Happy Hour with Sunset Strip’s Blue Birdy Gastropub.

 Happy Hour with Sunset Strip’s Blue Birdy Gastropub.  #bluebirdysunset  #bluebirdyweho

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, CA August 19 2024) By Karen Ostlund

Blue Birdy is a newcomer in West Hollywood, located two doors down from the legendary Whiskey A-Go-Go on Sunset Strip.
                                                                           

Happy Hour plates:Brussel Sprouts, Edemame, Beef Sliders, Chicken Salad and Chicken Wings.

Blue Birdy opened its doors 5 months ago in early 2024 and took the place of Justin Queso restaurant. French chef and owner Jean Claude Mahdavi  is no stranger to success since he’s been in the restaurant business for 10 years, as the owner of Joxer Daly’s in Culver City - which is an Irish Sports Bar with a neighborhood feel, "When I was growing up, I heard all about Sunset Strip, just like Champs-Elysees Street, filled with lots of history".
                                                                       

Blue Birdy has a French-influenced menu with Jean Claude family’s recipes, originated from France. He knows what good food is and how to create it fast, with his Happy Hour special menu, Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm. Prices range from $6 to $14 dollar a plate.

Jean Claude said, “I want my customers to feel comfortable at Blue Birdy, a place that they can come to and leave the stress of their day behind, enjoy great libations and wonderfully inspired gastropub cuisine.It has  inside seating as well as a front street-level patio and a back patio".
He continued, "I did all the interiors myself, from building the bar and the wall to the light fixtures and the floor colors. Sound-proofing was a major consideration; I wanted people to feel comfortable and never feel like it’s too loud for a conversation".
                                                                                

Blue Birdy Sunset Strip.

Blue Birdy’s menu includes beer, soft drinks and specialty cocktails as The Boom Ba Da  with its smooth lemon flavor and and Strawberry Fields, which is a nice refreshing blend of champagne vodka and strawberry puree.

Entree menu items include Lemon Herb Chicken, Steak and Fries, Fish & Chips, Teriyaki Salmon, and lots of Burgers - all variations. The Short Rib Benedict is a brunch at its best, which is Mahdavi's favorite dish. The Noodle Salad is perfect for the health-conscious as well as their tempura asparagus.

                                                                                

Karen Ostlund reporting on Blue Birdy Sunset.

There are plans for different themed nights as "Tropical Thursdays” for Salsa music, Fridays for dress-up Drag Night, and Saturdays for Shabhaye Tehran-LA Night - Any night and day is a sports theme at Blue Birdy, because of one wall of floor-to-ceiling LED flat-screen TVs, to bring in sports fans for big-ticket games.
OPEN HOURS:
Wednesday
11 AM–10 PM
Thursday
11 AM–10 PM
Friday
11 AM–1:30 AM
Saturday
11 AM–1:30 AM
Sunday
11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday
11 AM–10 PM
Monday  11AM-10 PM,

Blue Birdy, 8917 W Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
@blue_birdy_sunset

White Light - White Night 20 Years Anniversary for a Cause.

Recap of White Light - White Night 20 years Anniversary.

 (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, August 10 2024) Photos by Karen Ostlund.
                                                                #WalkwithSally  #WhiteLightWhiteNight 

White Light White Night - Walk With Sally celebrated 20 years Saturday August 10 2024  with their annual South Bay gala in El Segundo, 840 Apollo street.

.                                                                         

Jaguar Landrover South Bay displayed their latest vehicles.

                                                                                  

White Night Silent auction.

The charity event focused on uniting and inspiring the community through creativity and joy, while raising awareness and critical funds to support the mission of lessening the burden of cancer for children.
                                                                               

The Spazmatics cover band is know for performing hit songs from the 80s.

 

Over 1000 attendees came to support the cause, with proceeds from a live and silent auction. Music  entertainment was provided by 80s tribute band Spazmatics and food and cocktails from Los Angeles best restaurants, All to support children and families burdened by cancer.
White Light is one of the most anticipated non-profit events in the South Bay.
                                                                               

 The Spazmatics' onstage costumes include bow-ties, plaid pants, taped glasses, pocket protectors and short shorts, which are a homage to the film Revenge of the Nerds.

                                                                                   

Bandero.com Tequila with GabiJamesLA.com meatball platter.

Every element of White Light is designed to uplift the community and inspire. The goal is to provide strength and healing through connection.
                                                                              

LidodiManhattan.com pasta.

