By thefoodstalker | September 19, 2014
Restaurateur and fashion aficionado Elizabeth An of AnQi Bistro, The Daftarian Group,Van Cleef & Arpels, Riviera Magazine, Chloe, Ferrari of Newport Beach, Canali, GlamGlow and CHOC Children’s Foundation invited special guests to gather for “A Night In Paris” at An’s South Coast Plaza restaurant, AnQi. Guest’s mingled over a collection of motor cars while sipping signature cocktails, tasting delectable Asian inspired dishes from AnQi and drooled over elegant fashions from Chloe, Canali and élite jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels. It was a special evening of couture and cuisine to Benefit CHOC Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away!
AnQi is more than just an eatery. It’s a community gathering place where fashion loving Elizabeth An hosts fundraising events. The impressive restaurateur who along with her mother, Helene, and extended family have created a celebrated dining experience centered around their refined Vietnamese fusion cuisine at House of An restaurants in San Francisco, Beverly Hills and Costa Mesa. Located across from Charlie Palmer’s, AnQi also offers a private dining room and 18-seat Chef’s Table, where lucky diners may catch a glimpse into the famous, whispered-about An “secret kitchen,” accessible only to family members and chefs who have been with House of An for more than 10 years. Daughter Elizabeth manages both Crustacean in Beverly Hills and AnQi. “Mamma” Helene still remains active in the “secret kitchen” preparing the An family signature Garlic Noodles (which are sure to impress) and Roasted Garlic Crab. The colorful Bar Backlighting spotlights the bottles and bathes drinkers in a soft glow (the perfect backdrop after a tough day at the office ladies). This modern Asian fusion restaurant whose sexy design employs a signature front-and-center 60-foot glass catwalk; flavorful, stylized dishes (including tapas) take cues from it’s sister eatery Crustacean in LA. It’s a jewel of a spot and speaking of jewels…
Did you know Van Cleef & Arpels was founded on a love story? Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a gemstone dealer married Alfred Van Cleef, who came from a long line of Dutch precious stone cutters. Both were born into the world of fine jewelry and shared a passion for precious stones which led them to Paris. Two people in love wanted to share their feelings with the world and in 1906, the center of the world was Paris. Who knew? The company was built on love and family heritage. They succeed in making their significant heritage relevant for modern times offering alluring, playful pieces that contain innovative jewelry techniques. Using, as always, the diamond as muse, Van Cleef & Arpels , in their iconic Alhambra collection, creates sensational show-stoppers that make us gasp with their beautiful color, cut, clarity, cachet and carat. This collection had me weak at the knees (even after a double martini) – Be still my beating heart!
Go ahead, get a little flashy with the ultimate in conspicuous adornment: showy pieces from head to toe. Whether you are schlepping around in satin mules with pink curlers or wearing a pair of red stilettos with a strapless gown, putting on a piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry sparkles and makes you feel like a million.
On the fashion scene I observed everything from pink sports jackets to navy and black checkered suits for the gentlemen to purple hair, Herve Ledger dresses, pink & yellow lace and black and red ensembles for the ladies. So very Samantha from Sex & The City, Chloe never fails to entice. Everything about their bags and shoes makes me feel like being in wonderland and hey, that’s not a bad place to be. Canali continues to create designs that dazzle. I’ve had a love for their men’s suits right outa the womb!
After kick-ass music, wicked libations and getting my eyes full of inspiring gems and frocks, this party goer mingled with guests. Come on girls, slip off those sexy pumps and sling one back girlie-style, with art and attitude. Is there any better way?
Special Note: Children’s Hospital of Orange County
I’ve participated in many charitable causes but Children’s Hospital of Orange County holds a special place in my heart. On our sons seventh birthday, while swimming in the ocean, a powerful wave twisted his body, resulting in a spiral fracture of his left femur. Our experience with CHOC Hospital was incredible and there are no words to express our thanks and gratitude to all the doctors and staff. Having fully recovered, our 19 year old son is a professional Skimboarder sponsored by Victoria (not a bad recovery).
“Choc” it all up to a good cause~!
**The Daftarian Group is a real estate company who specializes in luxury real estate in coastal Orange County. The Daftarian Group is honored to have a wonderful partnership with CHOC Children’s Foundation and donates a portion of the group’s real estate transactions to the foundation.**