There’s something about Miami. It welcomes you by not making too much of a fuss about you. “Oh, so there you are,” it seems to say. Great. Dale, Chico. Te veo despues y nos tomamos un cafe.” And you know, it’s happy to see you.

My favorite spot to welcome the day in all of Miami is not anywhere near the infamous SoBe of the tanned and gorgeous. It’s not on a boat gliding past tall downtown buildings on bayside waters. It’s sitting on the sidewalk facing the huge, colorful, exhuberant sculpture at the entryway of the otherwise unremarkable Dadeland Metrorail Station in South Miami.

It’s fittingly called “Welcome” and stands amid the light gray concrete on mornings when my own bed wants nothing to do with me and, as my mother would say, “el que me fume, pierde el vicio.”

And here’s the trick: you sit on the sidewalk in front of it with your newspaper and your strong, sugary, Cuban coffee, you look at it for awhile, and pretty soon you start to feel happy and, god forbid, optimistic. By then you’ll look a little crazy to couples walking by with their strollers or their dogs, so taking a few pictures of the pure, innocent, joyous embrace it offers won’t make much of a difference. (I recommend polaroids because you’ll want to touch your production inmediately. Don’t make it too precious. You’ll be back.)

Its creator, Romero Britto, has long been an outcast of the traditional art world. (“He’s too commercial.”) He’s also an outcast of the outcasts who say there’s no depth to his work. I wouldn’t know, and I confess to being unmoved by the hanging pictures in his gallery space. But his sculptures: these big gifts of happy for open spaces, sum up for me what he’s often quoted as saying: “For me, art can reflect the celebration of the simple and good things in life. This is most important to me!” Just like Miami.

*****

Anjanette Delgado is an Emmy award-winning writer and multimedia producer with over eighteen years of experience in broadcast, cable, print and Internet environments, both nationally and internationally. Her book “The Heartbreak Pill” is out in stores and she is hard at work on her second novel “The Calle Ocho Clairvoyant.” Anjanette lives in Miami, Florida, and her very favorite quote is “When you’re going through hell, keep going,’” by Winston Churchill.

Hotel Casa 425 is just what it claims to be: a home away from home. Located on the town square, within steps of fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries and the prestigious Claremont Colleges, Casa 425 is a sophisticated boutique hotel with spacious rooms with clean lines and understated art. This diva recommends you grab a drink at the hip lounge or a complimentary green apple on your way out.

Another great alternative is the Doubletree Hotel Claremont. DIVA’s TIP: All Doubletree Hotels offer a warm cookie at check-in. If you are nice, you can get more than one…. Want to float off into winter? Try Essentials Day Spa & Salon at the Doubletree Hotel Claremont 555 W. Foothill Blvd. Claremont, CA 91711 Phone: 909-626-2411 www.Doubletreeclaremont.com

Charming Downtown streets have a charm of their own. Reminiscent of middle America, with the advantages of LA’s technology-driven stores, downtown offers select stores, products and services, sure to satisfy the most eclectic of tastes. For the visiting foodies, La Parolaccia, an Italian gourmet corner restaurant seems to be the all the rage in Claremont Village. Within the fancy interiors, the first thing you notice is the smell of delicious garlic and the smile of our server. Try the Focaccia Forza Italia, a thin crust focaccia from their wood burning oven, topped with goat cheese, tomato sauce, arugula, fresh tomatoes and white truffle oil, or their Carpaccio di Bue con Arugola e Funghi, or as I called it, heaven in my mouth. This appetizer of raw beef tenderloin came topped with fresh arugula, mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan cheese. La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana 201 N. Indian Hill Claremont, CA 91711 909-624-1516 http://laparolacciausa.com/

