GBK’S 2015 KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS GIFT LOUNGE
GBK’s previous Kids’ Choice gifting suites have always been fun, and that was the case this time, as well.
Jillian Estell. Photo by Tommaso Boddi.
It was held at the ultra-hip Redbury Hotel, in the heart of Hollywood, which I think is a first for a gifting suite. I’ve been to other events in that indoor/outdoor second floor space that’s called The Library, but I had never seen it during the day. It’s even more attractive than at night!
Since this was to celebrate the Kids’ Choice Awards, there were a lot of younger working actors and actresses there this time. I was happy to give some personal props to Jillian Estell, from a movie I really loved this year, Black or White. She played Kevin Costner’s granddaughter in the film. (What? How is he old enough for that?) And to also laud dancer Mollie Gray, who was a stand-out on Season Six of So You Think You Can Dance. Mr. X and I have always noticed her on other shows ever since.
I don’t know how they did it again, but GBK featured some of the most interesting gifts I’ve seen at a suite in a while. (We’ll get to those in a sec.)
Photo by Karen Salkin.
And the food was perhaps the best ever! There was a buffet of all Greek delicacies, including stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and tahini with beautiful seasoned flat breads and giant homemade chips. And the fruit platter was stunning! My contributing writer, Alice, said it was “as chic as the rest of the atmosphere.”
It was a good choice for the young guests (who were, after all, the main ones!) I’m sure their parents were happy that they were eating something healthful that’s still fun.
Helpful server, Annie, offering the delicious sliders. Photo by Karen Salkin.
The food was catered by the hotel, and they also had adorable and accommodating server, Annie, going around all day offering trays of hot hors d’oeuvres. The beef “cigars” were beyond delicious, but the sliders were hands-down the best I’ve ever had! (Sadly for me, I had just one. I’m still dreaming about it, though.)
But the dessert bar was perhaps the pièce de résistance. Presented on top of books, to pay tribute to the name of the venue, it consisted of perfect-sized treats, including chocolate-dipped crisped rice treats, mini chocolate mousse cups, bite-sized chocolate cupcakes (which were my faves,) and mango mousse cups that were topped with raspberries and blackberries. Alice loved those!
An excellent DJ helped us on our way, as we discovered these fun products. Sadly for me, I was super-time-constrained that day, so I didn’t get to every table. (I’m pretty bummed that I missed-out on the people making Flip Books! I love those!) But here are the highlights of the ones we did get to speak with:
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Audiopark–Sound engineer Sandy Lam created these genius headphones, so you know the sound quality on them is great! But they’re so much more than that. Alice said, “When I saw that Sandy was wearing a wrap bracelet that was very similar to one I had on that day, I did a double take, because hers was…a set of earpieces! So cool!” Let me explain: This is a set of ear buds that you wrap around your wrist when not in use, and they look like hip jewelry! I’ve lost my last few earphones, so these are music to my ears!!! In every sense.
www.audioparkco.com
Photo by Alice Farinas.
Couch Potato—This on-line shopping site was offering gift certificates so that the guests can choose their own DVDs of their favorite films and TV shows. If they feature ones of my all-time favorite show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, I’m in! (Of course I’m only kidding about that one. But they most likely have every other show I’ve ever been in, even though I’ve been trying to forget most of them!) www.couchpotato.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
M The Movement–I loved just about everything that casual-wear designer Michael Herrera was showcasing. They were gifting v-neck tee-shirts featuring his face, in gold. So, if you see a young person wearing one around town, you know he or she is a kid actor, who visited the GBK suite! www.theworldofm.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
Lalo Fuentes–This time, they were gifting certificates for a nutritional consultation, physical evaluation, and an hour work-out with a professional trainer. Alice commented, “Now that is a true full body gift!” I only hope they know how to work with my broken back! www.lalofitness.com
Photo by Karen Salkin.
GBK’s charity this time was the Share Your Heart Foundation. Besides giving us info on what they’re about, they also gifted guests with two really fun products! They are:
Selfie Stick—Who doesn’t want a selfie stick these days?! (Well, maybe not basketball players, who can reach their cameras out far enough themselves!) I’m sure the kids went nuts over these sticks that enable you to take better selfies more easily.
The beautiful party space. Photo by Karen Salkin.
Mehndi Tattoo Kit—The name says it all! It’s a kit to do those temporary brown tattoos, with intricate designs, yourself. What fun for a party!
Before we left, we made a point to stop-by and say hi to our pals at Stop Attack, about whom I’ve told you before. These peeps are everywhere nowadays, which is a good thing, since their purpose is to help us stay safe. And to help with that, they were gifting giant umbrellas, which I’m sure all the guests wish they had during the recent rains!
