S05.E05: Star Sighting

[Rahul]

It's kind of funny that Ken and Lisa reject Max's girlfriend but slobber all over Jason when IMO, Jason is nothing more than a smarmy, social-climbing golddigger. He reminds me of the Winklevoss twins from The Social Network minus the pedigree and family money,

 

Or the attraction to women (allegedly).

 

Lisa R. strikes me as a sycophant.

 

I must be one of the few people who is actually enjoying the lack of fighting this season. (And I can say that here without getting warned for boards on boards!!) I'd rather see a glimpse into their home life and organic interactions--not producer driven drama.

Edited December 19, 2014 by Rahul

[heebiejeebie]

It's kind of funny that Ken and Lisa reject Max's girlfriend but slobber all over Jason when IMO, Jason is nothing more than a smarmy, social-climbing golddigger. He reminds me of the Winklevoss twins from The Social Network minus the pedigree and family money,

 

I figured the VanderpimpyTodds were thinking Jason's bland game show host looks would offset the Panda's jay Leno-esque jaw and weird forehead.  But seeing Jason at the "award" ceremony and I think he is like Ablie Manzo.  Bland and going to seed two seconds after he reached "attractive".

[WireWrap]

Or the attraction to women (allegedly).

 

Lisa R. strikes me as a sycophant.

 

I must be one of the few people who is actually enjoying the lack of fighting this season. (And I can say that here without getting warned for boards on boards!!) I'd rather see a glimpse into their home life and organic interactions--not producer driven drama.

You are not alone! I like the glimpse of their over the top lifestyles, a small amount of drama is ok and enjoyable but not the OTT garbage we have seen for 3 seasons now. Hmmmm, the same amount of time Brandi has been on the show, go figure! LOL

[Lopethina]

Kyle pretending that she hadn't thought about what she was going to wear to the wedding until right before they left. Her stupid Chanel doggy bowl.

And Chanel trashcan and Chanel eyeliner. Gag.

[vrocotamy]

Some people upthread were talking about who's toast next season. My suspicion, increasingly, is that it will be Yolanda. Yolanda has never made for great TV, apart from her opulent properties and snark-worthy gender politics. Now that her daughters are gone for college, her only storyline will be Lyme's, lingerie, and lemons. The cynical part of me believes that she offered up her daughter's DUI on a silver platter because she knew her position on the show is precarious, and may even have been worried about being demoted to a Friend-Of in post-production, as happened to Luanne and Porsha. Yolanda is not featured much on the extended form previews, save what we've seen already - the least of any cast member, and she was the least popular returning HW in the WWHL poll.

I've debated whether or not Brandi is being phased out. IMO, the only way she's getting renewed at her current salary level is if she inserts herself into the Kim and Kyle relationship. Her purpose on the show is done, if her buying a Range Rover and cursing on a shitty podcast in the last two episodes is any indication of what she can produce in terms of storyline sans petty fights. I had to suffer through the least insightful remarks I've yet heard about Bill Cosby to hear her call Kyle a horrible bitch. Who on earth would want to listen to this woman talk about anything?

Kim and Kyle will never go anywhere, because they're natural attention-seeking drama queens who don't have to try that hard to be good TV - and they have an organically complex, dramatic dynamic with one another. I loved Kim in this last episode - tragic and bittersweet - and wish we had seen more rawness post-rehab, in terms of dealing with rebuilding her relationship with her children. I've enjoyed her opening up more this season, instead of relying on the wacky character. I like her emphatically flawed messiness if we get more of an organic view of it, warts and bad decisions and all. I'm hoping we do.

And to Lisa V. - darling, as you like to say - can you stop effing phoning in your role here? You're getting 500 K and you need the money, if the financial problems with your restaurants are as clear to you as they are to us. All you're doing is peddling the same diamonds, roses, and wry sex talk stuff you've been selling since S1, with no storyline otherwise to speak of. For me, it's old hat. She also seems to be in overdrive this season to remind us what a wonderful person she is. Savior of downtrodden Latinas and heterosexual voice for the gays.

Girl, please. You hire maids (not housekeepers) and claim they're privileged to work for you, serve gay men overpriced drinks, and brought Kevin Lee and Cedric Martinez on TV. By your logic, I'm an activist for Latino rights because I translated museum policies for Spanish-speaking locals on the fly at my old job and eat plantains. As much as a response to anything on last season, I think this wave of self-adulation has been a response to the Karina Bustillos lawsuit (which forced them to sell Villa Blanca) and to the increasing distaste of West Hollywood for SUR, Pump, and Vanderpump Rules - the only show set in West Hollywood to feature no LGBT people when it's the gayest place in the USA. She and Ken are increasingly viewed there, especially among patrons and owners of gay bars, as snobby carpetbaggers - and it's reflected in their establishments' flagging popularity. Lisa needs to eat her words about Adrienne and take her possible negative portrayal (and the airing of her dirty laundry) in stride. It's what she signed up for. But production is retrenching their Lisa love b/c ratings declined last season with the attacks on her, and it's therefore unlikely to happen.

Edited December 19, 2014 by vrocotamy

[heebiejeebie]

I did wonder if Yolanda crafted the phone call.  Yeah I'm lolling on a grassy knoll here.  But I noticed before she took the call she kept looking at her cell phone.  I can't help but wonder if she had already known by a prior off camera call and figured it had to come out on the show because I do think Yolanda and David are smart enough to know the events happening in real time can wreck havoc with the image they try to sell via the packaged season.  Maybe I'm giving Yolanda too many smarts.  But David Foster is a pro at image control.  After all he in part is responsible for both the Kardashians and Spencer Pratt.  He has an ability to weave evil even if unknowingly. 

