Call it a synergy party. Dan Silberstein, the entrepreneur behind Cozmocard, a card that offers customers discounts for patronizing local businesses, threw a tasting event to introduce the dining public to some of the restaurants that are on his roster—as well as some that aren’t. “Vegas in L.A.” was the first of several wine and food events with different themes that he plans to produce this year under the rubric of “Drink Eat Play.” Co-sponsors included Fiji Water, Opentable.com, LA.com, the BottleRock wine bar, and Cobblestone Wine.
For $85 to $135, guests—mostly thirtysomethings—could graze on bites from 40 restaurants and sip potables from 80 wineries, which lined the perimeter of the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. “Everyone in L.A. loves Las Vegas and it appeals to a younger demographic,” Silberstein said. “A lot of these [foodie] events are $150. They’re beyond the range of the average 30 year old. You’re appealing to them in the price and you’re appealing to them in the theme.”
In the center of the cavernous room were 40 casino tables for blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. (Winners cashed in their chips for raffle tickets for prizes, such as museum memberships, offered by Cozmocard member companies.) Overhead hung a simple but dramatic installation created by Barker Decor Services, which consisted of several circular fixtures dripping tiny white lights surrounded by layers of white sails spot lit with white and yellow light. Near the entrance were tables of silent-auction items benefiting Step Up Women’s Network.
Guests relaxed in an outdoor lounge outfitted with white couches with black and silvery pillows embellished with beads and feathers. On tall tables behind them were electric votives and lamps with a clear plastic base and shade. Revelers took home gift bags with Starbucks Terraza coffee, Soaptopia soap, and plastic containers from the new Container Store opening in Century City in October.
—Irene Lacher
Photos: Michael Brannigan/David Michael Photography
Posted 09.18.06
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For $85 to $135, guests—mostly thirtysomethings—could graze on bites from 40 restaurants and sip potables from 80 wineries, which lined the perimeter of the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. “Everyone in L.A. loves Las Vegas and it appeals to a younger demographic,” Silberstein said. “A lot of these [foodie] events are $150. They’re beyond the range of the average 30 year old. You’re appealing to them in the price and you’re appealing to them in the theme.”
In the center of the cavernous room were 40 casino tables for blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. (Winners cashed in their chips for raffle tickets for prizes, such as museum memberships, offered by Cozmocard member companies.) Overhead hung a simple but dramatic installation created by Barker Decor Services, which consisted of several circular fixtures dripping tiny white lights surrounded by layers of white sails spot lit with white and yellow light. Near the entrance were tables of silent-auction items benefiting Step Up Women’s Network.
Guests relaxed in an outdoor lounge outfitted with white couches with black and silvery pillows embellished with beads and feathers. On tall tables behind them were electric votives and lamps with a clear plastic base and shade. Revelers took home gift bags with Starbucks Terraza coffee, Soaptopia soap, and plastic containers from the new Container Store opening in Century City in October.
—Irene Lacher
Photos: Michael Brannigan/David Michael Photography
Posted 09.18.06
Related Stories
Food & Wine Fest Teases L.A. Media
Gourmet Event Is Haute Picnic
Cozmocard’s “Vegas in L.A.” event bought 40 casino-style tables to Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger.
In the center of the cavernous room were tables for blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps.
Guests relaxed in an outdoor lounge outfitted with white couches with black and silvery pillows.
Overhead hung a simple but dramatic chandelier-scape created by Barker Decor Services.
Strawberries topped chocolaty dessert cups.
Near the entrance were tables of silent-auction items benefiting Step Up Women’s Network.
