KIDS STUFF
Dick Riordan might not be spending much time at the beach these days, but he played the ever-gracious host at his Brentwood digs along with Nancy Daly Riordan to benefit the charity, United Friends of the Children. Beneath a canopy of palms and pines, casually clad guests roamed the grounds sampling fabulous food and some decidedly good wine.
The former Los Angeles mayor accompanied my husband to the wine section where he generously shared his top picks. “I donated everything on this table,” he informed the eager listener. “This would be a good buy from a snobbish point of view,” he said, pointing to a ’78 Rothschild, but suggested that a Chateau Margaux was the way to go.
Money raised from those divine wines couldn’t have gone to a better cause. UFC was founded in 1979 by Nancy Daly Riordan and provides essential services and a “safety net” for foster kids in need. The charity offers education, housing and career opportunities to more than 2,000 children each year.
As the one time mayor and my man continued to gab about the grape, I went off to admire the immaculately kept garden where Nancy Moonves, J.P. Blanchard, Nancy Daly and Linda Daly savored first-class fare from some of the city’s finest chefs. The tables were perfectly dressed for a summer party-decked out with bright gingham tablecloths, cheery sunflowers and a cornucopia of brightly colored peppers, artichokes and eggplants.
Warren Schwartz of the Viceroy Hotel was fixing up a delectable steak tartar on toast with a twist. His version was packed with scallions, fried capers, pickled red onion, garlicky aioli and hard-boiled egg. “It’s really old-school and one of our most popular items,” he said. “The taste really captures a place in time.” Other eateries on board included AOC, Campanile, Sushi Roku, Whisper’s Lounge and Il Tiramisu
As interest in the silent auction escalated, I eyed the toughest ticket in town – pizza for four at Mario Battali’s insanely popular new place called Mozza. We were off to a good start, but abandoned all hope as bidding soared past the $500 mark (or about 90 bucks a slice). Action at the live auction was equally brisk with a limo ride to catch Jay Leno going for an impressive 14K.
The feel-good gathering raised $200,000 for UFC. We missed out on Mozza and Margaux, but sailed happily into the night with memories of a delicious evening and a very good year.
ON THE BLOCK
Memorabilia buffs take note. A whole lotta movie magic is up for grabs. If you’re a good ol’ boy with a hankering to zoom down memory lane, you might snag the orange-colored 1969 Dodge Charger from the “Duke’s of Hazard.” The famed “General Lee,” complete with confederate flag, could fetch as much as $200,000.
For a less expensive option, get a little cruise control in Tom’s Chevy Lumina from “Day’s of Thunder” or be a free-wheeling wise-guy in Tony Soprano’s Chevy Suburban.
When it comes to style statements, superheroes abound with Alicia Silverstone’s Bat Girl costume and Spiderman’s crime fighting gear among the famous finds. And for the ultimate Hollywood Halloween, suit up as Chewbacca from the original Star Wars movie. Chewy’s furry facemask is expected to bring in $100,000 or more. The auction takes place today and Friday. For more info call Profiles in History at 310.859.7701, and may the force be with you!
Got a hot local happening or a cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.