 

And to be fair, even if it was an unintended consequence, I can't fault someone trying to mitigate your child's stupid mistake.  Yes Bella should face serious consequences,  But it also should not define her via the show with something she should be paying for for the rest of life because mamma daddy and step daddy are all attention trollops.

 

But the way it came off seemed organic enough but if crafted was nicely done since it put it out there but kept it at a minimum, Yolanda got to exit speedily stage left without having a camera crew following her every fraught moment back to the states and the next we see the issue she and David have a smooth facade.

Edited December 19, 2014 by heebiejeebie

[Lola16]

 

I must be one of the few people who is actually enjoying the lack of fighting this season. (And I can say that here without getting warned for boards on boards!!) I'd rather see a glimpse into their home life and organic interactions--not producer driven drama.

Me 2!  I much prefer the closets, lunches without manufactured drama, vacations etc.

[JAYJAY1979]

Well Brandi does insert herself in the Kim and Kyle situation and Kyle gets physical with her.

From the brief scene I saw for next weeks episode..Lisa r let Yolanda knoe about going to lisa v star dedication and Yolanda tries to talk to Lisa about it..but she wouldn't go there with Yolanda..nor would she go there with brandi. I bet Lisa v refused to play along with production so they turn to Kyle since she is more hot headed and not as good at playing the game.

[suomi]

suomi, this is the kind of tea I live to sip. Lol!! Thank you darl!   Shame it didn't work out, especially considering her subsequent choices.  I remember him from back in the day.  Shit, two of them together must've been like looking directly at the sun. 

 

Responding in Small Talk: The Cabana.

[motorcitymom65]

I did wonder if Yolanda crafted the phone call.  Yeah I'm lolling on a grassy knoll here.  But I noticed before she took the call she kept looking at her cell phone.  I can't help but wonder if she had already known by a prior off camera call and figured it had to come out on the show because I do think Yolanda and David are smart enough to know the events happening in real time can wreck havoc with the image they try to sell via the packaged season.  Maybe I'm giving Yolanda too many smarts.  But David Foster is a pro at image control.  After all he in part is responsible for both the Kardashians and Spencer Pratt.  He has an ability to weave evil even if unknowingly. 

 

And to be fair, even if it was an unintended consequence, I can't fault someone trying to mitigate your child's stupid mistake.  Yes Bella should face serious consequences,  But it also should not define her via the show with something she should be paying for for the rest of life because mamma daddy and step daddy are all attention trollops.

 

But the way it came off seemed organic enough but if crafted was nicely done since it put it out there but kept it at a minimum, Yolanda got to exit speedily stage left without having a camera crew following her every fraught moment back to the states and the next we see the issue she and David have a smooth facade.

Someone on the Vulture Thread pointed out that when Yo took the original call she was on an iPhone 5, but when we saw her later on the boat (in the scene where she was alone in her bathing suit looking at her phone), she was using an iPhone 6. The iPhone 6 didn't come out until September, which was a month after this incident. I would have to watch that scene again, but if memory serves, we didn't see anyone else in that scene with Yo.  We just saw Portia and Kyle looking out at sea, and editing giving us the appearance that they were also looking over at her.  

 

My thoughts are that Yo took the call on the boat (the timing is right in comparison to when Brooke got married) in real time and had no idea what to do. No one talked about it save for Yo telling Kyle and asking her to keep her mouth shut.  Once Yo was back and damage control was initiated, Yo decided to let this be part of her story. The scenes with David, with her on the boat, and all of her TH's were added later. It could have been because she decided that it would be wrong to not address the situation once she realized how much press it received.  Could also be that she needed a storyline and this was the quickest way to make that happen. 

[zoeysmom]

If production cared about continuity they could have least had Yolanda change her blouse when talking about Bella pre-arrested and post arrest.  It made the whole Bella is different from Gigi and me-a little less believable.  I don't think Yolanda would have let any of those thoughts concerning Bella the Rebel leave her lips on camera.  There is something about Yolanda that is off this year.  She makes each appearance with her seem as if it is some sort of gift.

[chlban]

And Chanel trashcan and Chanel eyeliner. Gag.

I did love the "where is my Chanel eyeliner" line. To quote every housewife who says that? I'll have to try it sometime. Where is my Loreal eyeliner?

 

Also, I generally treat my dogs better than some people treat their children, but the poor, deprived babies do not eat out of designer bowls. On the up side, I've never had the slightest indication it bothers them. They are always waaay more interested in what is in the bowls 

Edited December 19, 2014 by chlban

[Duke2801]

For all of their "my love" talk I've always had a strong marriage of convenience feeling about them. I think Yo needed another rich man after Mohamed and David was pleasent enough. I think David needs a hot wife to feel good about himself, but may have reached the age where he couldn't handle the drama of another trophy wife from the Vanderpump Rules set. Yo is a former model who still looks great, will make his needs the center of her world(I mean, she gets mad at people who talk while he's playing piano!), and at least makes an effort to keep the personal drama away from his house. I have never seen a great love affair with them, just two players who know its time to lock up the end game.

 

I agree with your summarization of their marriage for the most part.  But I guess I don't see it as necessarily a terrible things. I mean, people marry for reasons other than all-consuming, passionate, can't-exist-without-the-other love all the time. And, oftentimes, it works out just fine. 

