Time to Play

When a Hollywood club is about to debut, you need to know. And when the bartenders will also be taking to the trapeze, well, you need to know now. Introducing a wild new Hollywood Boulevard spectacle—it's called Playhouse, and we've got a few tickets for Thursday's VIP blowout. Located in the historic Fox Theatre, Playhouse is sort of a 13,000-square-foot circus tent, if circus tents had Brent Bolthouse spinning on Saturday nights. (He'll be up in the balcony.) A dark corridor spills right into the central bar, where your limber barman will whip you up a couple Pulp Fictions—whiskey, dry vermouth, grapefruit juice and a lemon twist—just before he leaps up onto the trapeze for a circus stunt or two. (Hope he got your drink right.) If you're going the bottle-service route in one of the booths, your cocktail waitress will start you off with free shots—then, later, she and the other girls might start feeling burlesque-y. And down at the end is a giant performance stage that'll host rock shows on venue nights—or a DJ and another bar on club nights. This three-ring mayhem comes to you from Muse Lifestyle Group, whose founders Rob Vinokur and Elie Samaha brought in A-list promoter Allison Melnick (of Apple Lounge A-list promotion fame). But they also flew over famed NYC gatekeeper Gilbert Stafford to keep the scene eclectic, as opposed to, you know… Hollywood.

Note:Playhouse 6506 Hollywood Blvd (W. of Wilcox) Los Angeles, CA 90028 323-656-4600 website

Cheese...Yum...

Cheesy Come, Cheesy Go
Cirque du Fromage and More Happenings at Palate

You always thought you’d run away with the circus.

But fear of popcorn and roasted peanuts for three meals a day made you think twice every time.

Now’s your chance: Join Todd “The Cheese Guy” Jasmin at Palate Food + Wine tonight and every Tuesday for Cirque du Fromage.

Nosh on the anything-but-basic $12 three wines/three cheeses pairing and experiment with small plates like gougère banh mi with Roncal, peppered dates, and bacon; triple-cream Mt. Tam, chilled bitter greens, and pickled cherries; and Maytag blue and chocolate bonbons.

Or step right up to the weekend: Palate’s wine-tasting series includes intimate evenings with homegrown talents like Skewis Winery, as well as big shebangs like the Larner Vineyard Fete with ten makers pouring and whole roasted goat tacos. Sunday Suppers are also full of surprises, from three market-driven courses for $35 and DJs spinning abstract 1970s Ethiopian jazz to live bands, beer, and pulled pork sandwiches in the parking lot.

These guys aren’t clowning around.

Palate Food + Wine, 933 South Brand Boulevard, at East Acacia Avenue, Glendale (818-662-9463 or palatefoodwine.com). Cirque du Fromage, Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m. For wine series reservations or more information on events, e-mail nina@palatefoodwine.com.

A Few New Happy Hours!

New happy hours in brief: Anisette Brasserie now hosts L'Aperitif, featuring $5 hors d'oeuvres, $4 charcuterie, $4 cheese servings, $7 cocktails, $6 wines by the glass, and $4 beers available at Alain Giraud's place weekdays from 5-7:00 p.m. 225 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 395-3200. Magnolia Hollywood has similarly wallet-sensitive items served 4-7:00 p.m., such as $6 snacks (chicken satay, fried calamari, sweet potato fries, bruschetta, etc.), $4 beer, $5 house wine, and $7 cocktails. Its newer Downtown spot recently started a Monday Night Supper meal, with farmers' market sourced, three-course $30 dinners. 6266 1/2 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 467-0660. 825 W. James M. Wood Blvd., Downtown, (213) 362-0880.

Weekend FUN in LA June 25th - June 29th

DO
Sunday Salons
What: An evening of art, film, dance, fashion, literature, and music courtesy of the likes of Anthology Recordings, Amy Jo Diaz, Miss KK, and Ian Marshall, along with food and drink.
Why: Salon selectives.
When: Sun., 7-11 p.m.
Where: Palihouse, 8465 Holloway Dr., b/t La Cienega & Santa Monica Blvds., West Hollywood. R.S.V.P. to rsvp@anthologyrecordings.com.