                                                                                     

@GetfroLA vegan gluten free, real fruit alcohol infused ice cream.

                                                                                    

Salmon tartare, LittleSisterrb.com restaurant.

Throughout the world and in various cultures, the symbolism of the color white claims to represent one's connection to their own divinity, higher self, and the ability to heal. 

                                                                               

QualitySeafood.com at VIP lounge.

White light is also unique, because it's the only color that contains all colors in equal measure; being the representation of the power of equality and unity. In honor of that - a community come together - to be the light of healing. WalkWithSally.org

                                                                         

Karen Ostlund was reporting on White Light - White Night in El Segundo 2024.

               

John Schneider and Dee Dee Sorvino’s wedding celebration at the Hollywood Museum.

 John Schneider and Dee Dee Sorvino’s wedding celebration at the Hollywood Museum.

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, Hollywood CA August 1 2024) By Karen Ostlund
                                                                            

Dukes of Hazzard TV  & Country star John Schneider and Emmy winning TV Host Dee Dee Sorvino’s official wedding celebration took place at the Hollywood Museum August 1, 2024. The same place where they met in person for the first time 2 years ago. (GettyImages)

Paul Sorvino’s Memorial 2 years ago;

https://westhollywoodtoday.blogspot.com/2022/08/paul-sorvinos-celebration-of-life.html?m=1

Their  surprise wedding took place at "Vegas Weddings" in the back of a white convertible that was once owned by music star Usher on Tuesday night July 23, 2024.
 
Dee Dee and John said “Just when we thought our happiest days were forever behind us, we happened to meet!
 Their marriage comes after both lost their spouses in the past two years. Schneider’s late wife, Alicia Allain Schneider, passed away in February 2023 from breast cancer. Dee Dee’s husband, Godfather of Harlem actor Paul Sorvino, died in July 2022 from natural causes.

Donelle Dadigan, President and Founder of the Hollywood Museum. hosted the official wedding celebration for the newlyweds at The Hollywood Museum in Hollywood CA.
 She said “Since John and Dee Dee met in person for the first time at  The Hollywood Museum, I felt it would be appropriate that we hosted their official wedding celebration”.

 Among guests attending were : JOHN SCHNEIDER & DEE DEE SORVINO, DONELLE DADIGAN, including Rex Smith (Broadway & Music star), Catherine Bach (Duke of Hazzard), Byron Cherry (Dukes of Hazzard),Katherine Kelly Lang (Bold & The Beautiful),Anson Williams (Happy Days), Nancy Harding( God’s Not Dead/Keeping up with the Joneses), Eve Richards (Born American/ The Discovery Pod with Eve), Kathy Kolla (Plastic Dreams), Kate Linder (Young & The Restless), Alice Amter (Big Bang Theory), Navid Negahban(Aladdin/Homeland), Rachel Kylian(And Just Like That/ Almost Christmas),Larry Namer( Co-Founder, E! Entertainment Tv), Geoffrey Mark(Best-selling Author) and Lee Purcell (2x Emmy nominee).  
 
Launch of cookbook with Paul Sorvino and Dee Dee in 2017:

https://westhollywoodtoday.blogspot.com/2017/05/goodfellas-actor-paul-sorvino-launched.html?m=1

L.A. Times Food Bowl Reveals Lineup for 3-Day Festival at Paramount Studios Backlot Sept. 20-21-22 2024.

 L.A. Times Food Bowl Reveals Lineup for 3-Day Festival at Paramount Studios Back-lot Sept. 20-21-22 2024.   #LAFOODBOWL

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot.com, Hollywood, CA July 31 2024)   By Karen Ostlund

 The 8th annual food and drink festival will feature restaurants from across Southern California, including chefs from  "The Times Restaurant of the Year" and "Gold Award honorees”.

The Los Angeles Times has announced details for  LA Food Bowl, its annual festival, celebrating Southern California’s dynamic food scene, presented by City National Bank. The festivities will take place over three days on Sept. 20, 21 and 22 at the Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot, spotlighting local food legends and rising culinary stars. Each all-inclusive ticketed event will feature unlimited tastings from over 40 restaurants, libations from wineries, breweries and distilleries, cookbook signings and demonstrations from renowned culinary personalities, DJ sets and more. General admission, VIP tickets and weekend passes for all sessions are available now at lafoodbowl.com
                                                                               

2024 Food Bowl’s lineup:

Friday, Sept. 20 | 8 – 11 p.m. (VIP early entry begins at 7 p.m.)
Food Bowl will honor The Times Restaurant of the Year, Baroo, and Gold Award honoree, Mariscos Jalisco, on Friday night with a special awards presentation hosted by The Times Food team. Plus, Baroo and Mariscos Jalisco will serve curated bites for all guests with an exclusive sampling for guests with early VIP entry. The L.A. Times Food Stage will feature demonstrations and cookbook signings by award-winning chefs and social media food stars, including Josh Scherer (“The Mythical Cookbook”) and Tue Nguyen (@TwayDaBae) (“Di An”) with special guests.

