Godard's "Made in USA" - L.A. & N.Y.

For all you Godard fans out there, "Made in USA" is being screened for the first time since 1967 in American theaters. This is Godard's take on the film noir, so don't expect serious suspense (the movie described itself as "Walt Disney with blood"), or the disjointed narrative to make much sense.  Anna Karina, donning a glamorous trench coat, takes on the roles of both femme fatale and Humphrey Bogart, while Truffaut's favorite Jean-Pierre Leaud makes an appearance as a bumbling detective wearing a pin that reads "Kiss me I'm Italian."  

See "Made in USA" for the fabulous fashions, the vibrant pop art colored visuals, and of course the lovely Anna Karina.

Playing in Los Angeles at the Landmark Nuart Theatre January 18th - January 22nd and also at the Film Forum in New York through January 22nd.

Luzzo's Pizzeria - New York

I have to admit that on my last trip to New York, I cheated on Lombardi's! Whenever I am in New York, I have to get my pizza fix and Lombardi's is usually my pie of choice. On this trip, I decided to take my friend Maya's advice and try Luzzo's in the East Village. I was skeptical, and I won't say it's better than Lombardi's but I have to admit it is just as good. There are a lot of similarities between the two: a perfectly charred crust, and a thin layer of sauce topped with gooey blobs of cheese. The difference in my opinion is Luzzo's sauce is just a little bit sweeter, and the fresh mozzarella a little bit softer (sorry Lombardi's but it's true). They even have secured a coal oven, which is one of the secrets to all the best pizza shop's pizzas. I thought New York only allowed 2 original coal ovens to remain: Lombardi's and Grimaldi's, so I'm not sure how they have pulled it off, but I'm sure glad they did! 

Luzzo's Pizzeria, 211-213 First avenue, New York, NY  

Tel: 212.473.7447

Lyell Boutique - New York

Lyell is a beautiful clothing line and boutique on Elizabeth street in Soho/Little Italy. The thirties and forties inspired fall collection includes feminine silk tops, dresses, and hand knit sweaters embellished with hand detailed beading or lace. The quality of construction and fabric is impeccable, which the prices reflect. Not for every day, but a silk dress would make a great invest piece for a very special occasion. www.lyellnyc.com, 172 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012, Tel: 212.966.8484

Mulberry Friends and Family Sale - New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles

I just received an e-mail from Mulberry offering a 30% "friends" and "family" discount on all in store items, including those on sale. Alas, even with a discount, I don't think a Mulberry bag is in my budget. But, for those of you looking to splurge, I am happy to e-mail you the invite.

There are a few items on their website that are under $100, including the cute heart shaped luggage tag below. In the white or hot pink option, these tags would make it a lot easier to spot your bag on the luggage carousel!

Saxelby Cheesemongers - New York

A trip to New York would not be complete without sampling a few cheeses along the way. One of the best cheese shops for American artisanal cheeses is Saxelby Cheesemongers in the Essex Market. Really friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you pick that perfect cheese. We tried the Grayson from Meadow Creek Dairy in virginia, a pungent cows milk cheese with a buttery flavor perfect on bread, and Weston Wheel from Woodcock farm, a hard salty sheep's cheese delicious for snacking. We also had to pick up a sampling of cheese curds, which are so buttery and deliciously soft.

Saxelby Cheese also offers Day -A-Whey (very clever) weekend excursions during October to cheese making farms in New England. The next and last trip is to Sprout Creek Farm in Poughkeepsie on October 26th. www.saxelbycheese.com

Charlotte Moss Townhouse Closing - New York

I'm so sad to report that the Charlotte Moss Townhouse, my favorite home store in New York, is closing! Wandering the three-level brownstone was one of my favorite pass times on trips to NYC. Everything in the store is currently 50% off until the store closes in November. I picked up a box of her witty cocktail napkins and stationary for only $12.00. Some items might still be available online through her website at: www.charlottemoss.com. The stationary and napkins would make excellent Christmas gifts!

Little Branch Bar - New York

(Image from Chowhound)

(Image from Chowhound)

I just returned from a week in New York, so there will definitely be a lot of New York posts in my future! The first of which is Little Branch, a charming Soho speakeasy with delicious vintage cocktails. Traveling downstairs to the lantern lit low ceiling bar is  a trip back in time with wood booths and vintage photographs. Drinks are served by suspender wearing mixologists who chip rectangle ice cubes from blocks of ice to achieve maximum coldness. A menu features custom drinks including delicious hot toddys for those cold nights, but you can also get the basics: a perfectly made martini. Drinks run around $10, not too bad for Manhattan. 

LITTLE BRANCH: 7 pm - 3am 7 days a week. 20 7th Avenue S. NYC 212.929.4360.

