Expert: Steve Summers - 2/8/2003

Question
we're going to be in california in april and thought it would be fun to try and see some celebrities. Any idea where we might want to hang out?

Answer
Celebs are a different sort of folk, and value their privacy. As such, they spend a LOT of time either working (if they are on a project) working from home, staying at home, or getting out of town. It's not like they do much shopping, bowling, eating at McDonald's, or doing their laundry at the laundromat. Celebs do go out once in awhile, but it's not always a place that you or might might normally hang out (or even be able to get in). Now that you understand that the window of opportunity is small, here is a list of places you might see some celebs.

- Buzz Coffee in the Virgin Megastore, 8000 W Sunset Blvd: Julia Roberts & Tom Cruise come here for coffee after their workouts.

-The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 2081 Hillhurst Ave: This is the latest trendy (and expensive) coffee shop that the celebs can be seen.

-Takao, 1656 San Vicente Blvd: A Japanese restaurant where Spielberg takes the family once a week (when he's in town), and Tom Hanks frequents.

-Atlantic, 8256 Beverly Blvd: Owned by Madonna's brother, with a 1940's ocean liner look, celebs may be found here after 8 on weekends.

-Mi Piace, 25 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena: Italian Restaurant in Old Town Pasadena, which is a fun place to go even if you don't see celebs.

-Chez Nous, 10550 Riverside Dr, N Hollywood: EXPENSIVE French restaurant where most of the musicians hang out after recordings at nearby studios.

-Deep,1707 N Vine St: Hollywood glitz meets New York moxie on Hollywood and Vine.
(323) 462-1144

-Sunset Room, 1430 N Cahuenga Blvd: The Brown Derby for a new generation--this trendy nightclub is a haven for Industry execs, celebs and their admirers.

-Viper Room, 8852 W Sunset Blvd: Johnny Depp's place is packed floor-to-stage with the beautiful people.

-Whiskey Bar, 1200 N Alta Loma Rd, W Hollywood: The ghosts (and photos) of Jimi Hendrix mix with today's Hollywood players in this low-key lounge.

-The Ivy, 113 N Robertson Blvd: Dealmakers who'd rather die than live in a two-room cottage gladly overpay to eat in one.  ($$$$)

-Spago Beverly Hills, 176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills:   The chef's more famous than the glossy clientele, but the sparkling cuisine deserves top billing. ($$$$)

-Tangier, 2138 Hillhurst Ave: An exotic Eastside spot--the delicious food is merely a bonus.

-Mr. Chow, 344 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills:   Rub shoulders with celebrities--whether you want to or not. ($$$$)

-Hugo's, 8401 Santa Monica Blvd:  Fresh, high-quality ingredients to cure the Hollywood hangover.

Have fun, don't feed the bears or harass the celebs. :)