The Insider's Gude to Hollywood

If you've gotten this far, congratulations. You're well on your way to a good time in the city of the stars. Let's start with the essentials. Assuming you're visiting Hollywood on vacation, and therefore have only a limited time to spend here, there are a few things you ought to see. May I suggest, for your dining pleasure, 'The Stinking Rose' located on La Cienega Blvd. between Beverly and Wilshire Blvd.'s. If you like garlic, this is the place to go. Another great restaurant, if you happen to be in the mood for something a little more exotic, is Cafe Nora, located on 3rd St, about two blocks east of La Cienega. Don't let the innocent name fool you, this restaurant offers spectacular middle-eastern food in a hard to beat atmosphere that includes, among other things, belly dancers. You won't find this one in the phone book, so take note. We'll get into restaurants more later, but if you have to choose two, these are the ones.

Quick Tips:

For great nightlife, you can't beat the Sunset Strip. This world famous area features such attractions as The House of Blues, The Viper Room (Johnny Depp's club, where River Phoenix died), and the always popular restaurant/bars Miyagi's, Dublin's, and the brand new Saddle Ranch (where you can ride a faux Buckin' Bronco after downing a few alcoholic beverages). We'll get more into nightlife later as well, but don't miss the strip. It would be a shame. Let's move on, shall we? Don't miss the Getty Center. No matter who you are, or what your tastes are, you will find something enjoyable in this experience. Also, if you're going to see a movie, see it at either Graumann's Chinese Theater, The Cineramadome, or El Capitan. Don't waste your time anywhere else. Those experiences are unmatched anywhere else. The rest you can find at home. Whatever you do, don't catch a flick at the Beverly Center. You might as well be watching it on a big screen t.v.

Best Way To Get Around:

One very important tip in three words or less: Avoid Public Transportation. One word for that; YUCK! If you're coming, either rent a car, or, if you have the means, take a cab everywhere to avoid driving altogether. If you walk away from this journal with one good piece of advice, this is it. Also, if you do drive, and wish to avoid being honked or screamed at, the rules to remember are a)Never go under the speed limit. People are in a hurry here, and don't appreciate being held up by anyone or anything. b)If you're making a left hand turn at a light, the rule is 3 cars can go through once the light turns red. Don't be the jerk that holds up the rest of the lane. Not cool. and c)the guy sitting next to you at the red light that looks like Laurence Fishburne, IS Laurence Fishburne. Try not to gawk.

Jerry's Famous Deli, located across the street from the Beverly Center, is a definite crowd pleaser. No matter how many people are in your party, everyone is guaranteed to be satisfied. With over 700 items on the menu, there is no doubt that there's something for everyone here. Reservations are not required, and rarely needed. The wait staff is wonderful, the cooks better than decent, and the atmosphere is usually charged (especially in the evening). Jerry's is a hot spot for all Hollywood types, and you never know who you'll run into while you're there. There is also a Jerry's located in the valley, and for those of you who saw 'Man on the Moon', you may recognize it as the restaurant where Andy Kauffman served a short stint as a bus boy. Who knows? You may run into Jim Carrey in the lobby.

For those of you who are in a hurry, and need to make a quick pit stop to eat, you really must try In-N-Out Burger. In-N-Out is a Southern California tradition, and for good reason. The food is fresh, made to order, and out of this world. If you like hamburgers, I guarantee you'll never find its equal. With a small, easy menu, and spectacular service, you can't go wrong with this choice.

The Frolic Room, located right next door the world-famous Pantages Theater, is a part of Hollywood history. Back in the day, when the Academy Awards were held at the Pantages, this bar used to be connected to the theater. It was a private spot, where the actors/actresses could come in and have a drink during the break. Now, it is a popular spot for locals, and is still frequented by some of the rich and famous. Although, it could be best described as a dive. It's rather small, and can be claustrophobia inducung at times, but it's certainly worth it if you can hang with that. Some of its best features are its wonderful bartenders (especially Joel), and its unbeatable jukebox (easily one of the best in the world - no exaggeration). Check it out if you're looking for a carefree, low stress, fun evening, where the mood is high, the drinks are strong, and the music is fabulous.

If you want to see all the freaks, find a great deal on clothes/jewelry/trinkets, etc., and have a great glass of beer, you must go to Venice Beach. It is an all day experience, so give yourself enough time to enjoy it, and see all the sights there are to see. I won't go into anymore description, as everyone finds their own little piece of awe at Venice.

Curious? Well, this is a suggestion for those of you who are looking to spend a relaxing day in a rather bohemian atmosphere. Across the street from the Church of Scientology, on Franklin Ave. Between Bronson and Beachwood Street, at the foot of the Hollywood Hills, lies a trendy little unassuming strip that can cater to whatever needs you have, at whatever time of day it happens to be. At the west end of this block, you'll find a lovely little newsstand/gift shop. If you want to relax, and read while you're here, you should give it a shot. Next, may I suggest walking next door to the Bourgeouis Pig (a.k.a. 'The Pig' to locals), a lovely little coffee shop complete with an interior design concept you're never going to see again, and two pool tables in the back, in case you get tired of reading. When you start to feel the pangs of huger, simply walk next door to Birds, a rotisserie restaurant with great chicken dishes. Here, you'll want to sit on the patio, and people-watch, because even if you're not into that type of thing, you're liable to see Vince Vaughan, or any number of celebs who frequent this area. (Remember, you're right across the street from the Church of Scientology) Once you're done with lunch, you may choose to cruise a few doors down to Espiritu, a lovely little gift shop, which features imports from all over the world, mainly the Eastern Hemisphere. You'll especially want to stop here if you're running low on Nag Champa, or you're looking for the perfect piece of earthy jewelry to complete your new outfit. You could also visit the used book and music store while you're here. Whatever it is that you haven't been able to find on vinyl, or at your local bookstore, could very easily be lurking on one of these shelves. When night falls, and you're ready for dinner, you have two choices. French, or Sushi. La Poubelle is the french restaurant, and even if you opt for the sushi, I have to reccommend stopping by La Poubelle for an after dinner drink. All in all, it should be a pleasant day full of interesting people and places. Do relax, and enjoy your stay.