Suzi Finer: April Fool

Cocktail Hour...

It's 12:45 in the afternoon; I'm all alone in the Diva showroom and I just mixed myself a cocktail.

The ingredients are simple, and I hope it does the trick:
One extra-strength Excedrin
One extra-strength Tylenol
and
Two Advil

Swallow quickly with as much bottled water as you can gulp down.
I am hoping that this blend of pain-relievers will knock out the headache which invaded my frontal lobe about an hour ago, seemingly at the same time that some radio pirate was able to take over the airwaves and disrupted my enjoyment of the hour of Chopin on KUSC. Fortunately, I was able to download Real Player and stream in the station live over the Internet.
Ummm...I can feel the medications begin to work their magic; a subtle abatement of the sinister throb has begun.
I have so much to take care of this afternoon...FedEx is due up here to pick up a pop-up wedding album which will be whisked overnight to New York, my trunk-latch part is in over at the Scion dealer, prescriptions ready at Mickey Fine, and after I pick up my kids from their Broadway workshop (and feed them,) I have a dinner scheduled with Holly and Jeannine in the Valley. No time for the pain today.
(Ooh...the Beethoven Adagio is playing. Sigh. Here come those tears again.)
KUSC is having their subscription drive this week. Might I urge you to tune in (91.5 on the FM dial) and take a moment to relax and enjoy the peaceful tones of the classics, and then pick up the phone and offer up a small donation? It is the only classical music station on the air in this area (crazy!) and is completely funded by the public donations they receive. (Liebestraum now..,,) 
Thanks...

Coming up this weekend...

 
I'm thrilled (and still surprised) that I'll be going to the New York Stationery show this coming Sunday-Tuesday. I've been asked by Beth Mauro, Editor-in-Chief of Scrapbook Retailer Magazine, to be a speaker as part of their "There's Gold in Scrapbooking" panel at 11:00am on Tuesday. How could I say no?
I'm so looking forward to meeting up with Laurie Davis (the Glitter Fairy!) and the always-a-treat-to-see, Memory Bee Debby Schuh, who just emailed me that she was able to score two tickets for us to see my personal favorite,  Mandy Patinkin, performing in his one-night-only Broadway Benefit (ah, the Sondheim!) 
I can't wait!
Mary from Sweetpeas told me that she'll be at the convention as well, but not 'til Tuesday.  I'm sure we'll have some fun.
Ben has requested a t-shirt from a musical, and all Allie wants is a bag from Dylan's Candy Bar. Easy.
Are you going to the show? Shoot me an email if you are; maybe we can meet up for a cocktail!

Mother's Day...

 
Ben had threatened Saturday night that I was not to make breakfast when I woke up the next morning. I usually grab a bowl of cereal early on to start the day, but he was serious, so I heeded the warning. About a half-hour later, Ben came into my room with eggs and toast! Sweet boy.
We went to visit uncle Leon while Allie was at the Synagogue. A funny thing happened when we got in the car. I turned on the radio (KUSC) and Ben got all excited. They were playing one of the choral pieces that he will be performing next month with his class...the same version that they were working on! He happily sang along, and I just beamed.
I picked Allie up early from Sunday school and headed to the Landmark, where the kids had reserved tickets to the Placido Domingo gala screening.
 
At one point, after one aria, Ben whispered to me; "I almost fell asleep, it was so beautiful!" I was in heaven; the kids were smiling and enjoyed the music. I did get all teary when they sang the Merry Widow Waltz, and again when Placido sang Granada. Patricia Racette presented a heartfelt rendition of Losing my Mind, and their Tonight duet was gorgeous.
Again, when we got in the car, another moment of irony. The music playing was a duet from Mozart's Don Giovanni...the same duet we had just heard in the theater. I got an elbow from Ben with that.
Dinner at my mother's (Donna brought in CPK,) and the Survivor finale rounded out the day.

Lennox Lewis & Paul Frank...

  
On Saturday we were invited to attend a fabulous event at Paul Frank. While heading up the sidewalk to the party, Allie began talking to two towering men who were walking towards us. They were very engaging; Allie spoke to them as if she had known them for years. I was puzzled until she introduced me to The Champ, Lynx Lewis. He seemed quite amused by her, asking where she had seen him. She replied "on The Apprentice of course...we loved you!" He was sweet enough to pose for a photo with the happy children. 
 
