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ALL ABOUT ANNA PHOTOGRAPHER MATTHEW MITCHELL • PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MICHAEL ROSE STYLING CARMINE BICCHETTI • HAIR JESSE JORDAN • MUA KALE TETER LOCATION HATHAWAY HOME | PACIFIC PALISADES, CA
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Actress Anna Anissimova shares exclusively with CV Lux her two true loves, holidays with her billionaire family and what working in Hollywood is really like.
Tell us about your childhood. What stands out when you think back on your life? Until I was five years old, prior to moving to New York, I lived in Moscow. Some of my brightest memories are of spending summers in the suburbs at my grandmother’s house – running outside, picking flowers in the fields, collecting bugs in the woods – until it would start to get dark outside and all the children would be beckoned home. Childhood there was nothing like it is here now. There were no nannies, overscheduled children, etc. Kids were free and everyone in the neighborhood knew whose kid you were. The other amazing thing was that everything on our table at mealtime came from our grandmother’s garden. Sometimes during the day, you just stopped by, picked a handful of strawberries and ran off to play with your friends again. Looking back, I was fortunate to have that experience. Was it difficult growing up given who your family is? My family is in some ways no different than most. First of all, you have to understand that when I was born, my father had a government job and we lived in a one-bedroom apartment, where we were really happy. Things definitely changed as I was growing up, and we graduated from all sharing one bedroom to my sister and I having to share one. So I wasn’t born privileged (in a financial sense), but I was always fortunate to have the most caring and loving family. It wasn’t until we moved to the U.S. that my father started his business. I definitely had to learn some lessons and I know that there seems to be an understanding that money creates problems, but in the end, it’s the lessons that your family teaches you of its value and what you can do with those lessons. I am fortunate to have parents who did just that. What did you study in New York? I went to NYU. I wasn’t what you might call a serious student. I was definitely more serious about the social scene outside of school. Some might look down on that, but I have no regrets and it is definitely out of my system.
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What made you move to LA? I moved to LA for the same reason everyone else does: to follow the dream of becoming really, really famous. Just kidding. Seriously, I always wanted to try acting and at that point in my life it was a “now or never” situation. It wasn’t easy. My family is extremely close. My sister and I cried hysterically when I was moving out of her apartment to my own across the park. But as hard as it was to move away from them, I packed my bags, said my goodbyes and booked a one-way ticket to LA. Where do you prefer to live and why? For a while, I said that I would always be bicoastal, but now I never see myself moving away. Life is easier here. New York is stressful… and exciting… and hectic… and fun. I will never stop loving New York, but LA is home. New York is like that crazy, sexy girlfriend you dated when you were young that will always send chills down your spine as you think of her and LA is the stable, loving girlfriend you end up marrying. Tell us about where and how you met your husband Peter. What made him stand out to you? He’s very handsome, you know. When we first met at a mutual friend’s birthday party, everyone told me not to look into Peter’s eyes because people who do end up falling in love with him. I guess I didn’t follow their advice. We were both broken-hearted over our previous relationships at the time. Everyone was having a great time and we were pouring our hearts out to each other. We probably had much deeper conversations than most people do the first night they meet, but it worked. He pretty much moved in four days later and I guess the rest is history.
You recently had your first child. What has motherhood taught you? Does she take after you or your husband more? Do you want any more children? If so, how many?
What is your favorite holiday memory? What are you doing with your daughter to help her make fantastic memories of her own?
My husband always jokes with me and says I want enough kids for a full basketball team. He wants two, but I think we’ll agree on three. Motherhood is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought love like that existed. You really start to understand your parents and why you worry so much when you become one. I want to enjoy and remember every tender moment I spend with my daughter. Motherhood also taught me how much I undervalued sleep all my life!
Christmas at home when I was growing up was always so much fun. You should have seen our tree! We always used to pick a color and a theme for our decorations, and would create a different tree every year. My sister and I upheld that tradition in our own homes. We would all participate in decorating the tree and then my mom would add her magic touch after we went to sleep… it would always be the most magnificent thing you’ve ever seen. By the time Christmas came around and she was done with the presents, you couldn’t see the tree behind them. I guess because she never had anything when she was growing up, she went a little overboard with our presents. Every year we agree on less presents and somehow she never listens. The actual day was always filled with lots of laughter, good food that we all cooked together and fun. I definitely want to create lots of those memories for my daughter.