This tree-lined downtown houses a myriad of mom and pop places as well as trendy favorites. You.ll find a specialty cheese and olive oil place, The Cheese Cave, where you can try cheeses from all over the world, specialty fennel salame and hand-pressed olive oils. Definitely ask for a taste of Snow White. You’ll absolutely adore it. You’ll never think of the fairy tale the same way again. Cheese Cave 325 North Yale Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711-4727 909-625-7560 http://www.claremontcheese.com/

What a better place to start a hot date than a dimly lit place being served high quality wine and light fare, surrounded by comfy pillows? Add 1950′s standards to that equation and no woman could resist. Packing House Wine Merchants on First Street offers excellent service with an enjoyable, relaxing, and fun atmosphere at which to shop, drink, and learn about wine. This is definitely a place of which Sinatra would approved. Packing House Wine Merchants 540 West 1st Street Claremont, CA 91711-4618 909-445-9463 http://www.packinghousewines.com

For those looking for nightlife, there’s Hip Kitty, a swanky and intimate jazz supper club and lounge in downtown Claremont Village. Live music is featured on its stage 6 nights a week and every seat in the house has a great view. If comedy is your style, Flappers Comedy Club’s A-list comedians perform for very thankful audiences. Order the cheese plate, unexpectedly fantastic, and even the MC and host comedians were great. Make sure you drink plenty at the Wine Merchants downstairs and the comedy and cheese will seem even better. There’s also Piano Piano, your big city dueling piano bar with some of the most amazing talent you’ve ever seen come out of a small town.

La-la land getting too crowded for you? Come relax in Claremont. This is a place you will want to go back to time and time again.

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Warning: This is not an unbiased review. I love Las Brisas Restaurant for its incomparable location. The place is quaint, just comfortable enough to satisfy, with flashy rose gardens in seasonal bloom, but make no mistake, it is the ocean which holds pride of place. It sits on a promontory overlooking the sun-dappled Pacific Ocean, with curving Laguna Beach to the south replicating vistas of Italy’s Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, our families’ ancestral home.

For us former Chicagoans, the place, especially in January, represents a fantasy of beauty and breezes (hence the name The Breezes) to which we’ve brought our most beloved family and friends. Our Chicago-born fathers, Mike DeCarlo and Pete Rocco, taking their first plane ride in their 80s, relished the experience of eating in sunshine on a winter day. My sister, Christine, and others have shared our delight in merely being in this sublimely spectacular spot. Native Californians cannot fathom the depth of pleasure experienced by we cold-clime folk, who find ourselves squinting into the winter sun as we munch delicious Las Brisas nachos on the terrace. We can almost feel we’re again visiting fabled Positano, Italy, seated on the terrace of the celebrated San Pietro Hotel. The scenery is that similarly spectacular. Any visitor will respond favorably to the sensual charm of the area.

We are not alone in our devotion to the Las Brisas experience. The Southern California landmark began in 1938 as the Victor Hugo Inn. It became Las Brisas in 1979, and has been a magnet for visitors from all over the world, not just Chicago. Having on-property valet parking is no small thing in a beach town with limited street parking.

Of course the food is lovely, the calamari is particularly delicate and flavorful with a soft garlic lemon butter sauce ($10.25) that is a fine introduction to whatever comes next. On one recent visit we had our favorites on the patio -fish and chips and cheesy nachos -yummy. The patio has its own menu, separate from the inside dining room. Last week the couple seated next to us on the patio were visiting from Naperville, Illinois, a town near our former Downers Grove hometown.Noticing my Cubs bag they struck up a conversation and we had the most pleasant time talking about our rotten-weather Chicago and how glorious is Las Brisas.

Reservations are taken but the promise of a window seat is withheld. Therefore to increase your chances of unobstructed ocean views try going on a Monday when there is more opportunity to snag a window table to catch sight of the pelicans fishing for their lunch or if one is lucky seeing dolphin play dates carousing in the distance. There is an outcrop of rocks off the gazebo viewing area which is home to marine birds and mammals- I think they may be seals.

