December 2022 | Beverly Hills Living

PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Jessica Varone

Content Coordinator: Arielle Harris

Contributing Photographer: Liana Grigoryan

Designer: Karlee Murphy

Proofreader: Diane Crowley

ADVERTISING

Contact: Jessica Varone Email: jvarone@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 310-270-3083

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Beverly Hills Living is a magazine exclusively circulated to residents who live in Beverly Hills and designed to bring the community together.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Beverly Hills City Hall..............................................(310) 285-1040

TEXT BH...........................................................................(310) 596-4265

Beverly Hills Fire Department............................(310) 281-2700

BHPD Non-Emergency...........................................(310) 550-4951

Beverly Hills Public Works.....................................(310) 285-2467

Community Services...............................................(310) 288-2220

Beverly Hills Library..................................................(310) 288-2234

Subscribe! If you enjoy Beverly Hills Living and are craving connection, follow us today @beverlyhillslivingmagazine on Instagram. We always enjoy your comments, questions and feedback. Please let us know how we are doing. Send emails to jvarone@bestversionmedia.com.

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER OF BEVERLY HILLS LIVING

One of the things I love about Beverly Hills is how festive the city is this time of year. Rodeo Drive lights up all month with one-of-a-kind decorations and nearly every other block around town. As we round out the final days of 2022, we reflect upon our full year in print and see how far we’ve come. In this extra-special holiday issue, cover star Kandace Lindsey lights up the city with her voice from all corners of the globe. Within these pages, our holiday giving guide highlights causes worth celebrating, along with a round-up of the Beverly Hills Police Reimagined Gala and a spotlight on the community event Vahagn Setian Tree Planting Ceremony. Flip to our interview with entertaining host extraordinaire Alex Hitz who shares a swoon-worthy recipe from his new cookbook “Occasions to Celebrate” to experience during your next party.

ay your holidays be merry and bright, filled with dear friends and family and good cheer. We hope you enjoy the issue!

DO YOU HOLD EXPERT STATUS?

CONTACT JESSICA VARONE AT JVARONE@BESTVERSIONMEDIA.COM OR 310.270.3083

Founding Publisher of Beverly Hills Living Ambassador & Member of Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS Introducing Our Industry Experts

ARCHITECTURE

David Ke

David Ke | Design Collaborative Studio, Inc. davidk@dkdcsarchitecture.com 626-536-2913 DKDCSArchitecture.com

LEGAL SERVICES

Jeff Monahan

Business & Entertainment Law 310-499-4493 jeff@monahanlegal.com monahanlegal.com

COUTURE DESIGN

Saverio Pisano

Italian Designer Couture & Tailoring 323-273-6831 patternmaker-tailor.net

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Michael Todd, OPFM

OnPoint Financial Management 9465 Wilshire Blvd Suite 300 | Beverly Hills, CA 90212 323-243-9129 mike@onpointfinancialmanagement.com

IN-HOME CARE

Larry Anthony Right at Home 499 Canon Drive 310-691-1192 rightathome.net/beverly-hills

HOME SAFETY & PROTECTION

David R. Corio

Regional VP ACS Security 310-362-5655 info@acssecurity.com acssecurity.com

HEALTH & LONGEVITY

Dr. Samuel Lebovici

Total Regenerative Medical Health 866-642-0892 info@totalrmh.com totalrmh.com

REAL ESTATE

Traci Fellows Fellows Luxury Group DRE# 01019413 213-408-9912 traci@fellowsluxurygroup.com fellowsluxurygroup.com

GATHERINGS FOR A CAUSE

On September 22, 2022, the Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund celebrated the Beverly Hills Police Reimagined Gala. It was a spectacular evening at Jean-Georges at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. This event brings the community together to recognize the brave members of the Beverly Hills Police for their exemplary public service. The sold-out event featured a cocktail, hors d’oeuvres reception, live auction, and awards presentation. Chief Mark Stainbrook presented nine awards recognizing BHPD personnel, as well as community members. Auctioneers extraordinaire Mayor Lili Bosse and BHPOA Board President Joshua Cudworth led the live auction, which was filled with excitement as bidders raised record-breaking amounts for exclusive BHPD experiences. The Beverly Hills Police Gala is one of the best-attended and most highly anticipated events in the city. Funds raised directly benefit Beverly Hills Police Officers and their families. To learn more and support, please visit bhpoa.org.