Prudence Designs - New York

This summer when I was in New York, I stumbled into a floral design boutique in Chelsea called Prudence Designs. Their floral designs are beautiful and innovative, especially, the petite arrangements in Chinese take-out boxes complete with chopsticks. I am definitely stealing that idea for a future party! The boutique has more than just flowers including small vases, pillows, and home goods. You can see their arrangements on their website at: www.prudencedesigns.net

Algonquin Hotel - New York

While most hotels have a pet ambassador dog, the Algonquin Hotel has a resident cat.  The tradition started in the 1930's when a little stray cat wandered in off the streets into the lobby and management decided to give him a home. Since that time the Algonquin has had 9 resident cats, the latest of which is the above Matilda. This year in honor of Matilda's birthday, the hotel decided to change their hypocritical no pets policy, and are allowing cats and dogs to come for a stay. Concierge will even provide litter boxes, liners, and scoops!

Sweetiepie - New York

Stay tuned for a new sweet shop coming soon to New York: Sweetiepie. This month's issue of Vogue has an article on the new bake shop setting up in the West Village. From the looks of things, it will be Alice in Wonderland meets Marie Antoinette which is sure to mean lots of whimsy. 

9 to 5 The Musical - Los Angeles, New York

9 to 5 The Musical opens this Saturday at the Ahmanson Theatre here in Los Angeles. It features all new music by Miss Dolly Parton and stars Allison Janney in the Lily Tomlinson role. The show will be running here through October 16th and then heading to Broadway's Marquis Theatre in March. Tickets are available now including Hot Tickets which can be purchased for just $20 for seats with slightly obstructed viewing. I've always loved this movie and have my Hot Tickets reserved for this Saturday's performance. I'll let you know how it goes!

Surf Lodge Montauk - New York

 

The Surf Lodge in Montauk looks like a great place for a weekend getaway from NYC. I love the fun Beach chic decor, especially the crochet hammock. It's only a few minutes from the beach, and sits on a pond that is supposed to have the best views in Montauk. In the summer prices are steep, but you can get off season rates for around $275.00. 

Marimekko Compact Umbrellas

I love rain gear -- especially wellies and trench coats -- but don't have much use for them here in L.A. When I lived in New York, I was always getting caught in a down pour and even had one umbrella snap in half. My last trip to New York was no different. I found myself out and drenched.  I popped into a drug store and bought the above Marimekko apple umbrella. It's compact with a matching case, and fits into your purse. The construction is sturdy -- no folding inside out -- and at $30 it won't break the bank when I inevitably leave it somewhere. You can find more patterns online at: kittosmarimekko. 

Layla Boutique - Brooklyn

Layla is a lovely little store in the Boerum Hill area of Brooklyn. It's a little off the beaten path, but has a great selection of Indian imported and inspired pillows, bedding, towels, jewelry, and clothing. They carry designer brands, such as John Robshaw and Missoni, as well as their own line of beautiful Indian print dresses and tunics. 

Furry Travel Companions

For those of you with amiable furry travel companions, I was recently at the new London West Hollywood hotel, and was informed that the hotel prides themselves on being animal friendly. They have water dishes around the property, a glamorous dog house, and a resident English bulldog who greats visitors at the door:  www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

An East coast pet friendly hotel is the Parker Meridian New York. They go so far as to provide a room service menu that caters specifically for pets. Forgot something? No problem. They have everything from scratching posts to animal mood music: www.parkermeridian.com

1. London Palm Beach bag $132, 2. London Nantucket bag $132, 3. Fiona Bag $88, (bags 1., 2., and 3. available at kwigy bo), 4. Louis Vuitton Monogram Sac de Chien $1830 ( eluxury), 5. Michael Bag $132 ( kwigy bo) 6. Bruce Bag $450, (Olive Green Dog), 7. Mod Travel Bowls  $14.00 (Olive Green Dog), 8. Plush Bed (Olly Dog), 9. Goyard Travel Dish $$$ (Goyard)

 

Here are a few accessories that will make traveling with a pet a bit easier, without sacrificing style. All bags meet most airline's travel guidelines, and two of the bags are male friendly options. Carrying a dog or cat through an airport is exhausting business, and you might want your guy to share in the heavy lifting. He'll be a lot more willing if you don't bring the pink princess bag. 

The travel bowls listed fold up for easy packing, and the dog/cat beds can be packed flat or rolled. The Goyard travel pet case and the Louis Vuitton bag are ridiculously extravagant, but if can afford it and really want to spoil your pet -- or yourself --  lucky you!

Kee's Chocolates - New York

My friend Maya and I share many culinary tastes, and whenever I visit her in New York, we travel the city looking for chocolate and exotic cheeses in particular. I can always trust her judgment in introducing me to some new restaurant or delight. One we discovered on a recent trip is Kee's Chocolates. Kee's small storefront is located in Soho on Thompson street, and although some of her flavor combinations sound savory, they are in fact delightfully smooth and deliciously sweet. Our favorite was the creme brulee, who's name did not disappoint in both taste and custardy texture. We made several return trips for that one in particular, but also enjoyed the sea salt, mousse, and thai chile. If you have your heart set on a particular flavor, make sure you call first, because flavors change daily and quantities are limited. We made one trek for the coveted creme brulee, only to find it was not available and we were very sad chocoholics that day. www.keeschocolates.com