From the City of Light to the City of Angels

Why did Thierry Lefort begin drawing and painting at twelve years old? The story doesn’t say, but what I do know is that he wasn’t born into a family of artists. His impulse came from deep within, his own and personal way of approaching the world, its light, its colors, its beauty. To perfect his “trait de crayon” (pencil line work), he spent two years in China, in the Henan Province.

Then came the desire to discover something new. For no particular reason, in 2017, Lefort chose Los Angeles. He was immediately struck by the natural light. Since then, he has been living in two parallel realms: one near Paris, and one in Studio City, California. He keeps a studio in each.

Take a deep look at his creations, and you will understand why the phrase “Renaissance de la Figuration” has been attached to his work. He elevates ordinary urban landscapes, streets, train stations, parking lots, power poles, by revealing a silent, sometimes unsuspected beauty.

Nature and landscape hold a special place in his heart and in his hands. His love for them is contagious. You feel an irresistible urge to step into his paintings and wander through the scenes he creates. That is why Lefort does not feel compelled to paint figures or animals; he invites your imagination to roam freely and escape. I thank him for that; and you should, too.

Lefort’s colors don’t blend; they are assembled on the canvas like pieces of a puzzle. He always includes the blue he created in 2024 for one of the most prestigious manufacturers of fine art paints, Le Franc Bourgeois, an historic French company renowned for its high‑quality oils, acrylics, gouaches, and inks. And guess what? His blue is called “Bleu Californien Lefort,” a tribute to the Californian light and atmosphere.

In 2025, Lefort exhibited at The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, California, and again in 2026 (see below). And the unimaginable coincidence is that the hotel is painted in almost the exact same blue as his Bleu Californien Lefort.

The Colors of Burbank | Mural

In 2021, Lefort’s work was being showcased in an art gallery in Los Angeles, California. One of the paintings depicted a landscape in Burbank, California. A member of Burbank’s Cultural Affairs Commission was struck by it. Lefort was subsequently commissioned to create a mural for the city known as the “Media Capital of the World,” due to its concentration of major entertainment and media companies such as Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, and Cartoon Network Studios.

The impressive project was completed in 2022, after one month of work, six hours a day, every day, carried out entirely by Lefort himself.

Stretching 26 meters long and 6 meters high, (156 square meters), Lefort’s vision of the city consumed 150 liters of paint and more than thirty paint brushes.

His monumental work stands in full view at the corner of Orange Grove Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard.

In U.S. measurements: –  85½ feet by 19½ feet – 1,680 square feet of painted surface – 40 gallons of paint – A $1,000,000 insurance policy to safeguard the entire painting phase.

under the same sky | Gallery 33 at The Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica

Lucky Angelenos, and visitors to the City of Angels, can immerse themselves in Lefort’s brushstrokes and feel the depth and warmth of his colors, almost as if the paintings were rendered in 3D. His works are on view at Gallery 33 at The Georgian Hotel until October 9, 2026.

Just steps from the Santa Monica Pier, The Georgian first opened its doors in 1933, swiftly becoming one of Los Angeles’ most iconic seaside hotels. Within its turquoise walls, legends like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe found refuge, adding their own shimmer to its storied past. Gallery 33 1415 Ocean Ave. (Santa Monica Blvd.) Santa Monica, CA 90401 September 2 – October 9th, 2026

My très personal impression

As I was being filled with waves of color while speaking with Thierry Lefort, Night Swim, his 2026 painting of the Venice Canals, hovered in the background. I couldn’t stop staring at it; I was convinced the shadows of the palm trees were using the tranquil water as a stage for a dance orchestrated by the wind.

But too late for me, Night Swim, part of the exhibition at Gallery 33, has already found its next keeper!

Thierry Lefort’s Contact

• Official Website: Thierry LEFORT
• Worldwide Representation and Distribution: Yoyo MAEGHT

Thierry Lefort’s work has been exhibited internationally, from monumental murals to gallery shows in Paris, Bordeaux, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York. His pieces reside in private collections as well as museum holdings across Europe, the United States, and Russia.

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The Solar Eclipse & The Eiffel Tower

And because we were all turned westward on the Pont Alexandre III, the majestic Eiffel Tower lingered in every frame, rising like a sentinel over the fading light.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW

Eclipses captivate us because they occur so infrequently

The moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, yet also 400 times closer to Earth. This coincidence makes them appear the same size from our perspective.

