CHARMING & GORGEOUS

The William Andrews Clark Memorial Library… Swoon!

Los Angeles is full of hidden gems. One could spend a lifetime in this city and never fully come to know all of its glorious facets. One of LA’s best kept secrets is the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. Built between 1924 to 1926, the library boasts a breathtaking collection of rare books and manuscripts, predominantly English literature and history, dating 1641 to 1800. The feather in this grand chapeau, is that The Clark Library has the world’s most comprehensive collection of Oscar Wilde manuscripts and materials. The collection is a treasure trove, offering an inspirational archive that touches the soul and stirs the emotions. It is rare that we have to opportunity to come so close to a great artist.

The Clark Library is open to the public Monday through Friday, with tours available upon appointment. There are also a number of delightful events offered throughout the year. This is a must do/must see for any aesthete.

CHARMING & GORGEOUS

Salons Are Back In Fashion… Thank Heavens!

Today I spent a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at the monthly Antebellum Tea Salon. It was my first time attending the Salon, which is held at Chado Tea Room‘s H-Wood location; providing the perfect setting for a beautifully civilized afternoon. Rick Castro, the man behind the Salon, has turned his role as host into an art-form. He is charming, sophisticated, well-spoken and has curated a wonderful blend of personalities that make this one of LA’s best kept secrets. The conversation was sparkling, the tea was top-drawer (over 300 varieties to choose from), the nibbles divine, and the setting was so exquisite that we all forgot we were in the middle of Los Angeles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artist Raymond Sandoval was in attendance at the Tea Salon, as was some of his artwork from his Dia de los Muertos exhibition. Following the high tea, a group of us headed over Antebellum Gallery for the final night of his exhibition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Antebellum Tea Salon occurs monthly; dates for the December event will be published shortly. Also, you can expect to see Albertine & Odette joining forces with Rick Castro to bring you a special Salon in early 2011. We hope that you will attend, and assist us in ushering the art of entertaining back into fashion. Stay tuned…

CHARMING & GORGEOUS

A Civilized & Refined & Edgy Tea Salon… It Is Certainly About Time!

Photo courtesy of Rick Castro

I am a fan of civilized and refined entertaining and social gatherings. I enjoy rituals, great and small, one of the most significant being a proper afternoon tea, with all of the fanciful flourishes.

I am pleased to announce that Rick Castro of Antebellum is now hosting a monthly Sunday Tea Salon, at  the recently opened Chado Tea Room at H-Wood. Guests are offered four different tea services to choose from, that range in price from $10 for tea, a scone with clotted cream, jam and strawberries; to the $40 Antebellum King’s/Queen’s tea, which bestows upon the guest all of bells & whistles one expects from a high-tea, including a glass of champagne/wine. To up the ante, the November salon will feature live DJ, Richard Gibson who will be spinning Vintage 78 records exclusively.

Chado Tea Room offers over 300 varieties of tea, and is a connoisseur’s tea room. The quality of their tea and their tea cuisine, along with their elegant presentation is unmatched.

“Steeped in Victorian nuances with a salon style, Antebellum is a casual space for art and engaging conversation. It is intended as a hybrid of artistic, cultural and political iconoclasm.” (excerpt from website).

The culmination of the two entities makes for a charming and thought-provoking Sunday! Albertine & Odette hope to see many friends, readers, and like-minded bon vivants in attendance. I am quite sure a blog post with titillating photos shall follow the afternoon’s festivities!

Date: Sunday,  November 7

Time: 2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Location: Chado Tea Room at H. Wood: 1738 North Orange Dr., LA, CA 90028

For Further Information: Antebellum Tea