Past Events 2014
New Year’s Eve at Spago Beverly Hills
Spago’s first seating was designed for those who plan on celebrating the New Year Holiday elsewhere.The later seating took guests into the New Year with champagne, a DJ and dancing. There was also a 1a.m. breakfast.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Spago Beverly Hills
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
~ First Seating: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Special New Year’s menu with ala carte pricin
~ Second Seating: 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
3-course menu loaded with options, and a glass of champagne, $275 per person
~ 1 a.m. breakfast buffet
Does not include tax, beverage or gratuity.
For information and reservations you can always call Ellen Farentino at 310-385-0880.
New Year’s Eve at Chinois
Moonlight Masquerade
The theme at Chinois this New Year’s Eve as we rang in 2015 was Moonlight Masquerade. The food, as usual, was amazing.
Chinois On Main
2709 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA
First Seating: 6:00-6:30 p.m. until 8:30-8:45 p.m.
$100.00 per person. Menu only.
Second seating: 9:00 p.m. until next year!
$195.00 per person. Menu only.
You are always welcom to learn more about Chinois by calling them at 310-392-9025. You can also visit the official Wolfgang Puck site.
Spago Beverly Hills’ Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve Spago Beverly HIlls featured Gospel Style Carolers and a 3-course menu loaded with options.
December 24, 2014
Carolers: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Spago Beverly Hills
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Reservations must be made in advance. Call Ellen Farentino at 310-385-0880.
28th Annual
Citymeals-on-Wheels Power Lunch for Women
Over 400 women and a few great men attended this annual event raising $1.26 million for Citymeals-on-Wheels. Journalists, government officials, actors, doctors, business leaders, members of the culinary community and more gathered and honored Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, and Patricia Wexler, M.D., acclaimed dermatologist and Citymeals Board Member.
November 21, 2014
11:45 a.m. Reception in the Grand Foyer followed by lunch in Grand Ballroom
The Plaza Hotel
768 5th Avenue New York, NY 10019
For information please call (212) 687-1290.
Friends of Sheba Medical Center
Annual Women of Achievement Luncheon
25th Anniversary
Friends of Sheba Medical Center is the U.S. organization that supports Sheba Medical Center in Israel—the largest and most comprehensive medical center in Israel and the Middle East.
November 12, 2014
For information about the organization and its work, please visit ShebaMed.org.
26th Annual
Hospitality Design Platinum Circle Awards
For 26 years, Hospitality Design magazine has awarded industry leaders—designers, architects, hoteliers, restaurateurs—with the Platinum Circle designation. This year’s inductees were a legendary architect, a pioneer of luxury hotels and resorts, a brilliant interior designer, and one of the country’s most influential restaurateurs. Being honored was an innovative design firm reaching a milestone anniversary. A night not to miss — and Barbara didn’t.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Conrad Hotel
102 North End Ave New York, New York 10282
For event info visit HDPlatinumCircle.com.
To learn more about Hospitality Design visit HospitalityDesign.com
Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai
Women’s Guild Gala
Since 1957, the Women’s Guild has been dedicated to supporting Cedars-Sinai. The Women’s Guild supports patient care, vital medical programs and equipment, biomedical research, and education.
This event honored Bruce L. Gewertz, MD with the Medical Visionary Award and Fay & Frank Mancuso with the Hollywood Icon Award. It featured Arturo Sandoval and his Big Band with Monica Mancini. Special Guests were Andy Garcia and Joe Mantegna.
Cocktail Attire
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
6 p.m. Cocktail Reception
7 p.m. Dinner, Awards, and Entertainment
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills. CA
Ticket and sponsorship information at WomensGuildCS.org
Fulfillment Fund 20th Anniversary Annual Stars Gala
For 37 years, the Fulfillment Fund has been making college a reality for students in educationally/economically under-resourced communities.
This starts by opening young people’s eyes to the possibility of higher education through classroom instruction, mentoring, one-on-one college counseling and experiential learning. Fulfillment Fund is based on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles and invites you to come to an Open House Tour. And, of course, to help support them in any way, including this Annual Stars Gala.
Ryan Kavanaugh, Founder and CEO of Relativity Media received the Tom Sherak Award. Charles Fox received the Founders Award.
It was hosted by John Oliver and featured Special Guest Kathy Griffin and a musical performance by Jennifer Hudson.
Business Attire
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
6:30 p.m. cocktails
7:30 p.m. dinner
Live Auction and Entertainment
Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit fulfillment.org/stars.