Sprinkles Cupcake Truck
What: The bakery’s new mobile cupcakery, stocked with 1,500 signature treats, is now cruising the city streets.
Why: It’s vantastic.
When: All summer.
Where: Various locations. Follow the truck at twitter.com/sprinklesmobile. Follow Sprinkles at twitter.com/sprinklesaddict.

Aqualillies at Hollywoodland
What: As the clock strikes twelve, the sea of weekly partygoers will part for a special modern synchronized swimming show.
Why: Wet ’n’ wild.
When: Thurs., midnight.
Where: Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., at Orange Dr., Hollywood (323-466-7000). R.S.V.P. to rsvp@aqualillies.com

SAY GOODBYE ASHTON'S PLACE IS OUT OF HERE!
Dolce Enoteca
What: The Italian stallion is closing for good on Monday, so head in for your last supper and take 50 percent off all food.
Why: Parting is such sweet sorrow so mention DailyCandy during Sunday dinner for a free glass of house red or white wine.
When: Thurs.-Mon., 6-10 p.m.
Where: 8284 Melrose Ave., at Sweetzer Ave., West Hollywood (323-852-7174).

Venice Beach's New Hotel (And Rooftop Bar)

Hotel Erwin and HIGH

Inside Hotel Erwin

You're no stranger to the boutique hotel scene. Sipping among the sun-drenched set is another story. So maybe it's time you get acquainted with the latest Venice Beach magnet, the Hotel Erwin, now open on Pacific Avenue. Revamped by the trendy hoteliers at Joie de Vivre, their latest project is a heavy nod to the eclectic surrounding beach culture, boasting graffiti covered doors, pop-style furnishings, a counterculture vibe, and work by cutting-edge artists. It's situated just two-hundred feet from the water, so the 119-room crash pad proudly notes that rooms come fully stocked with urban style, vodka and Pacific Ocean views. After settling into your digs, make some time to hit HIGH, the hotel's chic, open-air rooftop lounge, set to debut this Friday. There you'll catch a 360-degree view of SoCal (you can finally say hello to Catalina and that Hollywood Sign), while taking in a Beach Blon'd, an refreshing mix of Leblon Cachaça, Cointreau, lime juice, strawberries, basil and balsamic syrup. Thankfully, your slick suite will be just a few steps away... The Hotel Erwin is now open. HIGH, the hotel's rooftop lounge opens on Friday. Click here to experience more of the Hotel Erwin. Hotel Erwin 1697 Pacific Avenue (at Harvard Court & Venice Way), Venice Beach Tel: (310) 452-1111 jdvhotels.com

SHAKE IT UP!

	Burgers, Milk Shakes and the Shore VITALS Ruby's Shake Shack at the Malibu Pier 23000 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 310-456-3443 At the end of a brutal week, sometimes you just want to take a long walk off a short pier. Which is actually a pretty good idea in Malibu, where the end of the pier now boasts a sun-dappled ode to classic burgers and decadent milk shakes. Ruby's Shake Shack opens Sunday to pull you back from the brink. You'll find the Guacamole Burgers and Peanut Butter Cup Shakes in a beacon of Americana perched directly over the waves—far past the agave margaritas at Malibu Pier Club. Where maybe you'll drop in on the way back. There's a quick takeout window if you're in a hurry to fuel up and hit the waves, but the '40s landmark has plenty of outdoor seating and some retro red leather booths inside, if you came all this way to get out of the sun. (You're nothing if not unpredictable.) In addition to other pre-cardiology-advancement fare like chili dogs and grilled-cheese sandwiches, they've also got some secret menu items like a Beach Burger and a Malibu Mud Pie Shake. So top secret, in fact… They told us to tell you. Note: Open June 28, 11am-4pm, with free burgers and shakes; open 8am-9pm daily thereafter

Hiding Out A Covert New Restaurant by the Hollywood Bowl

There's a covert new restaurant offering respite to all you melancholy concert going pedestrians—The Hideout is now soft-open, just in time for the Bowl's official season kickoff this weekend.

