Vive La France!

Posted by Charli

on July 6, 2009

maison 140

Who: Hotelier and Kor Hotel Group President Nicholas Clayton, General Manager Marie-Helene Morowati

What: Bastille Day Celebration at Maison 140 Beverly Hills

When: July 14, 2009, 6-11 p.m.

Where: 140 S. Lasky Dr., Beverly Hills

Why: Because French wine and cheese is your favorite food group.

Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you I am a “oui” bit obsessed with all things French. (That’s what too many fashion magazines and a tiny crush on Carine Roitfeld will get you.) Am I alone? Mais non, and the chic Maison 140 Beverly Hills knows it. If you’re excited to relive the celebration of a nation’s independence, or you just want to show off those new Louboutins, you now have another excuse to party in July: Maison 140’s Bastille Day Celebration on July 14. >>

If you’ve never been to Maison 140, get thee to a vehicle, stat. Not only is there a priceless street full of free parking out front after 6 p.m. (a rare find for a posh L.A. hotel) but the contemporary tribute to a classic Left Bank inn will charm your little black dress off. Adorned with Parisian antiques, red-lacquered doors, chic slipper chairs, mirrored Chinoiserie wall panels and French crystal chandeliers, the hotel and its Bar Noir is ideal for intimate gatherings. On Bastille Day, the normally tranquil lobby will be alive with eclectic French music (courtesy of a D.J.) while L.A. Francophiles sip champagne and French wine, and nibble on Pièce Montée (a traditional French wedding cake), French cheese and fruit. Attendees will also get the chance to win an exclusive “Vin et Fromage” wine and cheese tasting* at Maison 140’s Bar Noir hosted by Sophie Gayot of Gayot.com.

Partnering with Club Culinaire of French Cuisine, a non-profit organization whose members comprise some of the most influential French and French-influenced chefs in L.A., Maison 140 will donate a portion of Bastille Day event proceeds to The HOPE Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Tickets are $85 per person ($20 of which goes to The HOPE Program).

Oh, and if you fear you may have too much to drink, don’t fret: Maison 140 is offering a special room rate of $75 for those who are too tipsy to drive home.

vin_et_fromage

*An insider’s note: “Vin et Fromage” tastings (sans Sophie) are held every Wednesday night at Maison 140’s Bar Noir from 6-9 p.m. throughout summer. For a mere $35, you can transport yourself to the South of France as you feast on a display of breads, fruits and artisanal French cheeses while sampling three delicious yet very different French Rosés. I’ve been, and it’s not to be missed! To RSVP, e-mail tastings@maison140beverlyhills.com or call 310.407.7795.

P.S. (As if you needed more reason): Stop by Bar Noir any day between 5 and 7 p.m. and you can partake in L’Heure Verte or “The Green Hour,” an exquisite absinthe tasting experience at $5 per glass.