32nd ANNUAL “HONDA EVENING UNDER THE STARS WITH KENNY G.

Photos by Karen Ostlund
 

(Left) Richard Marx and Kenny G. Saturday Aug.25 at HONDA

 32nd ANNUAL “HONDA EVENING UNDER THE STARS FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE”
Last night, Saturday August 25th saxophonist KENNY G was headlining with orchestra, and a surprise guest performance by 80’s pop singer Richard Marx, in front of a full house at Honda Motor Company in Torrance, south of Los Angeles.
The benefit competed for attention the same night with Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival Marquee event (lafw.com) downtown LA.


"The fiber of a strong community is exceptional medical care. Honda has always focused on supporting the advancement of our community’s health,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president, Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Through Honda Evening Under the Stars, we are proud to create an enchanting evening of fun and philanthropy for our friends and neighbors in the community to enjoy.”

Saxophonist Kenny G with orchestra

   This year’s proceeds benefited the renovation of Torrance Memorial’s Donald and Priscilla Hunt Tower. The $33 million revamp includes a new mother/baby unit complete with 25 private rooms. In addition, the fourth floor will offer a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) unlike the current traditional open pod model. It will feature 24 private rooms—plus a specially equipped 25th room for higher acuity patients—each outfitted to provide a complete range of newborn intensive care and large enough to accommodate a newborn’s family. The tower’s third floor will serve as a pediatric/adolescent unit, consisting of 17 private rooms.

“Proceeds from this magical evening will advance our fundraising goals toward providing the most advanced care possible to mothers, babies and children in the community,” said Laura Schenasi, executive vice president, Torrance Memorial Foundation. “We are so grateful that American Honda has once again selected Torrance Memorial Medical Center to benefit from this longstanding community tradition.”

Sushi Chef Institute at 32nd Annual HONDA Evening Under The Stars

Truxton's shrimp tacos and beef w/macaroni w. Ortega 210 Margarita

Rolling Hills Quinda salad

BENIHANA shrimp risotto

Miyako Hybrid Hotel: crab roll w. desserts and Rosa Regale brut

Restaurants and beverage partners included:
Benihana
Bettolino Kitchen
Café Honda - Sodexo
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Depot
Disneyland Resort
Doubletree
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Honda Classic / PGA Tour Professional Wines
Island Eats Hale A'ina
Jackson's Food & Drink
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Ortega 120 / Hey 19
Paul Martin's American Grill
Plough / Wooden Valley Winery
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
Rolling Hills Country Club
Sake Shochu Institute of America
Sushi Chef Institute
Truxton's American Bistro
In addition to the best in South Bay cuisine, professional sommeliers from The Disneyland Resort was on hand to serve and educate guests on their wines.

Australian Wines: 19 Crimes and MATUA

   As part of the event’s festivities, guests had the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions, bidding on exclusive items and experiences as a weekend stay at the InterContinental San Francisco with club lounge access and a $250 restaurant credit at Michelin starred restaurant, Luce; exclusive Disney private dining experience; and Harry Connick Jr. Hollywood Bowl box seats for four. A jewelry pull also offered 45 guests the opportunity to bid $50 to receive a Kendra Scott-designed jewelry item worth between $50 and $100.

American Honda created the Gourmet Food & Wine Festival in partnership with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce in 1987.  Honda Evening Under the Stars, Honda and the festival’s restaurant and beverage partners have raised millions of dollars and demonstrated a long-standing commitment to bettering the health care of children in the South Bay. www.facebook.com/eveningunderthestars

  www.torrancememorial.org/EveningUndertheStars

Fashion & Cars at The Petersen Museum in West Hollywood

Photos by Karen Ostlund

Entrance of The Porsche Effect exhibit at The Petersen Museum.

 August 3rd 2018, ESCADA and Porsche Design revealed their Spring 2019 designs, in partnership with LA Fashion Week at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s exhibit floor "The Porsche Effect". 


                                                 
First photo: A red Porsche 1964 901 and a black 1939 Porsche type 64  60K10.
               