 

And even the few couples I can think of IRL who did have that wild passion in the beginning?  Most of them just tolerate each other now.  One couple more or less actively hates each other (well, she hates him, anyway). 

 

I mean, we really are just getting such a small glimpse into their lives.  And yes, Yolanda is more like me--somebody is very affectionate and effusive with your feelings and emotions, while David ... well David has his issues. LOL But, he also seems like somebody whose more apt to express their emotions when the cameras are turned off.  It doesn't mean he doesn't love her and that they have a terrible marriage.

 

Unless it's a case of a couple REALLY putting out bad vibes toward each other (aka: Adrienne and Paul) it's so hard to really gauge a couple's "long-term" viability or overall happiness from a reality TV show. When I look back at old seasons of RHoAtlanta.... Hell I thought Ed and Lisa were a hot, passionate couple who really loved each other.  I thought that one chic (Shauny?) and her husband seemed happy, too--as well those 2 couples on RHofDC (NOT the Salahis--ew) but the black couple and the rich, white one.  Even the British chic and her man seemed really into each other.  And they ALL got divorced not long after the show aired. 

[BitterApple]

You are not alone! I like the glimpse of their over the top lifestyles, a small amount of drama is ok and enjoyable but not the OTT garbage we have seen for 3 seasons now. Hmmmm, the same amount of time Brandi has been on the show, go figure! LOL

That's one of the reasons why I miss Camille. The house porn alone was cray-cray, not to mention her closet.

[FozzyBear]

I agree with your summarization of their marriage for the most part. But I guess I don't see it as necessarily a terrible things. I mean, people marry for reasons other than all-consuming, passionate, can't-exist-without-the-other love all the time. And, oftentimes, it works out just fine.

And even the few couples I can think of IRL who did have that wild passion in the beginning? Most of them just tolerate each other now. One couple more or less actively hates each other (well, she hates him, anyway).

I mean, we really are just getting such a small glimpse into their lives. And yes, Yolanda is more like me--somebody is very affectionate and effusive with your feelings and emotions, while David ... well David has his issues. LOL But, he also seems like somebody whose more apt to express their emotions when the cameras are turned off. It doesn't mean he doesn't love her and that they have a terrible marriage.

Unless it's a case of a couple REALLY putting out bad vibes toward each other (aka: Adrienne and Paul) it's so hard to really gauge a couple's "long-term" viability or overall happiness from a reality TV show. When I look back at old seasons of RHoAtlanta.... Hell I thought Ed and Lisa were a hot, passionate couple who really loved each other. I thought that one chic (Shauny?) and her husband seemed happy, too--as well those 2 couples on RHofDC (NOT the Salahis--ew) but the black couple and the rich, white one. Even the British chic and her man seemed really into each other. And they ALL got divorced not long after the show aired.

Oh I don't think it's a bad thing at all! I really don't! Yo and David made a decision about what kind of companionship they want in their old age and got it. I think it's as good a reason as any to get married. I just don't buy the Two Lovers and a Roast Chicken show Yo is trying to sell. I wouldn't be surprised if they have only had sex a handful of times and not for years.

[Satchels of gold]

I did love the "where is my Chanel eyeliner" line. To quote every housewife who says that? I'll have to try it sometime. Where is my Loreal eyeliner?

 

Also, I generally treat my dogs better than some people treat their children, but the poor, deprived babies do not eat out of designer bowls. On the up side, I've never had the slightest indication it bothers them. They are always waaay more interested in what is in the bowls

My dogs preferred drinking vessel is the toilet ....so yea those bowls were for the benefit of people, not the dog.

[Lura]

I just read the letter that Yolanda wrote to Bella, and I now have no hope that Yolanda can change her.  The damning sentence written by Yolanda which makes me feel this way was "I have cleaned up your car and destroyed all evidence...."  No, Yolanda, no!  The spoiled child should clean her own car!  Make her throw away the bloody Tampax, the liquor bottles and the rest of the mess!   As soon as my daughter got over her hangover, I'd have her out there in the light of day to clean that car and see the damage for herself.  The last thing I'd do for her would be to do it for her.  I like Yolanda most of the time, but I feel that she slipped up badly out of habit.  I hope that she loses that habit soon!  She has taken care of Bella for 18 years; it's time for Bella to take care of herself for a change.

Edited December 19, 2014 by Lura

[kassa]

I wonder if Monty is a man who managed to “be in town” and “drop by for a few days” when Kim wasn’t functioning well as a parent.

[ryebread]

There is something about Yolanda that is off this year.  She makes each appearance with her seem as if it is some sort of gift.

 

For me, this is that way she's always been. In all honesty, I think she and her family are a special group of snowflakes.  I mean, her husband is David Foster, her daughter is on the verge of supermodel stardom, there's not an ugly one in the bunch and look how they live!  They're pretty unique in their circumstances.  That said, a  little more humility and a lot less hypocrisy would go a long way toward people (me) actually liking and/or admiring them. 

[vrocotamy]

Well Brandi does insert herself in the Kim and Kyle situation and Kyle gets physical with her.

From the brief scene I saw for next weeks episode..Lisa r let Yolanda knoe about going to lisa v star dedication and Yolanda tries to talk to Lisa about it..but she wouldn't go there with Yolanda..nor would she go there with brandi. I bet Lisa v refused to play along with production so they turn to Kyle since she is more hot headed and not as good at playing the game.