The place offers Mexican Riviera seafood dishes, as well as beef and chicken entrees for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and cocktails. My lunch dish of four large sea scallops sauted in spicy chardonnay with garlic butter sauce and wild mushrooms was marvelously fresh-tasting and flavorful ($17.50). I’ve enjoyed the Ensalada de Primavera, substituting romaine for the spring greens but keeping the caramelized walnuts, pear, cranberries, feta cheese with a citrus-ginger dressing. ($6.50). Never having acquired a taste for alcohol I cannot speak for the drinks but I did notice margarita cocktails were priced at $9.50.

For those seeking every opportunity for beautiful vistas it is worth mentioning a small park with gorgeous views reached off Pacific Coast Highway by turning right (if you are driving south) onto Crescent Bay St. Continue to the end of the cul-de-sac and park on the street. The little park provides wonderful views up and down the coastline. The town of Laguna Beach is filled with art galleries and other interesting shops. Begin and end at Las Brisas and you are sure to enjoy it all.

Las Brisas Restaurant
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-497-5434 – reservations online –
www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2010

By Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2011

Nothing says summer like an outdoor concert. There are plenty of these around OC in public parks and other such venues. Unfortunately, sometimes these involve parking hassles to distant grassy areas – if there is room – with long walks back to the performing areas.
If you are one who desires a little bit more upscale ambience, here’s the spot for you. I recently enjoyed an evening at the posh Balboa Bay Club and am anxious to return for more relaxation along side the fabulous marina.
The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, at Newport Beach Harbor, provides the perfect constellation of beautiful setting, fine entertainment and tasty foods. The Club is located at 1221West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. www.balboabayclub.com; 949-646-5000.
The BBC is hosting three concerts this month that offer up summer fun at its finest.

“The Four Freshman – Live Concert“

Friday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.;

“Surfin’ Safari.- The UltimateTribute to the Beach Boys!”

Friday, August 19, 6:30 p.m;

“Mariachi Sol de Mexico”

Friday, August 26, 6:30 p.m

Tickets for these concerts are $25, each performance (non-refundable).

BBC’s Burger Bash BBQ will be available for purchase at the “Freshman…
and “Surfin’” concerts. See below for the menu and prices on foods.

“Mariachi…” concert will have available the BBC’s dinner buffet, $21.50 for adults; $15.50 for children.

BURGER BASH BBQ MENU – Aug. 12 & Aug. 19 concerts.

BBC POWER BURGER w/ fries         $8.50*
TURKEY BURGER w/fries                  $8.50*
GRILLED CHICKEN w/fries               $8.50*
SANDWICH w/fries                              $8.50*
GRILLED HOT DOG                             $5.50*
CHICKEN FINGERS                             $5.00*
BBC CHILI                                               $3.00*
CORN ON THE COB                             $3.00*
SOFT DRINKS                                        $3.00*
ICE CREAM                                            $2.00*

For information on the concerts call 949-630-4120.

Reservations online: http://members.balboabayclub.com/

Balbo Bay Club & Resort
1221 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-630-4120

Angela Rocco DeCarlo, is a former Chicago journalist, who resides in Orange, CA.

Friends from Chicago were visiting and we were giving them the Huntington Beach, CA tour… lunch at Duke’s on the beach downtown while gawking at the wetsuited-surfer dudes, who to Midwesterners, are exotic indeed.

They can’t quite believe that surfing can be, and is, for talented people, a profession.

Celebrating with old friends from back home is always special. That’s the time when a plain red plastic cup won’t do for your wine toast. It’s fine for the beach, but otherwise something more refined is required.

As we checked out the various gift shops around the beach area we came upon one store which had a collection of hand painted wine glasses that offered a surprise. There are several brands that produce these custom items.

There amid the flip flop and ladies’ shoe glass designs was a tulip wine glass featuring a fantasy Chicago Cubs marquee, city skyline and sailboats on Lake Michigan – all capturing the fun of a Chicago summer. Obviously, no one is going to memorialize a Chicago winter – that’s for sure.

