Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
273
Whiskey Blue
When ascending the dramatic backlit stair case and entering the dimly
lit, seductiv e interior, it 's har d to believ e Whiskey B lue in the W H otel is situated on
UCLA's Sorority Row. The atmosphere is as chic as the decor , which features high screen
partitions, low cushioned couches, sleek private rooms, and a row of carved stumps of wood
where manicured martinis may be set. Patrons are encouraged to dress their best, especially
on the w eekends when the Westside's glitterati come out to this scene to be seen. H
otel
guests are given priority entrance.
930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood.
&
310/443-8232.
Winston's
The lack of a sign giv es you a pretty good indication of the type of cr owd
you'll encounter at this tiny West Hollywood bar opened b y überhip owners Andy Fis-
cella (of “D ime” fame) and
GQ
editor Chris H uvane. The decor is pur e 1920s Tinsel-
town with DJs spinning vintage '80s and '90s for y oung starlets like Lindsay Lohan,
Mary Kate Olsen, and Jessica Alba. Plan on snotty service, strong drinks, and attitude in
abundance. Oh, and good luck getting in on a weekend night if you don't have the right
look.
7746 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.
&
323/654-0105.
www.winstonsla.com.
The Woods
For a concrete jungle like Los Angeles, this strip-mall lounge is a welcome
respite. Just as the name implies, teak tables, cedar paneling, and antler chandeliers make
you feel like y ou're drinking in a for est—albeit one with a little H ollywood polish. Get
the mint julep.
1533 La Brea Ave., Hollywood.
&
323/876-6612.
www.vintagebargroup.com.
World Café
Its excellent restaurant, top-notch appetiz er menu, lo w-key jazz bands,
unique artwork, and frequent drink specials make this a perfect place to begin any Santa
Monica evening adventure. A r efreshing venue with spacious and comfor table seating,
warm patios, and a buzz of activity, the World acts as a reflection of the beehive of activ-
ity that flows around this part of the city.
2820 Main St., Santa Monica.
&
310/392-1661.
www.
worldcafela.com.
Yamashiro
Enjoy the vie w of the city fr om this pagoda-and-garden perch in the
Hollywood Hills. Though the place has long been consider ed a “special-occasion” Japa-
nese restaurant, I prefer to sit in the lounge—Mai Tai in hand—and watch Hollywood's
dancing sear chlights dot the night sky . G reat sushi and ev en better specialty drinks.
There's no co ver, but ther e's also no way ar ound the $6 v alet parking fee.
1999 N. Syca-
more Ave., Hollywood.
&
323/466-5125.
10
4
PERFORMING ARTS
CLASSICAL MUSIC & OPERA
While L.A. is best kno wn for its pop r ealms (see earlier in this chapter), other types of
music here consist of top-flight or chestras and companies—both local and visiting—to
fulfill the most demanding classical music appetites; scan the papers to find out who
's
performing while you're in the city.
Fun Facts
Fun with Festivals
The L.A. Philharmonic's summer concert series at the Hollywood Bowl is the
world's largest outdoor music festival.
