Over the weekend, I was invited to the GLAAD Hancock Park: Top Chef Invasion event here in Los Angeles, which featured several Top Chef alums as well as notable local chefs (Kerry Simon, Susan Feniger, e.g.). However, the real draw for me was Real Housewife Lisa VanderPump, who continues to be my favorite cast member of the venerable Bravo series. Yes, I’m slightly obsessed.
Anyway, after the jump are random pics from the event…
The event. The fundraiser was held in the backyard of a swanky Hancock Park mansion.
The VIP area. Only corporate sponsors and VIPs were allowed in. Sadly, this was also where the Top Chefs were serving their food. Long story short: I didn’t get to sample Fabio, Antonia, and Jamie’s offerings. Sad face.
Shonda Rimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy and fellow Dartmouth alum. I tried to impress her by noting that I too hailed from the Big Green, but I don’t think it fazed her. Ingratiation FAIL.
Former Pussycat Doll and current recording artist Kaya Jones. We became BFFs.
Kaya was enamored with my glasses and insisted on trying them on. I think she was rather impressed when I told her I bought them for $3.80 at Forever 21.
Some Top Chef action. Antonia was kind enough to flash a smile my way.
Jamie joins the group. She seemed to be all sorts of happy and chipper. It was strange.
From afar, I spot Lisa VanderPump. Heart = racing.
Adorable alert: Lisa adjusts husband Ken’s outfit.
The lovely couple pose for my lowly camera. I remind Lisa that I had written Villa Blanca up on my site, and she actually remembers (or at least pretends to). We chit chat for about thirty seconds, and she tells me that Villa Blanca’s executive chef Francis Dimitrius almost made it on to Top Chef. Oh well. Maybe next season. Sadly, I’m not on top of my shmoozing game; so I humbly step away when my shame becomes too great to handle.
After my Lisa VanderPump interaction, I decide to leave the red carpet and sample some of the food on display. One of my favorites is the Border Grill station manned by Susan Feniger herself. I must have come by this table about ten times. Susan, I should note, is just as sunny and affable as she is on TV. I inform her that I was caught on Top Chef Masters noshing on her Border Grill partner Mary Sue’s quesadilla. Susan giggles and makes me feel like I’m not a total idiot for sharing my inane story.
Clearly the most impressive silent auction item: the Andy Cohen & Co. plate collection. Somehow I forgot to place a bid…
The End.
What an incredibly gorgeous shade of pink that is on her.
I, too, most admire Lisa VanderPump, and I think I’d like to see an iteration which features her traveling among franchise cities. Oh, the drama that could ensue!
Lisa is my favorite housewife of all time, too.
I’m thrilled for you.:)
While in LA for our gathering we ate at both Villa Blanca and Border Grill – both fantastic!
I don’t understand the segregation. There didn’t seem to be a lot of people there and it was an invitation only event. What constitutes a VIP? You are not a VIP? You are the reason I know these people. I am a bit miffed. I am so glad you saw Lisa VanderPump. Soon she will know you like a friend.
I don’t understand the segregation. There didn’t look like there was a lot of people at the event, so why segregate. What constitutes a VIP? Soon Lisa VanderPump will know you.
Susan Feniger is my Ina Garten.
hb