WeHo, Los Angeles's Cultural Crossroads

Gay or straight, Los Angeles flocks to Santa Monica Boulevard every Halloween weekend for the parade of perennial six-foot-six trios of Charlie's Angels drag queens! Count on the gay section of entertainment's home town to pull off this costume holiday better than any else. This annual parade combines the best party in town with the the cattiest and cleverist costumes. You're guaranteed to marvel, laugh, and ponder why some men can would come closer to the Miss America crown than any woman you know! (Look this year for every kitchy variation on the election and Survivor themes. And maybe even the real Richard Hatch?)

Quick Tips:

More adventurous sorts can mix with participants. The crowd is as friendly as fabulous. These boys, girls, and straight folks are here to have a good time. In fact, later in the evening the 'second' parade takes place when revelers crawl from club to club for contests, drinks, and serious partying. Joining the party isn't for the weak- spirited or weak-elbowed. Expect close quarters. But, not even the drinks that will be spilled on you will dampen the fun. For those who prefer the fringe to the fray,there is plenty of nearby dining. Head south down La Cienega to Le Petite Bistro (french) or north to the Sunset Strip's Chin-Chin (Chinese/Asian) , The House of Blues (soul food) for reasonably-prices dining (-20 plate). Coffee abounds in this neighborhood. Urth, Beverly @ La Cienega, offers a great selection of teas, coffees, light suppers and desserts. This is the spot if you want to hear yourself think and your company speak. For those wanting to be in the party but not the bars, I recommend gay coffee house and bar, the Abbey @ Robertson and Santa Monica.

Best Way To Get Around:

Check LA Times or gay web sites for date and parade specifics.

Street parking will be difficult. Plan to arrive early. Then get there a half-hour earlier! Check for restricted parking signs if parking on the street. Lot parking is available on Sunset and the Pacific Design Center @ Melrose and Beverly. The latter is your best bet if heading for coffee spots.

Easily the earthiest of coffee houses in WeHo. Both mood and victuals are exclusively organic. But don't mistake this for a third-eye center. The table next to you at this "fashion row" eatery is as likely to have a PR executive as a massage therapist.

Urth's menu is wholesome and varied. It offer brunch, lunch, dinner and a cadre of desserts to bolster its broad range of teas and coffees. Everything, including beverages, are organic. For a light meal, I recommend the fresh soup. Three varieties offered each day. The tomato and rice soup seems to be a regular and the most popular. Great texture and full taste. The color alone is enough to make you suspect someone's grandmother is behind it. Other soups include a broth mushroom soup and hearty mixed bean. Half-orders of sanwiches and standard salads are available to round out a full meal.($8) Full orders are also available. ($10) If you are searching for casual brunch, this is the best place in the entire WeHo area. ($10) The only other sound choice, would be the champagne brunch at the Daily Grille. ($27) But by far, the draw here is an amazing assortment of herbal and non-herbal teas, fresh organic coffees, and baked goods. Large glass jars on warm wooden shelves invite you to walk up and peruse your beverage elements. ($5) Irresistable pies of every ilk and rich cakes line the ordering counter. You can't go wrong with any item. But, you should know these "wholesome" goodies are neither laden with fat, nor smoothed by it. Therefore, these are heavier desserts that rely on flavors more than texture. ($7) There is waiter service and outside seating (w/ heat lamps at night). It can be crowded on weekend evenings. Parking on Melrose. Careful! Restricted parking on sidestreets.

The vibrant reds, greens, and yellows on the walls and tables of this Brazillian restaurant set the stage for the flavorful food.

Built upon the primary ingredients of any latin cusine, Bossa Nova's tangy spices make for the best white rice in Los Angeles, a deeply flavorful black bean soup, and delectibly seared mains of lamb, fish, and chicken.

The 'hot from the grill' dinners (lunch portions available) allows you to enjoy all three hallmark menu items and fried plantians -- a firmer, lighter flavored banana. My favorite dinner is the lamb. The blend of vinegar and oil calms the gaminess and adds a balanced kick. Mashed potatoes, prepared daily, or a salad may be substituted for rice. ($10-13)

The menu also includes a full array of dinner salads, pastas, and sanwiches ($7-9). My favorite among these is the Baru sandwich, a typical Brazillian grilling of ham, mozzarella cheese, fried egg, lettuce and tomato.

Don't be tempted to pass on the appetizers. They are unique. I am addicted to Coxinha (cosh-ina), a delicacy of shredded chicken and pungent cheese fried in breaded dough. Try sprinkling it with tobasco, the only hot spice you'll encounter here. Another favorite is the empanada, available in beef, chicken, or spinach with cheese. All these fried items are light and zesty. (Range $3-5)

If I were allowed to share just one find in my backyard, Bossa Nova would be it.

HINTS: Park in the adjacent lot at Luna Park. Especially on the weekends. On weekend prime dinner hours, expect a wait of 15 minutes or so. Limited bar.

In West Hollywood ('WeHo') California, Halloween in an institution. With more fanfare and fans than anywhere in the United States, this is 'boy-town's' national holiday! All are welcome!

Highlights:
Gay or straight, Los Angeles flocks to Santa Monica Boulevard every Halloween weekend for the parade of perennial six-foot-six trios of Charlie's Angels drag queens! Count on the gay section of entertainment's home town to pull off this costume holiday better than any else. This annual parade combines the best party in town with the the cattiest and cleverist costumes. You're guaranteed to marvel, laugh, and ponder why some men can would come closer to the Miss America crown than any woman you know! (Look this year for every kitchy variation on the election and Survivor themes. And maybe even the real Richard Hatch?)

Quick tips/suggestions:
More adventurous sorts can mix with participants. The crowd is as friendly as fabulous. These boys, girls, and straight folks are here to have a good time. In fact, later in the evening the 'second' parade takes place when revelers crawl from club to club for contests, drinks, and serious partying. Joining the party isn't for the weak-spirited or weak-elbowed. Expect close quarters. But, not even the drinks that will be spilled on you will dampen the fun.

For those who prefer the fringe to the fray, there is plenty of nearby dining. Head south down La Cienega to Le Petite Bistro (french) or north to the Sunset Strip's Chin-Chin (Chinese/Asian) , The House of Blues (soul food) for reasonably-prices dining ($15-20 plate). Coffee abounds in this neighborhood. Urth, Beverly @ La Cienega, offers a great selection of teas, coffees, light suppers and desserts. This is the spot if you want to hear yourself think and your company speak. For those wanting to be in the party but not the bars, I recommend gay coffee house and bar, the Abbey @ Robertson and Santa Monica.

Best Way to Get Around:
Check LA Times or gay web sites for date and parade specifics. Street parking will be difficult. Plan to arrive early. Then get there a half-hour earlier! Check for restricted parking signs if parking on the street. Lot parking is available on Sunset and the Pacific Design Center @ Melrose and Beverly. The latter is your best bet if heading for coffee spots.