The best oceanfront home available on the Big Sur/Carmel South Coast. Outdoor, waterfront living at its best. No other waterfront home has this much usable space manicured to absolute perfection. Your own stairway to the ocean, beach and sandy fire pit with gas and seating. Spectacular tide pools, rock formations and views like no other home. Large open spaces and lawns perfect for entertaining the largest parties, weddings, and all outdoor enjoyment with the ocean. Extremely secluded and gated. Recently updated home with 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and a 1/2 bath. Spacious kitchen with unobstructed views. Huge deck with wind blocking glass for use all year long.
Offered @ $9,988,000
Contact Noel Beutel @ 831.620.3724 or Noel.Beutel@sothebyshomes.com. Or visit www.sothebyshomes.com/norcal.
For over 35 years KCBS Radio was broadcast from the Palace Hotel. This event was to celebrate two of San Francisco’s icons.
WHEN:
Friday November 13th, 2009
7:00 P.M.
WHERE:
Palace Hotel
2 Montgomery Street
San Francisco
WHAT: Dinner, drinks, entertainment, and dancing to the Dick Bright Orchestra

Willie Brown, Clem Esmail, Doug Harvill
For more exclusive event photos, visit our events page.
Life after earning 3 Michelin stars can certainly be rewarding, but it can also be fun. Tonight, night owls can enjoy Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, as he will be welcoming one of our favorite, and extremely talented, men, Chef Daniel Boulud.
On this evening’s show with comedian Jimmy Fallon, Chef Boulud will be showing America some of his favorite ways to handle holiday season leftovers. Its likely guests will receive some excellent advice from the chef who now holds 3 Michelin stars for his respected restaurants, Daniel. The famous chef will also be announcing an exciting new project called “Text A Turkey” which is a holiday donation program he is involved in with Citymeals-on-Wheels and American Airlines. The admirable project is a sweepstakes that anyone can enter by simply texting a number and donating to Citymeals.
Despite his new Michelin nod of excellence, Boulud doesn’t think that anything has really change since the 3rd Michelin star was added to his New York restaurant, Daniel. “For me and my team, the pride we had for the restaurant did not start with the 3rd Michelin star; it started a long time ago. Even though it is like our “Grand Slam” we have taken it all in stride.” Modest man, but certainly worthy of this “Grand Slam,” as he calls it.
Achieving amazing success and recognition just doesn’t seem enough for Boulud who has multiple endeavors coming into play. For instance, there was a recent announcement that Chef Boulud, Chef Wolfgang Puck, and Chef Mario Batali will all be opening restaurants within the same resort in Singapore, The Marina Bay Sands. Boulud says he thinks it’s amazing how well represented America will be in this project, and adds, “It says a lot about how the US is considered internationally on a culinary level. I really look forward to working in such great company!”
While he may be looking forward to joining forces with some top American chefs in Singapore, Boulud notes that he doesn’t really “think there is any difference between French and American cuisine.” While some of us foie gras lovers may respectfully disagree, Boulud continues to explain by saying, “French cuisine was always about discipline, about ingredient, about creativity, but also about simple. I see America as very similar in these rights. It’s also great to see more Americans being inspired to try cooking at home and eating better food.”
Watch Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight to hear more from Chef Boulud. The show airs at 11:35pm Central on NBC.

Via: Examiner.com
MoAD’s 2009 Gala Soiree’ was a success! Their exhibition, titled The Art of Richard Mayhew featured a series of landscape paintings, some containing figurative works, created between the late 1950s to the present. Mr. Mayhew uses vivid, psychedelic and unexpected color choices to evoke mood and emotion in his work.
The Board of Directors of the Museum of the African Diaspora presented the 2009 GALA SOIREE’ and “The Journey “ featuring the art of Richard Mayhew on Friday, November 13, 2009. The event began with a VIP Reception at MoAD at 6:30, and a guided tour of the exhibit, followed by an elegant dinner at the St. Regis Hotel. This year’s corporate Leadership Award was presented to Lloyd Dean President & CEO, Catholic Healthcare West and Kenneth P. McNeely President, AT&T California. The MoAD Spirit Award was presented to Frankie Jacobs Gillette Founding MoAD Board Member and Frederick E. Jordan CEO, F.E. Jordan & Associates. Ms. Pam Moore, KRON 4, Mistress of Ceremonies and Mr. Dave Clark, KTVU Channel 2, will serve as the Masters of Ceremonies. This year’s Gala Soiree was the best ever as it continued to build rich relationships around the bay area and throughout the world to support the mission, goals and programs of the Museum of the African Diaspora.
The Art of Richard Mayhew is an exhibition of work by the nationally recognized Santa Cruz-based artist whose landscape paintings span over 50 years. The Exhibition Opening and Reception was held October 10, 2009, sponsored by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and will run until January 10, 2010. For more information regarding the 2009 Gala Soiree’ and The Art of Richard Mayhew, visit MoAD’s web site.
The Museum of the African Diaspora is located 685 Mission Street (at Third Street), San Francisco and is open Wednesday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Museum Admission: $10 adults; $5 seniors, 65 years and over with I.D.; $5 full-time students with current I.D. Members and children 12 and under free.
