Bridal show is toast of the town

Visions of sugar plums and bridal gowns belong to June brides who start their wedding planning in February. That’s why the debut of “Pop, The Bridal Event” was held on Sunday. The Americana at Brand was the host for a fashion show featuring gowns by designer Ines Di Santo, who was present to meet several hundred brides-to-be. A runway surrounded by bowers of flowers was set up on the Green. Kate Spade fashions opened the show, climaxed by Di Santo’s bridal designs presented by Jobyna’s Bridal’s Americana location.

Taking place before the show in Americana’s Beauty Lounge, some 30 vendors offered tips on creating that most personal of weddings. For $25 a ticket, brides-in-waiting, a smattering of fiancés and plenty of moms sampled wedding cakes, dessert bars and cookie bars with shot glasses filled with milk—the latest in wedding food presentations. Fiancé Oscar Herrera said he came for the food. His bride-to-be, Jennifer Ramirez, who grew up in Burbank, had photographers, gowns and spa treatments in mind.

But it was the fashion show that brought down the house as model after model wore bridal fashions in red, black and the traditional ivory and white. Model and Glendale resident Nayri Kalayjian was especially fetching in a strapless gown.

Celebrity guest Niecy Nash of the Style Network will have her own wedding in May. Nash told the crowd she was no “Bridezilla but humorously referred to Mom Margaret Ensley as a “Momzilla.”

At the end of the show, smack in the middle of the runway, Glendale resident Michael Pashanyan popped the question to Astrik Melikyan. Astrik, taken by surprise said, “Yes!” as the audience of more than 400 guests applauded.

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Just as love was in the air at the Americana, so it was at Damon’s Steak House. Feb.16 marked the end of “Share the Love” campaign, sponsored by the Downtown Glendale Merchants and Glendale Kiwanis. For several weeks, food and checks have been collected from supporters for the Salvation Army’s Food Bank services. About 20 hearty souls braved a chilly night to drop by Damon’s for a cocktail or two. Serving up Mai Tai’s and Chi-Chi’s, were guest bartenders Kiwanians Randy Slaughter, Vince Espinoza and T.J. Denton.

Glendale residents toting food donations as the price of admission included Debbie and Bruce Hinkley and Cathy Keen. Each enjoyed drinks by Damon’s. Richard Sowby, Cecilia Walker, Greg Simms and Joseph Dammann were teetotalers.

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For 27 years the Crescenta Valley/Glendale Girl Scouts have hosted their “International Tasting Bee” as part of the World Assn. of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. This year’s Bee was held Feb. 20 at its most frequented venue — Holy Redeemer Church in Montrose.

Twelve troops made up of 10 to 20 Scouts each planned their booth’s theme, food and décor. With a little help from some busy moms, the girls prepared the food and served it. They even sewed their own costumes to match the country their booth represented.

One dollar bought five tickets. Each generous taste averaged two tickets. Although the bee lasted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 500 to 600 customers passing through, noon was the most crowded as families created entire lunches for just a few dollars. Mom Kaila Toon, CV/Glendale chairwoman and service unit manager, acted as ring leader, organizing some 150 Girl Scout volunteers, mothers, 600 samples of food and hungry customers.

A favorite tasting booth represented Brazil, featuring feijoada—a traditional Brazilian stew. Next to Brazil was the Argentina booth. There, empanadas were the order of the day. In a mere three hours, 450 had been consumed. For dessert, there was a stampede for tiramisu at the Italian booth. The fettuccini Alfredo was gone in an hour. “Italian” servers were Troop 626 Girl Scout Cadets Emily Haug, 12; Christina Aguilera, 13; Katie Taix, 13; and Sydney Flynn, 12. Moms Tricia Flynn and Lisa Haig, a teacher at Verdugo Woodlands, were toiling behind the scenes.

“I learned about Italy. Now I want to go there,” said Katie Taix, describing the positive results of participating in the Tasting Bee. Ten to 12 countries were represented with some 450 Girl Scouts in on the planning.

Expected proceeds of $3,000 will help update the Scout House in Montrose and allow hundreds of Girl Scouts to attend a week of Twilight Day Camp in June.