES that I’ve walked past many times. Perfect for quiet conversation, the restaurant also offers warm, attentive service and fabulous food. The escargot, sautéed skate and chocolate mousse are all magnifique.
An effervescent force of nature, Colin and I met through work a few years ago — the company he worked for was producing a photo shoot at The Westin New York Grand Central. But he was already acquainted with me–
“Are you the single gal?” he asked, a reference to my dating blog, SingleGalNYC.com.
We immediately hit it off, as he blew me away with his creativity and extraordinary talent for completely transforming a space.
I am having the great good fortune of tapping into Colin’s expertise as I continue my big home makeover project. After dinner, we spent hours going over every nook and cranny of my place. Thanks to Colin’s suggestions, I have moved some furniture around so my living room already feels like it has been infused with new energy and breathing space.
The buffet and table pictured here are showcased so much more in this new configuration!
The same could be said of my perspective on other areas of life. I’ve never felt readier or more excited for the fresh start afforded by a new year. Those feelings only grow with each change I make to my abode.
Green accent wall, here I come!
Sep 2
An A-mazing Weekend In L.A.
This weekend marked my second visit to L.A. this summer. The occasion–celebrating a very special milestone for my dear friend A Martinez: the premiere screening of his new movie, Before Your Eyes.
The short film is A’s first foray into screenwriting and directing. And its debut made for two memorable evenings I feel so fortunate and happy to have been a part of.
Malibu Cafe
Friday night, Malibu Cafe provided the ideal setting for an intimate outdoor dinner with A and his beautiful family. Nestled in the heart of Malibu Canyon, it offers a picturesque outdoor setting with whimsical touches like chandeliers strung from the trees and paddleboats. Joining me for the festive meal were my good friends Marilyn and Candy, and Candy’s Italy-based friend Elisa, all of whom (like me) became acquainted with A decades ago during his iconic Emmy-winning role as Cruz Castillo on the NBC soap Santa Barbara.
(from left): Marilyn, me, A, Candy and Elisa
Over dinner, we reminisced about the magic that was SB and all of the good that has come from it — most especially our enduring friendships. With Candy in France, Marilyn in Ohio and me in NYC, we were thrilled to be together for such a happy occasion. Last night, we headed to Olandar, home and artistic sanctuary of actor Leigh McCloskey and wife Carla, for the screening. The evening began with a stirring performance by A’s son Dakota Martinez and wife Sandra Pehrsson a.k.a SandraKota.
SandraKota performs at Olandar
Their soulful voices harmonize just perfectly together and you can feel the love between them. Sandra later told me the sweet story of how she approached Cody when they were both in the same class. Upon discovering that he shared her affinity for dates, she invited him to go to a date farm. They clicked immediately and married a year later. Seeing them together is enough to make this jaded single believe in true love again. Finally, it was time for the main attraction and Before Your Eyes didn’t disappoint. The film takes place on a climactic night for one family after their tormented father leaves. They come together to make a video in a bid to avoid losing their home. It is a powerful tale of the ties that bind and pull us apart, vividly brought to life by the talented ensemble cast. A seamlessly blends Before Your Eyes‘ dramatic story with humor and wit, grounding the film in rich characterizations and engaging dialogue. The transcendent song around which all of the action takes place, co-written by A and Cody, stays with you after the credits roll. I couldn’t be happier for or prouder of A in what he has accomplished with Before Your Eyes. As I told him afterward, he is as much a hero to me now as he was when we first met more than 25 years ago. Congratulations, my friend.
Aug 3
An NYC Fashionista Joins Chloe + Isabel
Some people inspire you with their ongoing ability to reinvent themselves. My dear friend Heidi (a.k.a Divalicious) is one of them.
Heidi and me (February 2010)
I nicknamed Heidi Divalicious because she is a diva in the best sense of the word: a vibrant spirit with a zest for life who is continually stretching beyond her comfort zone. In the decade that I’ve known her, her pursuits have included acting, tango dancing and karaoke, to name a few. She recently obtained a master’s degree in interactive media — and is now adding style entrepreneur to her already versatile resume.
Heidi has joined Chloe + Isabel. The NYC-based company’s jewelry, which has appeared in Vogue and O Magazine, has something for everyone. Pieces start at just $18 and all items are nickel-free, lead-safe and, natch, designed in NYC.
In this fun YouTube video, Heidi shares why she wanted to partner with Chloe + Isabel. My good friend is a perfect match for Chloe + Isabel. A New Yorker herself with five years of fine jewelry experience, Heidi is a true fashionista with a very distinctive style. When we worked together in TV news doing the graveyard shift, she always managed to look fabulous despite the ungodly hours (I tended to favor the just-rolled-out-of-bed look).
Her online GeishaGlam boutique features items that she has curated. Among her personal favorites are these dazzling items below, all under $100.
Pictured: Sunset on the Seine Drop Earrings ($38). Sunlit Sahara Cuff ($98). Tangier Collar Necklace ($98).
Wondering which accessories would work best for you? Heidi is available to be your personal style consultant. With Chloe + Isabel’s lifetime replacement guarantee and 30-day money-back policy, online shopping doesn’t get any easier than this.
I think I’m going to treat myself to the drop earrings pictured above. To start with anyway…