The sun, the moon, and the Earth move in a gravitational choreography, and when their alignment is exact, we witness a solar eclipse. For a brief few minutes, the moon aligned perfectly with the sun, and cast a shadow that plunged part of the Earth into darkness, and the other part is semi-darkness.

About the Pont Alexandre III

The Pont Alexandre III is a triumph of Belle Époque aesthetics and advanced engineering. The bridge was intended not only as infrastructure but as an open-air artwork, dazzling visitors arriving for the 1900 World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle).

History

– Built: 1896–1900
– Inaugurated: 14 April 1900 for the World’s Fair
– Named after: Tsar Alexander III of Russia, honoring the 1891 Franco‑Russian Alliance
– Foundation stone: Laid by Tsar Nicholas II in 1896
– Status: Classified as a Monument Historique since 1975

Facts

– A single steel arch only 6 meters high, an engineering feat designed to preserve river views.
– Four monumental 17-meter pylons crowned with gilded bronze winged horses (“Les Renommées”), representing Arts, Sciences, Commerce, and Industry.
– Rich ornamentation: cherubs, nymphs, lions, dolphins, bronze candelabras, and allegorical sculptures celebrating different eras of France.
– Designed by architects Joseph Cassien-Bernard and Gaston Cousin, and engineered by Jean Résal and Amédée Alby.
– Four monumental 17-meter satues crowned with gilded bronze winged horses (“Les Renommées”), representing Arts, Sciences, Commerce, and Industry. See photos of two of them.

As mentioned above, the Pont Alexandre III is crowned at each corner by a monumental gilded statue, each one an allegory of a force that shaped France at the turn of the 20th century. These statues, winged female figures guiding Pegasus, are called Les Renommées (“Renowns”), and each celebrates a different domain of national greatness:
– Renommée des Arts (Renown of the Arts). This statue celebrates artistic creation, imagination, and France’s cultural legacy — pictured above
– Renommée des Sciences (Renown of Science). This allegory represents knowledge, discovery, and faith in scientific advancement — pictured above
– Renommée de l’Industrie (Renown of Industry). It celebrates the Industrial Revolution — machines, engineers, and the labor force driving progress
– Renommée du Commerce (Renown of Commerce). This figure honors economic vitality, international trade, and France’s commercial prosperity.

The gilded statues shimmering like guardians of the Seine, Paris felt suspended between sky and river as the eclipse unfurled above...

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My choice of rum

What choice could be better than The Rolling Stones’ Jamaica Rum, with its iconic logo calling you toward a truly delicious treat.

Crossfire Hurricane Rum is one of GAYOT’s Best Rums. Read the review.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CAKE

– 3 eggs at room temperature
– 2.15 oz. (60 gr.) granulated sugar
– 4.50 oz. (125 gr.) flour
– If you travel to France, buy “Levure Chimique.” You need one package (11 gr.),
otherwise, 0.7 oz. baking powder
– 1 tsp. milk (not pictured)
– 1 tsp. butter

FOR THE SYRUP

– 4.50 oz. (125 gr.) granulated sugar
– almost 15 oz. (half-a-liter) rum
– 1 glass of water.

NOTE: You will need a Baba au Rhum mold, as seen in the photo.

RELATED

• Best Rums in the World
• Rum Food Pairing Suggestions
• Best Rum Cocktail Recipes

METHOD

Pre-heat the oven at 350° Fahrenheit (180° Celsius).

NOTE: Do not place a lid on the pot while heating. Only cover it once it has been removed from the heat source.

• Separate the eggs.
• Add the sugar to the yolks.
• Mix.
• Add the flour.
• Mix.
• Add the milk.
• Add the baking powder/levure chimique.
• Separately, beat the egg whites firmly. And, as always, add a pinch of salt before.
• Gently fold the egg whites, without breaking them, into the mixture. NOTE: It may seem impossible at first, but it will turn out fine in the end.
• Grease the mold with butter.
• Pour the batter into the mold.
• Bake for 25 minutes.

NOTE: You must place the cake in a deep dish so the rum stays in the dish and the cake can soak it in.

• Unmold the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
• Pour the rum immediately. It must be done while the cake is still warm.
• Wait until it cools off.
• Cover the cake with plastic film and place it in the fridge.
• Allow the Baba au Rhum to rest for a minimum of one day. For optimal flavor and texture, two days is even better.

To indulge, you must be 21…

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Popular Variants

The Spritz is no singular cocktail; it is a curated collection of sparkling expressions, crafted for those who savor variety, elegance, and the art of the aperitivo.