Participating restaurants for Friday night include Amiga Amore, Azizam, Baroo, Cento, East Side Cheesecakes, Evil Cooks, Hatchet Hall, Holey Grail Donuts, HomeState, III Mas Bakery & Deli, Jitlada, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, Mariscos Jalisco, Meteora (VIP lounge only), Mírate, Perilla LA, Rita’s Deluxe, Saucy Chick Goat Mafia, Si! Mon, SoulPhil, Spoon & Pork, Wife and the Somm.
                                                                          

 L.A. Times Food Bowl Night Market Saturday.

Saturday, Sept. 21 | 7 – 10 p.m. (VIP early entry begins at 6 p.m.)
Saturday night will include unlimited tastings from more than 40 restaurants, demonstrations and cookbook signings from culinary stars, including Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling (“A Confident Cook”) and Owen Han (“Sandwich King”) .
Participating restaurants include 626 Hospitality Group, Baroo, Bar Chelou, Budonoki + Mini Kabob, Burritos La Palma, Cobi's, Donna's, Evil Cooks, Heng Heng Chicken Rice, Jeff's Table, Lei'd Cookies, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, OyBar, Ponchos Tlayudas, Saucy Chick Goat Mafia, Steep LA, The Brothers Sushi, Trophies Burger Club, Wanderlust Creamery.

Sunday, Sept. 22 | 12 – 3 p.m. (VIP early entry begins at 11 a.m.)
Food Bowl’s finale will feature an afternoon of tastings, music and live demos for all ages, including cookbook signings and demonstrations by award-winning chefs Nancy Silverton (“The Cookie that Changed My Life”), Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson (“Kismet: Bright, Fresh, Vegetable-Loving Recipes”), and more special guests to be announced. Participating restaurants include Baroo, Ceci's Gastronomia, CUT Beverly Hills (VIP lounge only), Damian (VIP lounge only), DOMESTIC, Evil Cooks, Hamasaku, Lustig, Maison Matho, OyBar, Petit Trois, Pop's Bagels, Steep LA, Stir Crazy, The Brothers Sushi.
 L.A. Regional Food Bank is the charity partner of Food Bowl. Connect on Facebook, X and Instagram @LAfoodbowl (#LAfoodbowl). at lafoodbowl.com     https://www.tixr.com/groups/latimes/events/l-a-times-food-bowl-presented-by-city-national-bank-106840#
                                                                              

Teremana Tequila will return to LA Foodbowl 2024.

"Elvis, Rocky and Me": The Carol Connors Pop Star Memoirs hits #4 on Amazon.

Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Pop Star Memoirs hits #4 on Amazon.

By Karen Ostlund    

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, CA - July 16 2024)
                                                                          

 The Carol Connors Story, co-written by Steven Bergsman, was just released. Carol had a book signing at BOOK SOUP on  July 15, 2024, located at 8818 Sunset Blvd.in West Hollywood. The Book is published by Bear Manor Media.(GettyImages)

Carol Connors co-wrote the ROCKY theme-song “Gonna Fly Now” and was considered one of the most important movie songs of all time. She has been nominated for 2 Academy Awards, 2 Golden Globes, 5 Emmy’s and a Grammy nomination.A documentary under the same name has been completed and is in post-production, to be released later this year.
For the first time ever, Connors talks openly about her time with Elvis, and other famous men in Hollywood she loved and had relationships with.This tell-all-book chronicles her many true adventures as a celebrity, lover, singer, scuba diver aka Mermaid and songwriter. The stories that have never been told until now!
                                                                                

(top L) Steve Bergsman, Kate Linder, Chip Rosenbloom, Rebecca Holden, Maria Conchita Alonso, Carol Wells, Alex Rotaru, Suzan Hughes, Dahlia Heyman, Diane Warren at Carol Connors booksigning for book "Elvis, Rocky And Me" at Book Soup in West Hollywood (GettyImages)

Connors tells details in the book about her relationship with Elvis Presley which lasted for almost a year, and months into that relationship Elvis became her first lover and the first man she would fall in love with. Connors said, “To find out the details about my romance with Elvis, you’re going to have to buy the book on amazon and everywhere books are sold.”
 
