La Grenouille NYC

Last night I photographed a private dinner upstairs at La Grenouille. The former artist studio retains its bohemian vibe and was a perfect choice of location for my out of town client who wanted the guests to feel at home. The food was wonderful. Yes I got to eat downstairs at the bar while the guest were eating upstairs. I ran up and down between mouthfuls to make sure I didn't miss anything and to burn some calories so I would have room for their famous Chocolate Souffle. Sadly I was so full at the end of the fish course that I never did make it to desert.
The flowers at Le Grenouille are famous and for good reason. Last night the theme was french country and there were flowers, fruit and lavender on every table.
If you want to have a party at Le Grenouille all you have to do is call Erin and she will take care of the rest.

Here is the link to the website for more info La Grenouille

Aloe Blacc sings at Cartier New York

Last wednesday I was photographing a private soiree at Cartier 52nd St in New York when I got to meet and hear the amazingly talented Aloe Blacc. He dropped in to treat the guests to a few of his songs.
What you have not heard of him? Well I am afraid I hadn't either but no one will be able to forget him once they hear him sing "I Need a Dollar" . You can check out his website at this link aloeblacc.com

Hope Funds for Cancer Research Dinner

Last night I photographed the Annual Hope Funds for Cancer Research here in New York. It has been a heat wave all week so it was amazing to see everyone looking so dashing, especially the men who were in white tie for this formal occasion.
Honorees who were presented with the 2011 Hope Funds Award of Excellence at this year's Gala were: Joan Massagué, Ph.D., for Basic Science; Kenneth C. Anderson, M.D., for Clinical Development; Larry Norton, M.D., for Medicine; Ellen Stovall for Advocacy; Donald J. Listwin, for Philanthropy; while David H. Koch was presented the 2010 Award of Excellence for Philanthropy.
The room looked amazing with 2 long tables. It felt like a State Dinner. I sat next to one of the young researchers who has been the recipient from a postdoctoral fellowship in Cancer Research from Hope Funds and who told me that it had enabled him to continue working in a lab.. He also explained that while only 6 years old Hope Funds is making a big difference in the lives of those working in the areas of many difficult-to-treat cancers that are the last ones to get funding.
Many thanks to Leah Caan, without whom this organization would not exist.

To view all the photos please click on this link Hope Funds Dinner

Gloria Vanderbilt at The Museum of The City of New York

Yesterday was the Spring Lecture Series at the Museum of the City of New York. Gloria Vanderbilt was joined by Wendy Goodman and Matthew Patrick Smyth for the Symposium. Wendy presented a slide show of images of Gloria and her life. It was amazing to get a first hand account from Gloria herself and to get an insight into her taste in decorating and how she and Patrick have worked together. There were so many iconic images of Gloria that bought gasps of awe from the audience.
Afterwards there was lunch on the terrace of the museum.
To view all the photos please click on this link The MCNY Spring Symposium

Detroit Wedding

I arrived in Detroit today and checked into the newly renovated Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. It is great. I wanted to get into the big soft bed but instead I headed out to find food. How lucky was I that I found the best rib joint in town by mistake. I had a yummy and sinful plate of ribs at Slowes. I don't really need an excuse but if I was going to have one it is that the next 2 days are going to be photo fabulous and that means no time to think about eating.
I am so excited to be working with Sarah Fox and Calvin Ford on their wedding. I went out to check the location since the last time I was at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford house it was early sprint and the leaves were not yet on the trees.
What a beautiful location. They are predicting rain so that means clouds. I have my fingers crossed that it happens really early or very late and that we have a big dry spell between 3pm and 9pm.

Save Venice Ball in Town & Country Magazine June 2011

I just got the June issue of Town & Country Magazine and was happy to see a full page of party photos from the Save Venice Ball that I shot at the Plaza Hotel. It really was as fun as it looked. There is nothing better than a group of glamourous people hidden behind their masks. The smiles are big when they take of their disguises especially for those who have not yet been recognised.
To view all the photos please click on Save Venice Ball Link

Fez to Casablanca

Volubilis

Today was my last day in Fez and so we headed out of town to do some sight seeing. We went to the old Roman ruins at Volubilis. It was wonderful to be able to wander around the ancient city with the smell of the herbs growing wild around the tumbled stones. There was a large group of local school kids who came with drums and local instruments and put on an impromptu concert as we arrived.

Fez Food

One of the best things about staying with friends is that I get to meet people who live and work locally. Last night I meet Gail Leonard. Originally from Yorkshire this self confessed food obsessive started a company called Fez Food. She does all kinds of custom tours from walking around the medina sampling the local honey, breads, meats and spices to cooking classes and excursions all over Morocco.
It was her night off so we meet her at Fez Cafe in Le Jardin des Biehn. Tucked away behind a huge door we entered into a garden and walked along the path until we arrived at the brightly coloured veranda where we found our table. The menu was a mixture of traditional food with a hint of french cuisine.
Today we bumped into Gail as she was walking through the spice market with some american tourists. They had just sampled camel meat and were on their way to have a local coffee.
To see Gail's blog you can click on the link FEZ FOOD

http://www.fez-food.com/

Fez

WhenI was back in Australia at Christmas I visited my old school friend Rebecca Raft and her partner PC at their home and workshop in Palm Beach. Rebecca designs and makes handmade silver jewelry and has a company called Bouvier.
A few years ago the two of them visited Fez and fell in love with the ambience, food, buildings and people in this far away exotic place. Without hesitating they found themselves an old riad that they have renovated in the heart of the medina.
Rebecca showed me photos as we sat on her terrace overlooking the gum trees and the beach and we decided that I should come and visit.
In the last few years not only have the 2 transformed a pile of rubble into a haven of tranquility they have met amazing artists and craftsmen that have brought to life many of Rebecca's designs from the hanging brass lights to the cushions and chairs. Even the pottery was made to her design and the calligraphy on the cups and plates says Dar Rafti, a play on her name.
The first night we sat on her terrace drinking coffee and nibbling on honey almond pastries that melted in my mouth while the call to prayers echoed in the background.
The next day we wandered around the medina. I am so inspired by the tiles, colors, woodwork and the hidden spaces that open as one walks through the old wooden doors.
To view Rebecca's web site click on this link BOUVIER