Call (415) 358-7200 for Museum information.

Richard Mayhew, Brenda Wright, Timothy Alan Simon
For exclusive event coverage, visit our events page.
We wrapped Art Basel Miami on the heels of the Copenhagen Summit on climate control. Golfing lost its luster while the world leaders were trying to reduce fuel emissions. And we weren’t quite sure why our President won the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.
For Art Basel 2009, I decided to produce a party with a message and thus, “Eco Artland 2009” was born. There was a buzz about reducing your carbon footprint on the planet fueled by Al Gore releasing his new book, “Our Choice,” A Plan to Solve our Planet Crisis. I gave my artists the mandate to create eco-friendly art installations. The outcome was both exciting and educational and tantalized all the senses.
I kicked off Art Basel week at the amazing estate of Thomas Kramer on Star Island the same night that Audi unveiled its A8 luxury vehicle in a time when luxury was a naughty word. They called it the “Art of Progress” while I disagree. Their 1000 VIP guests got lectured by Lucy Liu and munched on decadent delights by David Bouley in a temporary 45,000 square foot structure. This may have created some short term jobs, but the end left nothing but waste material and future fuel emissions plus plastic goody bags that they gave away in multiples.
In contrast, my 500 guests entered the guard gates of the Star Island waterfront enclave and were pinned with a basil corsage emitting a fragrant smell that was the start of our green night with our play on words being “Art Basil” under the light of the Miami full moon. Models wearing recycled postcard fashions by Julia Kreibich rode around the driveway on electric bicycles with neon accents from The Electric Bicycle Store. After a Martini & Rossi Prosecco bubbly toast to living green, guests had the choice of organic wines compliments of Eno’s Wine Bar and Bacardi Mojitos or O.N.E. Drinks of flavored coconut water from young green coconuts and carbon neutral Icelandic Glacial Water. And to munch on, my guests were offered a menu tasting from Grass Restaurant & Lounge and healthy hors d’ouvres from Passion of Life Gourmet like pumpkin shots and micro greens from Rock Garden Herbs. After a few drinks and a satisfied tummy, VIPS were wowed by the unique art on display. Artist, Jorge Fernandez collaborated with landscape architect, Harry Nelson to create what they called “Rainforest Parking Lot” consisting of two gas guzzling, Cadillac clunkers stuffed with greenery topped off with thunder and lighting special effects and image projections by photographer, Tomas Loewy. Quite a contrast to the Audi debut. And docked just behind was a ‘green lighted’ catamaran from SkySail Charters. Nearby, artist Marc Hubert D’Ge took his Hammerhead stuffed shark and showed video projections of the “Home” movie produced by Time Magazine’s 2009 ‘Environmental Hero,’ Yann Arthus-Bertrand with imagery of the human caused destruction of our planet.
In the pool, a centerpiece spelling the words “Art Basil” was floating around. And also a sign grown from micro greens with the same title greeted guests created by Grow-Miami which grows gardens in center city locations.
DJ, Galaxy Girl was surrounded by vibrant green cosmic circles by artist, Mary Aline MacDonald while recycled mannequins by artist, Nikangel quietly watched over the scenesters. Designer, Marcella Acosta showcased her Esmeralda Collection of emerald jewelry for guests to splurge on.
My Eco Artland environment kept integrity with the green message from start to finish. Our VIP guests received their invitation by snail mail on recycled paper with flower seeds imbedded in it. Thus, the actual invitation could be planted and become a flower! Sprouts! is the ingenius company that came up with this paper concept. And as guests departed the party, they were given a goody bag from Whole Foods that relayed the message in bold graphics, “I used to be a plastic bottle.” And rather than the usual luxury gifts, our guests got to take home some micro greens to eat and literature on our designated charity, Take Stock in Children.
Hopefully, as the guests departed “Hopenhagen”, they had learned a bit about living green and still having fun. Also, we hoped to create awareness and a conscience for taking care of our “home”, planet earth for us and future generations.
“We are at a crossroads. We must choose which earth will be home to future generations.” Al Gore, author of “Our Choice” A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis
HOPE GAINER, President of Hope International is a global imagemaker, marketer and branding expert with 30 years of lifestyle experience with a focus today on the luxury market. She produces unique, upscale events around the world. Gainer is a founding member of the Florida Luxury Council and a contributor to several luxury magazines including Elite Traveler, Haute Living and Social Affairs. She also represents spectacular ‘trophy’ real estate properties.
For more exclusive pictures from the evening, please visit our events page.
Some reports are citing that extravagant spending is beginning to register a comeback on Wall Street, indicating some extent of a return in market confidence.
It’s no secret that retailers and investors are looking toward the wealthy to contribute their fair share to the economy this year as holiday sales sweep the nation. Upscale shopping, luxury real estate, private jets—it’s all going to make a difference.
During this year’s third quarter, some of Manhattan’s high-end apartments saw their previous $3.9 million median sales price increase 6.7 percent from April through June. In addition, sales of 25-hour blocks of air time on private carriers, starting at $97,000, in the New York area have dramatically increased in the past month, according to Flight Options who are responsible for selling those blocks of time.