• Aperol Spritz: bright orange, sweeter, gentler bitterness. The global icon.
• Campari Spritz: deeper red, bolder, more bitter and complex.
• Select Spritz: the original Venetian version, slightly less bitter than Campari.
• Cynar Spritz: herbal, earthy, made with artichoke‑based amaro.
• Limoncello Spritz: bright and citrusy.
• Elderflower Spritz: floral and delicate.

Countless modern riffs using amari, vermouths, or fruit liqueurs

All follow the same general ratio: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts bitter, 1 part soda.

The Amante Spritz | Amante 1530

INGREDIENTS
– 2 parts Amante 1530
– 3 parts Prosecco
– 1-part high-quality soda water
– 1 squeeze of an Amalfi lemon wedge

METHOD:
Gently combine over ice in a large wine glass.

Aperol Spritz | Angelini Osteria, Los Angeles, CA

As easy as it looks. Cheers!

Angelini Osteria Restaurant Los Angeles
7313 Beverly Blvd. (Poinsettia Ave.) Los Angeles, CA 90036
Cuisine: Italian GAYOT’s Rating 14/20

Royal Spritz Blanc | Maison Villevert

INGREDIENTS:
– 1.35 oz. (40 ml) La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Blanc BUY NOW!
– 2.70 oz. (80 ml) Prosecco Extra Dry
– 0.70 oz. (20 ml) Eau pétillante Three Cents Two Cents Plain
– orange zest

METHOD:
• In a large wine glass filled with ice, pour La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Blanc and the Prosecco.
• Top with Three Cents Two Cents Plain.
• Slowly mix with a spoon.
• Finish with the orange zest.

More cocktails by Maison Villevert.

Amalfi Sunset Spritz | Malfi Gin

INGREDIENTS
– 35 ml Malfy Gin Rosa BUY NOW!
– 50 ml blood orange soda (like Sanpellegrino Aranciata Rossa BUY NOW!)
– 50 ml Prosecco
– ice cubes
– orange wheel, strawberry slices, and fresh thyme sprig for garnish

METHOD
• Fill a large wine glass with cubed ice.
• Pour in the Malfy Gin Rosa, blood orange soda, and Prosecco.
• Stir gently to mix the drink.
• Add the orange wheel, strawberry slices, and thyme on top

MORE ON GAYOT.com

• The Best Apéritifs to Drink
• Guide to the Best Margaritas
• Latest Articles on GAYOT.com

Aperol Peach Spritz | Aperol

INGREDIENTS:
– 1 oz. Aperol BUY NOW!
– 1/2 oz. peach liqueur
– 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice
– Club Soda to top
– Prosecco to top

METHOD:
• Add ingredients to a shaker with ice.
• Shake gently
• Serve in a rocks glass over ice with Prosecco and a dash of club soda.

> Courtesy of Lucinda Sterling of Middle Branch, New York, NY, U.S.A.

Spritz Royal | Zebra Champagne

INGREDIENTS:
– 1 1/2 oz. (4 cl.) Aperol BUY NOW!
– 3/4 oz. (2 cl.) soda water
– 2 oz. (6 cl.) Champagne brut
– slice of orange for garnish

METHOD:
Gently combine over ice in a large wine glass.

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About the chefs

If you take the time, you will find out which local chefs impressed me recently:
– Ricardo Zarate at Picca Peruvian Cantina,
– Jeff Mahin at Stella Rossa Pizza Bar,
– David LeFevre at M.B. Post,
– Adam Horton at Raphael
– and Scott Conant at Scarpetta at Montage Beverly Hills.

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A special priced at $19.26

In honor of 1926, enjoy a Stella Artois 5.2% Pale Lager, paired with a Centennial Flatbread topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all for $19.26.

And, I am still waiting to blow out one hundred candles with the sun and the Pacific Ocean in the background. Why not bake a giant flatbread and tap a whole barrel of Stella Artois for the occasion?

Patio del Mar | Seaside Spritzes & Coastal Flavors

Patio del Mar is a seasonal terrace set directly on the Strand, shaded by tall palm trees and open to the rhythm of the ocean. It’s the very last dining outpost on the southern stretch of Santa Monica Beach, where the sand sits just a few feet from your table and the solar‑powered Ferris wheel turns gracefully in the background.

Sunset is the moment when Patio del Mar truly exhales. The light softens, the palms turn into silhouettes, and the Ferris wheel begins its slow, luminous spin like a beacon calling the evening to life. It’s the hour when the Strand glows gold, conversations stretch, and every plate and glass feels touched by the Pacific.