Porsche men's design Spring 2019

The Porsche Design men’s wear installations shown at the Mullin Family Grand Salon is the lifestyle brand founded in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. His mission was to build a company that takes the principles and spirit of Porsche beyond the automotive world. All his Porsche Design products stand for precision and perfection, smart functions, refined functional design and boast a high level of technological innovation. The fashion line was created and designed by the Studio F. A. Porsche in Austria.www.porsche-design.com

ESCADA gown Spring 2019

Porsche men's design Spring 2019

Porsche men's design Spring 2019

                                             
ESCADA.us evening gowns fashion is of German origins and the brand values of cool glamour, sensuality, with modern elegance. ESCADA line was founded by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley who first presented their collection under the name ESCADA & Sporty Elegance. The brand offers a lifestyle concept  for business and leisure to red carpet occasions.

Escada gown Spring 2019

ESCADA woman is naturally drawn to the limelight and loves a feminine and glamorous yet fresh, modern style. The ESCADA SPORT line represents today creative casualwear for sexy, dynamic women with a youthful spirit. Escada red carpet gowns shown at the Petersen Museum were made of innovative fabrics as silk satin and crepe, with high detailing as ruffle and embroideries.

1st production GMUND Coupe Porsche 1949

Escada red carpet fashion Spring 2019

Andre Brut

The event was in partnership with LAFW, Amelthyst Lavender Gin, Andre Brut, Barnes Reality, Hilton, Porsche,Escada, Voo vodka, Bodvar Rose and Surface hair.

Los Angeles Times THE TASTE 2018 announced lineup for Laborday

Photos by Karen Ostlund
Los Angeles Times Announced Lineup of Chefs, Bartenders
and Restaurants Participating in The Taste, Aug. 31 to Sept 2nd at Paramount Studios.

Los Angeles THE TASTE at Paramount, daylight

 Highlights of THE TASTE 2018 will include pittmaster Burt Bakman (Trudy’s Underground Barbecue), leading a barbeque how-to; Ricardo Zarate (Rosaliné) and Jonathan Yao (Kato) sharing insight into what makes their dishes so Instagram-able; and Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama (n/naka) showcasing Japanese cuisine.


New this year: THE TASTE will travel to Costa Mesa over three days, Oct. 19 -  21 2018.

Los Angeles THE TASTE at Paramount, evening light

The Los Angeles Times announced the lineup for The Taste, its annual festival celebrating Southern California’s culinary scene. Hosted by The Times’ acclaimed Food staff, The Taste will transform the Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood,CA backlot into the ultimate evening block party over three nights during Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31 to Sept. 2).
This year, The Taste will pay homage to the chefs and restaurants who have helped make Los Angeles one of the most exciting places in the world to eat. Admission to each of the three events includes unlimited tastings from the city’s best restaurants and sips of seasonal cocktails, plus cooking demos and talks from renowned chefs.

OTIUM restaurant ceviche

Friday, Aug. 31, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
L.A.’s pop-up and underground restaurants will take the stage with a demo of Cajun-by-way-of-Compton cuisine from chef Michael Lawless (Shad’s New Cali Catering). Ludo Lefebvre (Trois Mec, Ludo Bird) will showcase his French flair. Master of the grill, Burt Bakman (Trudy’s Underground Barbecue), will lead a barbeque how-to. Ricardo Zarate (Rosaliné) and Jonathan Yao (Kato) will provide a glimpse of what makes their dishes imminently Instagram-able. The Bar Stage will be serving up white wines of Italy with Wes Hagen of J. Wilkes Wines. Restaurants include: Amor y Tacos, Baltaire Restaurant, Bone Kettle, Casa Vega, Chao Krung, Farmhouse, Hinoki & the Bird, Otium, Pop’s Bagels and Wanderlust Creamery.