Thus began the good times. The location was packed when we arrived. A tremendous bus was parked out front, all decked out in Paul Frank-ephenalia, and  the music was blaring. A live band of children were performing (from the School of Rock!) and fortunately for my ears, they were pretty good.
Inside, a childhood paradise awaited, with three varieties of cotton candy being offered (lime, orange, or banana...
 
...and a popcorn machine afforded a carnival aroma. The kids had made sure to don their favorite Paul Frank duds, and were greeted warmly by the staff.
 
 
Out back, our hosts went all out with the food. They brought in their own personal "roach coach" which was serving up the most delicious barbecue: cheeseburgers, chicken breast, or veggie burgers, with chips, cookies, beverages and condiments galore.
 
Temporary tattoos were applied by friendly staffers, and a giant raffle was presented, where they gave away bicycles, guitars, and a trip to Chicago to see a concert. We had a great time at this party!

My Mother's Day...

 
I am so looking forward to tomorrow; my children are taking me to the Landmark Theater where a screening of Placido Domingo's 40-Year LA Opera anniversary gala will be shown. They knew that I was aching to go to the actual event last month, but could'nt make it...how sweet they are to want to listen, see, and share this film with me. I love you kids!
Today, we were invited to the Kidzapalooza event at Paul Frank. We're hoping to win the bicycle (not that we are bike-riders in the least...we just like the way it looks!)

An intimate gathering...

 
Leaving the house on Thursday night is not one of my priorities (I enjoy the programs aired on Thursdays!) but when I got an invite to an intimate gathering of event-minded women at the newly launched Ramsey at the Club (Toluca Lake Tennis Club,) I was intrigued. What a treat! Chef Jesse (formerly of The Avalon, Beverly Hills) had prepared a mouth-watering array of nibbles and our hostess, Bonnie Covelli, was a delight. The drinks were strong and the company chattable...and the space; eventful!
 
My favorite nosh was the fresh Ahi...
 
but the sliders were divine (as was chef Jesse!)

Irked...

 
The worst part of this whole virus debacle, is that it could have been completely avoided on my end if I had only been able to upgrade to a new Mac when my old laptop died late last summer. It had been the fourth little Apple in my life; for a die-hard Mac devotee and one who has a tremendous disdain for the PC, having to suck-up the fact that I was going to have to suffer a life fraught with potential virtual disease in the world of Microsoft still leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.
AND the only reason that I had to go to the dark side: Finances.
Most of my Mac software (from 1994-ish) was so out of date that it was incompatible with the brilliant new system that I so appreciate and covet (I shalt...can't help it.)
In the meantime, I live with my HP Pavilion. Pretty smooth, no real glitches, but dealing with the worm that snatched those contacts last night was not so pleasant. No damage was done to any of my files, just a waste of a single day dealing with no out-going mail-ability from now until 10:30 tonight.

warning: reunion.com transmission is a fraud...

Hello... Sorry to bother you, but it appears that a reunion.com email that I received (but did not join) is actually a contact-snatcher. Please ignore any emails from that address...it was not from me, and I understand that it is jreally ust an annoyance. Probably a hacker's prank. Please understand that any communication regarding reuninon.com was not of my intention, and hit the delete button. Thank you. Suzi Finer Unintentional Victim. (This kind of thing never happened when I had my Mac!)

Interviewed...

 
The link: http://www.getmarried.com/articles.php?id=123

San Diego Sweeties...

  
Earlier today on the KTLA morning news, reporter Bill Smith did a feature on single-tank trips. What a great idea! He was spotlighting Pismo Beach, but I think he should have gone down to Point Loma in San Diego, where my divahomies Michelle M. White & Helle Greer have just opened up a new shop: Paper Tales!
Located at 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd, Suite N, it looks to me (from the photos I've seen) to have captured the shabby chic spirit and artistic creativity that these girls both exude. They've lined up a slew of clever class projects and are well stocked with Michelle's signature design products: stamps from A Muse. It's the perfect destination for a weekend road trip (I'll be heading down soon after the National Stationery Show.)
I saw that they have a comfy-womfy sofa in the store now; I know the wall behind it will soon be needed to display more of their fun goodies!
Need more info? Just give the girls a call: 619-222-2510

Happy Birthday Allie!

