Bob Mackie

Bob Mackie: Legendary costume designer and star of upcoming reality show, “Make Me a Costume Designer.”

Bob Mackie has been hanging at our house and not just for fun. Truly, no one is as much fun as Bob, but his visits are business. David has put his Writer/Producer hat back on and he and Bob are well into a project. A reality show, with Bob as star, expert, and mentor to future Costume Designers competing to become another Mackie. It’s full of show biz icons, entertainment and new talent waiting for their big opportunity in show business. Very exciting!

This tickles me. One – because it’s such a fun and glamorous show. Two – because David had mocked my vapid and shallow curiosity in a few of my reality favorites. Then, he actually got hooked a tad and “Top Chef” is a highlight of our TiVo life. So now, after serious meetings with Bob, the new show, “Make Me a Costume Designer” has taken wings and is circling for an appropriate landing place.

Everybody knows Bob Mackie, but for the few who were looking the other way for decades, here’s a heads up. Bob has won nine Emmy® Awards, twice nominated for an Oscar®, and is the only Costume Designer ever to be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. For ten years, “The Carol Burnett Show” was lifted by his costumes that were adored by Carol, audiences and critics. Often, Bob’s costumes were the big payoff for the jokes. The famous curtain rod dress from the take off of “Gone With the Wind” brought one of the biggest laughs in TV history, and is now in the Smithsonian. Since then, Bob has dressed Cher, Mitzi Gaynor, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Pink, and a legion of legends. And he’s still at it, currently working on an upcoming Broadway Musical.

So I get to be the craft service coordinator for the meetings at my house, while sticking in my two cents about the new show! I’ll keep you informed on details.

David Lawrence, of the Tolucan Times “Lawrence and Lawrence,” and my spouse of nearly seven years, is getting the itch. He has an impressive history as a Producer and is a Past President of the TV Academy. We’ll be Emmy Awards bound for both the Craft and Prime Time Emmys. And, coincidently, working in production on the Emmys is Tina Cannizzaro DeBone, who is a key player for the new Bob Mackie reality show. So, as the world is growing smaller, our lives are getting busier.

Jennifer Eckstein: Toluca Lake’s Jenny is the artistically, and personally, magical half of Milo +McLean, artistic consultants of high experience and background, and also zany tipsters of local happenings that are art related and “cool to do.” Their website is a must, it’s just a joy to see what two friends, entrepreneurial and above the bar, can offer folks like you and me. Weave through: milomclean.com and get up to date and, quote “Milo and McLean are experienced guides to the Byzantine ways of the art world. With a shrewd eye for art and a head for valuation, they are a collector’s best friend.” Michael Cannell, Publisher, thedesignvote. They are having a show, Unleash the Beast, a group exhibition of contemporary animal-themed work at the Arena 1 Gallery, 3026 Airport Avenue, in Santa Monica. A portion of the sales are appropriately going to The Wildlife Waystation. September 4 – October 2, 2010. OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, September 11, 6pm – 9pm. See you there?

Busy and bazazzy, Tolucan’s on parade.

We’ll talk.

Hannah G. Solomon, guiding light for the National Council of Jewish Women and now, Studio City’s Council Thrift Shop!

I want to talk about unexpected gifts of good times offered by The Music Center. Besides the fine theatre experiences at the Mark Taper, Ahmanson, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Walt Disney Concert Hall, the open air spaces in between have a brilliant schedule of FREE dancing and sing-a-longs. (Keep reading.) And I want to give a heads up to a memorable organization and the super thrift shops they offer.

Council Thrift Shop

Back to School Shopping: Or just playing dress-up? The National Council of Jewish Women/LA has dandy and well cared for Thrift Shops around the city, and now there is a Council Thrift Shop in Studio City! I love this organization and am a Lifetime Member NCJW. So, just a bit east of Art’s Deli, across the street on Ventura, this wonderful shop is ours. What a combo: a snack at Art’s and cruising bargains a Council Thrift. There is free pick-up for donations, which go to support the non-sectarian Women Helping Women counseling talk-line, teen empowerment groups, domestic violence support services, and also clothing families through vouchers and Council Thrift Shop, and panel discussions on local and state issues. PlusWomen Helping Children: young mother, youth, and literacy programs and a flotilla of good works that keep many in Los Angeles afloat.