Saturday, Sept. 1, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Delicious food will be the special of the night as Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama (n/naka) showcase Japanese cuisine and Briana Valdez (HomeState) celebrates breakfast all day with a demo of her signature dishes. Sommelier Ira Norof will give you 101 reasons to drink wine.
Restaurants include: Cento Pasta Bar, Border Grill, Crustacean Beverly Hills, Jaffa, Kali Restaurant, Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria, Mayura Indian Restaurant, Prawn, Taste of Tehran, Trois Mec and Winston Pies.

PRAWN restaurant risotto

  

Sunday, Sept. 2, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Experience the diversity of flavors in our fair city when Sean Lowenthal (Little Beast Restaurant) and L.A. Times Test Kitchen Director Noelle Carter highlight Southern cooking, Minh Phan (Porridge + Puffs) shares her technique for elevating porridge, and Charles Olalia (Rice Bar/Ma’am Sir) gives a master class on Filipino cuisine. Wine expert Christine Dalton will raise a glass to rosé.
Restaurants include: 71Above, Banh Oui, Coni’Seafood, Holbox/Chichen Itza, Hotville Chicken, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Inko Nito, Kobee Factory & Syrian Kitchen, Meals by Genet and Prince of Venice.
Los Angeles Times’ The Taste, presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, is produced in association with Best Events. The Collins College of Hospitality Management and L.A. Regional Food Bank are the event’s charity beneficiaries.

71Above restaurant

One ticket provides unlimited tastings at the annual food and drink festival
on the Paramount backlot over Labor Day weekend. Tickets range from $115 to $165; a $10 discount will be available exclusively to Times subscribers. The Taste travels to Costa Mesa over three days,  Oct. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 21. latimes.com/TheTaste. Connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheTasteLA (#TasteLA).                     

Bone Kettle restaurant Chili Garlic Noodles w/pork

The 9th Annual LUCKYRICE Feast Tour "Breaking Bao" kicked off in LA

Photos at Vibiana by Karen Ostlund  #Luckyrice18  #EatDrinkGetLucky

Entrance table at Vibiana July 26 featuring LUCKYRICE dishes served

 The 9th Annual LUCKYRICE™ FEAST “Breaking Bao" took place Sunday July 26th at Vibiana Cathedral in Los Angeles, celebrating Inter-generational Cuisine Flavors from : Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indonesia, Japanese, Korean, Malaysia, Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese.

 #LUCKYRICE18 Tour:
Oct. 4 Otakuisine Dinner in San Fransisco
Oct.11  Otakuisine Dinner in Houston
Oct. 18  Otakuisine Dinner in Miami
Nov. 16-18 Forbidden Rice in New York
 The evening’s host was world-renowned chef Susur Lee, who has paved the future of global Asian culture. It’s a family affair in the Bent-Lee kitchen with his sons Levi, Kai and Jet.
"This year, we're highlighting generations of family meals, special birthdays, holidays and sick days that taught our creative trust of Angeleno Asian cuisine, about making Asian food. Bringing young and old together, LUCKYRICE showcases the secret family heirloom dishes of our lucky food stars” said Chef Susur Lee.

Hong Kong-born Toronto-based Susur Lee (center Chef) is best known in US, as the Chef with the highest score in Top Chef Masters history (photo from BravoTV in June 9, 2010) and made it all the way to the Season 2 finals, where he tied with Rick Moonen for second place a half point behind Marcus Samuelsson.
Susur became a worldwide leader in Asian fusion cuisine, because of blending traditional Chinese dishes with classical French techniques. 

Danielle Chang, author of LUCKYRICE cookbook

Danielle Chang is the founder of the LUCKYRICE Festival, the nationwide traveling showcase of Asian food culture in the U.S. For LUCKY CHOW, she has put together both iconic and rising star chefs to showcase  in Asian culinary culture today. She was born in Taipei,where she learned from an early age that food + family = a recipe for happiness. Danielle learned how to make zongzi from her 98 year old Shanghai grandmother, grew up eating chicken feet in Houston when Asian food were a novelty, which later inspired her to write the debut cookbook LUCKYRICE.  http://luckyrice.com/luckychow-tv/season-1/