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A post shared by Hotel Casa del Mar (@hotelcasadelmar)

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1. Paloma Excellia | Tequila

The Paloma Excellia elevates this classic recipe by using Excellia Tequilla Blanco that is aged in Sauternes and Cognac barrels.

INGREDIENTS:
– 1.4 oz. (40 ml) Excellia Tequila Blanco BUY NOW!
– 0.7 oz. (20 ml) lime juice
– 5 oz. (150 ml) pink grapefruit soda

METHOD:
• Pour the Excellia Tequila Blanco into a glass filled with ice cubes.
• Add the lime juice.
• Top up with the pink grapefruit soda
• Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

NOTE FROM Maison Villevert: “The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail, often considered a fruity and sparkling alternative to the Margarita. Combining the tangy sweetness of grapefruit with the power of tequila, it seduces with its perfect balance of bitterness, freshness, and lightness.”

2. Espresso Martini | Vodka

Renaissance Vodka Vanille, distilled from 100% French wheat, lends a soft, velvety sweetness that tames the fierce, dry aromatic punch of Algebra coffee liqueur.

INGREDIENTS:
– 1 oz. (30 ml) Renaissance Vodka Vanilla
– 1.5 oz. (50 ml) Algebra Coffee Liqueur Extra Dry
– 0.5 oz. (10 ml) simple sugar syrup

METHOD:
• Fill your shaker with ice.
• Pour in Renaissance Vanilla Vodka, Algebra Coffee Liqueur, and simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with 3 coffee beans for the finishing touch.

NOTE FROM Maison Villevert: “The Espresso Martini is a modern classic that combines the intensity of coffee with the sweetness of vodka. Created in the 1980s in London, it seduces with its balance of bitterness, sweetness, and energy. An elegant cocktail, perfect after a meal or after-work drink.”

RELATED

• Spritz Cocktail Recipe by Maispn Villevert
• The Tequila & Mezcal Guide
• All About Vodka
• A Guide to Rum: Best Rum Styles, Flavors & Drinks
• Whiskey Guide: The Best Bourbon, Scotch Whisky, Rye & Cocktail recipes

3. Bonny Punch in a Jar | Rum

The Bonny Punch in a Jar brings conviviality with a kick. Anne Bonny™ Spiced Rum dives into passion fruit, pineapple, and mango juices, unleashing an exotic, vibrant cocktail that refuses to be ordinary.

Makes 15-20 cocktails

INGREDIENTS:
1 bottle Anne Bonny™ Spiced Rum BUY NOW!
– 17 oz. (50 cl) passion fruit juice
– 17 oz. (50 cl) pineapple juice
– 17 oz. (50 cl) mango juice
– 1 bunch of mint


METHOD:
• Fill the jar with all the ingredients.
• Mix and add the mint.
• Let it steep for about an hour.
• Add one-third of the jar’s volume in ice cubes.

Serve in an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes.

NOTE FROM Maison Villevert:: “A friendly tropical cocktail, where Anne Bonny™ Spiced Rum blends with an exotic combination of fruits and mint for a refreshing experience to share.”

A short recap of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter‑final between Belgium and Spain, held on July 9, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

4. Manhattan | Whiskey

This Manhattan combines the intensity of the Gwalarn Celtic Blend with the richness of Maison Villevert’s La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge.

INGREDIENTS:
– 1.4 oz (40 ml) Gwalarn Celtic Blend BUY NOW!
– 1 oz. (30 ml) La Quintinye Royal Red Vermouth BUY NOW!
– 2 drops of Angostura bitters

METHOD:
• Fill your mixing glass ¾ full with ice cubes.
• Add all the ingredients.
• Mix for about 20 seconds.

Garnish with an Amarena cherry or (optional) twist with an orange zest.

NOTE FROM Maison Villevert:: “A classic cocktail revisited where the character of the Gwalarn blends with the sweetness of La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge offering a rich and complex experience.”

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GAYOT’s Gin list & Cocktails

• The Best Premium Gins from Around the Globe

• Best Gin Cocktail Recipes
• 4 Gin Cocktail Recipes by Malfy Gin
• A Gin Punch Cocktail Recipe
• A Craft Cocktail for Valentine’s Day
• Solar Eclipse Cocktail Recipe

How Gin is Made

Base spirit: A neutral grain spirit (usually wheat, barley, or corn) is distilled first.
Botanicals: Juniper berries plus a blend of other botanicals (herbs, spices, fruits, roots) are added.
Re-distillation: The spirit is redistilled to infuse the flavors.
Dilution: Water is added to bring it to the desired strength (typically 37.5%–47% ABV).