One of my great personal treasures and distinctive honor is a sculpture, bestowed by the NCJW, of Hannah G. Solomon. She was a guiding force for good and the NCJW.

Hannah Greenebaum Solomon: A Powerful Legacy (1858 – 1942), “We must add our voices to those who cry out that there is a standard below which we will not allow human beings to live, and that that standard is not at the freezing nor starving point…. In a democracy all are responsible.” Hannah Solomon saw commitment to social welfare as her responsibility as a Jew, an American, and a woman. She believed no life was complete which had not taken light “from the bright places in its own and transmitted it into homes of sorrow and gloom, dividing the fullness of earth with those whose portions are nothingness.” Pretty fine stuff! Let’s go shopping and help continue Hannah’s goodness. And I think her spirit must be smiling at the recent announcement that 40 fine billionaires are pledging to share their fortune to charity.

Sweet and cheery Charity: Please look up Active Art’s At The Music Center. The free dancing nights, on the Music Center Plaza, with a super dance floor and grooving bands are August 13th for a Disco Night, Aug. 27 for ‘60s dances, and September 10th for Samba. First come first serve, I saw people with picnic baskets and balloons have nifty parties under the stars. No experience needed, teachers are available and DJ/live music. The remaining sing-a-long, which takes place at the W.M. Keck Amphitheatre, is on August 20th and it features Broadway songs, with song sheets and live musicians. (We’re there!) And there are 2 shows, one at 6:30 and the other at 8pm. What a delightful way to spend an evening, be early as it is first come first serve.

If you want to dine before or after your singing/dancing debut at The Music Center, Kendall’s Brasserie at the LA Music Center is a French restaurant, with beautiful décor and fine casual dining. Or, there’s a Taco stand on the Plaza that is a real deal.

We’ll sing, eat, shop and TALK…

A proud Tolucan, Tracy Wallace is the cyclone of energy behind the successful 25th Anniversary dinner of the Shelter Partnership.

I want to talk about the webs we weave. And we’re not the only ones. It looks like silk worms are laying gauze over all greens, but no. While tending the garden or just roaming to enjoy others, I see battalions of gung ho little spiders draping trees or anything on which they swing and cling. They also crawl into little pipes in gas barbeques. Busy. I walk with a divining rod, waving at the air to clear a path. A sticky subject.

FRITZ: I’m intrigued how people can be woven into so many arenas of our lives.

On example is Fritz Coleman, our friendly Weatherman/Mayor of Toluca Lake. He is spinning and weaving a web of community, information, entertainment and good deeds in so many venues: From KNBC News, to preparing for his one-man show at the El Portal, to helping the homeless and hungry via the fantastic Shelter Partnership.

I love Shelter Partnership. For starters, the Mission Statement: Shelter Partnership, Inc. is dedicated to alleviating, preventing and ending homelessness by assisting in the development of short-term and transitional housing programs, affordable housing, and supportive services for the homeless and potentially homeless throughout Los Angeles County. They have been a leader in the fight against homelessness, and the agency accomplishes its mission through the following activities: Operating the S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank by soliciting large-scale donations of merchandise and ensuring that these items are delivered to the people and agencies who need them most; Providing technical assistance to community-based organizations and public agencies (helping agencies receive more than $870 million in federal funds); Conducting research and publishing analytical studies to inform public policy; and promoting community education of homelessness and the creation of permanent, affordable housing.

Thanks to Toluca Lake resident Tracy Wallace, who is a moving force for the Partnership, I’ve been woven in. Their Resource Bank, in the city of Bell, is a thing of hope. Many of see the homeless and feel helpless and ashamed for our lack of being able to reach out and help. The Shelter Partnership is a way for us to contribute and to directly help this seemingly hopeless situation. Check their website and be overwhelmed. And hopeful.

And here’s a Save the Date for An Evening with Fritz Coleman. Aug 19-22.