At the book-signing, Connors also played and sang the song she wrote about Elvis, called “YOU LOVED MY NIGHT AWAY” which was written on the night Elvis died. Connors said she sat at her piano for 12 hours straight to compose this special song for him. Elvis met Carol when “To Know Him is To Love Him“ was the most popular song in the world.
The book is filled with great showbiz stories about her life and career, including singing on her first hit record “TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM” by Phil Spector, who wrote the song for Carol’s voice. Connors was and will always be the voice of The Teddy Bears. The enormous success of that song was the start of a career that is still going strong. Carol has written music for Dionne Warwick and Billy Preston and has seen her songs covered by Mariah Carey and John Legend. 

                                                                              

Pop music star Pat Boone at Book Soup (GettyImages)

The book also explains, Connors feels Phil Spector tried to block her music-career from taking off - after the song hit #1 on the billboard charts.
Other music highlight in Conners career was the hit song  “Little Cobra” which hit #2 on the billboard charts and was the reason the Cobra Muscle car became a big seller.
      
Carol's personal life is as fascinating as her show business career. She never chose to marry, but she dated famous names as Elvis Presley, Robert Culp and David Janssen.

Recap of Debbie Durkin’s Ecoluxe pre-ESPYS Sports Lounge 2024.

  (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, Beverly Hills, CA July 10 2024) By Karen Ostlund.

                                                                      

Event-producer Debbie Durkin’s Ecoluxe pre-ESPYS Sports Lounge July 9th, benefited Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue Ranch. Dadbodbootcamp.com co-founders, Beverly Hills 90210 star Ian Ziering and entrepreneur David Greenholtz, premiered their groundbreaking Lifestyle & Weight Loss Program and served healthy dishes.
(PHOTO) David Greenholtz, Ian Ziering, Valerie Von Sobel and Chris Gialanella.

                                                                                      

Dadbodbootcamp.com new brand focus on men and women over 40, offering workout tips, mental health motivation and healthy food swaps with award-winning Free Spirits mock-tails, https://drinkfreespirits.com/

Debbie Durkin’s ECOLUXE Pre-ESPYS Sports Lounge brought out a bevy of professional athletes and celebrities. Merging fitness and philanthropy, the exclusive, star-studded event was held at a stunning private residence in Beverly Hills.

Notable attendees included former NFL stars Marcellus Wiley, Willie Gault and Jarrod Bunch, Olympic track & field stars Al Joyner and Gil Roberts, actresses Jasmine Davis and Sofia Milos, actors Ian Ziering, Shaun Toub and Draper Wynston, television personality Petri Hawkins Byrd, basketball star Sundiata Gaines, Olympic gold medalist diver Greg Louganis, Princess Martha Louise.

 The ECOLUXE Lounge was a celebration of the ESPYS this year, creating a unique intimate ambiance of purposeful brands. Event highlights included:

                                                                            

Green Renaissance: Author/Veteran JM Balbuena celebrated history and culture with the launch of her latest book ‘Green Renaissance,’ .https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/green-renaissance-jm-balbuena/1145650405?ean=9798869397676 Get an inside look at cannabis culture, complete with an exploration into the historical influence of the plant in wellness, lifestyle and culture.

                                                                                

HOOPS-Inc.com Offered Faith Honor and Triumph apparel for men, women, and dogs.

                                                                                     

Lolita’s Guiltless Margaritas without alcohol: Cold-press juices for margarita flavors, perfect for traditional margaritas or refreshing mocktails.https://guiltlessmargaritas.com/

                                                                               

FayahAthletics.com: showcased innovative sport-wear and pop handbags from Canadian designer Ayo, including SPF50 sun-protected swimwear and performance tees made from Eco-friendly fabrics.

                                                                                   

Natasha Moor Cosmetics: Featured a pop-up booth with cruelty-free, vegan sustainable cosmetics, offering 1-on-1 consultations, mini touch-ups, personalized beauty advice. .https://natashamoor.com/

TruTreasures.net: Featured handcrafted, sustainable products of essential oils, beard oil, and purpose bracelets.