So next time you're hoofing it up to see, say, Eric Clapton (June 30) or, ahem, Jessica Biel singing (July 31-Aug 2), you can now stop in beforehand for some comfort food—decadent mac and cheese, maybe, or a quick burger. (With all the wine you brought, there was no room for the food.)

And after the show, they'll stay open late enough for you to ride out the traffic snarl with a couple of Pineapple and Cinnamon Margaritas on the patio. It's not the kind of place that'll cause bloodshed over reservations for your next power dinner with Brian Graden, but sometimes your needs are much simpler. A little off-the-grid liquid relief in your night…

250m
1056ft

©2009 Yahoo! Inc.

VITALS

The Hideout
at Hollywood Heights Hotel
2005 N. Highland Ave
Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA 90068
323-876-8600

For a Few Dolls More Inside Weho's Exclusive New Nightspot

Time to go all out. Like 21-chandelier, what-recession, hey-that's-P. Diddy all out. Yes, Guys & Dolls Lounge is officially open.

Beyond the velvet rope, you'll be caught up in a decadent swirl of bottle-service tables, lithe women dancing on banquettes, and LED lights surging across the ceiling and the new DJ booth. The entire scene's reflected off giant mirrors and that glittering behemoth of a chandelier that's made of…smaller chandeliers.

As for the name, you're in the former home of Guy's, sure, but you'll also be served some pretty enticing cocktails by retro flapper girls. If you've sprung for the bottle thing, you can request sliders and grilled cheese from their good neighbor, Jerry's Famous Deli—and, yes, we hear P. Diddy will be partying here tonight and Sunday night. It's all thanks to the long-overdue return of a certain soap star-turned-nightlife legend by the name of Michael Sutton.

And if you're, say, Indonesian royalty, you should know that the house concierge can secure you a private jet (yes, really). But if you're just having a good time pulverizing your savings to keep a TV actress interested, they can also arrange a room for you in a covert hotel nearby.

Where you'll probably run into Diddy again. That guy's everywhere.

http://www.urbandaddy.com/la/nightlife/5379/Guys_Dolls_Lounge_Inside_Weho_s_Exclusive_New_Nightspot_Los_Angeles_LA_West_Hollywood_West_Lounge#ixzz0IorqgAPj&D

A New "Era" Begins - The Roaring '20s Are Back

Channel Your Best Jazz Age Attitude For An Art Deco Penthouse Party

BY ALEXIS JOHNSON

Posted: 06/06/2009 07:27:46 PM PDT

(Los Angeles) June 6, 2009 -- Jenn Laskey's latest Red Light party, Era, kicks off tonight in downtown's famed Oviatt Blvd penthouse.

New to downtown is Era, a monthly event taking place at the original 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building. For the grand opening of the new monthly, trip-hoppers Beat Ventriloquists will be take turntable turns in the Penthouse, while well-dressed hepcats go balls-out for this Roaring '20s party.

RSVP is a must, and unfortunately doesn't guarantee entry, but once inside (don't forget: there's a $20 cover--ouch!) there's a complimentary Marani Vodka bar from 9-10pm, even more incentive to get dolled up early.

The penthouse "club" is multi-roomed (including master bedroom and even a "saloon"), and Art Deco furnished, while the rooftop patio has an expansive view of downtown, replete with open-air bar. Era will be happening June 6, July 25, August 15, September 19.