Those who know the luxury market best are noticing this “fairly substantial uptick” in the recent demand for high-end purchases coinciding with some Wall Street workers anticipating a return of substantial end-of-year bonuses.
Via: Wealth Bulletin
This Magnificent Tuscan Inspired Estate designed by well known Architect Stan Schofer is truly a masterpiece. Located in the hills of San Juan Capistrano, this fenced 5 acre compound has panoramic views of Capo Valley and the Ocean. Enter the grounds through the gated entrance and wind up the long private drive passing the pool house and salt spa. The gardens and terraces by Theresa Clark are reminiscent of a Villa in Northern Italy. This 5 Bedroom 9 Bath stucco and stone home has a pool room, offices, formal dining with wine cellar, Ocean View Master Suite and retreat. The solid wood doors and designer hardware by Ashley Norton are beautifully hand distressed, stained and glazed. Wood and stone flooring are throughout. The gourmet kitchen has the latest top of the line Viking cook top, multiple Viking ovens and refrigerators, dual Meile dishwashers, steam ovens and Decor warming drawers. This estate can easily accomodate large events for up to 500 people. Don’t miss Villa Hilltop.
Offered @ $6,295,000
Contact Shauna Covington @ 949.395.8786 or Shauna@ShaunaCovington.com. Or visit www.ShaunaCovington.com.
Jeff Greene’s 50,000-square-foot estate is back on the market for an undisclosed amount, just weeks after we reported he was looking for leasers who could take the property off his hands for $250,000 a month.
The 11-bedroom, 12-bathroom estate located in Beverly Hills features an incredible 50,000 square feet of living space, with the main residence taking 30,000 square feet of that total. There is a quarter of a mile private driveway that leads up to the home that rests on 25 acres of land.
The beautiful home comes with a 12,000-square-foot entertainment villa, and an 8,000-square-foot guest house. For wine lovers, there are also six acres of vineyards on the property which produce approximately 400 cases of wine annually, and there is, of course, a wine cellar located in the home for storage.
While the current asking price is unknown, the home was originally on the market in the $33-$35 million range. It was designed by renowned architect, Bob Offenhauser.





Via: Homes of the Rich
This Magnificent Tuscan Inspired Estate designed by well known Architect Stan Schofer is truly a masterpiece. Located in the hills of San Juan Capistrano, this fenced 5 acre compound has panoramic views of Capo Valley and the Ocean. Enter the grounds through the gated entrance and wind up the long private drive passing the pool house and salt spa. The gardens and terraces by Theresa Clark are reminiscent of a Villa in Northern Italy. This 5 Bedroom 9 Bath stucco and stone home has a pool room, offices, formal dining with wine cellar, Ocean View Master Suite and retreat. The solid wood doors and designer hardware by Ashley Norton are beautifully hand distressed, stained and glazed. Wood and stone flooring are throughout. The gourmet kitchen has the latest top of the line Viking cook top, multiple Viking ovens and refrigerators, dual Meile dishwashers, steam ovens and Decor warming drawers. This estate can easily accomodate large events for up to 500 people. Don’t miss Villa Hilltop.
Offered @ $6,295,000
Contact Shauna Covington @ 949.395.8786 or Shauna@ShaunaCovington.com. Or visit www.ShaunaCovington.com.
While those of us who live down in South Florida may not have noticed yet, it is winter. For those more northern inhabitants, as December rolls around, it’s time to head down south to Florida to hit the beach and forget for a moment that their driveway is going to be covered in ice very shortly.
Known to some as snowbirds, repeat seasonal visitors are heading down to Florida to enjoy the holidays at the beach, and perhaps most importantly, in the sun. People who live in northern states know that when winter rolls around, it can be cruel. The solution? Go to Florida for a few weeks, or for some, even months, to escape.
Fort Lauderdale restaurant owner, Debbie Skinner, says that every year she gets Bostonians who come to Florida for the winter and want to enjoy some New England dining without the New England weather. Some so-called snowbirds that flock to her restaurant, Kelly’s Landing, have been faithfully returning for 18 years and Skinner says, “We treat our snowbirds as well as we treat our regulars. I really wouldn’t want to do without them.” Snowbirds, Skinner claims, are a huge reason why her revenue doubles from January through March, and she’s certainly not the only one who attributes winter success to out-of-towners.
The troubled economy doesn’t seem to have hurt Skinner’s business too much in terms of snowbirds either. The traffic she sees from them has only tapered off slightly this year, she says, “We’re getting about 90 percent of the usual business.” Despite overall tourism down in South Florida from peak years, snowbirds seem to be picking up the slack.
Nicki Grossman of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau notes that “Canadians make up the bulk of this season’s first wave of snowbirds, and their numbers are up compared to this time last year.” She attributes this influx to the Canadian dollar’s value against the U.S. dollar, and “right now the decision to travel is easy for Canadians.”
While locals may have some reservations about the winter-time overflow of snowbirds, it’s likely their presence will be more appreciated as they receive acknowledgment for their role in bringing business to South Florida.
Via: Sun Sentinel