ON THE TASTING MENU:

BONE KETTLE:, Chef Erwin Tjahyadi, Steak Tartare w/ Garlic Krupuk: St Helen's Ranch Hanger Steak with chili vinaigrette, lemongrass, mint, basil, fried garlic krupuk

PHORAGE: Chef Perry Cheung, Pork Wonton with Truffle Sauce

MAMA MUSUBI : Chef Tomoko Imade Dyen,
O-chazuke: Small rice balls topped with beef (or fish) or vegetables

TATANG: Chef Jamby Roi
"Lon-Ga-Nisa" Meatball: Pork and shrimp served with Banana BBQ Sauce and Crispy Garlic

                                     

STAY LUCKY Chef Vinh Ngyuen, Suanla Chaoshou with pork and shrimp (Sichuan Hot & Sour Wonton)

HIP HOT: Chef Tiantian, Solo Hot Pot: Beef ball, fish, tofu, broccoli and glass noodles

CHINESE LAUNDRY FOOD TRUCK, Chef Leo Lamprides
Chinese Seafood Risotto: Abrorio rice congee, whipped seafood and tofu cream mousse, house-seasoned fish crumble ginger and herbs

LUCKYRICE featuring @conscious_cooking, Culinary Content Creator Christine Wong, Vegan Pekingbello Bites

KIKORI Japanese Whiskey

THE DRINK MENU: Kirin Ichiban, Kikori Whiskey, Suntory Whisky Toki, Mutual Trading - Sake & Shochu, San Pellegrino, Perrier, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale and Coffee Hall.
www.Luckyrice.com

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HONORED CHEF MING TSAI AT CALIFORNIA SPIRIT 33 GARDEN PARTY

Photos by Karen Ostlund for Redcarpetdrive            #CalSpirit

Chef Ming Tsai accepts 2018 Impact Award

 Celebrated chef and TV personality Tsai was honored last Sunday July 15th by the American Cancer Society, and accepted the 2018 Impact Award at the American Cancer Society’s California Spirit 33 Gourmet Garden Party for his work with Family Reach, an organization that provides financial assistance for under-served families facing cancer.                       
The garden party, took place on the Sony Studio's lot and was co-sponsored by media partners, KTLA-TV; Variety; Angeleno; The Hollywood Reporter; KJZZ Radio, and included  25 food and beverage stations, offering everything from Wolfgang Puck’s grilled ribeye cap, oysters by Prawn Coastal, seared albacore by The Bel-Air, paella del Mar by Fig & Olive to sweet cream ice cream by McConnell’s.

Host Chef Javier Plascencia

Honorary co-chairs Joy and Roger Davis w/Sherry Lansing (in red/black)

Sherry Lansing  (STOP CANCER, Stand Up 2 Cancer) served as honorary co-chair along with Phil Rosenthal (15-time Emmy Award-winning “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Spanglish,” “I’ll have What Phil’s Having; Netflix Season 2 of Somebody Feed Phil). Sherry Lansing is also known as former Chairman and CEO of Paramount Studios donated a private cocktail reception and film screening at her home for 12 guests to the live auction, which went for $6000.

Live auction with Andrew Firestone

The event was hosted by Chef Javier Plascencia, author and TV personality for cuisine of Baja California and Andrew Firestone presided over the live auction.                   

Wolfgang Puck: Grilled ribeye cap, yukon gold potatoes, peppers

Restaurants featured:*71 Above, Barbara Jean LA, The Bel-Air, BOA Steakhouse, Fig & Olive, Frida Mexican Cuisine, Guerilla Tacos, Kato, Life Energy Food,  Maple Block Meat Co, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Panini Kabob Grill,  Prawn Coastal, Takami Sushi & Robata, Sweet Lady Jane, The Wallace, Wolfgang Puck Catering, and Wood & Vine.                          