A Web of Tow Trucks: I am in a spin over a parking ticket! An un-seeable sign in Hollywood was way down the street from my amazing parking space and covered by a hovering distant tow-truck (S&J Wilshire Tow–Boo). As I came out of a commercial interview I noticed a fellow actress on the phone in distress due to her car being towed away. I was offering a ride home when I saw my car being towed. I ran out to rescue it but they wouldn’t unhook it until I wrote out a check for $209.50. (I pointed out that there was no sign telling me not to park, and they said I should have known not to.) To top it off, I got a ticket for $150. For parking in an Anti-Gridlock zone. Who knew? I’m sure they knew that it was hard to see the signage because a little row of tow-trucks were lined up waiting. I took pictures with my phone of the lack of signage in my view. Will I get out of this? Time will tell, but with the city’s budget in deep Dutch, perhaps I’ll not count on it. So, beware of tow-truck stalking.

We’ll stalk — I mean,

we’ll talk…

Fred and Mary Willard.

I want to talk about a variety of entertainment that is more than just fun, but filled with lofty talent, special spirit and closely tied to our community. So, in no particular order, let’s start with something huge.

Huge: One of the most important shows on television might seem like it’s about fat jokes, but no. Huge is a brilliant new series that just may, I pray, be a part of the solution to the dire problem of childhood obesity.

The Dooley/Holzman factor automatically means classic excellence. Tolucans Winnie Holzman and her daughter Savannah Dooley have put their creative heads together and, along with actor/papa Paul Dooley, have boldly brought Huge to television. This is not just for children, but an entertaining drama that rings true to all ages. Sure, it’s about dieting, but so many other issues, rarely acknowledged, are opened up. A huge shoutout to all producers and writers. Winnie has had an extensive writing career, from the musical Wicked to TV’s My So Called Life and Once and Again. Savannah is a young chip off two great blocks. Hooray for star Nikki Blonsky, and a great acting team. Huge is top of my Tivo, thanks ABC Family.

Hot in Cleveland: Betty White’s momentum continues. An Emmy nomination, again, for hosting Saturday Night Live! She’s got a sexy 2011 calendar ready to roll, and profits are going to The Morris Foundation to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and more. And her really funny series, about real grown ups, has just been picked up for 20 shows next season. Hot in Cleveland is hot everywhere. And, did I mention Betty would be Actors &Others’ honoree for our 40th Anniversary benefit!

A group from Actors and Others for Animals attended a taping last week, guided by the hysterical ringmaster, Michael Burger. Our luck, guest stars were Carl Reiner and Tim Conway, vying for Betty’s affections. TV Land has scored a big winner with its first sitcom. The cast is crammed with the cream of TV comedians, all stars in their own firmament, Jane Leeves, Wendy Malick and Valerie Bertinelli join Betty White in this comedy of errors (well, just a touch tacky and tender too).

Something old and something new. Nothing borrowed and often blue. A classic collision of great comedy writing and praiseworthy performances. LeBron, LeShmon, Cleveland has a hot show. Check their website and enjoy the bloopers with the cast.

Spirit at the Willards: Nothing can be as entertaining as being at home with Mary and Fred Willard celebrating the 4th of July. Their Valley compound, with spectacular all American décor and bright and beautiful flowers, was filled with red, white and blue dressed celebrants.

The Willards are family people and show folk. Their friends are funny and fabulous and some are famous. Fred and Mary are outgoing and personal, silly and sentimental, generous and gentle (and gentile). Their friend Steve Bluestein, comic, playwright, writer, animal lover, funny person, loyal friend, and a son with a great memory was also there. Sally Marshall was in attendance, with her bum neck in a brace, but it was patriotically covered and she was one of the distinguished performers who recited patriotic paragraphs as part of the pageantry.

JoAnne Worley participated in the Glorious Pageant as the friendly bullhorn and also played the straight-woman to Freddy (the grandson of Fred and Mary via their darling daughter Hope). Freddy nailed every gag and the family was beaming and gleaming. And the rocket’s red glare came from the dazzling display on the tennis court, where all the guests had paraded in costume with props and sparklers provided by the hosts.