— BY MARA BLOOM AND STACIA KOPEIKIN

1 - BH School Board President Mary Wells, Tiffany Davis, Noelle Freeman 2 - Kamyar and Judy Manouchehri

- BHPOA Board President, Officer Joshua Cudworth

- Clinton H. Anderson Award winner, Officer Joel Givens, and Chief Mark Stainbrook

- Gabriel A. Coyoca Award winner, Council Member Lester J. Friedman, and Chief Mark Stainbrook

- Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Todd Johnson, Beverly Hills City Manager George Chavez

- Samantha Cudworth, Natalia Lotyanu, Emil Lotyanu, BHPOA Board President Officer Joshua Cudworth

- Kathy Melamed and Shahram Melamed

- Audry Bornstein and Madeline Gussman

- Mayor Lili Bosse and BHPOA Board President Officer Joshua Cudworth

PUBLIC WELCOME TO JOIN MEMORIAL TREE PLANTING IN HONOR OF VAHAGN SETIAN

— BY ARIELLE HARRIS

The Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation was started in 2007 by Karen Setian to honor his late son Vahagn, who at the age of 17, tragically died in a drunk driving accident in 2006. Vahagn was a Beverly Hills High School student at the time and his death shook the city into mourning. The non-profit aims to provide scholarships, grants, and financial support to students who, like Vahagn, are passionate about education, music, and the arts. Each year the organization implements an annual memorial event in Vahagn’s memory. Past events include a fashion show, a Baker to Vegas run, a 5k Walk/Run in Beverly Hills, and honorable tree planting.

On Sunday, December 4th, the Foundation is launching a memorial tree planting on Coldwater Canyon just north of the fire station, which Karen hopes will become a Memorial Grove in the future.

As their saying goes, “our work is strong with your support.”

Visit vahagnfoundation.org to learn more.

▲ From left to right: Beverly Hills Police Officers, alongside Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook, Karén Setian, Officer Scott Dibble, and Officer Arda Guvlekjian at Roxbury Park memorial tree planting in December of 2021 to honor the 15 year mark of Vahagn Setian's passing.

▼ From left to right: Ida Nalbandian, Councilmember Les Friedman, Karén Setian, Councilmember John Mirish, Councilmember Julian Gold, Vice Mayor Lili Bosse, Mayor Bob Wunderlich, Luciano Setian, Amadea Setian remember Vahagn Setian in a tree planting at Roxbury Park in December of 2021.

Photos courtesy Karen Setian

USING VOICE TO HEAL THE WORLD KANDACE LINDSEY

HER JOURNEY TO GLOBAL SUCCESS

Established singer, songwriter, global citizen, and Beverly Hills resident Kandace Lindsey epitomizes multicultural beauty through music and entertainment. Growing up in Arizona, Kandace was raised by her parents, Harvey and Georgia Lindsey, lovers of new adventures and cultural experiences. “I grew up in a home where my mother and father would say every Spring Break, pick a place outside of the US and let’s visit. My mom would go get language records from the library so we could learn the language for the country and culture we were visiting,” says Kandace. While she attributes much of her open-mindedness and cultural experiences to her parents, her brother Myron introduced her to a more eclectic musical palette that would eventually shape her music career. Fusing her familial influences, Kandace has become a figure of soulful, multicultural musicianship.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and a minor in Chemistry, from Arizona State University, Kandace moved to Los Angeles, initially to work at a Fortune 500 company. But her passion and love for music, and how it profoundly heals people, would eventually become her life’s purpose. With her soothing yet fiery and radiant voice, she quickly found success. Her first singing gig was with Brandy on the Oprah show. Soon after, she was asked to sing with International Latin sensations Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Social D, and Macy Gray. She earned several TV commercial spots and ad campaigns for brands including Nike, Chevy, Budweiser, and Verizon, she wrote and performed songs for the WNBA Phoenix Mercury & NBA Phoenix Suns basketball teams in Arizona, has been a member of the Recording Academy and sung on Netflix’s animated series “Motown Magic” as a featured character. Kandace has also landed spots in Super Bowl commercials for five consecutive years.