VENICE-CALIFORNIA

If you base your reality on postcards, first glances, or the evening news, Venice could easily be pigeonholed as the epicenter for money-extorting street performers and human oddities. It might even be accidentally written off as a mecca for fanny-pack rockin' tourists and drum circles. But since LA yelpers are big fans of looking beyond the obvious, you'll be pleased to know that Venice is a fertile breeding ground for culture and trends, packed with a whole lotta history to boot!

To kick off the love fest of tobacco tycoon Abbot Kinney's homage to Venezia, Italia, let's sample some nibbles along Abbot Kinney Blvd! Leila T tells us Primitivo Wine Bistro serves "wonderful eclectic tapas plates and excellent sangria" while Elise M recs Gjelina, gushing, "I've found my new spot. This place just oozes effortless sexiness." If pizza has you shouting, 'That's Amore!', try Abbot's Pizza Co where Richard C shares "anytime a joint has a line out the door, you know you're about to embark on a savory journey of taste and fulfillment. And Abbot's didn't disappoint."

If being surrounded by all of those canals has you feeling a little thirsty, check out The Brig, where Robert F shares "the decor is right out of a '60s sci-fi movie." For a more casual setting, "double-sized beers, cheap cocktails, and the aloof and adept bartender, Steve," make Townhouse Cocktails Joshua L's "perfect dive." Want a splash of gay with that drink? Michael Y croons Roosterfish offers up a "great mix of homoeroticism with a dash of masculinity." Rrreeoowwrr, they even have their own theme song!

But what about shopping? With boutiques like Tortoise, where Lauren T admits she's always "taken aback by the sheer amount of exquisite pieces they have shoved into the place," and Neighborhood, where Chris T finds "local, unpretentious, affordable (for Abbot Kinney) stylish stuff," Venice has you covered. And clothed! If reading is your jam (yeah, we said jam), Ken N asserts "When Equator Books first opened, I thought 'This place is beautiful. This place is a palace. This place will never make it.' Well, ha! Not only is it thriving, it's become a destination." There's even a record store within the store that focuses on used vinyl – jazz, blues, classic rock and assorted oddities – just one more example that Venice has more to it than meets the eye!

FOR SUMMER FUN!!!

Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker

I thought it was never going to get here. But it's finally summer, which means warm weather, lobster rolls, barbecues, and ice cream. Of course, really high temperatures aren't exactly ideal to make ice cream with, but we're into making our own and it couldn't be easier with this little gadget. Who doesn't want to create their own flavors on a whim? That's what I thought. Besides, great ice cream isn't always available and sometimes, we don't want to settle for the freezer section. You can spend the day outside and simultaneously make ice cream with the Play & Freeze Ice cream maker, which is $25 and comes in a number of colors.

Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker

Saturday's Off the 405 at the Getty

MUSIC: Rock/Pop Saturdays Off the 405 presents Chairlift w/ Dublab when: Saturday June 20 (6–9pm) where: The Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Dr, 310.440.7300) map price: FREE

The Getty Center brings Brooklyn-based Chairlift out west to launch this year's edition of its free outdoor summer-performance series, Saturdays Off the 405 (a slight variation on the past few years of stellar Fridays Off the 405). The trio's blend of wistful vocals and pop-addled melodies was recently spotlighted in an iPod ad, but the group's range is far wider than its catchy featured single "Bruises" lets on. Performing songs from their debut album Does You Inspire You, Aaron Pfenning, Caroline Polachek, and Patrick Wimberly juggle tambourine, keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums, with supporting DJ sets courtesy of Dublab's Frosty and Ale. - Tanja Laden

For You NYC Peeps!

