Hip Happenings in West Hollywood

. October 14, 2008

december 4, 2006.

Hotels

Hotels Embarking/Completing Renovations/Expansions in 2007

Bel Age Hotel/London West Hollywood (www.belagehotel.com)

Best Western Sunset Plaza Hotel (www.sunsetplazahotel.com)

Grafton on Sunset Hotel (www.graftononsunset.com)

Hyatt West Hollywood (www.westhollywood.hyatt.com)

Le Parc Suite Hotel (www.leparcsuites.com) Continuing

Ramada Plaza West Hollywood (www.ramadaweho.com)

Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas (www.sunsetmarquishotel.com)

Valadon Hotel (www.valadonhotel.com)

New Hotels Planned for 2007

James Hotel, Sunset Strip (www.jameshotels.com)

*For more information on these hotel developments, contact [email protected] or (310) 289-2525.

Hotel Briefs...

Hyatt West Hollywood

8401 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (323) 656-1234; www.opaque-events.com

Visitors to West Hollywood can now experience the ultimate extra-sensory adventure as guests are invited to dine in a pitch-black environment, prompting them to rely only on sensitivity of taste, smell, touch and hearing. Guests choose from a 3-course gourmet meal ($99) and are guided and served by blind or visually impaired wait staff specially trained to serve meals in the dark. Dining in the Dark is offered most every Friday and Saturday night at the Hyatt West Hollywood on thefamed Sunset Strip.

Sunset Tower Hotel

8358 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (323) 654-7100; www.sunsettowerhotel.com

The historic art-deco Sunset Tower Hotel on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip announces the appointment of Dakota Weiss as Executive Chef for the Sunset Tower's Tower Bar and Terrace restaurants. Weiss, formerly with Jer-ne. was this year named as "Best New Chef of the Year" by Angeleno Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Chef Weiss along with Sous-Chef Janice Alexander (also of Jer-ne) will prepare new menu items with a French and Italian influence.

Ramada Plaza West Hollywood

8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 652-6400; www.ramadaweho.com

Ramada Plaza West Hollywood is in planning stages for major guestroom renovation which is slated to begin the first quarter of 2007, with a conceptual room to be completed by Dec 31st, 2006. The hotel, located in the heart of West Hollywood on eclectic Santa Monica Boulevard, also announces that it, along with the entire Ramada brand, is now part of Wyndham Worldwide, the largest hotel company in the world. As part of this new synergetic change, along with internal changes such as more computer system capabilities.

Le Parc Suite Hotel

733 N. West Knoll Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 855-8888; www.leparcsuites.com

Boutique hotel Le Parc Suites, having just completed a 2 million dollar renovation, announces the appointment of Marcus McNeil as Executive Chef of Le Parc's restaurant, Knoll. McNeil brings over 25 years of professional cooking and kitchen management experience and comes to Knoll from Norman's formerly on Sunset where he was their Sous-Chef preparing acclaimed chef Norman Van Aiken's signature dishes. McNeil's menu items will feature foods created from fresh seasonal ingredients and will introduce new additions.

Bel Age Hotel

1020 N. San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (866) 282-4560; www.belagehotel.com

Bel Age Hotel (which will be repositioned as the London West Hollywood in late 2007) is offering two new, exciting hotel packages. The first, "An American Girl Experience" package welcomes fans of the popular American Girl brand with perks such as personalized doll gifts, in-room doll beds, special discounts at shopping center The Grove retail center's American Girl store, and other treats. Rates start at $229 a night.

The second package, titled "No Work, All Play" offers deluxe accommodations, shopping discounts and freebies at the shopping center Beverly Center, such as a martini making lesson with commemorative gifts, hair service, Sephora makeover, specials at Macy's, signature tote bag, and more! Rates start at $244.

Traveler Information

West Hollywood's "On the Eastside" Campaign

Hayworth through La Brea Avenues, West Hollywood, CA 90046; (323) 848-6354; www.weho.org

Discover the "Eastside" of West Hollywood! The City of West Hollywood's "On the Eastside" Campaign is an effort aimed at educating tourists and visitors about the rich and diverse shopping and eclectic cultural experiences to be found on the east side of West Hollywood.

The project highlights West Hollywood's Russian-speaking community, which features diverse European-themed shops and eateries. The Eastside has also played an important role in the development of the arts and entertainment landscape of Los Angeles and West Hollywood, most notably the growth of the film industry early in the 20th century. Some events on the east side include the Russian Nights Festival and the award-winning Helen Albert Certified Farmers Market.

Restaurants/Nightlife

AREA

643 N. La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90048; (323) 655-8000; http://sbeent.com/

Sam Nazarian and Brent Bolthouse of Bolthouse Productions have joined forces again, elevating LA nightlife with Area, the latest hotspot attracting Hollywood heavyweights, celebrities, and partygoers alike. The uber-chic, mid-century modern dance club has been completely renovated and re-designed featuring caramel-flecked white terrazzo floors, wood columns and white leather furniture.