In addition to Kandace’s thriving live performance resume, she releases her own music. Over the last two decades, she has released five singles and four albums – and a fifth set to release within the next few months. After traveling to Brazil – a country she considers to be her “second home” and birthplace of husband William Cerqueira – to complete and record her newest album, Kandace is excited to share her new works with the world. The album is produced by Multi-Grammy & Latin Grammy award-winning Brazilian producer Mario Caldato Jr., who has credits with artists Seu Jorge, Vanessa de Mata, and Beastie Boys. “I either wrote or co-wrote all the songs on this trilingual album, except for a Brazilian cover I am re-imagining. All these songs are an expression of me and my travels, inspired by visiting Brazil countless times and spending time with family,” says Kandace.

Thus far, Kandace’s career has allotted her visitation and performance opportunities in 26 countries and 95 cities worldwide. Though she has performed worldwide, including in Brazil, Spain, the UK, and many more, Kandace loves paying homage to her town of Beverly Hills, the city that became her new home after leaving Arizona. “I was a single woman, and I wanted to move somewhere I thought would feel safe living by myself and in a small community. I have lived in Beverly Hills since 1998,” she says.

▲ Custom Upcycled Silver Mini Dress by The Chrysalis Lab

WRITTEN BY ARIELLE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIANA GRIGORYAN

Custom Upcycled Emerald Gown by The Chrysalis Lab Styling by Madelyn Droessler @ohmadelyn Makeup by April Chaney @Effleuragebeverlyhills Hair by Robbie Rodgers @robbirogers1

“All the songs on my new album are an expression of me and inspired by visiting Brazil countless times and spending time with family."

— Kandace Lindsey

Today, she resides in the city with her husband William, a real estate agent at “The Agency” Beverly Hills, and son Càssio, a student in the Beverly Hills school district, and of course, Yugo, their Maltipoo Corgi dog. “I appreciate that if I wanted to, I could walk to the bank, stores, restaurants, galleries, or see live music at different hotels in the area. I also enjoy that my son goes to school in BHUSD, a convenient, safe, tight-knit community. I have been a member of the executive board of PTA.” A proud member of the Beverly Hills community, Kandace has credits performing at several venues and events around the city: Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center, the Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting ceremony, the mayoral installation of current mayor Lili Bosse, plus the Next Night block party on Beverly Drive.

Kandace hopes her influence goes beyond her direct community and has a global impact. She uses music to promote mental health and wellness and actively participates in Visionary Women; a non-profit organization focused on engaging in conversations with innovative world leaders and funding high-impact initiatives for women and girls. She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, an organization of college-educated women committed to public service with a primary focus on African American women and the community. As someone who relies upon culture, arts, family, wellness, and meditation, Kandace strives to be a light to empower others to shine and live out their truth. She lives by the Buddhist philosophy of changing “poison into medicine” when encountering obstacles so that adversity will serve as a hurdle to hump over to achieve an even more significant benefit in life.

Kandace Lindsey’s music can be found on all streaming platforms including but not limited to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon Music, and more. Updates on upcoming music and release dates are available through her social media platforms @KandaceLindseySinger on Instagram and Kandace Lindsey on Facebook.

▲ Custom Upcycled Silk Cape by The Chrysalis Lab

▲ Kandace performing “Believe” and “What are you doing New Year's Eve?” at the 2018 Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration

HOME SECURITY CAN KEEP YOU SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

— BY DAVID R. CORIO, REGIONAL VP OF ACS SECURITY

Although the holidays bring a lot of joy and happiness for the whole family, they are also a time of stress when burglaries are very common. With presents everywhere and more cars parked near the home, the risk of theft can increase during the holidays. Luckily, utilizing home security and home automation systems can offer the protection you deserve.