 
Today my daughter Allie Finer turned 11. Happy Birthday Baby...love ya!
Sunday night, while I was at the big event, our friend Alisa Robakowski threw an intimate surprise party for Allie. Alisa provided a taco bar, fondue station, games and swimming...plus a yummy cake!
 
 
She had such a good time (thanks, Alisa!)
Tonight, after Allie finished up her "Taste of Broadway" class at Beverly Vista, she wanted a taste of something special for her impromtu birthday dinner. We wound up at Nate 'n Al  (Allie wanted Matzoh Ball soup and some hot tongue on challah....gotta love it when a kid'll eat that stuff!) We were lucky to be joined by her teacher Jenny, daughter Emma, and Jenny's parents, Diana & Gary. The waitress brought a piece of cheesecake for both Allie & Emma (who turns four next week!)
Nice!

Weddings...

Love is in the air.
I was told that I should share with you a service that I provide for special brides: hand-drawn destination maps. When superstar b-ball legend Bill Walton's son Christopher and his fiance Gina were getting their invites together, I was able to provide an insert map for the out-of-town guests (though each guest received one in their envelope.)
I took the liberty of obscuring the addresses and contact info for the party; sorry, but it's not such a good idea to give out Luke Walton's home address!
Want one for yourself? Shoot me an email, or call the Diva hotline: 877-271-DIVA (3482)
 

Chefs & Champagne Event...

 
Last night: what a way to wind up a whirlwind-weekend: The James Beard Foundation's Chefs & Champagne Eventon Melrose Place, where "Top Chef" Tom Colicchio (above, with ME!) was honored by the prestigious organization. (I've made a photo album to the right so you may virtually share the experience.) 
Our first bite of the night was from Tom's own restaurant, Craft, whos Chef de Cuisine Matthew Accarrino, served up some unexpectedly delicious Braised Rabbit Tortellini with Morels, Ramp Butter, and Black Truffles. So good. Big thanks to my cousin Diane (JBF diva!)
 
 
Other stand-outs in the amuse bouche arena:
 
 
...and the menu:

Matthew Accarrino/Craft Los Angeles
Braised Rabbit Tortellini with Morels, Ramp Butter, and Black Truffles

Gino Angelini/Angelini Osteria
Lasagna Nonna Elvira
Spinach Lasagna with Meat Ragù

Carciofi in Casseruola
Olive Oil and Garlic–Braised Artichokes

Octavio Becerra/Palate Food and Wine
Chicken Liver Mousse with Crispy Shallot Crust, Oven-Roasted Grapes, and Blackberry Croutons

James Boyce/Studio at Montage Laguna Beach
Lamb and Pickled Fruit on Bay Leaf Skewers

Thomas Boyce/Spago Beverly Hills
Slow-Grilled Kurobuta Pork Belly with Rhubarb Compote and Fava Bean, Cipollini, and Pickled Ramp Salad

Pastry Chef Kristy Choo/Jin Patisserie
Mascarpone Cream Layered with Peach Compote and Passion Fruit, Served with Crumble

Michael Cimarusti/Providence
House-Cured Tasmanian Sea Trout with Yuzu Kosho Crème Fraîche and Mint

Josiah Citrin/Mélisse
Spring Veal with Anson Mills Polenta, Morel Essence, and Red Wine Jus

Neal Fraser/Grace Restaurant
Hamachi Tartare with Yuzu Gelée and Red Shiso

Eric Greenspan/The Foundry on Melrose
Lobster Crêpes with Citrus–Lobster Salad and Pea Fourchette

Zov Karamardian/Zov’s Bistro
Rock Shrimp and Heirloom Tomato Shooters with Lemon, Mint, and Cucumber Gazpacho

David LeFevre/Water Grill
Tuna Sashimi with Chilled Cha-Soba Noodles, Radish, and Spicy Ponzu

David Lentz/The Hungry Cat
Raw Pacific Blue Prawns with Peanut Sambal and Pickled Watermelon Salad

Bruno Lopez/Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air
Miniature Pistachio–Duck Sausages

Walter Manzke/Bastide
Suckling Pig Burgers

Dennis Mejia/Republic
Slow-Roasted Steamship Round of Beef with Horseradish Cream, Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes, and Jus

David Myers/Sona
Marinated Big-Eye Tuna with Eggplant Marmalade and Preserved Meyer Lemon