The holiday-perfect eats were from my favorite caterer, Marsha Nardo of Off The Wall catering. Mary Willard, a Boston girl, made her famed Beans. Endlessly entertaining. We’ll talk …

Chez Nous was a destination for The Knoxville chapter of The Andy Griffith Show Re-run Watchers Club.

I want to talk about some local somethings that are a great way to enjoy a super summer. Just walking Skye in the neighborhood and eying the gardens is a joy. Between swimming (medical appointments), ping-pong, quicken, movies and writing, writing, writing, the days are zipping by. Outings with friends and family, all in the circumference of home, are like a drawn out stay-cation.

On Father’s Day we were treated by David’s kids, Adam and Sheri, to an evening at L.A. Live. If you haven’t been downtown for a year or so it might be hard to believe. The area near the old Convention Center is like a little island of New York, glitz and all. Arenas, hotels, bowling, night clubs, sports bars, entertainments, light meals, fancy dining and all things in between have sprung up like Brigadoon out of a Catalina Eddy. Great people watching. We had drinks overlooking downtown at Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 (he also has a bar and grill on the main drag). Then dinner at Rosa Mexicano. Fun and yummito.

Ray Aghayan and Bob Mackie, dear old friends and both great and award winning costume designers for films and television, joined us in our hood at Tony’s Mexican Grill. It was a pleasure to be casual and reminisce. David and I knew Ray from L.A. City College. If it weren’t for Ray, I’d never have entered the world of musicals. And Bob’s first big production (he won the Emmy), Alice Through the Looking Glass at NBC, allowed me my first Bob Mackie costume. (I was a Daisy in a magic garden.) Ray and Bob are also great friends of Jo Anne Worley (via Billy Barnes Revues), and Selette Eckstein (from LACC). I love how friends weave together.

Jo Anne and I went to see CHiPs the Musical at the Falcon Theatre. Garry Marshall again mates with the Troubadour Theater Company and brings great silliness via his terrific venue. The Troubies are fail-safe funny and makes me wish I were young enough to play with them.

It was nice to play and plot with Selette Eckstein when we lunched at Carnival for some favorite Lebanese salad. Selette was married to the late George Eckstein. I loved him so much and knew George as the producer of the first Billy Barnes Revue.

And winning the prize for coming the longest way, a group of Mayberry friends took David and me to Chez Nous in Toluca Lake. They are members of the Knoxville Chapter of the Andy Griffith Show Re-run Watchers Club. We became friends in Mt. Airy during many Mayberry Days. They were tickled to eat at a place that Andy used to go to and enjoyed checking out the neighborhood for more Andy locations. So thanks for a sweet time to Stephanie and Kent Baker and their girls Emellie and Lexy, Michael Lowery and my own Mr. Schwump, Dennis Beal.

We are heading out with a group from Actors and Others for Animals to attend the next taping of Hot in Cleveland to be cheerleaders for our board member, Betty White, not that she needs any these amazing days.

It has been go, go, go. As Anton Chekhov said, “Any idiot can face a crisis, it is this day-to-day living that wears you out.” True, but in the best of ways!

As Tolucan Times writers Lawrence and Lawrence, we were invited to a casual lunch at Santa Monica’s Viceroy Hotel (a trip in itself!) by Arnelle Kendall, our friend from The Red Carnation Hotels, who is also V.P. of Public Relations for Travel Corporation. It was an opportunity to meet with the presidents of eight of their brands and learn of some up to date excitement in the Boutique Travel world. We’ll be talking about these varied and creative travel folks, but you might Google of Travel Corporation for a bit of dazzle.

So, just sharing some pleasures and keeping an even pace. …

We’ll talk!

Pokey was my grand-dog, a little rascal that gave my son John companionship beyond compare. Those rascals, Pokey and John: They marched along to their own drummer, with trust and loyalty and a lot of laughs along the way …walking the peaceful streets of Toluca Lake, enjoying running into Billy Ray Cyrus walking his dogs.