Holiday Home Security Limits Package Thieves

With millions of homes stocked full of packages during the holidays, theft is far too common. From breaking into homes to stealing packages delivered to your doorstep, burglars stay busy during the holiday season.

How to Prevent Porch Theft

• Try to schedule deliveries for times you know you’ll be home.

• If you know a package has been delivered and you’re not home, ask a trusted neighbor to grab it for you.

• Send packages to a different location, if possible, like your work or a security locker.

• Install a video doorbell and consider extra security cameras.

Protect Your Home Against Break-Ins

Security cameras will keep an eye on your home, alerting the monitoring center of any suspicious activity while sounding the alarm to scare off any potential thieves. Take your monitored video security to the next level with Video Shield from ACS Security, where trained video security experts monitor your cameras in real time. This proactive approach to surveillance allows for even faster response times.

Glass break detectors can help prevent screen door or second-story break-ins, triggering your security alarm at the first sound of a forced entry while covering a radius of up to 25 feet. While motion detectors are vital to your home security system’s function, they are typically not armed when you are home. Glass break detectors are always active and are triggered by the sound of breaking glass. Combined with motion detectors and top-notch security monitoring, get the peace of mind you need during the holidays.

Security Monitors Your Home When You’re Away for the Holidays

Given that many people travel during the holidays, this leaves many homes

vacant — which can open the door for potential theft. But when the right home security service is in place, you can keep burglars at bay and protect the items inside your home. With a few holiday travel security precautions and a bit of prep, you can keep your home safe and secure while you’re away.

Some other tips to consider:

• Make it seem like someone’s home – use home automation to set timers for your lights and double-check your door locks

• Have a trusted neighbor check in on your home while you’re away

• Notify your security company that you’ll be traveling and be sure to arm your security system before you leave

Protection Against Fires

During the holidays, accidental fire rates increase to very high levels. Installing a fire alarm monitoring system in place can help you stay safe from detrimental fires.

Fire alarm monitoring offers more protection for you and your family in the event of an emergency. Normal smoke detectors simply make noise, which is what they're supposed to do. But all that really accomplishes is to alert anyone in the home or area that a possible fire is occurring.

Monitored fire alarms alert the alarm monitoring center as soon as a fire alarm or smoke detector is triggered. The monitoring center can then alert the fire department for the fastest response times. In any moment of crisis, time is a precious resource. A fire alarm monitoring system can make a difference in life-saving minutes.

ACS Security Can Help

If you’re looking for more ways to keep your family safe, check out our home security and automation solutions at ACS Security. With outstanding smart security services and alarm monitoring, we can offer the protection you deserve along with a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.

acssecurity.com

ANTI-AGING DENTISTRY A HEALTHY SMILE CAN INSTANTLY MAKE YOU LOOK YOUNGER

Brother dental duo, Periodontist Dr. Justin Raanan and Prosthodontist Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Rodney Raanan, team up to prevent, treat, and restore aging smiles. They understand firsthand how a smile makeover can not only transform a person's face, but their confidence, overall health, and lifestyle. Most patients are unaware of the anti-aging benefits of proper oral hygiene.

“The well-being of your mouth is a reflection of your body’s overall health. Aging of the mouth is inevitable but with proper care and attention we can slow the wheels of oral disease,” says Dr. Justin Raanan. There are many studies that show the association between gum inflammation and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems, all of which are more prevalent in later life. Bacteria from gum infections can even travel through the bloodstream to trigger inflammation and initiate chronic diseases in almost all organs of the body.

Have you ever noticed a light blue color on the tips of your lower teeth? Your mouth changes as you age. A few gray hairs and spotting a new wrinkle may also mean a few possible cavities; it is possible your gums could be receding along with your hairline. Exposed soft root tissue can lead to an array of dental discomfort and sensitivity. Although your teeth can last a lifetime, some changes are inevitable. Over time, nerves inside the tooth structure get smaller and the enamel loses thickness through wear and grinding which leads to chips and cracks. Furthermore, the appearance of the teeth can change over time due to repetitive consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.