RevealUSkincare.com and luxury bamboo sheets and bath towels with a $50 gift card from ettitude.com

ZENO VERSE WELLNESS: Talents received a 6-day luxury, all-inclusive wellness retreat stay at 420Wellness MediSpaTels in Jamaica, featuring an authentic cultural and culinary experience.https://420wellnessjamaica.com/

MarleysMutts.com/adoptadog "Dog Rescue Ranch" gives a second chance, using the human/animal bond, with puppies and therapy dogs available for adoption and foster. 

Artist Gabe Gault: Showcased modern pieces and gifted signed prints, with notable works including the largest mural in the U.S. and collaborations with major entities like Nike, NFL, and Meta.https://www.gabegault.com/

                                                                          

Karen Ostlund reported on Durkin's pre-ESPYS Lounge 2024.

Ringo Starr celebrated his birthday and his annual "Peace & Love" message at Beverly Hills Gardens Park.

                                                                                 

Gregg Bissonette, Ben Harper, Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh and Steve Dudas performed onstage during Ringo's Peace & Love Birthday  at Beverly Hills Gardens Park.

Ringo Starr celebrated his birthday and annual "Peace & Love" message at Beverly Hills Gardens Park, July 7 2024.

#JULIENSAUCTIONS #SIRIUSXM #TheBeatlesChannel #TheSessions #ONWTR

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, Beverly Hills July 7 2024) Photos by Karen Ostlund

 July 7, 2024 The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Starkey were joined on his birthday July 7th, by family and friends at Beverly Gardens Park. Guests included Joe and Marjorie Walsh, Fred Armisen, Ed Begley Jr, Gregg Bissonette, Ben Dickey, Steve Dudas, Ben Harper, Greg Leisz, Asa & Roy Orbison Jr, Matt Sorum, Stephen Stills, Nick Valensi, Diane Warren, Don Was, Willie Watson and Gabe Witcher.

Ringo’s annual Peace & Love Birthday event, gives the traditional “Peace and Love” exclamation at noon July 7th every year. NASA continues to  support spreading the message to and from the universe, including messages of Peace & Love on their socials from across the solar system.
 
Musicians, including Ben Harper, Gabe Witcher, Willie Watson, Greg Leisz, Don Was, Ben Dickey and Gregg Bissonnette with Steve Dudas celebrated Ringo’s music with a tribute performance prior to the event.
                                                                             

“OK Peace & Love here we go again!” said Ringo. “Thanks for joining me on my birthday. I am so grateful to you all for helping me promote Peace & Love. I want to give special thanks to all the Peace & Love Ambassadors – we are in 34 countries! thanks for doing it – and I gotta thank all the fans, peace & love – just join me in your mind, wherever you are on the July 7th,  just go Peace & Love at noon on your local time.”

Every year, July 3rd to July 7, The Beatles Channel on SiriusXM (Channel 18), airs a special programming celebrating Ringo’s birthday. The Beatles Channel on the SiriusXM App  https://sxm.app.link/RingoBirthdayPR
Sponsors are Julien’s Auctions, SiriusXM, The Sessions and ONWTR water.
                                                                       

Me next to Ringo's birthday cake with ONWTR water.

RINGO NEWS:
Ringo recently completed a Spring tour with Ringo and his All Starr Band. The band will resume with a second set of dates in September 2024.
In April this year, Ringo released his 4th EPCrooked Boy which included 4 songs all written and produced by Linda Perry – “February Sky,” “Gonna Need Someone,” “Adeline,” and “Crooked Boy.”
Ringo also published his 8th book, Beats & Threads, through Juliens Auctions. 

Ringo’s trend setting threads were as signature as the beat of his drums. This book features over 200 images including never before seen photos and extensive details on his drums.
Ringo–in collaboration with author, speaker, drummer, and vintage-drum collector, Gary Astridge offers for the first-time the most comprehensive look at his legendary Beatles-era drum kits, containing decades of research-based information and detailed photographs of music history, available now through Juliensauctions.com
More info at Ringo’s website, RingoStarr.com
 SPONSORS:
Julien’s Auctions is collaborating directly with artists, partnering with legendary estates and working closely with collectors. From Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Ringo Starr to Lady Gaga and Kurt Cobain-from LA to rest of the world.
www.instagram.com/juliens_auctions
SIRIUSXM  The Beatles Channel
The Beatles Channel can be found on SiriusXM channel 18 and on the SXM App. The channel features the band’s hits and album tracks, live recordings and rarities, solo works from John, Paul, George and Ringo, records that influenced the band, as well as the music they inspired. SiriusXM have been sponsors of Ringo’s Peace & Love Birthday events since 2017.