John and his much-loved friend Dale found Pokey, a discarded pup with a chewed up ear, long ago. Their significant connection led to a lifelong devotion. Pokey, a pit bull mix, was really a lamb that thought he was a lion. A good boy and a respectful grand-dog, too. And, as with all good things, Pokey came to his end. John Berry, and his dad Ken, went the mile and after many trips to the doggie doctor; it was time to let go.

We went to the nicest emergency hospital in Studio City, where with sensitive kindness and all the time John needed to release his dearest friend, Pokey went to his final sleep while hearing loving words and having sweet kisses.

So many of us have gone through this most grievous experience. And the release of tears opens up floodgates of all the pent up sadness that has been stuffed away for ages. This pain eases with time and the memories last forever. Love never dies. Pokey, a lucky stray…

Too Many Strays

Pokey. Adoring and trusting, loved and loving.

There are so many thousands of stray pets. Unwanted creatures created by careless humans. If only owners would spay and neuter their pets, the legions of stray animals would not exist to fills the shelters and there would be little need for rescues. My dog Skye was a lucky rescue, snatched out of the death row that is the destination of the unwanted.

So, who else to the rescue? Betty White, like Lassie, steps up to save the day…

“Betty’s Bucks for Balls” (this is so Betty), is the name of the Spay/Neuter Campaign that Betty White is launching to sterilize as many pets as possible, for free, as part of the upcoming fortieth anniversary celebration of Actors and Others for Animals. Betty sure has a sweet hustle! “Pet Overpopulation Is Not a Laughing Matter,” declares Betty, who feels very lucky and flattered for all the attention she’s received for her decades in the spotlight. Now she’d like to share the attention, spotlight, and luck on the beautiful and innocent animals that are killed every day because there aren’t enough homes. If the dogs that parented these sad animals were spayed or neutered, this breeding cycle of the unwanted would stop.

Forty years ago, when we gathered to create Actors and Others for Animals, Betty White has been a supporter. She serves on our Board of Directors and is passionate about eliminating the tragedy of pet overpopulation. As a strong advocate of Animal Health, Betty believes that there are health benefits for pets when they are spayed and neutered.

As a hands-on Board member, Betty accepted the honor (?) of being the subject of our first Celebrity Toast Roast. (This rowdy, too-funny event has been captured and is available for a donation to Actors and Others for Animals via our website.) She has attended our past celebrity fairs, along with her Golden Girl co-stars Rue, Bea and Estelle. True gold dust. They had long lines of fans waiting for their photos and autographs.

Now, Betty wants to reach out to the long list of Facebook fans that catapulted her to Saturday Night Live.

To join Betty’s campaign, just go to actorsandothers.com and click on Betty White’s touching call to action. As Betty says, “Every donation, whether $1.00 or more, will have an impact on the life of an animal.”

So, in honor of Pokey Berry and Betty White…

We’ll talk!

Chef Enzo Pette, putting finishing touches on his Steak Fiorentino, surrounded by his cheerful staff in the pristine kitchen of the Hotel Helvetia & Bristol.

When this column hits the stands, I’ll be happily at home (unless the volcanic ash cloud looms). Due to deadlines, I’m writing in advance, overlooking the beautiful Bay of Christchurch. This is the finale of our trip, a blessed peaceful time to just do the laundry, cook, enjoy the magical Chewton Glen Spa, and be un-pressed by schedules of trains and packing. By now, we’ve traveled through four countries, visited amazing places, all to be shared in your Tolucan’s Lawrence and Lawrence column. As a preview, let me call attention to a stand- out location we visited in Florence …

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol: Looking out the window, from our glorious suite in Firenze’s most beautiful hotel, we see Cartier right across the street. (David bought me a gorgeous scarf!) It’s like living in the midst of Rodeo Drive, except down the corner is Lorenzo’s, our favorite gelato stand in Italy (so far). My must-go boutique is over the Ponte Vecchio in the Florentine old town on Via San Spirito, where the much-honored Angela Caputi creates her inimitable Bijoux. I’m not a big jewelry person, but for over ten years, I’ve been collecting (not really costly) necklaces from Angela. This time, I actually met her. I got to hug this mythical artist and tell her how much I love her. And, this too was walkable from the hospitable Helvetia.