Age brings more health problems, and that often means multiple medications, many of which can have a detrimental effect on your oral health. For instance, some medications cause a lack of saliva, which makes eating and swallowing difficult, causes bad breath, and leads to

infection of oral tissues. While there's not much you can do to prevent the natural regression of tooth structure during aging and its effects on your oral health, the fundamental pillars of cavity prevention (brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings/checkups) remain the same at any age. Patients who struggle with dexterity due to age can consider switching to an electric toothbrush or may need to be seen by a hygienist on a more frequent basis. Fluoride rinses, gels, and varnishes applied by a dentist may be able to halt the progression of root decay and in some cases reverse the damage.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Strong teeth are the stars of a healthy mouth. Periodontal disease, characterized by receding gums, wobbly teeth, and deterioration of the jawbone, is the primary culprit in tooth loss among older adults. Fortunately, periodontal disease is treatable at any age with a combination of scaling to remove the hardened plaque and infected gum tissue, laser therapy, antibiotics, and — in advanced cases — surgery. The importance of regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings should go without saying. It is crucial to catch and address any problems and make sure they are treated early. Dr. Justin Raanan and Dr. Rodney Raanan believe it is essential to visit your dentist and hygienist at least 2-4 times each year to monitor and prevent any decay or periodontal disease. By doing this you are not only taking care of your mouth but your overall systemic health.

— BY SHAB SADEGHI

(310) 205-5300, rifkinraanan.com 414 N Camden Dr #1280, Beverly Hills

Photos by Valentina Socci Photography

WEEKEND GUIDE: KIDS EDITION

Donna Delshad is the founder of Shorty Yoga, Los Angeles’ only all-kids, all-yoga studio. They offer classes for babies, toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens. She rounds up some “really rad” kid-friendly spots to take out the little one’s around town.

— BY JESSICA VARONE

Le Mervetty

"For their outrageous looking/tasting milkshakes!"

319 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 lemervetty.com

Beverly Hills Farmers Market

"Great weekend stroll, and you’ll often see kids dancing to the live music."

@bhfarmersmarket

Sushi Kiyono

"A favorite spot to go with my nieces (because LA/city kids love sushi), the owner and staff are lovely, and the baked crab handroll is unmatched."

255 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 sushikiyono.com

Tom’s Toys

"A Beverly Hills staple, great for perusing with kiddos, and an excellent selection for gifts."

437 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills tomstoystore.com/beverly-hills

shortyyoga.com @shortylosangeles info@shortyyoga.com 424-646-3330

COVID-19 update: In-studio classes are on pause, but in-person outdoor pods (semi-private) and private sessions are happening! That’s right, Shorty makes house calls, could it get more convenient? Kids can also join outdoor group classes in partnership with the City of Beverly Hills Parks and Recreation at Roxbury Park.

Tipperary

"A must for getting your kid’s haircut, just up the street on Robertson from Shorty, and they even have a couple of awesome arcade games to keep you/your kiddos entertained while you wait."

221 S Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 tipperarykids.com

“Shorty Yoga helps kids become awesome little human beings by introducing them to yoga in a space just for them, with a program designed to help them thrive. It’s fun, it’s chill, it’s generally awesome!”

— Donna Delshad

Photo by Circumpunct Studio

NEW! Opening Dec 8 | Mr. Brainwash Art Museum | Corner of Beverly Drive and Santa Monica Blvd. | Attention Art Lovers: this three-story museum is filled with original artwork created by Mr. Brainwash that features captivating paintings, monumental sculptures, and immersive installations. $20 adults and $10 children under 12, senior citizens, and students, 11AM-6PM, Mrbrainwashartmuseum.com

November 25 - December 31 | Holiday Road Los Angeles | King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas CA | A family-friendly holiday experience. Expect to see some largerthan-life holiday displays, millions of Christmas lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus & the elves, countless candy canes, and all of your favorite holiday cheer! 5-10 PM, Tickets from $30, tixr.com

