PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills on Franklin Avenue, Birds is perched in the middle of a unique block between Tamarind and Bronson Streets, where Hollywood wannabes and stars alike flock to the sunny sidewalk cafes to hang out, talk industry, and see-or-be seen.

Bird's diverse and delicious menu is a one of the draws that keeps the locals landing. The featured entrée is rotisserie chicken, glazed in an original marinade and served with your choice of sides (steamed veggies, BBQ beans, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, Spanish rice, etc.). But if you're not a big eater, they also have lighter fare in the form of California fusion "roll-up" sandwiches, chicken tacos, and their famous curly Q fries. Beef lovers will enjoy the old-fashioned burgers and sloppy joes. For even lighter eaters, salads come in half order sizes, (Caesar, Chinese Chicken, Mediterranean, etc.) and even these are meal-size portions.

While the other restaurants and shops on this block exude a young Hollywood vibe, Birds is hip retro: it's name an homage to Alfred Hitchcock's famous horror film "The Birds," with decor that features giant photos and posters of the suspense master showing off his whimsical reserve and portly charm. Like the cinematic world of Hitchcock, the atmosphere inside Birds is dark, but only in terms of the lighting. The music is upbeat and the friendly wait staff provides excellent service.

After dining at Birds, there is plenty to see or do in just one short block. The Daily Planet newsstand and novelty shop, the Bourgeois Pig Café, the Tamarind Theatre (featuring the Upright Citizens Brigade), Harmony Gallery, and Counterpoint Records and Books are among the cool places here to check out.

Whether you want the "comfort food" of a full on BBQ chicken meal, or fresh lavash "roll-up" sandwiches with a California spin, Birds of Hollywood offers an affordable selection for a variety of tastes, in a breezy, off-the-beaten path locale.