 

The issue with Lisa V. is that she's too concerned with being liked, even if that means compromising the show's story-lines. Producers play along with it, IMO, because they know she's the fan-favorite and lots of people watch just to hear her speak, even if she's phoning in her role this season and saving all the drama for Vanderpump Rules. I don't think she's a Machiavellian (Machiavellic), Bobby-Fisher-chess-playing mastermind per se, but I think the show has suffered for her being allowed to play the game on her own terms (with the exception of the end of Season 4.)

 

Kyle's great for this franchise - even if she'll never be as popular as Lisa V. - because she's not only naturally dramatic, but she's willing to play the Housewives Game even when she draws the short end of the stick. The emotions and opinions we get from Kyle, IMO, are most often genuine - and still manage to facilitate or directly cause drama! Producers probably love her for that rare quality. That said, although Kyle has grown on me since first watching the show, this past episode reminded me why she grated intensely when I first watched her. As Brian Moylan said, Kyle has two extraordinary talents: 1.) Returning home from vacation and 2.) Making everything about herself. I sometimes think Kyle is too normal for reality television, but this second quality - however benign its manifestations usually are - makes her perfect for it. She oscillates between being annoying and amusing, since she seems to run around all day in a thrum of excited self-absorption.

Edited December 20, 2014 by vrocotamy

[zoeysmom]

I may have missed something but what exactly is Lisa's connection to Palm Springs?  The whole Palm Springs Walk of Fame, was started because they wanted to honor the Hollywood types who made Palm Springs a second home and honor community leaders.  My second question would be what Gay Rights cause does Lisa financially support?  I see a lot of cash coming her way from the LGBT community but I have yet to hear or read of any charity or cause Lisa and Ken financially support.  Driving around in a funny little pink car and riding in parades, selling over priced drinks just seems a little shallow.  Certainly she is not the first heterosexual woman to support and embrace same sex relationships, bi-sexual relationships or the transgender.  Is it because she professes her acceptance to the rich and famous gays? 

 

I have to agree Lisa's position on the show so far this season has been to talk about how wonderful she is and how lacking her co-stars have been in their ability to worship her.  I am glad she has found a side-kick in Lisa but something tells me Lisa R. will be friendly to everyone. . . until she isn't.  

 

Unfortunately, Lisa did not give a shout out to the makers of her luggage. . . I thought it was gorgeous and obviously not suitable for commercial airline travel but it was sure pretty.

[motorcitymom65]

I may have missed something but what exactly is Lisa's connection to Palm Springs?  The whole Palm Springs Walk of Fame, was started because they wanted to honor the Hollywood types who made Palm Springs a second home and honor community leaders.  My second question would be what Gay Rights cause does Lisa financially support?  I see a lot of cash coming her way from the LGBT community but I have yet to hear or read of any charity or cause Lisa and Ken financially support.  Driving around in a funny little pink car and riding in parades, selling over priced drinks just seems a little shallow.  Certainly she is not the first heterosexual woman to support and embrace same sex relationships, bi-sexual relationships or the transgender.  Is it because she professes her acceptance to the rich and famous gays? 

 

I have to agree Lisa's position on the show so far this season has been to talk about how wonderful she is and how lacking her co-stars have been in their ability to worship her.  I am glad she has found a side-kick in Lisa but something tells me Lisa R. will be friendly to everyone. . . until she isn't.  

 

Unfortunately, Lisa did not give a shout out to the makers of her luggage. . . I thought it was gorgeous and obviously not suitable for commercial airline travel but it was sure pretty.

I wondered the same thing about the Palm Springs connection. Brandi mentioned in her blog that Lisa talks often about loving the place, and of how much they adore the house they always stay in. We're any of the restaurants they owned 15 or so years ago in that area?

I think that Lisa considers herself some type of champion to the gay community because from what I understand several of their bars back in London were gay bars. I think she said once that this was basically how they made their fortune back in the day.

[CatMomma]

I may have missed something but what exactly is Lisa's connection to Palm Springs?  The whole Palm Springs Walk of Fame, was started because they wanted to honor the Hollywood types who made Palm Springs a second home and honor community leaders.  My second question would be what Gay Rights cause does Lisa financially support?  I see a lot of cash coming her way from the LGBT community but I have yet to hear or read of any charity or cause Lisa and Ken financially support.  Driving around in a funny little pink car and riding in parades, selling over priced drinks just seems a little shallow.  Certainly she is not the first heterosexual woman to support and embrace same sex relationships, bi-sexual relationships or the transgender.  Is it because she professes her acceptance to the rich and famous gays? 

 

I have to agree Lisa's position on the show so far this season has been to talk about how wonderful she is and how lacking her co-stars have been in their ability to worship her.  I am glad she has found a side-kick in Lisa but something tells me Lisa R. will be friendly to everyone. . . until she isn't.  

 

Unfortunately, Lisa did not give a shout out to the makers of her luggage. . . I thought it was gorgeous and obviously not suitable for commercial airline travel but it was sure pretty.

 

From what I understand, she is very active in the Palm Springs community, particularly the LGBT community.  We just don't see it on the show.  She's a big deal in Palm Springs, apparently.  She is also a spokesperson for GLAAD and hosts quite a few fundraising events for AIDS.  From what I can tell, most of her work is done primarily in Palm Springs, not on a national level. So, I can see why she was honored.