December 3 & 4 | Greystone Holiday Garden

Greystone Mansion & Gardens: The Doheny Estate, beverlyhills.org

December 6 | Greystone Garden Cooking Class - Indian Vegetarian | Greystone Mansion & Gardens | “First in a series of global cooking methods utilizing the fruits and vegetables we grow here at the Greystone Demonstration Garden. We are honored to be joined by Vineeta Vir, who will demonstrate the regional cooking of southern India.” 10-11:30AM, Tickets $12 residents, $15 non-residents, secure.rec1.com

December 8 | Business with Bosse | 208 N Rodeo Drive | Meet the mayor at the iconic 208 Rodeo restaurant at Via Rodeo and engage with members of the local community. Small bites will be served. From 5:30–7 PM, lovebeverlyhills. com/events

December 11

| Beverly Hills Sculpture Park and Architectural History Tour

Beverly Gardens Park | Featuring a tailored selection of our historic and worldrenowned public art in Beverly Gardens Park, this curated tour will focus on important works including the prestigious Henri Alfred Marie Jacqemart's Hunter and the Hounds, Ai Weiwei's Iron Root, and Roxy Paine's Erratic, amongst others. Free, 11 AM, beverlyhills.org/artwalk

December 11

| Layali Zaman Academy Orchestra Winter Concert

Saban Theatre | This 30-piece orchestra combines traditional Arab world instruments, Qanun, Oud, Nay, and hand drums, with Western European instruments to create an exciting evening of music and song. 6:30 PM (Doors at 5 PM), Tickets from $31.

December 19 | Menorah Lighting Ceremony | Beverly Hills City Hall

Through December 18 | Invincible - The Musical | The Wallis Invincible reimagines the timeless story of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for the 21st century through an intricate weaving of the four-time GRAMMY® Award-winners and 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ legendary catalog and inspired new songs. 7:30 PM, 2 PM for matinee. Tickets from $39, thewallis.org

Entertainment and events sometimes change after press deadline. Please check with venues to confirm the date and times.

— BY JESSICA VARONE

Favorite past time "My Bentley – he has a way of turning a tough day around. We both look forward to seeing each other at the end of the day."

Favorite jewelry "Love my evil eye jewelry! Lorraine Schwartz does it best. 18 Karat gold with blue topaz and diamonds."

TREASURE CHEST

Respected luxury expert Kathy Gohari, Rodeo Drive Committee, and President of KG Relations, a luxury advisory firm, celebrates the end of 2022 with a collection of her local favorites and global treasures.

BY JESSICA VARONE

Photo by Kate Jones, courtesy Rodeo Drive Committee

Favorite snack "Persian cucumbers. I can go through the whole pack in one sitting. Salt and lime are a must."

Favorite food "The Tuna Nachos at 208 Rodeo Restaurant. They are a must!"

I

My dream watch "Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, 37MM, diamond bezel, green dial."

Local getaway

"My “me time”. Getting my hair done at the Vito Esposito Salon on Dayton Way."

Favorite book this year "The Choice. Dr. Eger’s books are always a good choice. No pun intended."

Favorite home goods

"Michael Aram’s black orchid collection is one of my vices. Can’t get enough."

Favorite face cream "Clé de Peau. I love the way my skin feels afterward. Super creamy."

Favorite holiday

"Christmas on Rodeo Drive. Absolutely breathtaking. This is where my family takes all our pictures for our holiday cards."

Favorite luggage "Rimowa carry-on luggage. I can’t travel without it. Recently, I packed for a sixday trip to Geneva in this little carry-on."

Favorite resort "The Mulia Resort in Nusa Dua, Bali. Their spa and deep tissue massage are the best

have ever experienced."

SAVOR THE SEASON

Looking for the perfect French Onion Soup recipe for the winter season? Entertaining host extraordinaire Alex Hitz shares a favorite from his new cookbook Occasions To Celebrate.

