Kathy McDonald

Los Angeles, United States

Writer and Journalist at Freelance

L.A.-based freelance writer who writes about real estate, hotels, destinations, deliciousness and documentaries. Film fan. Gardener. Historic preservationist.

Articles

Top L.A. and N.Y. Real Estate Agents for the Showbiz Community

4 weeks ago | variety.com | Nick Clement |Todd Longwell |Kathy McDonald |Carole Kass

These top New York and Los Angeles real estate agents service the showbiz community during economic uncertainty.
The AFM Las Vegas Edition: Where to Eat, Drink and Entertain

Nov 5, 2024 | variety.com | Kathy McDonald

Las Vegas visitors soon realize they’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to culinary choices and a verified universe of nightlife. Every indulgence is at hand, from fresh-from-Japan sushi to British-style high tea to steakhouses brimming with wagyu beef.
AFM Hits Las Vegas With New Attitude: There’s ‘Excitement’ and ‘Positivity’ for the Indie Film Event for the First Time in Years

Nov 4, 2024 | variety.com | Kathy McDonald

The American Film Market’s fortunes are changing. After 43 years in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, the AFM launches in Las Vegas within the towers of the Palms Casino Resort Nov.5-10. Shifting the AFM’s narrative completely is the all-in-one-place Las Vegas venue: exhibitor offices, conference rooms, panels, an exhibitor lounge, Location Expo and for the first time, screenings, will all be in the same building. No shuttles necessary.
Docs About Ray Romano’s Twins, Wrestler Mildred Burke and Bob Mackie Highlight Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Nov 1, 2024 | variety.com | Kathy McDonald

The 39th Fort Lauderdale Intl. Film Festival (Nov. 8-17) anchors South Florida’s cultural calendar. The non-profit FLIFF offers an eclectic lineup of independent features, international debuts and documentaries, with 100 films on the slate including eight world premieres and 17 U.S. premieres. FLIFF serves the region’s diverse and engaged audience, according to Steve Savor, president and CEO of FLIFF.
Why A-Listers Love New York's Vintage Residential Buildings

Oct 2, 2024 | msn.com | Kathy McDonald

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Why A-Listers Love New York's Vintage Residential Buildings

Oct 2, 2024 | variety.com | Kathy McDonald

Vintage residential buildings are often the digs of choice for Manhattan's cultural class. Timeless charm and classic architectural style are a given. Decades of history and sometimes screen credits are attached to these prestige addresses. Even the names are cinematic: The Dakota, the Ansonia, the Belnord, the Apthorp and the Arconia - the last one maybe the fictional star of "Only Murders in the Building" but its charms illustrate the style's appeal.
Why Big Hotel Brands Are Opening Doors to More Luxury Residences Around Los Angeles

Aug 9, 2024 | variety.com | Kathy McDonald

Los Angeles area homebuyers can partake in a luxury resort lifestyle every day. High-end hospitality companies offer luster and perks to real estate seekers, from Rancho Palos Verdes overlooking the Pacific, to West Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard, to the heart of Beverly Hills or downtown. These developments allow homeowners to check into upscale digs with numerous hotel-like services without the need to check out.
Showbiz Real Estate Elite 2024: Top Agents From LA to NYC

Mar 6, 2024 | variety.com | Nick Clement |Carole Horst |Kathy McDonald |Paula Hendrickson

The pros selected for Variety’s Real Estate Elite report handle only the very high-end listings on the coasts and have managed to close record-setting deals despite high interest rates and Los Angeles’ “mansion” tax. “This is a time of opportunity for buyers. ‘Marry the house. Date the rate’…. you can always refinance later,” says Cindy Ambuehl at Christie’s Intl. Real Estate. Trends for 2024 include hotel-like amenities.
Wolfgang Puck's Governors Ball Menu Includes 5,000 Chocolate Oscars Dusted With 24-Karat Gold

Mar 6, 2024 | variety.com | Kathy McDonald

On Oscar night, Hollywood’s biggest celebration, the Governors Ball matches the annual ceremony’s elevated expectations as Wolfgang Puck and his catering team turn out dinner for 1,500 guests and what he estimates is his 150,000th chocolate Oscar. There’s something for everyone, whether they’re die-hard vegans or devoted carnivores, promises Puck, who’s overseeing his 30th post-Oscar dinner.
Top Ten Post-Oscars Season Hotels To Relax and Recharge

Feb 5, 2024 | variety.com | Kathy McDonald

1. Chic playground: Colony Palms Hotel There’s eye candy galore at the Colony Palms — and not just the social set found relaxing around the pool. Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard recently refreshed the look of the clubby Purple Palm Restaurant and Bar; intricate patterns and dark crimson hues enliven the space, once a speakeasy in the hotel’s first heyday.