Pastry Chef John Park/Water Grill
Chilled Mango–Pineapple Soup with Yogurt and Blood Orange Sorbets

Pastry Chef Ramon Perez/Boule
Strawberry Shortcake Verrines

JBF Award Winner Michel Richard/Citrus at Social
Onion Tart with Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche

Kit Kat Bar with Noisette Sauce and Chocolate Tuile

Kristi Ritchey/Murano
Burrata with Prosciutto di Parma, Melon, and Baby Arugula

Steven A. Rojas/Saddle Peak Lodge
Duck Crêpes with Candied Clementine, Ginger, and Duck Gelée

Marin Santos/Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante
Timballo di Vegetali with Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant

Bijan Shokatfard/Geoffrey’s Malibu
Braised Pork Belly

Kerry Simon/Simon L.A. at Sofitel
Orange and Cilantro–Marinated Local Fish Tacos with Heirloom Tomato Salsa and California Avocado

JBF Award Winner Joachim Splichal/Paperfish
Diver Scallop Ceviche in Papillote with Avocado Gnocchi, Micro-Cilantro, and Yuzu Sauce

Mike Stern/Michael’s
White Asparagus with Serrano Ham, Morels, and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Dan Tominaga/Kumo
Bamboo Leaf Pouch Sushi with Japanese Sea Bream

Jason Travi/Fraîche
Salt Cod Fritters with Piment d’Espelette Aïoli and Radish Salad

Pastry Chef Miho Travi/Fraîche
Paris-Brest with Praline and Saffron

Jacob Wildman/Table 8
Sweet Corn Crêpes with Dungeness Crab, Heirloom Tomato Relish, and Meyer Lemon Aïoli

The Karash Bash...

 
As you can tell, my weekend was once again a very busy one, with all of the goings-on and happenings that went on. Highlight: pal Steven's son Evan is now a man. Yes, it was the big Bar Mitzvah Bash for the Karash clan, and in true diva fashion, Steven (and his partner, JB,) pulled out all the stops.
A tremendous white circus tent was provided the shade for the event, where I'd guess near 200 friends and family filled the space.
Entertainment? Oh yes.
Steven knew the kids would love the photo-booth and airbrush artist...but I don't think he anticipated just how much they all enjoyed the over sized Iron Claw Machine (and the cool prizes that he stocked it up with!)
(I've added more photos to the album at right!)
 
My children alone won NINE dvds (all good!)
The international array of food offered was presented by theme (French, Guatamalan, Italian, Asian, etc...) and the tables each had a different Los Angeles-area city with a map as a candy-laden destination. The girls won the "Pepsi-7up" game...I was amazed with the contest prizes:

Missed the Girls..

So sorry to have had to miss seeing the girls of The Artistic Affaire the other night, but I got a call for my son that just couldn't be ignored.
It seems that his voice teacher, Kris Feldman, had received a call from a VIP; their boy soprano's voice had suddenly changed, and they needed a replacement to record their Movie Soundtrack right away!
Could I take Ben to the composer's place Friday night so he could hear his range?
How could I not...what an opportunity.
So sorry girls, I was sad to have had to bow out of the dinner, but I know you understand.

The composer, Kurt Oldman, and his colleague, the oh-so-warm and friendly Sandra from Little Pie, provided an ego boost to my singing son. They put him through the range test (which he passed; hitting a very high A in some parts!) and booked him to record. The music plays such an integral part of setting the tone of a film; the genre of the film became clear immediately the moment I heard the score: terrifying!
We were given a copy of the music for Ben to learn (and a CD of the segments with which to practice,) and got the details of where and when.
Sunday morning at the recording studio!

Here are some photos from the end of the session:
 
Clearly not clear...no flash and obscured by glass.
 
With the flash (and permission!)...this is Kurt Oldman with the sound engineer.
 
When the session was over, Kurt asked Sandra to take a picture of Ben with him (and I took one for ourselves!) Ben will need to go back in a couple of weeks to record some more music (which is being written right now!) What a talented composer...the film, Babysitter Wanted, will be out soon (I'll let you know the release date as soon as I find out!)

Happy Birthday Ian!!!

We Love You!
(Gift 'ya in June!!!)

Cooking Mama...

 
Allie wanted to eat fish for dinner, and when baby wants fish, baby get