Nothing compares to the perfect pairing of champagne and a cigar. Too often, cigars wind up with dark liquors, their natural partners. Rum, port, scotch and cognac are the norm for an after-dinner smoke -- not champagne. With the holiday season coming, of course, the preferred beverage will likely bubble, so finding the right cigars for the top libation will be crucial.

Fortunately, Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, has agreed to help us out. As you prepare for the new year, take a look at the cigar and champagne pairings that he recommends, with both ubiquitous and rare products on the list. Lee says, "In this day and age, not everyone can afford a $50 cigar and a $300 bottle of champagne," said Lee. "Complementing a wonderful glass of champagne with a great cigar for the holidays is something everyone should be able to enjoy."

BHCC's 2010 Top 10 Champagne and Cigar Pairings are:

Today's estate isn't just a house, it's a lair, a true Los Angeles home for entertaining. The LA Times Hot Property column reports that nightclub mogul David Cooley, who started the Abbey Food and Bar in West Hollywood in the early 1990s, owns this four bedroom home in the Trousdale area of Beverly Hills. The home was built in 1964 but has been rebuilt and expanded by Cooley's real estate partner Scott Unger for indoor-outdoor living. City views can be seen through walls of class and the home sits on nearly half an acre so it has a little privacy. The master bedroom suite is a 2,000-square-foot space with a sitting room and cocktail bar, a massage room and dual walk-in closets. Outside there is a swimming pool and an outdoor wet room. It is listed at $9.195 million.

After my colleague Ann Brenoff reported that Mohamed Hadid had chopped $13 million off of one of his properties I knew times were bad but I had no idea just how bad. Another Hadid property, a Balinese-styled spec house in Beverly Hills, is now listed in the MLS as being a short sale situation. The property was once listed at $16.5 million. It was at $12.9 million when we checked it out as an estate of the day last year. Now it can be yours for $7.995 million on a listing that says "must sell" in big capital letters. The 12,000-square-foot home has a Balinese design with bamboo, exotic Asian woods and other materials imported from around the world. This is opulence on a grand scale with heavy doors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and three separate master suites among the six bedrooms. There is a Balinese-styled home theater, wine cellar and a gorgeous infinity pool with unobstructed views. The furnishings are included in the price.

In New York City, the most oft-dropped real estate name might be Rosario Candela. In Los Angeles its Wallace Neff. The archetypal Southern California architect died in 1982 but the legend lives on in a series of great homes which remain sought after. Brad Pitt and Diane Keaton are just two fans of Neff homes.

You might be a little hard-pressed to find the Neff in today's estate though. This Beverly Hills home was built by Neff for Groucho Marx but has been renovated so that, as the LA Times Hot Property column puts it, the footprint remains. The sprawling single floor home has city views and has been given a very thorough pepping up. It's still gorgeous and the decor is magazine-worthy. The five-bedroom home now has modern bathrooms complete with those currently popular glass box showers. Large rooms feature huge windows and doors that open out to a neat patch of perfectly manicured lawn surrounding a turquoise pool. A wood-shelved library offers a bit of a respite from all the bright and white. This home is listed at $12.9 million and I suspect that even at that price it will get picked up pretty quickly.

Christopher Guy, the eponymous maker of home furnishings, is coming to Beverly Hills. Or rather, a 2,000-square-foot flagship boutique is coming to the home of Rodeo Drive, and will house new collections downstairs and an upper lounge for design confabs with architects. Having kitted out rooms for celebrities, hotels and resorts, and a few film sets like Ocean's 13, Casino Royale, and The Devil Wears Prada, we can only wonder what took Guy so long to move to star central.

One of the new collections you can expect to see will be the Silk Cut line of dining tables and upholstery pieces. Fitting right in with Guy's contemporary-classic ethic, the pictured Silk Cut chair also employs Guy's "Chris-X" -- crisscross, get it? -- leg design. His Canopy and Bird's Nest collections make cameos as well, and feature carved mahogany and velvet.

Christopher Guy opens on October 8, 2009, at 9699 Wilshire Boulevard.