Luckily, we did not have to walk far to dine. The Hostaria Bibendum, the famous bar and restaurant of the hotel is right off the art-filled and comfortable lobby. Stefano Venturi, the very dashing general manager, made us feel very welcome and he showed us through the warm and decorative restaurant and then, to the kitchen!

Chef Enzo Petti: Rightfully proud of his pristine kitchen, Chef Petti is also proud of his three poodles. My kind of chef. Besides being a master in his kitchen, he has dimples and smiles often. Very pleasing in all ways. I suggest his Risotto with cod and the gargantuan Fiorentino steak for two. It was so delicious and big, our engaging server Marco vacuum-sealed our leftovers and kept it in their fridge for the morning when we checked out. (This accounted for two dinners in Verona, where we had our own kitchen in the Residence Hotel Castelvecchio.)

If you want an up-close and personal time with Chef Pette, you can take a cooking class with him at the Helvetia & Bristol kitchen. The recipes are simple and sensational. The lessons are individual and hands on so one can gain expertise in Tuscan, and other regions, cooking.

A part of the select Royal Demeure hotel group, and affiliated with Leading Small Hotels of The World, the Helvetia & Bristol is a magnificent urban palazzo in the centre of Florence, a short walk from the Duomo. Famous for its charm, service and unrivalled location, it became a haunt of artists such as D’Annunzio, Pirandello, and Eleonora Duse. The Helvetia has hosted monarchs, aristocrats and Nobel Prize winners over the years. And now, David and Jackie, ambassadors for Tolucan Times …

Verona: Did I whisper Residence Hotel Castelvecchio? I should be loud and clear, this was the perfect time to have our own kitchen after too many fine restaurant meals. And the beautiful, outstanding Receptionists, Estela Blanca Ayala and Antonella Gabrielli, the stars of our stay, made sure we had what was needed, and arranged that we made it to our next train with ease. Estela called for us to see a grand tour of gorgeous antique cars parading by the residence on Corso Cavour, which was an unexpected highlight of our stay.

Our huge, domed ceiling and frescoed room was located in the Palazzo Canossa, which is connected to the residence. Located in the heart of the historic center of Verona, next to Castelvecchio bridge over the Adige River. The famous Arena, only a few minutes away, once featured gladiators. Now it hosts Grand Opera and Rod Stewart as a premiere concert venue in Italy.

A man’s home may be his castle; Residence Hotel Castelvecchio really is one. We’ll travel …

A special dog drinking fountain on the considerate streets of Nice.

As I write, I’m mesmerized by the view over-looking the sweeping arc of the famous Baie des Anges (the Bay of Angels). The (much painted by masters) beach is embraced by the Promenade des Anglais, the English Walkway. Ah, the ever romantic Cote d’Azur. This is where we stroll. Frenzy is not fun so we schedule time for peace and set a pace that is possible. Tricky, due to David’s heel that is enduring an unwelcome tendonitis. Walking stick time.

Hotel la Perouse

In the heart of Nice, near the Saleya walkway and its legendary flowers market, stands our home, the boutique Hotel la Perouse, a four-star masterpiece carved into the cliff and nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, at the top of the bay.

We were greeted by General Manager, Mme. Laure Giometti who is also a lovely mother of two daughters. She is a most competent woman, managing a great hotel and a family. Due to guests delayed by the volcanic ash, we received a monumental upgrade to a grand accommodation with a large (I could have used my ping-pong table) terrace overlooking the sea and the city and the mountains beyond. Too special! After a wander through the winding streets of Old Nice just a few yards away, we freshened up in our spacious, (muted stones and uniquely beautiful) well-equipped bath and went down to dinner. Restaurant Le Patio: The hotel’s charming restaurant allows us to enjoy the sunny climate and beauty of Nice. In the shade of lemon trees, we enjoy exquisite dishes as we admire the blue of the Mediterranean, while overlooking the pretty garden and the large swimming pool beyond. Excellent service in a casually elegant setting where their generous breakfast buffet is also offered.