Edited December 20, 2014 by CatMomma

[vrocotamy]

To be fair, what CatMomma says is correct: http://www.local10.com/news/lisa-vanderpump-talks-aids-awareness/23222474. Lisa has been a GLAAD representative, hosts and attends HIV fundraisers regularly (including the White Party in Florida), and produces PSAs for LGBT youth. TPTB would have done better to mention that on-screen to clarify why she's being awarded for her LGBT advocacy, instead of just being a heterosexual voice and owning gay bars. As a gay man, to me, the way the show framed her advocacy was asinine and offensive. She also doesn't list her LGBT advocacy on her website under "Charity." Maybe it's that British modesty?

 

This article elaborates what I said in my earlier post about Lisa's problems with acceptance in the West Hollywood gay community: http://www.wehoville.com/2014/10/10/can-lisa-vanderpump-find-love-gay-weho/.

[zoeysmom]

To be fair, what CatMomma says is correct: http://www.local10.com/news/lisa-vanderpump-talks-aids-awareness/23222474. Lisa has been a GLAAD representative, hosts and attends HIV fundraisers regularly (including the White Party in Florida), and produces PSAs for LGBT youth. TPTB would have done better to mention that on-screen to clarify why she's being awarded for her LGBT advocacy, instead of just being a heterosexual voice and owning gay bars. As a gay man, to me, the way the show framed her advocacy was asinine and offensive. She also doesn't list her LGBT advocacy on her website under "Charity." Maybe it's that British modesty?

 

This article elaborates what I said in my earlier post about Lisa's problems with acceptance in the West Hollywood gay community: http://www.wehoville.com/2014/10/10/can-lisa-vanderpump-find-love-gay-weho/.

To me, attending White Parties, is just attending fundraisers.  Speaking at them is very nice as well.  IIRC correctly, Kim Zolciak performed at a White Party. http://southfloridagaynews.com/Celebrity/lisa-vanderpump-comes-to-white-party.html  I have to agree I am just surprised how it was presented.  I am not suggesting her star being revoked it just seemed like the bar was pretty low in including her in Palm Springs as she has no home in the area.

 

Last year Kyle took a ton of flack for hosting a fashion show for the Los Angeles Children's Hospital because Jamie Lee Curtis mentioned Kyle and Mauricio had donated to a certain level ($100,000.00).  Perhaps the producers decided not to go into detail about all the time, and money Lisa has spent in Palm Springs.

 

I would love for RHOBH to show a few of David Foster's charity event performances, especially the one in Victoria, BC or Calgary.  He has an amazing charity up there that involves  helping the families of children needing organ transplants who are receiving treatment far from home.  It started with a Canadian child having treatment in Los Angeles and David helping the family to visit and stay with the child in LA. http://davidfosterfoundation.com/ He raised really big money $8.2 million at the last event.  Brandi and Kyle attended the event:  http://www.allabouttrh.com/david-foster-foundation-event/

 

His hometown of Victoria BC has named a street after him. 

[WireWrap]

To be fair, what CatMomma says is correct: http://www.local10.com/news/lisa-vanderpump-talks-aids-awareness/23222474. Lisa has been a GLAAD representative, hosts and attends HIV fundraisers regularly (including the White Party in Florida), and produces PSAs for LGBT youth. TPTB would have done better to mention that on-screen to clarify why she's being awarded for her LGBT advocacy, instead of just being a heterosexual voice and owning gay bars. As a gay man, to me, the way the show framed her advocacy was asinine and offensive. She also doesn't list her LGBT advocacy on her website under "Charity." Maybe it's that British modesty?

 

This article elaborates what I said in my earlier post about Lisa's problems with acceptance in the West Hollywood gay community: http://www.wehoville.com/2014/10/10/can-lisa-vanderpump-find-love-gay-weho/.

The article link you posted was interesting. What I got from it was that people that live there, in the PUMP/SUR/VB area, don't like Bravo filming there more than anything else and associate it with/blame it on Lisa even though Kyle's shop is close by and they have filmed there quite a bit. They were petty complaints IMO.

 

To me, attending White Parties, is just attending fundraisers.  Speaking at them is very nice as well.  IIRC correctly, Kim Zolciak performed at a White Party. http://southfloridagaynews.com/Celebrity/lisa-vanderpump-comes-to-white-party.html  I have to agree I am just surprised how it was presented.  I am not suggesting her star being revoked it just seemed like the bar was pretty low in including her in Palm Springs as she has no home in the area.

 

Last year Kyle took a ton of flack for hosting a fashion show for the Los Angeles Children's Hospital because Jamie Lee Curtis mentioned Kyle and Mauricio had donated to a certain level ($100,000.00).  Perhaps the producers decided not to go into detail about all the time, and money Lisa has spent in Palm Springs.

 

I would love for RHOBH to show a few of David Foster's charity event performances, especially the one in Victoria, BC or Calgary.  He has an amazing charity up there that involves  helping the families of children needing organ transplants who are receiving treatment far from home.  It started with a Canadian child having treatment in Los Angeles and David helping the family to visit and stay with the child in LA. http://davidfosterfoundation.com/ He raised really big money $8.2 million at the last event.  Brandi and Kyle attended the event:  http://www.allabouttrh.com/david-foster-foundation-event/

 

His hometown of Victoria BC has named a street after him. 

I think the TPTB should show more of the charity work these women and their families are involved with but the charities may want to keep it quiet, not associated with the RHW/Bravo show that is.

