Archive for December 2007

Fred 62 could possibly be the greatest diner dinning experience in all of Los Angeles. The food, the service, the atmosphere, and the location are all top notch and make for one hell of a meal. As a matter of fact, the only thing bad about “Fred’s” (as my girlfriend calls it), is its lack of a parking lot (but that’s a problem with just about everything in Hollywood). If you’re into diner food, Fred 62 will not disappoint.

Located in the art district known as Los Feliz, Fred 62 is one of the hippest places in the Hollywood area. Its diner image really belies the fact that Fred’s is actually home to some of the best quality food in California. There are many great meals to be had on their expansive menu, but the best thing (and really the only thing I order anymore) is the Juicy Lucy Burger. The Juicy Lucy holds the candle as THE best burger in Los Angeles. Its generous size and high quality meat make good fodder for the brain, and the toasted bun only adds to it. The Juicy Lucy is also topped with thousand island – an essential ingredient for burgers. Of course burgers don’t come alone, and Fred’s fries (or onion rings for that matter) really shine. Oh, and who could forget the milkshakes, another essential part to the whole experience.

In terms of image, Fred 62 carries a somewhat homemade motif, with leather car seats for booths, and pictures on the wall. Even the seats outside offer great scenery and comfort. Another great little thing about Fred’s is the “Sayings” on the back the crew’s t-shirts (such as “Jesus is our Dishwasher”). In fact, the service at Fred’s is some of the best in town. They are very attentive and quite speedy in getting your food (somewhat of a rarity in Los Angeles these days).

All in all, I have nothing bad to say about Fred 62. It’s a genuine landmark in the Hollywood area, and a great place to bring your friends after a late night of partying, or your girlfriend for a quick bite to eat. Fred 62 is all that and more, just see for yourself.

One of my favorite date spots in Los Angeles is Miceli’s – located at the corner of Las Palmas and Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood. From beginning to end, you and your date will love the unique atmosphere, absolutely delectable food, incredible fine wines, and their top notch service. I took my here girlfriend for our first anniversary, and the memory of that night will always be with me; Miceli’s is the place to make those kind of memories.

Opened in 1949, Miceli’s is a Hollywood landmark, and a must stop for many tourists. Don’t let this deter you though; the food is one of a kind. My favorite dishes are their world famous lasagna, and the to-die-for Chicken Marsala. My girlfriend prefers the Alfredo, but I think it’s safe to say that everything I’ve had has been absolutely amazing. Miceli’s also offers some of the best diner roles and house wines around (I’d go with the White Zin, but that’s just me). I will say that the only thing on the menu that leaves a little to be desired is the pizza, but I don’t usually go to Miceli’s for pizza.

Once you walk through the front door, you will immediately understand what makes Miceli’s such a great date place. The old world Italian vibe runs deep throughout the restaurant, from the empty wine bottles swinging from the roof to the piano player who entertains ever night. As a matter of fact, the majority of the waiters and waitresses are grade-A singers and grab the mike several times throughout the night, belting the standards to roaring applause.

With better food than Musso an Frank’s, and a slightly better atmosphere than the Pig and Whistle, Miceli’s really stands out as one of the more unique food landmarks of the city. One can’t help but feel the history in the place. It’s almost like walking into the Godfather movies and having dinner with the Corleone’s!

Please note there is a Miceli’s located on Cahuenga in North Hollywood, but I would not recommend stopping. Their service is not nearly as good, and it’s busy (which doesn’t make much sense, but what does?). If you’re coming from the valley, don’t be tempted, drive the extra mile. The service alone is worth it.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring your significant, or even your first date, Miceli’s is just the spot. So hop in the car and head to Hollywood, tonight’s your lucky night!

My first impression of the world famous Derby club in Los Feliz was a good one. The inside décor offers a comfortable atmosphere, even if the club fills up (which happens more often than not). It also offers some of the best live performance sound of all the Hollywood music clubs. Yet, from a performance standpoint, the on stage sound, and sound crew leave a lot to be desired. Of course, the majority of you will be there to enjoy the music, and I’m here to tell you, you will.

As you walk through the front door you are presented with a choice. To the left is a small acoustic room for solo performers and singer-songwriters, and to your right is the main live room where the bands tear the roof off! There are way too many acoustic rooms in Hollywood, so make your way to the right.

Upon entry you will be greeted by the martini bar stuck very inconveniently in the center of the room. I only say this because when things are busy and packed, it makes it very difficult to get a drink. To the right of the bar you’ll find several tall bar tables with comfortable chairs. These also offer the best view of the stage (granted they are also closest to the speakers so if you like it loud, than go ahead!). On the other side of the bar are a collection of well designed, but unpractical booths. Though they offer supreme comfort, the visual element is supremely lacking.