Area is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 PM to 2 AM.

Caffe Primo

8590 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90060; (310) 289-8895; www.iloveprimo.com

Caffe Primo opened its doors on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip in early November 2006, bringing a new sophisticated, sleek and European-style casual dining option to the Sunset Strip. Located in proximity to the Sunset Strips' major shopping areas, Sunset Plaza and Sunset Millennium, Caffe Primo has established itself as a prime destination for that shopping, coffee or gelato break. A diverse menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options at affordable prices.

Privilege

8117 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (323) 655-8000; http://sbeent.com/

Formerly Shelter Supper Club, Privilege is a constantly-evolving A-list lounge/club from nightlife Powerhouse SBE Restaurant Group. Boasting 7,000 square feet, inside guests find custom-made suede seating, a ceiling of crimson fabric, and sparkling crystal chandeliers giving the club a "Saint Tropez-on-Sunset" feel.

Privilege is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 PM to 2 AM.

The Boulevard Lounge

1114 N. Crescent Heights Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046; (323) 449-0787

Formerly Mix restaurant, Boulevard Lounge, located on the corner of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevard has plans to open in early December 2006. The Boulevard Lounge will specialize in American comfort food at comfortable prices. More information coming soon.

ELEVEN

8811 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 855-0800; www.eleven.la

Expected to open in December 2006, new stylish supper club Eleven in the heart of West Hollywood will showcase a lavish design set in the Sherman National Bank building which later became the Larrabee Sound Studios and hosted some of music's biggest recording stars. This hot corner will be newly renovated - debuting as the ideal setting for industry lunch meetings, dinners, and a transformational experience at "Eleven O'clock" when the venue turns into a chic nightclub. Eleven is a venture of legendary Hollywood producer Sid Krofft and innovative entrepreneur Richard Grossi.

Ketchup

8948 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 657-4832; www.dolcegroup.com

This winter, the Dolce Group - which includes partners such as Ashton Kutcher, Wilmer Valderrama, Jesse Metcalf and Tori Spelling - will open Ketchup, a high-end contemporary American diner, near trendy Sunset Plaza on West Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard. The Dolce Group operates a number of trendy and celebrity-frequented restaurants in Los Angeles, including Dolce, Geisha House, Bella, and Les Deux.

La Boheme Restaurant's Cabaret Nights

8400 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; www.uprightcabaret.com

New to La Boheme restaurant is Upright Cabaret, which "brings a hip mix of Young Hollywood and Young Broadway" to this West Hollywood restaurant. "Upright" has grown in popularity and happens on the second Saturday of every month. In its first year, the show has welcomed cast members from Broadway and national tours of "Avenue Q," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Hairspray," "Les Miserables," "The Lion King," "Wicked" and many more.

Shopping

Brick & Mortar

8350 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA, 90069; (323) 654-4302

Brick & Mortar, a newly opened men's urban lifestyle boutique in the heart of West Hollywood on eclectic Santa Monica Boulevard, is a one-stop-shop for clothing, shoes, accessories and lifestyle products such as skincare supplies, bedding, and popular high-end modern dog bowls and treat jars. Only a few hundred square feet in size, the store interior is the essence of a clean and modern look you may find in New York's SoHo and West Villages. Brick & Mortar supports local charity organizations such as the "LifeWorks Mentoring Program" that provides LGBT youth with practical skills to prepare them for the future.

Coco de Mer

8618 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA, 90069; (310) 652-0311; www.cocodemerusa.com

Previously only available in London, Coco de Mer on Melrose Avenue in the Avenues of Art & Design district inspires seduction and intimacy with its couture erotica shop that offers some of the highest-end lingerie, loungewear, accessories, erotic library, and various high end "sex tools" and massage oils. Part sex boutique, part art gallery reminiscent of a museum, visitors to Coco de Mer can experience hands-on and interactive features such as a changing room with a 'peepshow' window for your partners' private viewing pleasure, a "Mr. Confessions" office, as well as a lush garden with a stage that showcases performers and salons. Coco de Mer's exclusive, upscale, sexy merchandise has attracted stars like Angelina Jolie, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, and Gwen Steffani.

Le Bra Lingerie

634 North Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 360-6655; www.lebralingerie.com

Located on exclusive Robertson Boulevard, Le Bra Lingerie specializes in the finest couture brands of lingerie and swimwear, recently making headlines for catering to celebrities like Britney Spears and where power-couple Katie Holmes purchased $3,000 worth of lingerie for her honeymoon with Tom Cruise. Le Bra carries swimwear, sleepwear, robes, slippers, yoga attire, and fun accessories, using materials such as fine silk and 100% Egyptian cotton and brands including Dolce & Gabanna and La Perla.