Organic white rum Drake's

Featured purveyors by: Ammunition Wine, Codigo 1530 Tequila, Danone Waters of America, Drake’s Organic Vodka & Rum, Golden Road Brewing, Hilltop Coffee, Lillet, Kikori Whiskey, Moraga Bel Air, Malibu Vineyards, and The Ojai Vineyard.

Chef Ming Tsa

The Band from TV concluded California Spirit 33 auction: Adrian Pasdar, Greg Grunberg and Scott Grimes

       

Fig & Olive restaurant, Paella del mar

Concern Foundation Celebrated 50 Years of Research at 44th Annual Block Party

Photos by Karen Ostlund      #ConcernBlockParty  #ConcernFoundation  # ConcernNow

Incredible HULK at Concern Foundation 44th Annual Block Party

Last Saturday, July 14th, nearly 4,000 supporters filled the streets of the New York backlot at Paramount Pictures Studios when the Concern Foundation celebrated 50 Years of Super Heroes: Researchers, Donors and Volunteers.
2018 marked Concern’s 50th year and Concern has since awarded over $60 million dollars in salary support to over 750 cancer researchers in total.

The event was led by event chair Lexy Carroll and a team of volunteers and designed once again by (center) John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals, who received the Spirit of Concern Award 2018 by (right) Concern President Derek Alpert and Lisi Teller, Executive Chair Concern  Foundation.

Concern Foundation 44th Annual Block Party on the back lot of Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood  brought in $1.8 million, which 90-95% of net proceeds went directly to research.

Concern Foundation honored members of the community that have provided a significant change towards the fight against cancer. This year, the foundation honored Dr. Jay & Kris Calvert (photo above) and family as this year’s “Cancer Crusaders” for their participation in helping to conquer cancer through research.
Dr. Jay Calvert, also known as a scientist has been named one of Los Angeles Magazine's “Super Doctors” in 2014, 2015, and 2016.  He has appeared on hit television programs including CBS’s “The Doctors” and OWN’s “Dr. Phil”.  Alongside his wife Kris, Jay has openly shared their personal experience with cancer; having had prostate cancer affect the lives of both their fathers.
The Calvert’s 10 year old son Ace was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 4 and while today he has beaten his cancer, ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) can always return and he is never truly cured.  This is a major reason he and his family feels so strongly about raising money to help find a permanent cure.
“It’s truly an honor for Concern Foundation to recognize the Calvert family as this year’s Cancer Crusader honorees for their commitment to helping provide salary support for cancer researchers and for sharing their personal story.” said Derek Alpert, Concern’s President.

Performances behind bar at 44th Annual Concern block party

Tom Nolan Band played well-known tunes all night

Casino Games behind main stage at 44th Annual Concern

Restaurant Il Pastaio at 44th Annual Concern

SITK Kitchen at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

KABUKI at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

Fogo de Chao BBQ at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

The Paramount Studios backlot streets were filled with over 75 food and beverage vendors under the direction of Nancy Eisenstadt, Megan Mulcahy and Whitney Carroll including LA restaurants as  Vibrato Grill Jazz, Ocean Prime,It Pastaio, The Grill on the Alley, Fogo de Chao, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Urban Oven, The Palm, Kabuki, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, SITK,  and many more. Musical and interactive entertainment were held on multiple stages and various locations including photo studios, casino style games and SPA services were provided by the Beauty Bus Foundation.

Bat mobile at DJ James dance floor at 44th Annual Concern Block Party

The evening Master of Ceremonies was KNX1070 News radio’s Frank Mottek and A/V Masters donated all of the audio and visual components.

Infiniti 2019 QX50 outside silent auction

Karen Ostlund w/ Concern's Superheroes at Brian Kramer's photo-booth

One of the highlights of the evening was silent and live auction under the direction of this year’s auction chairs Lynne Fox, Wendi Nogradi, Courtney Teller and Madeline Rose. Live and silent auction items and packages included one-of-a-kind opportunities, concert and event tickets, restaurants, stay cations, golf packages and the 15 feet Spider Man climbing down the Paramount Studio's building.

The 15 feet inflatable SPIDER MAN went for $600 at Concern live auction.