You are currently remodeling your new home, what is the décor going to be like? How do you plan on spending the holidays at your residence once the remodel is completed? It’s a mid-century home in the Pacific Palisades, so we are taking the cue from the house and will design around it in that style. My husband and I luckily have very similar taste, so the design process has been simple in that regard, minus an occasional argument over a rug. We hired a good friend of ours, Nicky Marmet, as an interior designer, and he has been incredible and fun to work with. Because we want to make the house our own and have it be a blend of our personalities, it’s been especially nice to work with a friend because he truly knows us. We will be spending Christmas in Barbados with our family, but hopefully the next holiday that comes up we can invite them to our home so we can celebrate together. I love holiday family gatherings at home.
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Why did you leave modeling to become an actress? Was the transition easier or harder than you thought? You can eat more! In reality, I fell into modeling by accident, but acting was always my true passion. They’re definitely different but modeling is also a performance of sort. In that way, it felt like a natural progression. I think modeling helped to work up my courage to act and be comfortable in front of the camera.
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“I always try and remember to just take it one day at a time, to focus on what I need to do for that day and do it well, and finally to enjoy what I am doing each day.�
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Tell us about your upcoming films? How long was the production timeline? Do you have any funny behindthe-scenes stories? My next film coming out is called “Always Woodstock.” I star in it and I produced it, as well. The film was written and directed by one of my best high school friends, Rita Merson. It took us about a year to complete the film and it’s finally coming out on November 14th, 2014. Honestly, I’m sure we have many fun stories from the film, but since then I’ve been pregnant and had a baby, so my memory is mush. Who has been your favorite co-star? Why? They all have been incredible to work with, but the one who stands out in particular is Kevin Spacey. The first film of my career was “Father of Invention,” in which Kevin Spacey was playing the lead. When I first showed up to the set, I was literally shaking. He was such a generous actor and I am very grateful to him for making my first on-camera experience a great one. Do you plan to produce any upcoming projects? If so, which ones? Hopefully tons. I love producing. I have a couple projects that I’m circling and may even try to create something myself, but nothing specific to speak of yet.
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STORY MAXWELL REMINGTON
THE HALLS
PHOTOGRAPHER EDDIE MELIKIAN LOCATION CHISTMAS TREE LANE - A HOLIDAY TRADITION
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For more than 90 years, Christmas Tree Lane has been a holiday tradition for many Valley residents. This two-mile stretch of Van Ness Avenue, in historic Old Fig Garden, is transformed each year into a Technicolor fantasy land. The lane hosts two walk nights, which allows patrons to stroll up and down the road, and take in the merriment and wonder.
Once you enter the home, guests are greeted by the formal dining room to the left. Rich red walls echo the holiday sentiment, while simple Waterford ornaments hang from the chandelier. The table is impeccably set. The polished silverware and crystal catch the light, projecting dancing prisms along the wall. You can’t help but feel the warmth that resonates within this premier Fig Garden home. Holiday linens grace the table and at each setting sits one of the 12 days of Christmas plates. Each year, the host and hostess have their guests dine in this refined, yet inviting and understated room. When the meal is finished, they all sing the 12 days of Christmas and each guest does their part as is corresponds to their plate. It’s these types of traditions that make this home so magical and what sets the owners apart.
Along the Lane, each residence has its own unique décor. There is the giant Toyland display that closes the Lane right before Palm Avenue. Another popular home on display is the residence of California State University Fresno’s president. Former university President John Welty played up a candy cane theme while now President Joseph Castro decks the halls in vibrant red, accented with oversized poinsettias. Although each home is distinctly different and varies in taste, my personal favorite home belongs to Tom and Angie Hyatt. Its clean lines and understated décor gives the home an East Coast feeling. Simplistic white siding, contrasting shutters and a vivid red front door greet guests as you approach the home. The lights along the walk are paired perfectly with the oversized white bulbs, which line the evenings. Soft garlands and wreaths grace the front door as the smell of fresh pine filters through the air.