Five-Onion Soup

Makes 8 servings

4 tablespoons butter 4 shallots, roughly chopped

The white part of 1 leek, roughly chopped 1 red onion, roughly chopped 2 onions, roughly chopped

The white parts of 1 bunch green onions, roughly chopped 2 quarts chicken stock 1 ½ cups heavy cream ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

16 thin slices French baguette, buttered, and toasted 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese, firmly packed

In a large, heavy stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. When the foaming has subsided, add the shallots, leek, and onions. Turn the heat to medium-low, and stir the mixture frequently, until the onions are soft, and have turned deep golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Add the chicken stock, and simmer the mixture, uncovered, until the onions are very soft, another 20 minutes.

Transfer the soup to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and puree it until it’s smooth. This may need to be done in batches. Return the soup to the stockpot, add the cream, salt, and pepper, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer the soup for another 20 minutes until the soup has thickened. When it’s time to serve, preheat the broiler. Divide the soup into eight individual oven-proof ramekins. Add 2 toasted baguette slices to each ramekin, overlapping them slightly if necessary, and top them with 2 tablespoons of Gruyère cheese. Broil the soup on the top rack until the cheese is brown and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes, before serving.

ALEX'S TOP HOSTING TIPS

What’s the perfect party size?

“Whether you’re hosting an intimate group of 40 or upwards of 250, there’s no main difference. Either way, it’s a lot of work. All you need is just a little more food.”

Number one tip to help hosts relieve

stress?

“Do absolutely everything ahead of time. Do all the food ahead of time and just heat it up. Number one, it tastes better. And number two, there's a lot less stress. And if you’ve screwed something up, you've screwed it up three or four days beforehand, so you have time to fix it, rather than right then when everybody's there.”

What is your secret to entertaining well?

“Never stop smiling. That's how you do it. Never stop. Anything can go wrong and will go wrong and does go wrong. Do everything ahead of time and never stop smiling. By the way, if you're a nervous host or hostess, nobody ever died reading an etiquette book. Manners are the only things that cost nothing and pay off tenfold every time.”

Photos by Iain Bagwell

— BY JESSICA VARONE

HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE

The year-end holidays are a time of reflection that inspire many people to reach out to those who are in need. We’re sharing ideas for organizations to support this holiday season.

Alzheimer’s Association

This nonprofit’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. alz.org

Boys & Girls Club of America

Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place for more than 4 million youth, giving them an opportunity to discover their great futures. Make a life-changing difference for a child in need. Bgca.org

Cat Cafe Lounge

Join Los Angeles' only non-profit Cat Cafe by taking care of rescue kittens and cats. Volunteer at catcafelounge.com

Cedars-Sinai Women’s Guild

For more than 50 years, the Women’s Guild has been inspiring innovation at Cedars-Sinai. Donations support patient care, vital medical programs, and equipment, research, and education. Womensguildcs.org

Childhelp

Helping victims of child abuse is more than just a desire, it is Childhelp’s lifetime commitment. This commitment began when their founders, two young Hollywood actresses, encountered 11 homeless orphans abroad, and all of their lives were forever changed. childhelp.org

Doris Day Animal Foundation

The Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF) is a national, nonprofit 501(c)(3) Public Charity founded in 1978 as the Doris Day Pet Foundation by legendary performer, Doris Day, with a straightforward mission that continues to this day: to help animals and the people who love them. Dorisdayanimalfoundation.org

Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust

Donations to the oldest survivor-founded Holocaust museum in the United States provide free Holocaust education for students, inspiring them to take positive action in their lives and communities. lamoth.org

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Volunteer for a few hours of your time at the LA Food Bank and help provide food for 2 million people in Los Angeles County who face food insecurity. Signup at lafoodbank.org/volunteer

Project Angel Food

Prepares and delivers healthy meals to feed people impacted by serious illness, bringing comfort and hope every day. Angelfood.org

School on Wheels

Volunteer at School on Wheels by tutoring and mentoring children from K -12th grade living in shelters, motels, vehicles, group foster homes, and the streets of Southern California. Help a student’s life at schoolonwheels.org

Wounded Warrior Project

Dedicated to helping veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001, this charity focuses on the 52,000 service men and women injured in recent conflicts, as well as the 500,000 living with invisible wounds. Woundedwarriorproject.org

— BY JESSICA VARONE

Happy Holidays!