Together with his family and closest friends, American film producer, Sean Wolfington, celebrated the big 4-0 with a surprise party at The Club in Casa Tua on Saturday, April 9th. Sean’s wife Ana planned the entire night, even flying in Sean’s immediate family, friends, and colleagues to surprise her husband for his milestone birthday.  Ana compiled a stream of edited clips of Sean’s closest friends conveying birthday wishes which she played through the celebration.

Sean arrived with Grammy-winning artist and close friend Alejandro Sanz. Also in attendance were Alejandro Monteverde (director, producer) and Ali Landry (Miss USA, actor, producer) from “Bella,” a film produced by Wolfington. Oompa Loompas crashed the party, and handed out Gobstoppers to guests.

Grammy-nominated artist Melky Jean, also another close friend of the birthday boy, sang a special rendition of Happy Birthday.

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Epitomizing the understated elegance of bold strokes of ink on Japanese paper is Chef David Bouley’s long-awaited restaurant. On Wednesday, April 20, Brushstroke officially opened its doors to the public after weeks of private events and previews.

Bouley aligned with Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka to bring his concept to fruition, a dream he has been mentally and physically working on for the last decade. Executive Chefs Hiroki Murashima and Isao Yamada both trained at the notable culinary institute.

The restaurant offers several set menus priced ranging from $85 to $135 with few options. Cooking styles will include but not be limited to tempura, searing, smoking, and steaming, using vegetables, seafood, and game. There is an a la carte menu and full selection of sushi available at the bar and in the lounge, but the main attraction is the carefully crafted tasting menu.

A Japanese design firm, Super Potato, used a sustainable approach in their construction first by lining the walls of the bar and lounge area with more than 20,000 old paperback books with their page ends exposed, not their spines, ingeniously making them appear like parquet wood. Re-purposed slabs of pale wood clad the walls and floors in the dining area. Other walls, covered in slick steel bearing a burnished patina, set off and balance the rugged textures.

Bouley’s vision was realized to the utmost attention to detail, and in that he has succeeded in bringing a little slice of Japan to New York City.  Brushstroke is open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. six days a week. The restaurant will begin serving lunch this summer.

Brushstroke is located at 30 Hudson St., Tribeca, 212.791.3771

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Imagine this: you wake up, have your morning coffee and a quick bite to eat, maybe catch up on some emails or the news, pick out your outfit for the day, and which new BMW you’ll be taking for your spin around Miami. Not too shabby, right? Well, the opulent Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne – Miami’s only AAA Five Diamond resort – and BMW are making this a reality by offering Ritz guests complimentary access to one of eight pristine new BMW models for their personal daytime and evening use from May 1 through June 4 through the Ritz-Carlton BMW Driving Tour. Key Biscayne is the first stop on the 2011 tour, which will travel to other Ritz-Carlton locations in Amelia Island, Reynolds Plantation, Charlotte, and Naples through December.

Guests at the lavish resort will have the Z4 sDrive35i, 335i Convertible, 535i Sedan, 550i Gran Turismo, 750Li Sedan, X5 Diesel, X6 Sports Activity Coupe, and the MINI Cooper S Countryman at their disposal daily from 9 am to 5 pm for up to three hours – plenty of time to check out that new restaurant opening up or just cruise around and take in Miami’s gorgeous scenery.

For evenings, the tour offers Drive & Dinner reservations, available from 5:30 to 10 p.m., which will be personally taken care of for you by the resort’s expert concierge, including recommendations on spots for your night out and maps – they’ll even enter your destinations into your choice of car’s GPS system prior to your drive. If that’s not sure to impress your date, we’re not sure what will.

General Manager Derek Flint breaks down the golden opportunity: “Guests can make advance reservations and check out the latest luxury BMWs like they would a library book, then simply turn the car back in. It’s an amazing opportunity to discover the area and test out the next generation of luxury cars before anyone else.”

To book your spot on the Ritz-Carlton BMW Driving Tour, call 305.365.2400 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

Yesterday was the New York Presbyterian Hospital lunch at Cipriani 42nd Street. The co-chairs were Lizzie Tisch and Samantha Boardman Rosen.

Dior did the fashion show and previewed some great clothes for the season! I wore Armani and Jack Vartanian. It was great to see everyone looking beautiful and ready for spring.

Serena Boardman, Daniella Rich, Karen Luter, Roxanne Palin, Jackie Sackler, Ulla Parker, Anna Lafont, Emilia Fanjul, Lesley Schulhof, Cristina Floyd, Eleanor Propp, Nina Davidson, Dana Hammond, Dr. Ruth, Shoshana Lonstein, Marina Livanos here from Athens, Jane Wagman, Gloria Nakash, all came to lunch to support the hospital.