[quinn]

I suspect that David Foster's charity event in Canada was filmed for the show, but of course that does not mean that it will air. IIRC Steven Tyler and Jennifer Hudson performed.

I don't know a lot about David's charity, from what I read I am picturing something similar to Ronald McDonald's House, but it seems like it has been around for a good while and that it has helped quite a few people.

[zoeysmom]

The article link you posted was interesting. What I got from it was that people that live there, in the PUMP/SUR/VB area, don't like Bravo filming there more than anything else and associate it with/blame it on Lisa even though Kyle's shop is close by and they have filmed there quite a bit. They were petty complaints IMO.

 

I think the TPTB should show more of the charity work these women and their families are involved with but the charities may want to keep it quiet, not associated with the RHW/Bravo show that is.

Kyle's store is in Beverly Hills which is not anywhere near Boystown or West Hollywood it is around the corner from Villa Blanca.  The neighborhoods are vastly different. The difference between a restaurant/bar and a boutique is Kyle can have her events after 6 pm and no shoppers are affected. For SUR or PUMP to have the proper atmosphere for filming they rely heavily on the restaurants being full of eager patrons. I think the article had more to do with the neighborhood not being impressed with Ken and Lisa trying to replicate their success in London with ownership in several establishments close together.  I am not certain why they would film Lisa grocery shopping but apparently the WeHo patrons of Pavillions were not pleased.

 

In every city, in California, whenever there is an application to sell alcohol on the premises they ABC sends letters to neighbors both commercial and residential and asks for input.  Many a premise permit has been turned down because of neighbors not wanting the associated ruckus that comes with a nightclub.  Lisa and Ken put a boatload of money into PUMP and only time will tell if the neighborhood warms up to her establishment or it was even a wise investment.  What I take exception with on the Lisa front is the weird weddings with her and Giggy at PUMP.  Be it a gay or straight wedding it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It seems so gimmicky.  Granted there have been few takers but it just seems tawdry.

 

What I got from the article is perhaps the Vanderpump magic hasn't settled over WeHo yet.  Perhaps that it why her fan base sought to have her memorialized somewhere else like Palm Springs. 

[Higgins]

Yeah but, isn't that up to the persons marrying. If they want a PUMP wedding, so what?

[zoeysmom]

Yeah but, isn't that up to the persons marrying. If they want a PUMP wedding, so what?

Absolutely.  If Lisa wants to turn her bar into a strip club she can.  It is something a real person on a reality show is putting out there all the while exuding class and keeping her nose held high in the air.  I just find "Meet Giggy" nights and campy weddings rather bourghetto.  I find having a dog in a restaurant a total violation of health code unless of course it is a service animal.  Giggy is not a service animal.

[Satchels of gold]

I think it's great that Lisa has put so much effort into Pump including having a hundred year old olive trees put in. Yes, she probably did it for the purposes of making money but I also think she wanted to create something beautiful for the gay community.

[Higgins]

I just think that a place like Pump might not be for you but then you don't have to go there. That's the beauty of liberty. To each their own.

[Rhetorica]

Absolutely. If Lisa wants to turn her bar into a strip club she can. It is something a real person on a reality show is putting out there all the while exuding class and keeping her nose held high in the air. I just find "Meet Giggy" nights and campy weddings rather bourghetto. I find having a dog in a restaurant a total violation of health code unless of course it is a service animal. Giggy is not a service animal.

I sometimes like campy. We're heading to Key West tomorrow's and attendeding the La te da Cabaret show. I've got a sparkly tacky top to wear. I hope Lisa's place brings more business into the area. Isn't it up and coming?

[ScoobieDoobs]

Guess I'm confused why Lisa seems to have pushed so hard on the notion of PUMP being a gay bar/restaurant -- at least she has on the show & in local gay pubs, but it hasn't turned out to be popular with a gay crowd. I say this only cuz I've heard the crowd is mixed gay/straight, with customers mostly being straight. Maybe it doesn't matter in the end cuz business is business -- from whoever.

It makes me wonder why it seems to have failed to catch on with the gay community, when it's located right smack dab in the hugely er, "gay-centric" area of West Hollywood. From what we've seen on cam, PUMP looks really nice. Why aren't gays goin' there? Sounds like Lisa is doin' all the right stuff promote to the gay community by hooking up with Frontiers & remaining a presence in Gay Pride. I don't get it.

As far as having weddings there, tacky or not, guess she's doing what she's gotta do to stay in business. To me, it shows things could be gettin' dicey already. Uh-oh. Will we see Lisa end up -- oh-the-horrors -- in da Valley? Or even worse -- eeeeeeek -- in Calabasas?

Edited December 21, 2014 by ScoobieDoobs

[zoeysmom]

Guess I'm confused why Lisa seems to have pushed so hard on the notion of PUMP being a gay bar/restaurant -- at least she has on the show & in local gay pubs, but it hasn't turned out to be popular with a gay crowd. I say this only cuz I've heard the crowd is mixed gay/straight, with customers mostly being straight. Maybe it doesn't matter in the end cuz business is business from whoever.

It makes me wonder why it seems to have failed to catch on with the gay community, when it's located right smack dab in the hugely er, "gay-centric" area of West Hollywood. From what we've seen on cam, PUMP looks really nice. Why aren't gays goin' there? Sounds like Lisa is doin' all the right stuff promote to the gay community by hooking up with Frontiers & remaining a presence in Gay Pride. I don't get it.