For your reading and viewing pleasure we present the second in a series looking back at highlights from the first year of The Classicist, the weekly column devoted to timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance. For our second installment we sum up the best in luxe books, featuring our favorite subjects ranging from high equestrian style to classic architecture, historic estates, high society, jetsetters, megayachts and more. No truly luxurious library is complete without these volumes.


1. Equestrian Style: Home Design, Couture, and Collections from the Eclectic to the Elegant by Vicky Moon (Clarkson Potter)

Moon divides her volume into different facts of the equestrian experience: In the Field, On the Farm, At the Track, In the Ring, On the Move, and Down the Road, focusing on all facets of horsiness and everything that goes along with it. The emphasis is on authenticity, not affectation; she notes all that's really required is a "basic love of horses" but opines that actually riding them gives one a much stronger connection. True equestrian style, she writes, is "more than a feisty, wet Jack Russell terrier, a pair of Wellington boots and a tweed jacket. It goes beyond hanging a hunting print in the dining room wall to actually leaping over a stone wall on your favorite hunter. An unspoken equestrian philosophy surpasses wearing an Hermes scarf; it celebrates riding over jumps in an Hermes saddle."


2. The Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills by Jeffrey Hyland (Rizzoli)

A meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated history of 50 magnificent estates in three world-famous enclaves of the ultra-wealthy - Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, and Holmby Hills - this is a definitive history of the area's most famous estates, "the architecturally spectacular homes and lavish grounds that have been home to countless celebrities and the world's richest families for almost a century." Aside from the purely visual pleasure of the photographs both old and new, Hyland explains the history and architectural importance of each estate, and tells the fascinating stories of the many famed owners, from their "passionate involvement in the design of these costly properties, to their intrigues, triumphs, calamities, and romances."


3. Great Estates: The Lifestyles & Homes of American Magnates by William G. Scheller (Universe)

This oversized, lavishly illustrated volume celebrates the history of 40 of America's true barons of business, from the 1700s through this year's Forbes list, and opens the door into their private palaces along the way. Great Estates follows the "restless careers of our most brilliant and driven merchants, industrialists, and financiers as they mastered a new economic world of textiles, railroads, oil, and steel." Men of great fortune erected massive monuments to their success, inclduing Henry Clay Frick's Manhattan mansion, now a magnificent museum; William Randolph Hearst's San Simeon in California, aka Hearst Castle; and one of our personal favorites, railroad magnate Jay Gould's gothic castle on the Hudson River, Lyndhurst and more.


4. Luxury Toys: Mega Yachts from teNeues

In the rarefied world of mega yachts, the ultimate achievement is to have one designed by a certain Norwegian genius named Espen Oeino. The world's top star in naval architecture, Oeino's megabucks creations "combine the precision of fine machinery with indulgent finishes and the high-end amenities of a palace." When German luxury publisher teNeues opted to focus a volume in its amazing Luxury Toys series to the world's greatest yachts, it was quickly decided to dedicated the entire book to Oeino. The book showcases 20 of his stellar creations, including Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's 413-ft. Octopus, the 8th largest yacht in the world and the second largest superyacht that is not owned by a head of state.


Continued after the jump.

On June 13, Swiss watchmaker JeanRichard launched its latest watch amidst a gathering of over 50 exotic MV Agusta motorcycles at the David Orgell jewelry boutique in Beverly Hills. The Chronoscope MV Agusta Brutale (above) was produced in partnership with the legendary Italian motorcycle brand. The design of the watch reflects the signature features of MV Agusta's Brutale motorcycle. The large case is clothed in a highly resistant rubber that gives the watch a lighter touch. The dial is clad in carbon fiber highlighting three counters inspired by the motorcycle's dashboard. Several red accents also echo the classic colors of MV Agusta motorbikes. Also at the event, MV Agusta previewed its 2009 Brutale 1078 model to a large group of MV Agusta enthusiasts who lined up their motorcycles along Rodeo Drive.

