B.W. COOK -- The Crowd

South Coast Plaza welcomed a wonderful new store to its vast

collection on Bear Street. The latest addition is called Global Passport,

located in the former Crystal Court building. The handsome boutique,

filled with rich mahogany paneling, English colonial furniture and even a

Mai Tai bar with original Polynesian glasses from Trader Vic’s, was

created by designer and retail whiz Linda Beale. Beale and her husband

Ron are the very successful retail couple behind the At-Ease company with

stores in Newport Beach and Scottsdale, Ariz.

Global Passport features men’s and women’s travel resort apparel along

with the latest items for the home and or gift giving. Linda Beale

states, “Global Passport is a very unique Tommy Bahama concept store

featuring apparel items designed by Bahama, Axis, Tori Richards, Riscotta

and Zanella. We will provide a quality selection of apparel for the world

traveler.”

More than $1 million has been invested in creating the classy world of

Global Passport. The Beale family hosted a small and intimate cocktail

and dinner reception last week to introduce the fashion world to their

new store. On hand for the dinner festivities were the handsome Newport

couple Dawn and Bob Washer, and Lido’s Bill and Rusty Hood, who also

happened to be celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary.

* * *

Ferragosto is returning to Newport Beach. ChildHelp USA in conjunction

with Tutto Mare Ristorante at Fashion Island will throw the traditional

Italian midsummer festival on Saturday, Aug. 11, in the Neiman Marcus

courtyard.

The al fresco affair will be chaired by Mary Ellen and Anwar Soliman,

and Patti and Jim Edwards. Hosted by Tutto Mare general manager Stefano

Albano, the evening is one of the most extravagant culinary feasts on the

California Riviera. Albano produces a dinner worthy of major coverage in

fine food and wine publications. Add to this dancing under the stars,

fabulous drawings and prizes, and plenty of good people watching, and you

have one special summer evening.

Supporting the effort are Nancy Cardin, Carol Packard, Eileen Saul,

Kim Doud and Pam Arnett to name only a few. Tickets are $50 per person in

advance and can be reserved by calling Carol Packard at (714) 969-9542.

ChildHelp USA is also teaming up with the Orange County division of

the American Society of Travel Agents for a golf tournament set for Sept.

10 at the Mesa Verde Country Club in Costa Mesa. The day on the greens

will begin with a 10 a.m. putting contest followed by an early lunch and

a noon scramble that will feature a hole-in-one contest with a chance to

win a Mercedes Benz courtesy of Fletcher Jones, Newport Beach.

Dinner will follow the tournament in the clubhouse. The event is

limited to the first 144 golfers who sign up, reports Bob Herwig, event

organizer. The cost for the tournament is $160 per player or $600 for a

foursome, and everything is included. For more information, contact Jerry

Lynn Walker at (310) 453-6212.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.