Travelers love to take home treats from vacation destinations to remind them of happy times. It isn’t often one in on a California beach where the option to take home a memento of home is realized. A bit offbeat.

The hand painted glasses on display featured a wide array of designs, including a handful of cities other than Chicago, including Las Vegas and New York. The problem was there weren’t two of  Chicago and we both wanted to buy several for families members. Of course, courtesy demanded my friend get to take home the lone Chicago wine glass.

Our family of former Chicagoans,living in “exile” in Southern California, remain devoted Cubs fans. So when we spotted the Chicago wine glass we were delighted – it was fun and unique. I thought it was perfect for my three Cubs-loving sons who would get a kick out of the glasses. They are already in possession of Chicago shirts, blankets, hats, and other accouterments – a wine glass would make a good addition.

As I wanted additional Chicago glasses I did a little research on the brand. It seems the creative source behind the vast catalog of drinking implements is Lolita Healy. Her Designs by Lolita started out about ten years ago with martini glasses and expanded to the tulip wine glasses and then other household products. All have her distinctive stamp of eclectic fantasy. The wine glasses sell for under $25; they are not dishwasher safe.

If I were planning a party for next year with a guest list of 1200 or so I’d consider ordering our own special Chicago DeCarlo family design. Just a nice little fantasy…(info@designsbylolita.com). Meanwhile, I’m hunting down more of the Chicago wine glasses. I need three to surprise my boys.

Angela Rocco DeCarlo
copyright, 2011

Artist Christopher Jules White explores the intersections of vivid color, light and form in PERSPECTIVE IN MOTION, a collection of photo collages and paintings on display at the Gregory Way Gallery in Beverly Hills. The exhibition of the Texas native’s work opens with a special reception at the Gallery on Saturday, March 26 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and runs through April 30, 2011.

“I use images and colors instead of words when I express myself because both have different capacities than words do,” says White. “I am affected by light which alters color and form and allows me to see something in an individual way. This is what I paint—the very individual thing that I see because of the effect of the light. And capturing that individuality is the essence, I think, of what painting is.”

The exhibition is featured on The Huffington Post, with the Post’s Rajeev Goyal  saying this about the artist’s work: “White’s bold photo collages of California, Japan, Switzerland and Alabama are Hockneyesque but very much his individual eye. They mark interesting truths about photography and experience, particularly in the large collage entitled ‘Japan at Rest.’ The elongated beauty of the oriental dining room with a spectacular view is a detailed and rich memory.”

The exhibition comprises pieces with subject matter ranging from places to still life and includes works such as Reflections of Form, a painting of the artist’s wife; and photo collages such as The Porch; Japan at Rest; The Gate; Wengen; and The Typewriter.

GREGORY WAY GALLERY

245 SOUTH BEVERLY DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS CA 90212

(818) 577-3506 www.gregorywaygallery.com

EXHIBITION RUNS MARCH 26, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2011

OPENING RECEPTION IS

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2011, 7:00 p.m. UNTIL 9:00 p.m.

“I’ve got something special for you, ” said President Abraham Lincoln to the young boy and girl.

With that he pulled from his trousers’ pocket a handful of the shiniest of new US Lincoln copper pennies.

This Lincoln enactor, Bill Peck, was pitch perfect in appearance (with a real beard) and demeanor at the annual Presidents’ Day free event at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA. He spoke gently to the children as he explained the 2009 “Rail Splitter” pennies* he presented to them were keepsakes. Sam, 7, and Seritella, 5, our grandchildren, were awestruck as they accepted the shiny pennies. I admit, I was, too. He suggested the children learn not only the Gettysburg address, but Lincoln’s second inaugural address filled with hope and prayer. It was a small moment of pure theater just for two little kids – beautiful.