Thursday, 6/11 through Saturday, 6/13
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Foot Traffic
Dozens of downtown bars, restaurants and shops are offering major discounts during the SoHo Stroll, the annual event that benefits homeless New Yorkers. Here are a few of the best food and drink deals: free drinks at La Esquina, Centovini and Dos Caminos; 20 percent off your bill at Lure Fishbar and Via Dei Mille. To take full advantage of the deals, strollers must purchase bracelets ($20), which will be sold at participating locations and at the corner of Wooster and Spring sts. sohostroll.org

A Little Frenchie in Culver City

Brasseries may on the rise in these parts, but le saint amour is giving the others a run for their euro, with that je ne sais quoi.

the culver city digs take you back to that evening along the champs-élysées. in true french fashion rattan bistro chairs and sweet tables pour deux (maybe quatre) outfit the patio. don't be surprised if you feel compelled to light a gitane ciggie to accompany your vin blanc, after all, this is culver cum paris. inside is equally authentic: classic rouge booths, delicate window trimmings, a large bustling kitchen and a chef with that unmistakable french flair. call him the yves montand of the kitsch set. he may not sing, but exec chef bruno herve commereuc's (of angelique café) merguez et carottes au cumin, rich, buttery escargots, boudin noir and pintade au foie gras are liable have you humming. regional wines from bordeaux, the rhone valley and the loire valley grace the wine list. you'll find some bubbles in there, too (hello, feuillatte). a meal here might stretch for hours, but you'll survive with the help of the attractive french-speaking waiters. all you're missing are the frequent flyer miles (and a sarkozy sighting).

that's amour. le saint amour. 9725 culver boulevard. at duguesne. culver city. 310.842.8155. www.lesaintamour.com

FOR ALL THE MEN OUT THERE IN LA!

Come Father's Day, when most fathers around town will be getting something, you know, terrible, yours will receive the greatest gift of all—a day with you.

SPA & FLASK SERVICE If he's been a little tense lately, a beer and an 80-minute deep-tissue massage ought to help him relax. If not, the included flask and take-home bottle of tequila should probably do the trick. 411: $200, June 18-21, Argyle Spa, 8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 310-623-9000

THE ULTIMATE COMME ÇA COCKTAIL On the big day, you might even be okay with throwing down $23 on a cocktail. The fine barmen at Comme Ça will be slinging Rockefellers in dad's honor—a jigger of 23-year Rittenhouse rye, a pony of sweet vermouth, a dash of bitters and a brandy-soaked cherry. Make it two. 411: June 19-21, Comme Ça, 8479 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, 323-782-1104

QUALITY PATIO TIME Or you could always take him to the beach…in Culver City. The upstairs patio at Rush Street is being filled with sand for a weekend of surf-and-turf specials, margaritas and beer pong. You learned from the best. 411: June 19-21, Rush Street, 9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City, 310-837-9546

BBQ, BEVERLY HILLS-STYLE In Beverly Hills, even the barbecues are coursed out—this epic four-course affair, on one of the city's most striking rooftops, includes everything from Peking Duck Spring Rolls to grilled rib eye to a formidable dessert platter. For an extra $15, they'll throw in a whole grilled lobster. 411: June 21, 4-9pm, $55 per person, Roof Garden at the Peninsula, 310-551-2888

CIGARS, CHAMPAGNE AND COGNAC But to truly go all out, Pasadena's grandest hideaway will unveil an indoor-outdoor labyrinth of waffles, Chopin vodka Bloody Marys, cigars, Krug champagne, sausages, Hennessy XO cognac, sushi and plasma screens showing golf. It's like they see right into his soul. 411: June 21, 10am-2pm, $105, The Langham, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave, 626-585-6218

Saturday's Off the 405 at the Getty

A FREE outdoor performance series

Fridays Off the 405 are now Saturdays Off the 405! Enjoy outdoor music and evening views of the city and drink in the refreshing summer exhibitions in a casual and spontaneous atmosphere.

The evenings feature performances by your soon-to-be favorite bands, along with DJ sets to open and close the night.

A cash bar is stocked with Getty-tinis and more, and the Garden Terrace Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, and other nibbles (both until 8:30 p.m.)

		June 20, 2009: Chairlift
		July 11, 2009: Mas Exitos
		August 8, 2009: The Dodos