As the recession began to dig its claws in last year, the NY Times ran an article on how plastic surgery was becoming a luxury that some were cutting back on. It seemed like vanity just might be yielding to practicality.

But now six months later, how are people feeling about plastic surgery? We asked Dr. Gabriel Chiu, the surgeon behind Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc to tell us what he's been seeing in his office. Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is a full-service plastic and cosmetic surgery practice offering services that range from skincare and injectables to more invasive procedures such as breast augmentation. Their spa-like office is located on Wilshire Blvd. and has a retail skincare lounge, valet parking for medical appointments and the all-important private VIP reception.

It seems that while people are cutting back on some things, no one really wants to look badly. As Dr. Chiu puts it once they have "gotten used to looking a certain way and they don't want to risk losing it." In fact, in an increasingly competitive job market, some people are now coming in so that they can look younger and hold their own against floods of eager job seekers. What are people cutting back on most and what new treatments is Dr. Chiu most excited about? Our full interview is after the jump.

Looking for a fun and free Father's Day event in the Los Angeles area? On June 21 the 2009 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance will take place in Beverly Hills featuring more than 100 exotic cars on display lining Rodeo Drive north of Wilshire Boulevard. "In addition to our traditional and classic collector cars featured at the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, this year we are also proud to showcase a unique selection of alternative energy vehicles, micro and electric cars, and solar vehicles, amongst others," notes Bruce Meyer, co-chair of the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance. "From the display of luxurious, cutting-edge automobiles to the world-renowned fashion boutiques, Rodeo Drive offers something for everyone to enjoy on Father's Day."

Berg Properties Big Time Listings mentioned a couple of weeks ago that investor and record label owner Cody Leibel had put a home in the Beverly Hills Post Office Area up for sale for $16.5 million but now that it seems that it's getting some celebrity attention perhaps it's time to give this one a closer look. The Real Estalker reports that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban may have made an offer on the home although it appears that it hasn't gone to contract yet so a deal may not have been made. Leibel, who is still in his 20s, is also business partners with Sam Nazarian, who has a home listed for $18.95 million. Leibel paid $9.205 million for the property in 2007. It is on five acres and includes an infinity pool and a motor court for 20 cars. The home was originally built in 1959 but has been rehabbed and expanded into a modern home aimed at attracting a deep-pocketed buyer. It has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and an eat-in kitchen.

It's baaaack. Britney Spears has flopped her home in the Summit community of Beverly Hills back on the market yet again. Spears bought the home on what appears to have been a quick impulse back in 2007 during her more manic days and she's been trying to sell off and on ever since. The home has been listed as high as $7.9 million last fall but now the six-bedroom villa is at a more realistic $6.499 million. Spears meanwhile has decamped to Calabasas when she's not on tour. The new price means that she will likely lose money on the deal, Spears bought for $6.75 million when it was on the market for $7.2 million, but I'm sure she'll be glad to be rid of the home once it finally sells.

[via The Real Estalker]

Back in March we reported that American Idol star Simon Cowell was installing a private tanning salon in his new $22 million mansion in Beverly Hills. Now the London Daily Mail reports Cowell is finally ready to occupy the lavish 11,550-sq.-ft. estate. Cowell bought the property for $12 million nearly two years ago but razed the original structure. The new modern mansion has 24-ft. tall windows in the living rooms with sweeping views over Los Angeles. Neighbors include Tom Cruise, Madonna, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and Victoria and David Beckham.

"I look out over the Hollywood Hills into my neighbors' gardens," Cowell said in an interview last year. "It's an amazing view." Not good enough to "see into their homes," he noted, "so you can't see them in the shower - but you can see into their gardens. It's great fun. I just like to keep an eye on what is happening." Cowell has described the modern mansion as his "dream home" and has said he's been involved in the design "right down to the doorknobs."

The five-bedroom mansion features a state-of-the-art gym in the basement, a luxury spa complete with wet steam room, a custom-made media room with a marble bar area and plush leather seating for 20, a gallery for Cowell's gold and platinum records and awards, and an indoor lap pool. The property has a separate staff quarters containing a servants' kitchen for Cowell's live-in butler and maid. The pool cabana has a retractable roof, wet bar and changing rooms and there's a putting green at the rear of the property.

