XIV HAPPY HOUR!!!

The recession just doesn't seem to have reached certain parts of the city. Along the billboard-bombed and bar-crawl crush of the Sunset Strip on any given night are few, if any, signs of an economic downturn. It's the magic of Hollywood in action.

But now that the recession has moved beyond media-driven hysteria to a sobering new reality for many Angelenos, it has changed how urbanites go out and unwind.

All of which puts the new 6ix on Sunset events at the posh, Philippe Starck-designed XIV Restaurant by Michael Mina in the pole position to become the city's hottest happy hour. Featuring cocktails, appetizers and even valet parking for a reasonable $6, it's a shrewd move that turns the posh establishment into a hot after-work destination that won't stress your budget.

"Our goal is to create a fun, high energy that's an extension of the restaurant," adds Cole. "This is not a stuffy restaurant."

The happy hour appetizers offer tantalizing tastes from XIV's menu, with Kobe beef slider burgers and lobster corn dogs. But the runaway winner is the dangerously addictive truffle oil popcorn, the most genuinely crush-worthy bar snack to come along in ages.

"Now, a lot more people can come and experience what we have to offer without having to commit to a full-on dinner. But we're confident that after checking out the happy hour, they'll be back for more than just drinks."

It's situated on the corner of Sunset and Crescent Heights, and patrons overlook a stretch that feels like the heart of Hollywood. There's the perpetually evolving 8000 Sunset plaza; the Virgin Megastore has been replaced by an ironically music-themed Trader Joe's, and now a new CB2

6ix on Sunset @ XIV

Where: 8117 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays

Price: No cover

Contact: (323) 656-1414, www.sbeent.com/xiv/