The Nixon Museum has been a favorite destination for us to take our four young grandchildren over the past ten years. They’ve scampered up and through the presidential helicopter, which is a part of the permanent collection of Nixon objects. The Apollo astronauts and their accouterments were an exciting up-close encounter when on special exhibit. Today, Sam and Serritella walked in the set-in-cement-bootprints of Buzz Aldrin, the second man to step foot on the moon. The beautiful gardens and lawn enticed the children to games of tag. No “keep off the grass” signs here. This is a museum visitors can really enjoy in all aspects.

The children also were presented to President George Washington who graciously sat for photos with them. The Washington enactor, the Rev. Gary B. Beard**, appears throughout the US in his colonial uniform engaging with visitors to tell the story of early America using his vast array of authentic artifacts, including Bibles, cannonballs and antique currency. The patience and enthusiasm displayed is remarkable, providing a satisfying learning experience for children and adults.

President Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Peter Small, held a copy of “his” Declaration of Independence as he circulated through the throngs of Nixon guests. It was fun to chat about our personal heroes Lewis and Clark and their great achievements in exploring the vast Louisiana Purchase territory, 1804-1806.  Jefferson reminded us Lewis had been his personal secretary prior to appointing him captain of the expedition. He also made haste to laude their brave and resourceful guide Sacagawea. The brave young girl, who not only lead the explorers, also saved their precious journals from water destruction.

Later in the day the presidents would gather in the Nixon Library’s White House East Room replica. The program would include a question and answer session allowing guests to learn more about these great US presidents.
The Museum hosts many free programs thorough the year to educate and entertain. There are free Sunday concerts, a fabulous miniature holiday train exhibit, displays of presidential gifts to the Nixon family received from heads of state and a fashion gallery featuring bridal gowns from the Nixon daughters.

The Nixon Library and Museum is the perfect size…it has not yet been overindulged to gigantic proportions which often happens to successful museums. It is intimate, charming and educational. Our grandchildren love it.

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714-983-9120

http://www.nixonlibrary.gov

Admission: adults; $9.95; seniors $6.95;
children$3.75.

*Four new Lincoln pennies were minted in 2009 in celebration
of the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. Each of the four penny designs
depict different aspects of his life and career. Our pennies were the “Rail
Splitter” design.
** George Washington enactor, the Reverend Gary Beard,
visits schools and other venues. www.washington1776.com.

copyright 2011 Angela Rocco DeCarlo

How to get there: The eastern-most city in Los Angeles County, Claremont is 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles along Interstate 10. It’s a destination quite unlike any other in Southern California: A hidden gem within the sprawling, urbanscape of the L.A. basin.  From LA: Take the 134 to the 210 exit North Towne Avenue South. Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 10 miles  Los Angeles – 40 miles

STAY:   Hotel Casa 425 is just what it claims to be: a home away from home. Located on the town square, within steps of fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries and the prestigious Claremont Colleges, Casa 425 is a sophisticated boutique hotel with spacious rooms with clean lines and understated art.  Most of the rooms of this stylish boutique hotel open onto a tranquil courtyard in the heart of historic Claremont Village, and within walking distance of all the nightlife.  This diva recommends you grab a drink at the hip lounge or a complimentary green apple on your way out.

Hotel Casa 425 425 West First Street, Claremont, CA 91711  909-624-2272 http://www.casa425.com

RELAX: Besides being a great place to stay of Doubletree fame, this hotel houses an incredible top rated spa and salon for Claremont visitors. Essentials Day Spa & Salon claims it is specifically designed to provide a haven for your Mind, Body and Soul, so I put it to the test.  As I floated out of the salon after my spa pedicure and my full-body massage/scrub by an incredibly gorgeous Latina/Amazon goddess, I questioned my plans to keep on discovering the city, or go back inside for more pampering.  I highly recommend you spend at least half a day experiencing Essentials’ exquisite hair and nail services, full body massage, treatments, and complete skin spa menu.  Remember to thank the Amazon goddess as you float out after your massage.