The Magnolia Council’s Tower Cancer Research Foundation
2014 Spirit of Hope Luncheon & Boutique
Attendees gathered to honor Dr. R. Kendrick Slate and the nurses of Cedars-Sinai Tower Hematology Oncology Medial Group. The Magnolia Council develops and fosters Tower Cancer Research Foundation, its mission, and activities. Funds from this annual luncheon benefit the Tower Cancer Research Fund and their many cutting edge research trials.
Monday, October 13, 2014
10 a.m. – noon: Boutique
Noon: Luncheon Program & Opportunity Drawing
The Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA
For more information please visit this Magnolia Council page at TowerCancerFoundation.org or call their office at (310) 299-8470.
14th Annual Les Girls Cabaret
Benefitting the National Breast Cancer Coalition
The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund (NBCC) never fails to delight and entertain at this “sexy, witty and fun” event, in support of NBCC’s mission to end breast cancer by 2020.
Once again, Barbara and her friends enjoyed the fun of this event.
October 7, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Avalon Hollywood
Los Angeles
Information at breastcancerdeadline2020.org/donate/fundraising-events
Phil Blazer’s
50 years of Jewish Broadcasting & Positive Activism
The Jewish Life Foundation presented this special event to celebrate Phl Blazer, who reminds us that one person can make a difference. Phil Blazer started in radio when, along with Wolfman Jack (Bob Smith), he launched the first rhythm and blues radio station in the Twin Cities back in 1965. In 1973 he created the National and Los Angeles Jewish News. In 1977, he lauched his television program. JLTV — America’s 24-hour Jewish television network, was founded in 2006 and is currently available in over 42 million homes across all 50 states and Canada.
Sunday, September 21 2014
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
JLTV Studios
Encino, CA 91436
Business Attire
Jewish Dietary Laws Observed
Hosted Parking
To learn more about JLTV, please visit JLTV.tv or call 818-786-4000..
The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol And Drug Awareness
The Summer Spectacular Under the Starts
The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol And Drug Awareness presented this spectacular fundraiser hosted by Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood. Barbara wasn’t be able to attend due to the time conflct with The Bel Air Affaire but continues to support the organization.
Dinner by WP Catering.
Wine by Rarry Ruvo & Southern Wines and Spirits.
Entertianment by David Foster’s new discovery, Brenna Whitaker.
Performance by Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars.
Honoring Jack Osbourne.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
6:30 p.m.
Black & White & Red Cocktail Attire Under The Stars
at a Glamorous New Private Estate
To learn more about the Brent Shapiro Foundation and this event, or to learn how you can support this cause, please visit BrentShapiro.org, or follow on Twitter using @BrentShapiroOrg.
The Bel Air Affaire 2014
ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION
Barbara attended (and was on the dinner committee for) this scholarship-supporting event — an extraordinary architectural experience and a captivating evening showcasing a stunning collaboration of design, art, cuisine and entertainment.
Honoring with Pride and Admiration, Humanitarian Torch of Learning Award Recipients
Bari & Steven Good and Ronda & Barry Lippman.
As always, the prceeds from this event went to scholarships for students at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
September 13, 2014
Cocktails at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner at 7:30 p.m.
For more information please visit afhu.org/events/belairaffaire2014
American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA/LA) Restaurant Design Awards
at Dwell on Design
Barbara Lazaroff was again asked to present these awards, which honor excellence in the design of restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, and nightclubs. The awards recognize both Jury winners, as well as People’s Choice winners, which are voted on by the general public.
The awards followed Behind Great Restaurant Design, an onstage presentation featuring the finalists and judges in conversation.
Friday, June 20, 2014
3:30 p.m.
LA Convention Center
GE Monogram Innovation Stage
1201 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
The awards are on part of a three day event. Information and the full schedule, which runs Friday through Sunday, was at t DwellOnDesign.com/schedule.
Kindred Spirits Concert 2014
benefitting Save a Child’s Heart
Kindred Spirits is a non-profit humitarian organization that inspires and educates diverse communities to support its global partners in their efforts to heal the world.
Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) is an Israeli-based international humanitarian project, whose mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from developing countries who suffer from heart disease and to create centers of competence in these countries.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
8:00 p.m.
