MUSEUM QUALITY
By Kim Devore/ Entertainment Writer
A stylish Tori Spelling was among the 1,200 Angelinos celebrating music, art and food at the 7th Annual Best of L.A. bash at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Tori and her gang gathered at LACMA’s expansive courtyard where they sipped apple martinis and sampled fare from some of the city’s top joints, including Melisse, Zucca, Alex and Angelini Osteria.
While most of the action was taking place outside at LACMA’s newly revamped plaza, that didn’t stop anyone from venturing inside to check out the museum’s renowned collection-in fact, that was part of the draw. From contemporary to classics, art lovers were invited to view the various exhibits at their leisure and away from the throngs one usually encounters during normal business hours.
LACMA President and Director Andrea Rich sees the event as a great way to showcase the diverse flavors of the city and raise money for the museum at the same time.
“It’s thrilling to bring together world-class art and international cuisine that make up the varied tastes of Los Angeles,” she explained. “What better way to feature these diverse cultures to our many visitors from around the world.”
TAKING FLIGHT
Nicholas Kim Coppola, aka Nic Cage, was among the celebs, hipsters, movers and shakers floating around at the First Annual Butterfly Ball. Green Acres was the place to be, the Green Acres Estate that is-a sprawling Mediterranean spread nestled in the hills of Beverly.
Billed as a Venetian ball, the look was a lot more laid back with nary a corset in sight. Nic came casually clad, but the rappers like Rev. Run were stylin’ in their VH1 best. Music man Quincy Jones was worthy of a GQ cover, sporting a perfectly pressed white linen suit, lavender shirt and matching shades. The fashion was almost as delicious as the food at this soiree.
Granita’s Wolfgang Puck, who seems to be cooking round the clock these days, came up with gobs of glorious grub while Jack Nicholson’s designer daughter showed off her brightly colored clothing line.
When the plates were cleared and all the auction items carted off, the Chrysalis Foundation was flying high. The event helped raise $350,000 for the organization and its efforts to help the homeless.
DOLPHIN WATCH
“Terminator Two” star Linda Hamilton is getting ready to roll out the big guns on Sept. 28 as she chairs the annual Dolphin Ball to benefit cystic fibrosis. Last year’s successful dolphin-do had an African theme, and this year’s fest will take us even further afield to the Far East, with Shanghai Surprise as its theme. Daytime diva Jackie Zeman will be on hand. The “General Hospital” star will take on the role of Mistress of Ceremonies.
I LOVE LUCY
Women in Film, meantime, is gearing up for a splashy bash of its own. The group will hold its annual Lucy and Crystal Awards tomorrow night at the Century Plaza Hotel. Expect a crush of paparazzi and camera crews with Malibu’s Linda Thomason and David Foster among the honorees. Others include Halle Berry, Rosie O’Donnell, Amy Brenneman and Tyne Daly.