Next up in the Monettes Artisan Winemaker Series on Hawaii Island is dinner with Ron Melville of Knights Valley, Sonoma County Melville Vineyards on Tuesday, May 3. The family-owned winery was founded in 1989 and its extraordinary Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon was soon in high demand by collectors and aficionados of fine wine everywhere!

Today, the family also grows outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County – one of California’s emerging appellations respected for these cool climate varietals.

The dinner is presented at Monettes Artisan Fish and Steak Restaurant at the legendary Mauna Keach Resort on Hawaii Island’s spectacular Kohala Coast. Chef Matthew Zubrod has created a tantalizing spring tasting menu to pair with Melville Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

The sunset reception and dinner is priced at $95 per person; tax and gratuity additional. For menu details and reservation availability, please phone 808.443.2850.

Monettes Artisan Fish and Steak Restaurant, the first modern American steakhouse to open on the Big Island of Hawaii, is an elegant, hip and contemporary addition to island fine dining.

Complementing its Wine Spectator awarded cellar, the restaurant features house-cut prime steaks, Colorado lamb, fresh-caught fish from off shore waters, and seasonally fresh specialties from locations throughout the world – think Italian white truffles, New Zealand wild salmon and other delicacies.

Located at the acclaimed Mauna Kea Beach Resort on the island’s spectacular Kohala Coast, Monettes was created by the Monette brothers, Chef Mark and front of the house extraordinaire Scott, owners of the award-winning Flagstaff House Restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. Their Big Island fine dining venue carries on the family’s tradition of great food and wine in an unforgettable setting.
Visit www.monettes. com for more details.

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Open now in Scottsdale Quarter, the Carine W boutique offers casual and classy womenswear for discriminating shoppers who place a premium on quality of fabrics and craftsmanship. Carine W features designer and private label fashions, expert fashion consulting and custom fittings.

Singapore native Carine Wang is a designer, experienced international buyer of designer fashions, a skilled master tailor and seamstress. She earned a fashion degree in her home country and then continued her studies at The Parsons College of Art in California before working in the ladies’ fashion industry for more than a decade. Could there possibly be anything about designer fashion that Wang doesn’t know? We think it’s unlikely.

After leaving Parsons, Wang designed her own clothing collection before opening Carine’s Boutique in 2001 — a store that expanded to the SHOPS Gainey Village in 2008 to offer a wider variety of styles and additional services to customers.

In mid-2010, Wang launched her new line of women’s sportswear, called Carine W. And earlier this month (April 2011), she saw the opening of her newest boutique, named for the fashion line, at Scottsdale Quarter.

Stop by to check out the sophisticated yet comfortable styles, and take advantage of the personalized fittings. Adored by loyal customers for her ability to effortlessly pair classic pieces with contemporary ones, Wang can help you take a look from “great” to “perfection.”

Designer & boutique owner Carine Wang

Carine W is located at Scottsdale Quarter at 15147 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 113, in Scottsdale 480.991.9789

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Hong Kong style icon and owner of hip restaurant Sevva, Bonnie Gokson is opening bespoke cake shop Ms B’s Cakery today to coincide with Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton.

The menu of decadent desserts will include a Million Dollar Truffle Cake wrapped in 24 carat gold leaf and coins; Sunshine, a lemon and poppy seed chiffon with a citrus curd, and the cheekily monikered Better Than Sex, a dark, moist chocolate cake topped with a pair of red lips. Sugar-free and gluten-free cakes are also available.

Mrs B’s Cakery is located at 39 Gough St., Central, tel: 852.2815-8303, www.msbscakery.hk

Gastropubs, the contemporary hippie-generation’s version of fine dining, are spreading around the country faster than a rumor on E!. Hollywood is a mecca for this bohemian variety and it’s no coincidence that one of the best examples of this sort of establishment happens to be located in Hollywood, on Hollywood Bvld., and aptly called BoHo.

The previous location on Sunset and Ivar closed shop in February of this year and dragged its chichi concept to Hollywood and Highland complex where architect David Mamman alongside Spacecraft’s Kristopher Keith designed the interior space.  In April, a more capacious BoHo re-launched to a heavier foot pattern on the busy strip.

The easy eclectic vibe of the newer digs suits everyone from luminaries to locals. It’s a haphazard hash of lighting fixtures, chairs, tables, victuals, and people that gives this restaurant such a ‘lax-luxe feel.  The gastro portion of the pub continues its reverence to fine dining with attention to detail and ingredients.

Former SLS Bazaar Sous Chef Wesley Pumphrey joins the team as Executive Chef, preserving the core of the menu, while delivering flavorful additions including Veal Sweetbread (Gorgonzola bread pudding with a red wine demi-glace), Pork and Beans (Bourbon glazed pork belly with homemade baked beans), and Strawberry Shortcake (Balsamic macerated berries, with vanilla cream).