So once you’ve positioned yourself it will be time to listen to the music. Caddy corner from the booths is the stage – with enough room to fit a four member group comfortably. For those bands who have pianists (such as mine), the Derby has a great sounding baby grand already miked up (a huge plus for us who have to move our own equipment). Though the onstage monitor system lacks the punch of most other clubs, the balance of the instruments is surprisingly good, and the sound from the crowd is excellent.

So bring your friends down to the corner of Hillhurst and Los Feliz to see some of the best bands in Los Angeles (not just any band can play the Derby). The Derby is sure please!

Fingerprints is like the record stores of old, the record stores I grew up with. I’m an ardent music fan, and music shopping is one of my favorite pass times. I just love discovering new artist’s and albums, and the joy of finding something you’ve been looking for (or exactly what you want). Fingerprints is just that kind of place. As if that wasn’t good enough, Fingerprints offers competitive prices for used CD’s. So if you’re like me and sell on a pretty regular basis (there is a constant flow throughout my collection of things coming and going) than you’re destined to enjoy this little shop at the end of second street.

Fingerprints is the only place of its kind in Long Beach, and that makes it all the more important. Sometimes I don’t have the time, or gas to drive all the way to Hollywood and go to Amoeba. So when I get that craving for new music (which does happen on a regular basis), I can get my kicks at Fingerprints. As a matter of fact, its unique Belmont Shores location (mere minutes from the water) is a refreshing change from the constant stop and flow of Sunset Blvd and Hollywood.

So now I’m sure you are thinking “why don’t you just go to Best Buy, or Borders like everyone else, they’re everywhere!” Well, the easy answer is that most Best Buy’s and Borders music selection leave much to be desired. The more obscure artists that I enjoy are extremely hard to come by at those establishments. That’s what makes Fingerprints so important to my community. I know I’m not the only one who feels that way, and people like me need our kicks.

Record stores are all together a dying breed. With the onslaught of the internet music revolution, the record store (especially the independently owned record store) is slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past. People just don’t care as much about CD’s as they used to. That’s just another reason way places like Fingerprints are important. They still raise the flag high, and us few faithful followers will always be there to back them up. So if you’re like me and believe in the power of the record store, than Fingerprints is the place for you. So drive down to Second Street and pop in, you’re guaranteed to find something, that’s the beauty!

Set amongst the scenic beauty of Hollywood’s Griffith Park, the Greek Theatre is one of the premier concert venues in Los Angeles. Its size and layout make for a comfortable, almost intimate concert going experience, and its sound will leave you wondering what all the other theatres in town are doing. The Greek also has one of the best backstage areas I’ve been to in my career. All in all, The Greek offers concert goers a unique view of Hollywood and a damn fine concert (well I guess that depends on who you see).

My first experience at the Greek was seeing Oingo Boingo’s Halloween spectacular in 2006. Besides a fabulous performance, the night was made all the more enjoyable by the appearance of my friend Paul, who just so happened to be playing with the band. He was able to get me and my friends backstage passes for the show. So we partied like rock stars, with the rock stars in the backstage. Free beer, and fun, what more could you ask for?

The Greek also offer a number of meal packages and a fantastic picnic environment. Since it’s located in the middle of the vast Griffith Park, you know you’re going to be surrounded by natural beauty. I would even suggest making a day of it by spending some time in the park before the show.

But let’s get back to venue. I’ve sat in a few different sections and I’m here to say that the sound does not diminish anywhere in the venue. It’s built to make every seat as enjoyable an experience as the next, a rarity amongst venues these days (most music venues choose size over comfort; the more the merrier mentality). The stage is the perfect size for any band, and the caliber of artists who choose the Greek as their Los Angeles tour stop cannot be ignored. Anyone from George Clinton to The Fray, The Greek has it all.

So with that being said, if your favorite artist comes to the Greek, you know you’re in for a good show. So keep your eyes peeled!

There are good things to say about the Verity Room, a small performance hall located in Simi Valley, but majority rules for the bad. This small room, located in the back of a low budget music store (don’t get your hopes up, I wouldn’t look for Fender or Gibson here), is supposed to be a haven for young singer songwriters, and artists. Instead, The Verity Room is an overpriced sweat shop family oriented performance space.

Let’s start at the beginning. Upon entry to Guitar Merchant (located, but well hidden on Topanga Canyon Blvd) you’re charged seven dollars for admission to the back room. You walk through the small hallway and are at once greeted with a very pleasant sight. The first good thing I’ll say about the Verity Room is that its image is top notch. It’s visually pleasing to the eye, but comfort is a problem. Though there are plenty of seats, very few of them are actually comfortable. I think it’s safe to say that the tables are from the outdoor section, and the lonely pillows on the ground are missing their couches.