Essentials Day Spa & Salon at the Doubletree Hotel Claremont 555 W. Foothill Blvd. Claremont, CA 91711 Phone: 909-626-2411 www.Doubletreeclaremont.com

EAT! La Parolaccia, in Italian, literally means “The Bad Language,” which you’ll be using if you happen to miss out on dinner at this place.  This Italian gourmet corner restaurant seems to be the all the rage in Claremont Village.  Within the fancy interiors, the first thing you notice is the smell of delicious garlic and the smile of our server.  I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed eating so much, munching on Focaccia “Forza Italia,” a thin crust focaccia from their wood burning oven, topped with goat cheese, tomato sauce, arugula, fresh tomatoes and white truffle oil.  YUM! …and while I generally like my meat well done, I have to admit to LOVING the Carpaccio di Bue con Arugola e Funghi, or as I called it, heaven in my mouth.  This appetizer of raw beef tenderloin came topped with fresh arugula, mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan cheese. DOUBLE YUM!

La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana 201 N. Indian Hill  Claremont, CA 91711 909-624-1516 http://laparolacciausa.com/

HANG OUT! Claremont Village. This tree-lined downtown houses a myriad of mom and pop places as well as trendy favorites.  You’ll find a specialty cheese and olive oil place, The Cheese Cave, where you can try cheeses from all over the world, specialty fennel salame and hand-pressed olive oils. Definitely ask for a taste of “Snow White.” You’ll absolutely adore it. You’ll never think of the fairy tale the same way again.

Cheese Cave 325 North Yale Avenue  Claremont, CA 91711-4727  909-625-7560 http://www.claremontcheese.com/

WINE AND DINE! What a better place to start a hot date than a dimly lit place being served high quality wine and light fare, surrounded by comfy pillows? Add 1950’s standards to that equation and no woman could resist.  Packing House Wine Merchants on First Street offers excellent service with an enjoyable, relaxing, and fun atmosphere at which to shop, drink, and learn about wine. This is definitely a place of which Sinatra would approved.

Packing House Wine Merchants 540 West 1st Street Claremont, CA 91711-4618  909-445-9463  http://www.packinghousewines.com/

CULTIVATE! Fancy a romantic walk amongst the flowers?  Head to Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden.  Spread across 86 acres in Claremont, California, the Garden is located approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Garden offers beautiful mountain vistas. The Garden displays about 2000 taxa of California plants and includes those native to the California Floristic Province as a whole. This region extends into southern Oregon, far western Nevada and extensively into Baja California, Mexico. Docents lead tours of the Garden periodically. 

Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden 1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711 909-626-7670   http://www.rsabg.org

PARTY! Piano Piano is your big city dueling piano bar with some of the most amazing talent you’ve ever seen come out of a small town.  I was lucky enough to be there on a night when Susan was at one of the pianos…. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a more fabulous rocker chick who can blow your mind on the piano, drums, keytar, AND harmonica.  All while looking like Rocker Barbie. That same night, Shaun, a fantastic voice, not to be overshadowed by the sexy dances while grinding on the stage and on some of the lucky guests.  This is a place you will want to go back to time and time again.

Piano Piano (at Doubletree Hotel) 555 W Foothill Blvd Claremont, CA 91711  909-626-2411  http://www.duelingpianopiano.com

JAZZ IT UP! Hip Kitty is a swanky and intimate jazz supper club and lounge in downtown Claremont’s Village.  Located in the renovated, historic landmark Packing House, the warm and eclectic vintage décor takes you back to an era when jazz was subversive and fondue was all the rage.  Hip Kitty is classy but casual and over 21 only- a great place for a date night or a special celebration.  The retro menu features a wide selection of cheese, meat, seafood and chocolate fondues that are cooked right at your table, in addition to our lounge food menu.    Live music is featured on its stage 6 nights a week and every seat in the house has a great view.

Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue 502 West 1st Street Claremont, CA 91711  909-447-6700 http://www.hipkittyjazz.com/

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE! Partying not your thing?  Make sure to catch a show or two when you are Claremont.  If comedy is your style, Flappers Comedy Club’s A-list comedians like James P. Connolly perform for very thankful audiences.  The food at Flappers is also quite good. The cheese plate was unexpectedly fantastic, and even the MC and host comedians were great. Make sure you drink plenty at the Wine Merchants downstairs and the comedy and cheese will seem even better. 

Flappers Comedy Club 532 W 1st Street, Unit 218, Claremont, CA  91711 818-845-9721  http://www.flapperscomedy.com

Ben D. Bollinger’s Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre provides patrons with a dinner theatre and musicals for a theatrical experience the caliber of the Broadway shows in downtown LA without the freeway or parking dilemmas. Located in the center of Claremont, CA, audiences can enjoy a nice dinner and a show surrounded by locals.  This is the sort of place you’d take your parents.

Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater 455 W Foothill Blvd Claremont, CA 91711  909-626-1254  http://www.candlelightpavilion.com

THE SCOOP! Don’t let this college town fool you.  Yes, there are plenty of youngsters, but that also brings about the hot singles and the eye candy.  Who says you can’t find a good man in LA?  Well, they’re half right… go find him in Claremont.

Carmen Perez, noted Hollywood’s Latina It-Girl and fine artist will be exhibiting at Norbertellen Gallery’s Infini Couleur Group Exhibition this February 6^th through March 26^th.  From her memorable appearance on Nip/Tuck to the top of the Pop Music Charts, to hugely successful gallery exhibits, Carmen continues to thrive in the art world, focusing on her collection “WonderDreams.” The show will feature two pieces from the collection along with the works of established and emerging local, national and international artists in Norbertellen Gallery’s classic parlor style exhibition of painting, illustration, photography, mixed media and sculpture.

Audiences are invited to meet Carmen during Opening Reception, Saturday, February 5^th, 6pm to 10pm at a meet and greet. Gallery doors will remain open through The Downtown LA Art Walk Thursday, February 10^th from 12pm to 10pm.  The must-see exhibition is open to the public and free to all ages. Norbertellen Gallery located at 215 W 6^th Street Suite 110, LA, CA and there is no charge to attend. For more info please see below or visit carmenperezart.com

WHAT: Carmen Perez’s Art at Norbertellen Gallery’s Infini Couleur Exhibition

WHERE: Norbertellen Gallery at 215 W 6^th Street Suite 110, Los Angeles, CA 90014

WHEN:

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 5^th, 6-10pm

Downtown LA Art Walk: Thursday, February 10^th, 12pm-10pm

ENTRANCE: Open to the public and free to all ages

SEED Floral Couture announces their newest Valentine’s Day collection now available, featuring exquisite hand crafted gift boxes for your loved ones. Each gift box features incredible floral designs with romantic color palettes incorporated with gourmet chocolates, scented candles, unique vases and more.  All gift box materials are eco-friendly, and designed with certified organic flowers. Owner of SEED Floral Couture, Stephanie Elhayani is the visionary behind each design and can work with each client to customize their gift box purchase. New customers can receive 10% off their first purchase. Delivery is available in the greater Southern California area only.
“Every arrangement, whether romantic, classic or hip should communicate a unique sense of style, ” says owner of SEED Floral,  Stephanie. “These boxes were designed to give your sweetheart a very memorable and unique way of saying I love you!”

Owner Stephanie Elhayani discovered her passion for floral design while she was a sophomore in high school. It was as if she had found love at first sight when she responded to the “help wanted” sign at the neighborhood shop and decided to work there part-time for four years. It was during those four years that she began planting the SEED of passion for floral design.  She has traveled all over the world designing for all different cultures and occasions and works with many large corporations, celebrities and organizations who use her services on a regular basis. 

SEED FLORAL

310.770.7224

http://www.seedfloral.com