Yesterday on KTLA Channel 9 in Los Angeles, Madeleine Albright spoke about her new book Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadershipp she spoke about communication and partnerships as one of the ways that the new president can restore America’s good standing in the world. Communicate with other countries and create partnerships that build our reputation as a trustworthy country.
Truth is, there’s not many countries that like the US. Hell, the US doesn’t like many countries either. One being Iran – but is it Iran (the people, culture, and history) or the ideology that is spewed from one crazy Iranian man (who happens to be the president…um, sound familiar?)
So, it was such a treat to see Shams Ensemble, the band that played in SF to a sold-out theater, perform in the studio at channel 9 right after Madeleine’s interview. Talk about timing! My dear friend Shaun Saunders set up the interview for them, and I just wished I flew down to LA to see them with Madeleine. I will be flying down to meet the ensemble and host the VIP and press reception and M.C. their final concert before they return to Iran.
If you live in LA, come to the concert – I promise that you will have a new appreciation for Iranian music, Rumi poetry, and this small planet that we all share.
Details:
WHAT: The FINAL performance of Shams Ensemble before they return to Iran.
WHEN: Saturday, October 25th at 7:30 pm
WHERE: Wilshire Ebell Theater, 4401 west 8th Street, Los Angeles
Epi-Center MedSpa Goes Green. The new eco-medspa is elegant and inviting, cultivating a San Francisco chic meets eastern simplicity in its design. It is designed using eco materials, from the eco-paints to beautifully sustainable recycled fabrics, flooring, countertops and recycled and FSC-certified wood. It is energy efficient and conserves resources through its lighting, recycling and water filters that will eliminate the need for bottled water.
Eco medspa treatments now consists of organic skin care ranging from corrective to luxury pampering facial treatments.
Traditional medical spa treatments will remain on the menu of treatments, being balanced with organic skin care products and a healthful environment to bring out natural beauty holistically. For more info or to set up an appointment, visit: www.epicentermedspa.com
Grab your platinum card, your BFF and make reservations for the Ultimate Luxury Package. Not only will you be treated to a private tour (led by the curator) of the world’s best baubles, bangle and eggs, at The Cleveland Museum of Art new exhibit, “Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique,” but you’ll also be wined and dined and primped and pampered at The Ritz-Carlton. ( say hi to Chef Timothy Maxin for me and see if you can join him on a fantastic market tour.)
Package includes:
Two night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland in the Presidential Suite on the Club Level
Breakfast served daily in suite
Dinner for 2 at MUSE
Rose Petal turndown
Champagne and strawberries upon arrival
Full spa treatment at John Roberts Spa for 2
Hair cut and style
Ultimate facial (90 minutes)
My Facial release massage (90 minutes)
Manicure & pedicure
Make-up application
Gift in room from Tiffany, Faberge and Lalique
Tiffany solitaire diamond earrings & sterling silver cuff links
Lalique vase
Pair of Faberge Lily of the Valley picture frames
Limousine service
Dinner for 2 at Bice in Tower City
Two Tickets to Artistic Luxury exhibit at The Cleveland Museum of Art
Private tour with curator of the exhibition, Stephen Harrison
Total cost for the package: $10,000 ( But remember–that’s for 2 people;-)
Since the San Francisco’s performance of Shams Ensemble was such a knock-out, I’m going to the concert in Los Angeles too. Their show was so spectacular that NPR’s BBC THE WORLD did a wonderful segment about the band.
So, if you are in the Los Angeles area, then come join me at the concert on Saturday October 25 at 7:30 pm. San Francisco was sold-out and with all the media attention they are getting, L.A. will be sold out to, so get your tickets HERE now.
Photos by Lynn Friedman at the San Francisco concert.
Details:
WHAT: The FINAL performance of Shams Ensemble before they return to Iran.
WHEN: Saturday, October 25th at 7:30 pm
WHERE: Wilshire Ebell Theater, 4401 west 8th Street, Los Angeles
One of my fave Silicon Valley restaurants, Parcel 104, is getting ready to host its 6th annual cheese and wine dinner, featuring local artisan cheeses from around California. You better reserve fast if you want to join renowned Bay Area chefs Chris Schloss of Cin-Cin Wine Bar in Los Gatos, Mark Dommen from One Market in San Francisco, and Arthur Wall of The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards as they each develop a course of the dinner inspired by a specific cheese. The five-course dinner will also feature wine pairings from Parcel 104’s own Master Sommelier, Randall Bertao.
“We have such a treasure trove of fantastic local dairies to choose from; I literally feel like a kid in a candy store,†said executive chef Robert Sapirman. “I feel incredibly lucky to have such a great group of chefs joining me. This is the dinner that people ask about months in advance, and it’s no secret why.â€
Rounding out the wealth of culinary talent will be local cheese authority and award-winning cookbook author, Laura Werlin. Laura will coordinate the appetizers for the cocktail hour using recipes from her many cheese cookbooks, and answer your cheese questions.
The Cheese Dinner will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at Parcel 104. Cocktail reception will start at 6:30 p.m., and dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. Cost will be $145 plus tax and gratuity. Room discounts of $89 plus tax are available at the adjoining Santa Clara Marriott by calling 1.800.228.9290. Reservations are now being accepted at (408) 970-6104 or www.opentable.com.