We joined the happy crowds in the colorful, appetizing food market and flower market in the Cours Saleya, and walked to the sophisticated shopping, business and museum district. It had large spaces with modern and witty sculpture. The Nice library is the shape of a large head into which we walk and look at the huge array of literature. Then we walk along the port and check out the yachts. Biggies!

The museum of Marc Chagall is so moving; its beauty brings us to tears. Also, the Contemporary Art Museum is staggering. And in the hills above, and the exotic destinies in nearby drives, amazing museums abound for most of the famed Impressionists. After a gorgeous day, it’s time for the swimming pool on the hillside to refresh the body and mind. For relaxation: a Jacuzzi, a solarium, a sauna, and fitness room. We departed in the midst of the Nice Marathon witch ran right by the hotel. So many everyday Nice citizens helped to raise money to help the needy. It meant we had to walk some ways to meet our taxi to the next train, but worth it to see the celebrations, musicians along the route, and the good old goodness that displays common humanity.

I still have a slice of my mind’s pie in Toluca Lake. It makes me happy to know we’ll be back in time to see the dear and daffy Rip Taylor doing his stuff at the El Portal. Meanwhile, we’re choo-chooing to the Italian Riviera and will share all… We’ll Talk!

J.J. in front of Lasserre, changing the walking shoes for a fine lunch.

DATELINE PARIS: I want to talk about another charming small hotel, and a historically great dining spot. (We escaped airline drama and have been “train-ing,” thanks to our wonderful Eurail Pass from ACPRail – check them out online!)

While lolling in our Hotel d’Aubusson’s spa bathtub, bubbling away after seemingly walking the Paris marathon, I ponder how to share the many possibilities of Paris with my Tolucan Times readers. There are high end and lower cost opportunities. And the most charming may be at an unexpected rate, like the Millesime Hotel, a pied-a-terre with country calm in the heart of St Germain des Pres.

At the urging of Walter Waeterloos, Directeur General Manager of the d’Aubusson, we visited his sister Inga Holzinger. And one sweet sister she is. We were shown around this 17th century gem and former abbey by the lovely young Manager Inga Holzinger, who is passionate about her hotel. The interior boasts ancient but well-preserved stonework, and through a large arched window at reception we can see the peaceful courtyard, with guests enjoying a snack, surrounded by attractive plants and flowers. The chambers are neat, spacious and technically equipped, including free Internet! Each morning a bountiful buffet is served in an atmospheric and witty-art filled cellar under a vaulted ceiling. Millesime means “vintage year,” and like a fine and precious old wine, this excellent little hotel is easy to take, and easy on the pocketbook (which may allow some shopping in the tempting shops nearby).

LASSERRE: Time to talk about serious macaroni. On our last day in Paris, we chose to lunch at the legendary and tres elegant Restaurant Lasserre, which boasts 2 Michelin stars and the astonishing cuisine of Jean-Louis Nomicos. I don’t always remember a lot these days, but his macaroni (stuffed with black truffles and duck foie gras) is unforgettable! Tenderly built, noodle by succulently stuffed noodle, with fragrant cheese melted meticulously on top.

The macaroni of Lasserre.

And the rest of the menu is equally inventive and as lovely to look at, as it is delicious to consume. May I suggest you try not to miss the crawfish with asparagus mousse, so novel and flavorful even if I didn’t know what it really was until I asked. While enjoying dainty taste treats (and luscious fish and delish quail), we were surrounded by a movie set of gorgeous silver antiques in a flower filled room with wait staff in formal attire that was there to make sure we were happy. I was happy when the famous ceiling opened to reveal the beautiful Paris day and, just to amuse, there are upside-down flowerpots on both sides of the ceiling with little flowers hanging down. Very brilliant and delightful. Then, when we thought we had it all, came the desserts. Mon Dieu! Mine was a pineapple baked on a brioche topped with a pineapple sorbet and a mystery sauce. David, who barely had room for a dessert, was served a carnival of chocolate mousse and chips. It was indescribable but trust me: It tasted like a rumba and danced on the tongue with fragrant and delicate flavors. I’m getting much too prancey, but it’s taken me seven decades to achieve these delights and it’s too much fun to take for granted. Lasserre is a restaurant without equal in Paris, this city of great restaurants. You will find it on the rue Franklin Roosevelt, occupying the second floor of its stately home filled with antiques and flowers and a well-dressed elevator to lift us to dine.