Sielian's Vintage Apparel

9013 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 246-9595; www.sieliansvintageapparel.com

Sielian's Vintage Apparel is a "collection" of classic vintage for the trendy woman. SVA is a collection of vintage with casual daywear from the 60's/70's/80's and glamorous cocktail attire from the 40's/50's/60's. SVA also offers a variety of accessories including purses, designer scarves and headbands, and more. For women who aren't accustomed to wearing vintage, Sielian is also a much sought after stylist who specializes in vintage and is available to help pair its customers with the right piece of vintage wear.

Fitness/Lifestyle

Agua Bathhouse Spa at the Mondrian Hotel

8440 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (323) 650-8999; www.mondrianhotel.com

Located inside the Philippe Starck-designed Mondrian Hotel alongside Seabar, Asia de Cuba and velvet rope lounge Skybar, Agua is an urban sanctuary with a Zen-like atmosphere perfect for escaping the stresses of modern life. Other treatments available include rejuvenating facials, aromatherapy, massages and body wraps.

Agua announces a new spa treatment "Head in the Clouds" a scalp treatment which begins with a blend of essential oils applied to the scalp to counter clogged hair follicles and balance sebaceous glands. Then, a moisturizing blend of exotic oils restores, hydrates, and conditions the hair fibers. The 'Bamboo and wild Mango Mask' will infuse amino acids and moisturize hair for a youthful appearance.

Art & Design

Pacific Design Center Unveils Red Building

8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069; www.pacificdesigncenter.com

Developer Charles S. Cohen and Architect Cesar Pelli have unveiled new plans for 'Red'-a spectacular 400,000 square foot addition to the current 'Blue' and 'Green' buildings that comprise the 14-acre Pacific Design Center (PDC) in West Hollywood. The Red Building will consist of two-towers, six and eight stories high, housing creative entertainment & new media firms, as well as signature celebrity restaurants. The Red Building follows the iconic Blue Whale which opened in 1975 and the Green Building in 1988. The PDC anchors the Avenues of Art & Design, a neighborhood known for its high end design, fine restaurants and boutique shopping.

Mark Rothko comes to MOCA at the Pacific Design Center

8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069; www.moca.org

On view November 5 through January 21, 2007, experience the first exhibition devoted solely to MOCA's monographic holdings of paintings by the great 'New York School' artist Mark Rothko, whose transcendent paintings made a significant mark on 1950's abstract expressionism in the United States. With eight major paintings, the exhibition features key selections from the museum's collection representing various stages of Rothko's career.

MAK Center for Art & Architecture at The Schindler House

835 N. Kings Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069; www.makcenter.org

The MAK Center presents "The Gen (H)ome Project" through February 18, 2007 explories and addresses the life-long history of the arts incorporating developments in life sciences.

The Viennese-based MAK Center presents Modernist Landmark Transformed into Genetics Lab by Artists, Architects, an exhibition exploring the integration of recent developments in information technologies and the natural sciences - especially genetics into cutting-edge architecture. The exhibit explores the evolution of the concept of domesticity in "genetic modifications" of a home's structure, interior and grounds. This includes nanotechnology, climatology, cell physiology, astronomy, robotics and algorithms.

LGBT Interest

Sundays at Privilege

8117 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; (323) 655-8000; http://sbeent.com/

David Cooley, founder of the West Hollywood icon The Abbey, and Jeffrey Sanker, dubbed "the high priest of gay parties" have teamed up to bring an exceptional monthly dance party to one of Los Angeles' most acclaimed nightclubs, Privilege. Privilege, owned by SBERG, will feature music from DJ Josh Peace. Both Cooley and Sanker have a hugely successful following, attracting fans from all around the world. Sanker is creator of signature event the "White Party" Palm Springs and Cooley has brought the Abbey from a small coffee house to one of Los Angeles most popular and successful bars.

FUSE Events for Women

www.fuse-events.com

Various Locations

West Hollywood promotional team FUSE is heating up West Hollywood with a series of nightly events that attract an upscale, industry crowd of lesbian women. FUSE's latest night happens at O-Bar Restaurant in West Hollywood which is an exclusive VIP event with cocktail lounge where women can mix and mingle.

On Thursdays, FUSE comes to West Hollywood hotspot Here Lounge for a fun, upscale atmosphere in a retro lounge setting. On Fridays, Here Lounge is also home base for the FUSE ladies as "Truck Stop" sweeps through WeHo. DJ's spin 80's Pop and Glam Rock, bartenders jump on the bar "Coyote Ugly" style and girls from all zip codes having a good time.

Coming in January, FUSE will host screenings of extremely successful Showtime TV series "The L-Word" at 7 PM and 10 PM. Large screens are set up inside Falcon Restaurant a fine dining restaurant that is usually filled to capacity. Often, executive production staff, writers, and actors of the hit series will show up to check out the action.

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