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Off the dining room sits the kitchen. It is truly a chef’s dream. All white cabinets and counters line the space, and an oversized Viking range serves as the must-have appliance in the space. Authentic Greek cookies and treats are found under glass domes, their white powdered sugar mimicking the white-driven snow seen along the mountains of the Sierra Nevadas. Angie is known for her cooking, but most importantly, her baking. No one ever leaves her kitchen hungry and almost everyone gets a care package to take home. Directly off the kitchen and one step down is the oversized sunroom. This long room is anchored at the back by a solid white built-in. Two giant nutcrackers sit on either side of the piece and act as guards to the painting of their daughter Ashley, which hangs proudly above. On the game table, you will find a variety of holiday puzzles and games. Pillows accent the space and spread the holiday cheer throughout the room. The sunroom acts as a central gathering space for family and friends. The space has a casual elegance that seems to be the theme of this historic residence. From the backyard, you see an expansive lawn, perfect for garden parties and croquet in the spring. Roses and shrubs line the walkways. Off in the far right corner of the property sits an herb garden. The yard has a manicured formality about it that establishes a certain refinement, correlating seamlessly with the structure.
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Back inside, the last major entertaining space is the formal living room. When looking at the fireplace, stairs can be seen off to the right, with garland carefully draped along the railing. Two large, yellow printed couches sit around the fireplace with a tufted ottoman in the middle. The tree sits proudly next to the fireplace. The branches are decked with family ornaments and white lights. The care that goes into the trimming is noteworthy and gives the space a Cape Cod-cozy feeling. For the musician in the family, a grand piano and oversized mirror anchor the space, topped with gold reindeer and a festive holiday runner. Behind the couch sits a sofa table. Here more nutcrackers can be seen as a fire roars in the wood-burning fireplace. There is something magical about the space Tom and Angie have created for their family. The effortless elegance leaves a lasting impression and you can’t help but feel honored to be welcomed into this home. So, when you travel down the lane this year, look to your left and take in the charm that this residence has to offer. And if it’s a walk night on the Lane, stop by and say hello. There is always hot cocoa and cider waiting right off the porch.
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GETTING LOUD WITH CHEF LUDO LEFEBVRE Chef Ludo Lefebvre is one of the most influential chefs in the United States, and is well known for his pioneering and revolutionary work in the culinary industry. STORY WENDY CARROLL
Chef Ludo Lefebvre would be the first to admit he is a rule-bender – if not a rule-breaker. You can easily place him as the kid in a French classroom in the early 1970s – the one who colored outside all of the lines and pestered the teacher with “whys” and “why nots.” He is that same kid when it comes to his vocation and passion – food.
Asked if he likes the oft-used description “rock star of the culinary world,” Ludo quickly dismisses the label. “It’s too much,” he says. He might not like the label, but his generously tattooed arms and his well-published love of French rap music speak more to the bad boy world of rock than the Hollywood version of a French chef.
Ludo has certainly earned the privilege, paying his dues at stellar restaurants in France such as L’Esperance, Saint-Étienne, L’Arpège and Le Grand Véfour. He immigrated to the U.S. in his 20s and quickly distinguished himself in the crowded and heady Los Angeles restaurant scene by manning the kitchens at L’Orangerie and Bastide. His kitchen creativity has been celebrated in offerings such as Panini au Foie Gras with Apricot Sauce, Poularde marinated in Pepsi-Cola with Popcorn, and Panna Cotta topped with Caviar in a Salted-Butter Caramel Sauce.