As far as having weddings there, tacky or not, guess she's doing what she's gotta do to stay in business. To me, it shows things could be gettin' dicey already. Uh-oh. Will we see Lisa end up -- oh-the-horrors -- in da Valley? Or even worse -- eeeeeeek -- in Calabasas?

Lisa opened PUMP right next to one of the most popular gay restaurant/bars in the country, The Abbey. Her SUR lounge is few door down on the other side from The Abbey.  Maybe WeHo didn't need another bar or restaurant.  Maybe the gay community prefers to support establishments with gay owners.  http://sbe.com/nightlife/brands/theabbeyfoodandbar/

[heebiejeebie]

Absolutely.  If Lisa wants to turn her bar into a strip club she can.  It is something a real person on a reality show is putting out there all the while exuding class and keeping her nose held high in the air.  I just find "Meet Giggy" nights and campy weddings rather bourghetto.  I find having a dog in a restaurant a total violation of health code unless of course it is a service animal.  Giggy is not a service animal.

 

 

Eh,  It's called having an opinion.  I'm not sure even if the place still has a new car spell why people are clutching pearls over someone else having a different take on someone who whores herself out for the public.  As noted it is a free world.  At this point, nice as it is, you really don't have to explain yourself or your reaction.  Just air what you feel.  Everyone else here does.  Despite the "I don't get..." passive aggressive "all must think as I do' silliness that still persists.

Edited December 21, 2014 by heebiejeebie

[vrocotamy]

This is just conjecture, since I've never even been to West Hollywood (although I know a lot second-hand about L.A.)...but I think P.U.M.P. not catching on as much as Lisa had hoped has a little to do with the over-saturation of the area with bars/restaurants and not having gay owners and a lot to do with the perception that it's a restaurant that's not there to attract the local crowd, but to attract celebrities, tourists, and Lisa Vanderpump fans (who may also belong to the former two categories.) The overall impression one gets from the Yelp reviews is that it's a beautifully decorated (albeit in a slightly dated manner), but markedly over-priced, restaurant/bar/lounge with horrible service, strong drinks, and so-so food, that mostly caters to tourists and B- and C-List celebrities. Sometimes proximity to other like establishments works to create business; one certainly sees this in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood, which has tons of thriving gay bars close to one another, feeding off each other's business. In this case, it doesn't seem to be working.

[ub40fan]

The best thing about reading that article was my familiarity with the area they were talking about. 23-25 years ago, before the plague killed all my West Hollywood friends, I would drive up from San Diego and spend weekends with them at gay bars, dance clubs, wherever. So much fun. The article brought back some sweet memories.

[ScoobieDoobs]

Lisa opened PUMP right next to one of the most popular gay restaurant/bars in the country, The Abbey. Her SUR lounge is few door down on the other side from The Abbey.  Maybe WeHo didn't need another bar or restaurant.  Maybe the gay community prefers to support establishments with gay owners.  

 

 

Interesting you mentioned The Abbey.  Whatever they're doing, it's absolutely on target for a gay place to do in LA, particularly in WeHo.  A few years ago, on Tabatha's show, she was trying to help the owners of a struggling gay bar & took them to visit The Abbey & spoke briefly with the owners/managers about how they conduct their business.  Wowza, I was impressed by them.  Man, those guys seemed like total pros.  They're on top of their game & they know their business exceptionally well.  It sure was great PR for The Abbey.  

 

Maybe someone needs to take Lisa over there to learn a thing or 2 about what those guys are doing right.  OK, if Lisa doesn't wanna go, maybe she could send one of her gay buffoon friends over there to get some tips (er, and not frosted ones, buffoons).  Oh Lancie . . .

 

but I think P.U.M.P. not catching on as much as Lisa had hoped has a little to do with the over-saturation of the area with bars/restaurants and not having gay owners and a lot to do with the perception that it's a restaurant that's not there to attract the local crowd, but to attract celebrities, tourists, and Lisa Vanderpump fans

 

 

Hmmm, could it be all of Lisa's joints have the rep of being overpriced tourist traps with meh food & crappy service?  When I've been in LA, my friends there refused to go with me to SUR or Villa Blanca.  I had to go by my lonesome & I was extremely unimpressed by both. 

 

First thing that comes to my mind which would turn me off from going to PUMP too often are the $12+ drinks.  Priced comparably with The Abbey?  Well, I bet The Abbey does a lot with drink specials & the like.  I'm not saying Lisa should get into the coupon thing, which can easily get tacky & complicated, but those prices are freakin' high, no matter how ya cut it.

Edited December 22, 2014 by ScoobieDoobs

[KFC]

Scoobie and vrocotamy- That's about right. Lisa basically set up shop right in the epicenter of the gay bars/clubs on Santa Monica Boulevard, and although Pump might be marketed as a gay[er] bar, it's really not at all. It's a pretentious tourist trap with a ridiculously priced cocktail menu. Your average cocktail at Pump is 2-3 times as expensive as most of the places nearby, be they gay or straight.

 

I think its lack of success is probably because it represents a gentrification of the area, and there's very little about it I would classify as gay. It's an interesting contrast to The Abbey, as zoeysmom pointed out. That place also attracts a very mixed, largely straight/LA wannabe scenester crowd, but the establishment is still undoubtedly a gay bar. Your typical Weho gayboy would probably get a few odd looks if he strolled into Pump for a drink in a tanktop and jeans, whereas a place like The Abbey has a mix of suited/cocktail dress-wearing straight people juxtaposed with go-go boys and scantily dressed gay men.