With a lifetime of physically tasking experiences in New Zealand’s diverse wilderness areas, Mark Everard has earned the reputation as one of the country’s best outdoor guides. An accomplished athlete, Everard tests his skills both in organized sports and in the wild, including mountain climbing, marathon running, white-water rafting and cross-country quad biking.
Fish for trout at Lake Tarawera and take a relaxing soak at Hot Water Beach. Helicopter to the Motu River and then raft it! Hike the 10-mile Tongariro Crossing, one of the world’s most scenic and invigorating one-day treks. Bungee Jump from The Ledge with a “mild” jump or an extreme plunge of more than 15 stories. Prepare for an unforgettable helicopter flightseeing adventure through snow-covered mountain peaks to Milford Sound, where you kayak one of the most scenic areas on Earth, with bonus opportunities to see seals and dolphin. Four-wheel-drive to nearby pristine streams and rivers, where you test your skill at fly-fishing for brown and rainbow trout or mountain bike.
Prices, like this trip and guide, are not for the faint of heart. Contact Tango Diva Preferred Travel Agent Alyse at 415-866-408-wize for more info!
Sail away on a 3 day cruise out of Long Beach, California on Carnival Cruises Paradise, for an escape from your daily reality. Meet other Divas and enjoy wining and dining! Prices start at $376.44 per person based on a double. Contact Alyse for more info at 866-408 Wize
MINI WINTER SPECIALExperience the beauty of this historical city with its incredible architecture, museums, shopping, and fine cuisine. And… the wonderful Christmas markets open in early December!
5 Days / 3 Nights From$899*Per Person AIR & LAND
Valid: Nov 1 – Dec 13 & Dec 25, 2008 – Mar 31, 2009
TOUR INCLUDES:
Roundtrip Air on Czech Airlines non-stop from JFK (earn Delta miles)
3 Nights Accommodations at First Class, Centrally-Located Hotels
Buffet Breakfast Daily
Hotel Taxes
All Airport Taxes, Fuel and Security Surcharges (subject to change until ticket is issued
Please contact Tango Diva Preferred Travel Agent Alyse for more info. 866-408-wize (9493)
Give thanks for the sumptuous gifts in life with this 1 week tour of Tuscany. Spend your days tasting fabulous wine, learning the Tuscan art of cooking, and visiting sites such as the Tower of Pisa. Spend your nights at Villa Celeste, a luxurious villa that dates back to 500 AD.
This luxurious tour, organized by Women Destination Club, promises to be unforgettable.
Tour designed for female solo travelers and/or small group of friends. Limit 16.
The tour begins with wine tasting in the Chianti countryside, exploring picturesque villages along the way. You will enjoy a cooking class at Villa Celeste, and visit the leaning tower and cathedral at Pisa’s Campo dei miracoli. Heading north, you will visit the beach at Lido di Camaiore and Livorno. The tour continues with a visit to the beautiful hill town of Volterra and the fountain at the Piazza della Cisterna. From there, driving north to Lucca, the tour will visit churches and the amphitheater before moving on to the Estrucan town of Barga. Later, the tour will visit the incredible 14th century monastery Certosa di Pisa, and tour the villas and gardens of Lucca. There will be several opportunities to visit a spa, as well as opportunities to shop for gifts and designer goods.
Villa Celeste, located in the town of Vorno, is a lavish nine bedroom estate with a private swimming pool, lush gardens, opulent furnishings and the backdrop of the Tuscan countryside. Included in the tour price are a chef and housekeeping services.
The dates of the tour are: November 30, 2008 – December 7, 2008
$5,000 per guest for one bedroom with a king size bed.
$4,700 per guest for a shared bedroom
$4,100 per guest for all shared bedrooms, based on 16 guests.
Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the tour price.
For more information, visit the website at www.womendestinationclub.com
Let her know that Tango Diva sent you – special bonus gift for Tango Diva members.
Intrepid Travel is one of the world’s leading small group tour operators. With over 19 years experience, Intrepid offers over 450 itineraries in more than 95 destinations worldwide. They have 37 new trips for 2009.
From cruising through the canals of Provence to epic rail journeys across Russia or adventures in the heart of Spain, Intrepid travelers will experience the world.
The Canal Du Midi Cruise floats passengers through medieval villages and idyllic countryside on a private barge, while the passengers lend a hand to help crew the vessel, learn to master the locks, and meet fellow seafarers and local landlubbers along the way. Today the canal provides a perfectly gentle boating adventure – passengers watch the world go by, explore local markets and indulge in some of France’s finest wines along the way. Journey through France on a barge for $995 for 8 days.
Discover friendly locals and vast isolated landscapes as you travel the famous Trans-Siberian route on Tracks to Russia. Globetrotting from bustling Beijing, through the heart of the vast Mongolian wilderness and arrive in the cathedral-studded St. Petersburg. This adventure will open your eyes to the history, scenery and people who make up this fascinating region. Travel from the heart of China to the tip of classical Russia for $2375 for 18 days.