The Saban Theater
Beverly Hills, CA
More info at KindredSpirits.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles’
21st Annual Future Fund Luncheon
Barbara attended, as she does every year, as she does in her continued support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, to help celebrate our 2014 scholarship recipient “Littles” and recognize their “Bigs,” who serve as mentors to help place their mentees on a path toward healthy and productive lives. It’s always uplifting and inspiring to see first-hand, the power of the human spirit and the amazing effect mentoring can have on a young woman’s life.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
11:00 a.m.
At a private home
NAWBO-LA 28th Annual Women’s Business Conference
Leadership & Legacy Awards Luncheon
Women Rising
A full day of seminars that address varoius matters of business. Last year Barbara was honored with NAWBO-LA’s Legacy Award for a lifetime in philanthropy. This year something new for her, an exhibit booth for one of her own new enterpirses, her Flame of Life dinnerware. #WOMENRISING
Wednesday, May 28 2014
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California, 90015
Learn more about the conference here and follow this link to the official Agenda.
American Cancer Society 100th Birthday Ball
Barbara is a long-time supporter of the American Cancer Society.
This special black-tie celebration is an exciting evening filled with an elegant dinner, entertainment, a spectacular auction, and much more!
May 17, 2014
5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Beverly Wilshire
9500 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
For information visit this page at Cancer.org.
HD Expo – Las Vegas
Called the ultimate connector to the hospitality industry, by Hospitality Design, the HD Expo is dedicated to bringing the interior design industry, architects, owners/operators, developers, specifiers and purchasers the best available resources for their projects.
Wednesday, May 14 – Friday, May 16, 2014
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd, South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
For information please visit HDexpo.com.
James Beard Foundation Awards
Sounds of the City
The James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and continue to emphasize the Foundation’s mission — to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America’s culinary heritage and diversity.
Music and food share a special bond in our culture so the 2014 Awards explored the enduring relationship between them. From the “must-play” soundtrack in the kitchen to the decision of what music to play in the dining room, music is an essential part of the dining experience. This Gala celebrated how each inspires and enriches the unique flavor of cities across the US.
This year Barbara was also helping celebrate Sherry Yard, long-time Spago Hollywood/Spago Beverly Hills pastry chef being inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.
Black-tie attire
Monday, May 5, 2014
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m.
Gala Reception immediately follows
The David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center
West 63rd Street at Columbus Avenue, New York City
Information can be found at JamesBeard.org.
Spago’s 30th Annual Seder
benefiting Mazon, A Jewish Response To Hunger
Guests of all backgrounds enjoyed an exceptional Seder as they dined on an amazing traditional Seder menu prepared by Spago’s excellent chefs. Spago was again transformed by special Passover decor by CR&A Custom Banners.
Barbara started this tradition at the original Spago Hollywood to bring the Jewish community together on this special holiday, as well as share it with those of different faiths. “I believe that if we all share our traditions, myths are dispelled and communication is sparked, leading to better understanding and tolerance for all cultures.”
Officiated by:
Rabbi Arnold Rachlis and Cantor Ruti Briar – University Synagogue
Menu:
Spago’s Famous Wood Oven Baked Shallot & Thyme Matzo
Gefilte Fish of Whitefish, Pike and Carp
with Fresh Herbs & Spices, Homemade Red & White Horseradish
Chopped Chicken Liver
Spago Chicken & Vegetable Soup with Judy Gethers’ Matzo Balls
Roasted Loch Duart Salmon with Ginger-Almond Crust
&
Braised Beef Short Rib “Flanken”
Vegetable Ratatouille & Carrot Purée
Coconut Macaroons • Assorted French Macaroons • Chocolate Chip Chewy Meringues • Flourless Chocolate cake bites with Raspberries and Caramelized cocoa nibs • Cream Puffs with Tahitian vanilla cream and Caramel • Matzoh Toffee Crunch • White Chocolate mascarpone cream, Strawberry Sorbet with mixed Berries • Butterscotch Pudding with Caramelized Pineapple • Fromage Blanc Cheesecakes with Lemon and Berries
- Covenant “Lavan” Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2008
- Covenant “Red C” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2006
Officiated by: Rabbi Arnold Rachlis and Cantor Ruti Briar – University Synagogue, Irvine
We gratefully acknowledge the gracious participation of Rabbi Arnie Rachlis and Cantor Ruti Braier
and the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir
Tuesday, April, 15, 2014
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Spago Beverly Hills
176 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
For Seder info and to reserve for 2015, call Ellen Farentino of Spago Beverly Hills at
310-385-0880 or email ellen.farentino@wolfgangpuck.com.