Our thanks to congenial Director General, Guillaume Crampon. He gave us a miniature porcelain pot with little blue flowers painted on it, a signature gift from Laserre which guarantees a complimentary aperitif when you return. What a great way to spend an April afternoon while saying goodbye to this precious city. We’ll talk…

JJ is ready for a Paris stroll on Rue Dauphine in front of the Hotel D’Aubusson and their Jazz Bar, Café Laurent.

DATELINE: PARIS: I want to talk about a great standard sung by my darling friend Doris Day (who just celebrated an important birthday), and one of the best times (and a best place to be) in one of the best cities in the world.

If you want to hear Doris chatting in person, and singing “April in Paris” and other hits, visit DorisDayTribute.com. Then be mellow. I was lucky enough to be a part of this. It’s a thrill every year. And, I know Doris, a former Tolucan, reads this dear paper, so my darling girl, carry on with your lovely and loving life. I’ll be thinking of you in Paris…

BACK HOME AT HOTEL d’AUBUSSON.

 Were “railing” this trip. From London’s St. Pancras station, the majestic Eurostar allowed us to settle into cushy seats, sip champagne and swiftly hurtle under the English Channel to Paris. We took a taxi to our most special hotel, the Left Bank’s once-upon-a-time palace, the Hotel d’Aubusson. This boutique four-star luxury gem is in the center of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. A short dazzling walk to the attractions of the lovely Left Bank and a bridge away from the Right Bank, while passing by Notre Dame, is our favorite special bridge Pont Neuf, the oldest and best bridge in Paris. (It’s where David thought of re-connecting with me after 50 years apart. He found me via the Tolucan Times—go figure.)

POUTING IN PARIS? I could be pining for home and local happenings. I’m in Paris and Irma la Douce will be at MTG. Is something backwards? I’ll be missing both my children’s birthdays. But, they are grown up now. I guess I have to grow up too. Not too difficult with the warm welcome and super-helpful reception staff at the Hotel d’Aubusson. They are the best and their help in arranging almost anything in Paris is like the hotel itself, perfect! We feel it’s like returning to our own private stately home. It used to be a 17th century gem—still boasts original beams, Versailles parquet floors, and priceless Aubusson tapestries. Today, it’s up to the minute and beyond with all the comforts of contemporary living. The online reviews at their website are full of delighted praise. The congenial and caring director, Walter Waeterloos, has put his own interior design talents to work and has made the best even better. As always, once settled into our choice room with a tiny balcony overlooking the colorful rue Dauphine, we took our favorite walk along the Seine, to explore the neighborhood art galleries, antique stores and the marvelous “food street”, rue de Buci.

At night, after a memorable dinner at one of the many cafés and restaurants right on our block, we return to the d’Aubusson’s Café Laurent. There’s jazz on the long Paris weekends. Such excellent musicians, their ensemble is loved by Parisians and guests alike.
Their generous and delicious buffet breakfast prepares us for a long rambling day, walking to our must-revisit spots in this great city. Metro and bus stops are down the street for visiting the nearby Museum d’Orsay, the Louvre, or Notre Dame. Upscale department stores and homes of haute couture, indeed all of Paris is at our disposal. Merci, Paris transportation!

The website for Hotel d’Aubusson shows pictures of rooms and unexpected offers with lovely perks.
TIP: Un bonne idée (a good idea): before you leave, buy a Paris Pass, a real money saver for unlimited transportation, Seine cruises, and most museum visits (free with the pass, and helps avoid standing in the long lines for tickets).
TIP: Fly Virgin Atlantic from the U.S. and you can enjoy their partnership with Eurostar by getting your train tickets along with your plane tickets.
So Doris dear, the chestnuts are in blossom, “what have you done to my heart?”
For now, au revoir… We’ll talk…