BoHo is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd #411, Hollywood, CA 90028; 323.465.8500

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The fabled ‘21′ Club…this NYC icon has been around since Prohibition days and today still captivates diners with its old-world charms and haute cuisine. Between marriage proposals in the intimate upstairs area to private parties in the famed Wine Cellar, ‘21′ Club, one of the New York’s most historic restaurants, is first and foremost a celebratory restaurant. But why wait for a special day to taste chef John Greeley’s award-winning cuisine.

Here, he shares what’s new at ‘21′ Club along with some his favorites places.

Haute Living: What’s new at ‘21′ Club?
Executive Chef John Greeley: At ’21 Club we just launched our spring menu with new light dishes such as, Sautéed Striped Bass, Grilled Shrimp Salad, Potato- Crusted Chatham Cod and Wasabi Pea Crusted Sea Scallops. We are using ingredients this season like okra, leeks, fava beans, ramps and a lot of fresh fish. I also recently cured some Mangalitsa Pig that will appear on the menu at ‘21’ Club. Mangalitsa is all about the fat. It’s so clean tasting and succulent. You can flavor and cook with the fat like using almost any other fat.

HL: What are some of your favorite dishes at ‘21′?
JG: The Grilled Octopus is one of my favorites, along with our new White Asparagus Soup.

HL: Where do you like to dine when you’re not working?
JG: I like to fine dine monthly at 3 or 4 star restaurants like Marea and WD-50 downtown. I also enjoy neighborhood and low key places that are off the beaten path.

HL: What’s your ideal meal?
JG: I love ultra fresh seafood, with a simple preparation, raw and barely touched. This allows for each ingredient to be showcased. I use a lot of fresh fish at ‘21’ Club, changing the ingredients depending on the season. My favorite seafood includes shellfish, razor clams and bass; complemented by organic vegetables and beans. My ideal meal would also be somewhere quiet and outside.

HL: Where do you like to dine for a special occasion?
JG: I like eating and cooking at home with my family. The kids help make dinner and it is a lot of fun. I can’t think of anything better then celebrating a special occasion at home with them.

HL: What’s your favorite NYC neighborhood?
JG: The downtown Soho area is my favorite neighborhood. I used to skateboard down those side walks. I really enjoy the vibe of the area, neighborhood feel, people watching and window shopping. The energy is contagious.

HL: What do you like to do in the city on your days off?
JG: On my days off, I like to visit museums in the city with my family; my children are 5 and 3. I also like to shop for new knives and kitchen gadgets for work and visit farmers markets for new ingredients.

HL: What’s your favorite vacation destination?
JG: The Hamptons is a favorite vacation destination for when I want to lounge on the beach. My ultimate vacation would be Italy, specifically Florence. I am drawn to the city because of the food, of course, as well as the art—I love it. It is a beautiful place.

HL: What’s your most memorable meal?
JG: My most memorable meal was with my son Hudson, he is 3 years old. He concocted a chocolate and berry smoothie for me all on his own. It was a Saturday morning; he threw in the ingredients and stirred it up (his version of blending). Of course, I drank it and it actually wasn’t that bad! It was a proud moment for me. He really liked seeing my reaction. Who knows, it could be the first meal he made for me before becoming a chef like his dad!

HL: What are your five favorite ingredients?
JG: Some of my favorite ingredients to use in the dishes I prepare at ‘21’ Club are:
1. Salts from all over the world
2. Smoke of some sort
3. Sea Urchin
4. Seaweed
5. Mangalitsa Pig

‘21′ Club is located at 21 West 52nd St; 212-582-7200

Need help finding the perfect New York City restaurant? Or want tips on cooking elegant meals at home? Contact Haute Living dining columnist Tracey Ceurvels via her blog, The Busy Hedonist, or email her with any questions.

On Wednesday, April 13, stylish guests had the rare opportunity to meet esteemed jewelry designer Marco Bicego at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco’s Union Square. The appearance by the designer marked the start of his exclusive trunk show, which took place through April 16. Attendees had an exclusive opportunity to meet and greet with Bicego himself, preview his latest jewelry collection, and enjoy informal modeling of the dazzling pieces.

Marco Bicego launched his eponymous jewelry line in 2000 to warm reception. His pieces are sensu

ous, beautiful, and definitive of everyday luxury. The craftsmanship behind his creations incorporates elements of old world Italian artistry, tradition, passion, and creativity, leading Bicego to be named Jewelry Designer of the Year at the 2007 UK Jewelry Awards in London, among many additional accolades.

To view more photos from this event, visit Haute Living’s Events Gallery.

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