READ MORE: Martin Miller’s Gin Tour

Major Styles of Gin

London Dry: Juniper‑forward, crisp, no added sweeteners; a production method, not a geographic origin. Ideal for Martinis, G&Ts, Negronis.

Old Tom: Slightly sweeter; historically used in 19th‑century cocktails.

Navy Strength: Bottled at ~57% ABV; intense and powerful.

Genever: The Dutch ancestor—malty, rich, whisky‑like.

New Western / Contemporary: Juniper present but not dominant; distillers highlight citrus, florals, herbs, or regional botanicals.

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A short recap of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter‑final between Belgium and Spain, held on July 9, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Arden | West Hollywood

Head to Arden for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Viewing Party, in partnership with Taittinger Champagne.

Catch the matches on screen with champagne in hand — good friends, great champagne, great game.

Matches before 5 p.m.: special Viewing Party menu. Matches after 6 p.m.: full restaurant dinner menu is available.

Rating: 14/20
Cuisine: California

8289 Santa Monica Blvd. (N. Sweetzer Ave.), West Hollywood, CA 90046
213-712-6567 | View Website

France / Morocco July 9, 2026, World Cup 2026 Viewing Party

READ MORE: The Power of Flowers at Arden Restaurant

Augie’s on Main | Santa Monica

Cuisine: Chicken / Sandwiches / Burgers

2428 Main St. (Hollister Ave.), Santa Monica, CA 90405

310-310-8171 | View Website

Boomtown Brewery | Arts District

Boomtown Brewery is hosting Group Stage Watch Parties for Team USA, Mexico, and Brazil matches.

Boomtown Brewery will also serve as home to Barra 76 LA, the passionate official supporter group for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere filled with Jerseys, Drums, Chants, Flags, live energy, and nonstop celebration as Barra 76 LA brings the spirit and passion of international futbol directly to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

700 Jackson St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-617-8497 | View Website

Charcoal Venice | Venice

GAYOT’s Rating: 13/20
Cuisine: California / Grill

425 Washington Blvd. (Clune Ave.) Venice, CA 90292
310-751-6794 | View Website

Fitoor | Santa Monica

Cuisine: Indian

755 Ocean Ave. (Vicente Ter.) Santa Monica, CA 90401
424-699-1300 | View Website

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READ MORE: Four Cocktails for the World Cup 2026 by Maison Villevert

France Club USA | The Penmar Venice

The largest French fan zone in America organized by France Club USA at The Penmar in Venice, with DJ @benjiphan

2 giant 4k screens
Table Reservation highly recommended if you want to be seated.
Special drinks and menus for “Les Bleus Events”
Possible lawn access. Bring your own blankets.
Free entry

Above is the video of France/Paraguay watch party on July 4, 2026, round of 16.

1233 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
310-310-2576 | View Website

Loulou | Santa Monica

Catch every FIFA World Cup match on Loulou’s big screens, all tournament long.

Rating 14/20
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Pl., #300 (Colorado Ave.) Santa Monica, CA 90401
323-410-2337 | View Website

Marea | Beverly Hills

Rating: 15/20
Cuisine: Italian / Seafood

430 N. Camden Dr. (Brighton Wy.) Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-620-8463 | View Website

Marea is on GAYOT’s: Best LA Best Restaurants Best LA Italian Restaurants Best LA Seafood Restaurants Best LA Wine List Restaurants Best LA Best Décor Restaurants Best LA Business Dining Restaurants Best LA Craft Cocktail Bars & Restaurants Best Beverly Hills Romantic Restaurants

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The best sweet ending

I had dinner there a few weeks ago. At the end I was forced by general manager Shannon Ferguson to try the new desserts — I say “forced” because chef de cuisine Joshua Whigham had already sent enough dishes to satisfy my appetite.

After trying three of the sweets prepared à la minute, I was, and so were my guests, extremely satisfied by the tasting. Andrés combined olive oil ice cream and grapefruit; completely reinterpreted the snack “pan con chocolate” with chocolate flan and brioche ice cream; and gave a new dimension to “Gin and Tonic” by turning his favorite cocktail into sorbet.

And the other piece of good news is that they are only $12 each! I think we need to create a Top 10 Los Angeles Desserts list to honor Andrés’ creativity.

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