Edited December 22, 2014 by KFC

[quinn]

I remember reading a while ago that while PUMP is in a prime location that no business in that spot has been successful.

On the one hand I think that it's too early to declare PUMP a failure, but if it does not make it my guess would be demographics play a key role. The conventional wisdom, which is debatable, is you have to appeal to young people because older people are set in their ways. I thinkthat Lisa appeals mostly to the forty something crowd gay and straight, and even if they like her, are they going to give up their regular spot(s) and start going to PUMP, doubtful.

Something else I'm wondering about is what are Lisa and Ken's intentions? To me they seem more like the restaurant version of house flippers, so I wonder if they intend on running PUMP for years to come, or if the plan was to run it for a few years and then sell it for a nice profit.

Edited December 22, 2014 by quinn

[FozzyBear]

I also wonder how the possibility/threat of cameras affects the business at all of the Vanderpump joints, especially SUR and Pump that are main locations for VPR and have occasional RHBH shots. As a tourist trap or for the occasional goof (like rush pranks) I could see the possibility of being on TV as a HUGE bonus, but not as much for a regular neighborhood crowd. I wouldn't want to worry about being in a shot every time I was trying to relax with friends at my local bar. I also wouldn't want my mom to see every night of it...

[jaync]

 I'm not sure even if the place still has a new car spell why people are clutching pearls over someone else having a different take on someone who whores herself out for the public. 

LOL, what people?

 

Never knew strong drinks to be a bad thing for a bar. I would expect a $12 (hardly outrageous) cocktail to have a hefty dose of premium liquor.

 

[racked]

Is $12 for a drink expensive in that area? I work in Tribeca and you can't find a cocktail cheaper than that. I thought WeHo was on scale with most of NYC when it comes to that sort of thing.

Celebs seem to love Lisa's establishments, but I don't know if that translates to good business.

[quaintirene]

 

Kyle's store is in Beverly Hills which is not anywhere near Boystown or West Hollywood it is around the corner from Villa Blanca.

Wow, I walked right past it a ton of times!  I was in BH for a couple of weeks in the fall, and walked up and down that route.  If I'd been paying attention I would have seen it and I could have walked in and tried on a few mu-muus!  It is on the same block of Brighton Way as Villa Blanca--which you could not miss.

[ScoobieDoobs]

Is $12 for a drink expensive in that area? I work in Tribeca and you can't find a cocktail cheaper than that. I thought WeHo was on scale with most of NYC when it comes to that sort of thing.

 

 

Depends on the kinda place.  Sure, there are joints here in NYC where cocktails can run up to 15 or even 20 bucks a pop.  But aren't those more high-end places?  I can't imagine going to any gay bar here & plunking down 20 (or even 12) bucks per drink.  Is The Abbey next door also getting $12+ for cocktails -- or do they offer better pricing & maybe drink specials?

[izabella]

I live in Chicago, and $12 cocktails are not at all unusual, especially with premium liquor.  My fave Mexican restaurant, which isn't much more than a small family restaurant, charges that much for a premium margarita.  Obviously, beer is less, although some of the craft brews might be in that range.  It's a lot, but it's not unusual.

 

I'd expect LA nightclubs to charge that much and more.

[racked]

Depends on the kinda place.  Sure, there are joints here in NYC where cocktails can run up to 15 or even 20 bucks a pop.  But aren't those more high-end places?  I can't imagine going to any gay bar here & plunking down 20 (or even 12) bucks per drink.  Is The Abbey next door also getting $12+ for cocktails -- or do they offer better pricing & maybe drink specials?

In Manhattan? No those aren't high-end places. We're not talking about a beer, but cocktails right? Unless it's a drink special, that's par for the course. I assumed WeHo was as pricey as Manhattan.

[KFC]

It's all relative, but for the area where Pump is situated (in the epicenter of West Hollywood's boystown), drinks are definitely on the high end. Pump's prices are probably more reflective of a slightly upscale bar in Los Angeles (although in general LA is definitely cheaper than Manhattan), but not so much of the prices in their direct neighborhood. For example, the bar next door to Pump serves $7 tumbler-sized cocktails, and pretty much all the bars on the street serve drinks for under $10 that are twice as large as the watered down drinks you'd get at Lisa's. 

[The Closer]

I enjoyed this episode. I appreciate the lack of overtly bad behavior which has (unfortunately) become pretty typical in the Housewives franchise. We've had vacation on a yacht in Spain and a wedding at the Hilton's house and a visit to CBS. Being a voyeur to those things is fun . You also have the life events that are relatable to anyone -- kids going off to college, worrying about/dealing your children when they make very poor choices (i.e., the DUI), concerns over who your children are dating, etc. This is a far, far improved series for focusing on something other than screaming women every episode. Brandi seems to not fit in any longer, though, and I'd really love to see them drop her.

 

I don't feel particularly judgmental when watching these women. At the end of the day, they're just people. I don't find it uncommon for parents to be concerned or protective of the people their children choose to date so Lisa's comments about the age difference between her son and his girlfriend didn't translate to me as being intolerant. It translated to me as being a typical parent. It doesn't mean you don't come to accept and love the person, but before you meet them it's not uncommon to look for the "red flags" and to worry about them. You don't need to be as rich as Lisa to engage in that behavior! 

 

Mauricio may be a bit flabbier but I still find him totally hot.