‘Ironic Iconic America' book turns to TV

By The Associated Press - 10/04/2008

NEW YORK (AP) — Bar Refaeli has a sweet spot for destinations that feed her sugar habit: The Israeli model picked the Necco candy factory near Boston and New York's Serendipity restaurant — home of the frozen hot chocolate — as two of her favorite places on a long, winding road trip of the U.S.

Refaeli's trip, taken with poet Rives (of HBO's "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry''), was documented for the Bravo TV special "Ironic Iconic America,'' debuted Oct. 3. Their road map was inspired by the coffee-table book "Iconic America: A Roller Coaster Ride Through The Eye-Popping Panorama of American Pop Culture,'' a collaboration between fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and art director George Lois published by Universe last year.

Refaeli, 23, has the young, wide eyes to experience places and things that Americans might be more blase about. Sites on their tour include the American Museum of Natural History in New York, cheesesteak places in Philadelphia and the architectural case-study home known as the Eames House in Pacific Palisades.

The first time the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model visited the U.S. was when she was 16 for a family vacation. Now she splits her time between Israel and Los Angeles, a place she has come to love. "From the first time I landed there, I fell in love with it. It reminds me of Israel in many ways so of course my impression is good. I didn't know much about it growing up — just seeing Beverly Hills and the ‘rich' lifestyle on TV. Then I started going there and I saw all these amazing places and things you could do there.''

She described her favorite spots in "Iconic America" in an e-mail to the AP: -The Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. On the show, Refaeli is part of a staged "quickie wedding."

"I have been to Vegas many times but never seen that side of it. Growing up hearing about it, I thought it is all about gambling and partying, but then we drove by the strip and looked at everything from outside, it is pretty amazing to see this city full of light and people."

-Serendipity in Manhattan. Refaeli says she was surprised she hadn't heard of this restaurant before since it's sort of an oasis for shoppers on the Upper East Side.

"The beat in NY is very fast and there is always not enough time to see everything, but then Rives took me to this cute little place, where the vibe is so calm and peaceful. There are a lot of amazing desserts and good food. Sweet place."

-The Necco factory in Revere, Mass. The conversation-heart candies were her favorite.

"It was pretty exciting seeing where and how they make those little candies that we all know. I didn't think it takes so much to make them but I learned they make the candies all year long but they are sold in stores only in the months around V-day."