PRIVATE PRIVATE PRIVATE PARTIES ARE THE VERY BEST:
One of the most talked about weddings in political and entertainment circles was the union between San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and his bride Jen Siebel, co-star on NBC’s series Life. Gavin, a truly handsome guy, has been a very controversial mayor and is thinking of running for governor of California after Arnold leaves. Jen, a successful actress, graduated from Stanford with an MBA and has traveled the world doing public service in Latin America, Africa and Europe. We all know Jack and Jackie, Bill and Hillary, and Arnold and Maria – well be aware of Gavin and Jen.
Only 28 Angelenos were invited by Kevin and Robyn Allyn and Tina and Velton Ray Bunch to celebrate Gavin and Jen in Beverly Hills, on their way to their honeymoon in Africa. It was a lovely, warm evening where the worlds of entertainment and politics once again became one.
A DREAM COME TRUE for a foodie like me, was the private party at the Trousdale estate of Jackie Applebaum and Steve Sheanin for top chefs, vintners and restaurateurs. Imagine being in a beautiful backyard setting, the blue water from the pool gleaming, while you mix with Patrick Terrail (of Ma Maison) who flew in for the occasion, along with Ken Frank of La Toque, Silvio Di Mori of Il Piccolino, Harvey Gussman of Guss’ Meats, which supplies to all the fine restaurants, and Tom Beckmen of Beckmen wines. And did you know that Silvio started as a 15-year-old boy in a tiny town in Italy making and selling coffee? He then bought the tiny store and invented the salad bar!
As if that weren’t enough, there was former First Lady Sharon Davis mingling with Jeremy Berlin of Gordon Ramsey, Jenne Lee Bonaccorsi of Spago, Jonathan and Annie Burrows of Mr. Cecil’s, Terrance Burton of Katsuya, Richard Gordon of Grace, Jean-Francois Meteigner of La Cachette, plus food-lovers Michael and Teresa Seligman, Michael and Terry Smook, Katy and Lionel Harris, Donanne and Ali Kasikci and Bridget and John Martens. And what joy to see Jimmy and Anne Murphy again from Jimmy’s. Jimmy opened the original Bistro for Kurt Niklas. “What a night that was,†he said. “I can remember Billy Wilder, Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe all there at once. There’s never been anything like it since.†Frankly, I went out of my mind over the food. Each chef brought a dessert, but Jackie and Steve actually cooked the smashing dinner.
CONGRATULATIONS to Emmy winner Jessica Walter and Tony winner Ron Leibman on their 25th wedding anniversary. They had a fabulous party at Chez Mimi in Brentwood, with the same guest list as the wedding! Jessica, nominated for everything when she was on Arrested Development, is now starring in 90210.
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