Farrah Fawcett Foundation & Mari Vanna Comes To Town

The Farrah Fawcett Foundation honored the 5th year passing of the actress and cancer research advocate, with a small reception of friends, family & supporters at their B.H. offices. FFF President, Alana Stewart, (whose former Husband, George Hamilton was there to support her,) welcomed guests and discussed the Foundations partnership with Stand Up to Cancer. Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006, and she established the Foundation before her death in 2009.

The still stunning Jaclyn Smith, co-star of Charlie’s Angels attended the reception, and enjoyed meeting with old friend Ryan O’Neal. They both admired the way Farrah handled the fight against her disease. She even allowed NBC cameras to follow her during her battle in a TV documentary, Farrah’s Story. Jaclyn & Alana, who were with her all the way, used this documentary to raise cancer awareness.

Alana Stewart, Jackie Smith & Ryan O'Neal

Alana Stewart, Jackie Smith & Ryan O’Neal

Some of the other guests included Hairstylist Jose Eber (who I worked with on the most successful infomercial of all time, “Secret Hair”), Nels, Dick, Pat and Jimmy Van Patten, and the handsome son of Ryan O’Neal, Patrick, as well as Gorgeous George’s adorable scion, George Hamilton, Jr.

The Russians have come to L.A. in the new eatery, Mari Vanna on Melrose Place. It is the latest in a chain of upscale Russian restaurants with branches in London, Washington, D.C. and New York City, where reportedly former President Bill Clinton often dines.

George Hamilton, Alana Stewart & George Hamilton Jr.

George Hamilton, Alana Stewart & George Hamilton Jr.

We were invited to their Star-Studded one year Anniversary Party, which included such high profile attendees as Alfred Molina, Omar Miller, Max Azria and Chris Williams. This charming cozy cottage, has served such notables during their first year of operation, as Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Kloe Kardashian, Jamie Foxx and Mickey Rourke.

Alfred Molina, Tatianna Brunetti & Omar Miller (photo credit - Eric Reid)

Alfred Molina, Tatianna Brunetti & Omar Miller (photo credit – Eric Reid)

We were treated to authentic Russian bites, a vodka open bar (of course), birthday cake and folk songs from in-house accordionist. We felt like we were in an Old World parlor in the Russia countryside, complete with flowery wallpaper, flowery plates and flowery cushions. We expected to meet Mari Vanna herself, a pink-cheeked grandmother, wearing a babushka and apron; but instead meet a mélange of supper stylish women & men who looked like they popped out of the latest issue of Vogue.

This is definitely a “find” for those in L.A. who want an unusual dining experience — with fabulous food, a kitschy but glamorous atmosphere, and the best Vodka in town!

Chris Williams and Dannia Hakki

Chris Williams and Dannia Hakki


As a television personality, guest speaker, newspaper reporter and columnist and one of the social arbiters of Los Angeles, Marci Weiner has touched every aspect of entertainment journalism. She has appeared as guest reporter on TV shows including Joan Rivers shows, Eye on LA, and the USA Network. In addition, she has hosted her own segments on Soap Talk, Hollywood Style and Hotline after Dark. You may contact Marci for info and invitations at [email protected]

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