With a reverently irreverent approach, Lefebvre is known for taking the tried and true for a spin, earning him a reputation as a pioneer and a revolutionary in both the kitchen and the way he runs his business. Bon Appétit magazine crowned Ludo “the king of pop-ups” – a trend that has a chef taking over a restaurant space typically used for breakfast or lunch and turning it in to a noholds barred dining experience. His LudoBites popped up eight times in Los Angeles, crashing OpenTable twice and booking six weeks of reservations in 47 seconds. 083
In 2013, once again taunting the ordinary, Ludo opened a fried chicken restaurant in the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He followed this with the highly acclaimed Trois Mec on Highland Boulevard in L.A. Situated in a strip mall and flanked by a donut shop and a dry cleaner, the restaurant has abandoned the ageold reservations system and asks patrons to purchase a ticket for dinner. Sales open two weeks in advance and tickets are a hot commodity. Snagging a “ticket” for dinner buys you a five-course tasting menu of the chef’s choosing. You have the option to purchase a wine or non-alcoholic beverage pairing. With 24 seats up for grabs twice a night, Monday through Friday, a ticket gives you the opportunity to watch Ludo and the finely choreographed ballet that happens in a kitchen with know-how.
Obviously high-energy and high-ambition, Ludo recently opened Petit Trois, a more casual and affordable sister restaurant next door to Trois Mec that offers French food with an American accent. He has launched a line of spices in addition to gearing up for a repeat season on ABC’s The Taste. And all this while “noodling” plans to introduce Parisians to crispy American fried chicken. He is also enamored with the tastes, colors and spices that come from South America. Watch for a Peruvian, Chilean or Argentine note on an upcoming Lefebvre menu. There is no doubt there are more twists and turns to come. CV Luxury caught up with Chef Ludo on a late afternoon – the “witching hour” for many restaurants – as he was getting ready for dinner service. The topic wasn’t his place in the culinary world or his expanding empire. The topic was Ludo at home and his love of entertaining. “I love to have people in my house. I love to give memories and pleasure to people when they visit,” says Ludo.
Conventional wisdom would dictate that someone who is in the business of entertaining guests on a nightly basis might not have the heart and will to do it at home. Not so with Ludo. Maybe it is the alluring – and sometimes impossible to decipher – French accent, but there is a definite passion when it comes to entertaining friends and family at the L.A. area home he shares with his wife Krissy and their 3½-year-old twins. Lefebvre’s entertaining style at home is a good match for the way he leads his public life. It runs the gamut from spontaneous – a pop-up – to exquisitely choreographed – a high-end dining experience. Sunday afternoon finds Ludo in his backyard, surrounded by his children, family and friends, grilling chicken and sipping French wine. He has little use for California wine, but plenty of enthusiasm for the California lifestyle. His menus are crafted – spur of the moment – from his frequent trips to the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, where he savors the “hunt” for the finest and freshest ingredients. 085
On the other end of the spectrum, the Lefebvre’s delight in the opportunity to set the “scene” for their guests. This means getting out the nicest silver, crisp starched linens, French porcelain plates, candles and exquisitely cut crystal. In addition, they carefully hone the guest list, eager to ensure their people pairings are as finely tuned as the food and wine. “It’s not just about the food, but about creating ambiance as well.” This is definitely Lefebvre’s attitude when building a restaurant brand and it carries over to entertaining at home. With deep roots in France and exuberance over his American home (and citizenship), Ludo puts his imprint on fare for the upcoming holidays. His Thanksgiving turkey is massaged with heavy cream and salt, and left to rest overnight in the refrigerator before roasting. The end result is a succulent, crisp-skinned bird. His bread stuffing side stars spicy Italian sausage, foie gras and dried fruits. Christmas at the Lefebvre home features caviar, lobster, more foie gras, a plump goose and, of course, a traditional French Buche de Noel (a genoise roulade filled with buttercream and decorated to resemble a yule log).
Backyard BBQ or a celebratory holiday gathering, Ludo is a welcome voice of reason as he says, “Don’t cook too much. Be organized. Spend time with your guests. Have a good time. Serve lots of wine.” Simple, but wise words from the culinary world’s not-so-bad boy.
To note, Chef Ludo has formed an exclusive partnership and culinary alliance with home appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel, launched a spice line and is releasing a 10-year anniversary issue of his cookbook Crave this fall. He will also join ABC’s The Taste for a third season this winter.
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