We've been covering Pickfair practically since we started this blog and yet never given it full estate of the day treatment. I recently came across the sales website for the estate which features a bumper crop of photos that show how Pickfair is now. The current estate which occupies a prime spot on Summit Drive in Beverly Hills, California and has a $60 million price tag. Unfortunately the home that exists currently bears little if any resemblance to the original.

In the 1920s, this was the most fabled home in America, a stately manor owned by two of the world's most popular stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. This pair, the girl with the curls and the winsome smile, the original "America's Sweetheart" and the man with energetic physicality and devil-may-care smile, the original movie action hero captured the minds of a nation even though their romance was born in scandal. Their home, Pickfair was the stuff of dreams and legends, a place where they entertained anyone of consequence. The couple spent a fortune expanding their home, turning a small hunting cabin into a huge mansion.

It looks like Mariah Carey was only dreaming when she reportedly made an offer on Fleur de Lys, the $125 million Beverly Hills mansion once ranked as the world's most expensive estate (that title is now held by the $150 million Spelling mansion). According to the Real Estalker, the pop star just purchased this somewhat more modest mansion in Bel Air (above) that once belonged to Farrah Fawcett for about $7 million. The private gated estate on 3 acres designed in the Hamptons style and originally built in 1950 is about 10,000-sq.-ft. with 6 bedrooms and 7 baths.

The property features incredible 360-degree views and the renovated house has an "Aspen-style" great room, seven fireplaces, formal living and dining rooms, a library, media room, office, an eat in gourmet kitchen. The grounds boast three gated entrances, two motor courts, a huge rectangular swimming pool with a poolside pavilion, a large brick terrace, several lush lawns areas, a gazebo, and an Indoor racquetball court. The closing price is about $2.5 million less than the sellers were originally asking.

The real estate market in Aspen, CO has recovered somewhat and its priciest zip code is now the most expensive neighborhood in the U.S., according to a new ranking by Forbes. Back in February we reported on the dire straits of Aspen real estate, when Sotheby's International Realty shuttered its Aspen office in the wake of plummeting sales. Now Aspen's south end 81611 zip code, home to ultra-luxe ski lodges, is top of the field with an impressive $6.5 million median home sale price, the magazine reports. However the seasonal nature of the Aspen market gives it a yearly boost which might well mean its triumph is temporary; and indeed the big picture is still pretty glum. "In 2007, the market in our valley was $2 billion in sales," top Aspen broker Steve Walker tells Forbes, "this year it'll be between $500 million and $1 billion. In volume and dollars, it's been a 50% drop."

We predict that Beverly Hills, which is currently in 3rd place, will quickly eclipse Aspen especially since a mansion was just sold there for $31.5 million, the most expensive property sold in California so far this year, while a second recently changed hands for $22 million. The former, a 27,000-sq.-ft. Norman-style estate on 2 acres with 10 bedrooms, 14 baths and seven fireplaces, had originally been listed at $45 million and was on the market for almost nine months. Aspen's neighboring Snowmass Village has also experienced a resurgence. Other neighborhoods that have clocked recent gains include the Hollywood Hills and Chappaqua, NY, while the second most expensive zip belongs to Alpine, NJ, a luxurious New York suburb home to Wall Street execs and rap moguls like Sean Combs and Damon Dash.

Want to live in the country's priciest zip? There are several choice Aspen properties available including this $60 million estate, this $58 million spread and this cozy $43.8 million ski lodge. Here's the new list of the top five most expensive zip codes in the U.S. as determined by median prices (which are quite high overall right now at the top end):

1. Aspen, CO, 81611: $6.5 million
2. Alpine, NJ, 07620: $4.7 million
3. Beverly Hills, CA, 90210: $4.04 million
4. Snowmass Village, CO, 81654: $3.99 million
5. Newport, CA, 92661: $3.9 million