Boutique Design West Trade Fair
Women Leaders panel
Friday, March 21, 2014
8:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
San Diego Convention Center
San Diego, CA
On Thursday evening, Barbara was one of the judges of the NEWH Fashion Challenge, Design in a Box Fashion Event.
On Friday, day two of Boutique Design West Trade Fair, Barbara participated on the Women Leaders in Hospitality panel — a conversational forum for visionary women executives from all sectors of the hospitality industry. Panel participants are designers/architects, owners/investors, vendors and consultants/researchers.
Rather than formal presentations, this was a discussion about issues and trends, challenges and opportunities. It’s more like a TED mini-conference than a panel. 14 questions were addressed — and this was just one:
What are the biggest issues hospitality designers, operators and investors will face over the next 24 to 26 months? How are the business strategies to address those issues changing? What are some intriguing micro trends?
Note that the full BD West conference included Thursday, March 20th as well.
Barbara also gave away two of her Flame of Life Dinnerware sets at the conference.
For more information please visit this Conference Agenda page at BoutiqueDesignWest.com.
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs 
21st Annual National Conference
“The Art of Keeping It Green”
Barbara, one of the WCR co-founders headed to downtown Chicago to learn “What’s New in Green” and to brainstorm with peers.
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs is comprised of individuals from numerous areas of the food world, including chefs, restaurateurs, F&B professionals, masters of wines and spirits, mixologists, foodservice and hospitality educators, culinary and baking/pastry students, hotel operators, purchasers, farmers and cheesemongers, plus many more.
This year’s theme of green wasn’t just for sustainable eco-wise, but financially as well.
Sunday, March 7 – Tuesday, March 11, 2014
InterContinental Magnificent Mile
505 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Conference info at WomenChefs.org/conference.
General group info at 877-927-7787 or WomenChefs.org.
Children’s Burn Foundation
Annual Giving New Hope Benefit
Barbara continues to support the foundation and supported this annual benefit
which honored actor Gary Sinise this year.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
6:00 p.m.
The Beverly Hilton Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA
For information please call 818-907-2822.
86th Academy Awards, aka The Oscars
First there was The Hollywood Reporter’s Oscar Nominee party at Spago Beverly Hills — and then the big night, the Academy Awards presentation in Hollywood. And for the 20th year, after the award presentation Wolfgang Puck catered the official after-party — the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Ball. Two hundred chefs took part to make the star studded gala happen.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland
Hollywood, CA
Hospitality Design Summit
Barbara is a regular attendee of this annual summit and again attended this 14th annual event. It is the industry’s only networking conference focused on ideas outside hospitality.
Wednesday, February 26 to Sunday, March 1, 2014
JW Marriott Camelback Inn
Scottsdale, AZ
For more information please visit HDsummit.com.
Secret Knock Conference
Greg Reid’s Secret Knock is an invite-only gathering of the most powerful and influential leaders of our generation. No Hype, No Sales, No Dream Weavers or Crystal Balls.
Monday, Feb 17, 2014 to Wednesday, February 19, 2014
San Diego, CA
For information please visit SecretKnock.co.
Chinese New Year at Chinois
Year of the Horse
Chef Rene Mata and the Chinois team cooked up a Stallion’s Feast to celebrate the start of the Year of the Horse.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Chinois On Main
2709 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA
Light Fire to your life in the Year of the Horse!
Fiery, hard working, successful:
the Horse is known to gallop through life!
Horse years are: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
A Stallion’s Feast
Chinese abalone soup of healing and good fortune
Delectable Dim-Sum Delights
seafood shumai. lobster spring rolls,
roasted potato and baked sea bass, Kurobuta pork dumplings
Steamed wild striped bass with succulent lobster fried rice
Peking duck with steamed bao
Charcoal grilled Wagyu rib-eye with long life noodles
Desserts to gallop for
This special menu and celebration sold out days before the celebration. To learn more about this special event and menu, call 310-392-9025. To learn more about Chinois and the regular menu, you can visit the official Wolfgang Puck site.
9th Annual Cornell Reception at the
Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS)
The Cornell Reception at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) is one of the School of Hotel Administration’s principal networking events, attracting over 500 alumni and industry leaders each year. Barbara attended this event, which happened to be held at WP 24. Barbara’s son, Byron Lazaroff-Puck, is a student at Cornell in the School of Hotel Administration.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
WP24 by Wolfgang Puck
24th Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Complimentary for Alumni; $100 for non-Alumni
For more information and to register, visit this page.