So grab a seat now. The performances are usually top notch, and places like this are always known for breeding the next wave of amazing talent. The room is also home to a very beautiful, and great sounding grand piano, an instant plus for piano playing performers. There’s enough room on the stage for a full band, and the sound system can handle just about as much as it needs.

There is one major problem that will always hurt the Verity Room. The one thing that always brings people to a performance in L.A. is Alcohol. The Verity Room, on the other hand, does not sell Alcohol or any other beverages at all. That lack of liquid equates to a lack of ticket sales. It’s really hard for young emerging bands to pack people in based on the music alone. And to top that of, when the room does fill up, it heats up, a major pain for those performing.

I will say that from a performers point of view (I have performed their on a few occasions), the help is really great, and they treat bands right. The sound is usually top notch for what they have, and performances are often quite spirited. All in all, their hearts are in the right place. With a little work, The Verity Room could be a great place to bring your friends and enjoy some local talent. Instead it’s a work in progress that warrants a visit, but it’s not a top priority.

If you’re into all things rock, and are looking for a drink before you hit the Whiskey or the Roxy, or if you’re looking for some good food, The Rainbow is where you need to be. Of course it doesn’t hurt that it’s a world famous bar where rock stars still hang out, and where the eighties are still alive and kicking. Known as THE hangout spot during the heyday of the Sunset Strip, The Rainbow still attracts the likes of Tom Morello and Lemmy on a regular basis.

One of the reasons that this place stood the test of time and why the stars still come back is the menu. The Rainbow’s menu is a top notch collection Italian and American favorites, perfect for curing hangovers with the band, or out on the town with the misses. My food recommendation would be the homemade Lasagna, but I must say everything I’ve eaten there has been good.

Now it wouldn’t be a rock club without live music. The upstairs portion of the bar offers live acoustic music by some of Hollywood’s finest emerging talent. Though I will say that the upstairs is not as roomy as the lower portion. As you would expect, the entire bar gets incredibly packed on Friday and Saturday nights and getting around is a little hard to do.

There is a bar located on the outside, but during busy hours it’s almost impossible to get to. You’d be much better off just getting a table and ordering all your drinks from there. It’s a much more proficient way to get your drinks while enjoying the amazing menu. Oh, and don’t be afraid to glance at the dessert menu.

The Rainbow is located right in the middle of such famous clubs as The Whiskey A Go-Go, The Roxy, and The Key Club, making it a real Mecca for musicians and music appreciators alike. Overall, The Rainbow is a great place to get a fresh taste of what the Sunset Strip is all about.

For the adult whose inner kid is still alive and well, Lucky Strike Lanes is the place to be. On one hand, it’s a top notch bowling alley offering a wide variety food options; on the other – it’s a Hollywood club, and a great place to go with guys on Friday night. The bar is first class and the general size of the place makes sure that it won’t be hell making your way back to the bar for your next drink. It’s location in the heart of Hollywood also adds to the mystique. All in all, Lucky Strike Lanes always offers a fun night.

Lucky strike does have a dress code so make sure and dress appropriately before leaving house. Once you get there, the first thing you and guys should do is grab a drink from the bar and put your name on the list for a lane. Since we’re figuring it’s a Friday night, be prepared to wait at least an hour for an open lane. But don’t worry, filling an hour at this place is pretty easy to do. There are plenty of couches and tables around the bar area if your feel like having a seat, as well as an outdoor section for smokers and a breath of fresh air.

So our hour has passed. You gather your crew and get to your lane. Though Lucky Strike is a Hollywood club, it’s still a good ole fashioned bowling alley with all the fixing’s! Each lane has its own waitress and trust me, with all the drinking you’re going to do, I would completely recommend ordering many different finger foods for the crew to munch on while bowling. Remember that these games are very expensive (this IS Hollywood), so don’t get too drunk and end up with a gigantic bill. In fact everything at Lucky Strike is expensive, but that’s the case with everything "Hollywood".

The combination of club and bowling alley really works well, and fits the Hollywood scene. If you’re looking for a fun night out on the Hollywood strip (not to be confused with the Sunset strip), this is a great way to make that happen. Call up the boys!

Located on the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga in the heart of Hollywood is the music lovers Mecca known as Amoeba Records. I remember the first time I walked through the door…I knew this place would take time. This massive two story store is home to hundreds of thousands new and used CD’s, DVD’s, as well as, Vinyl records and tapes. The back of the room also features a stage that’s seen acts as diverse as Hot Hot Heat and Paul McCartney. Most importantly, Amoeba Records holds the flame up high - keeping music stores alive in the face of the internet revolution.

Once you walk through the front doors you’re faced with an immediate decision, to your front is the massive CD floor and to your right are the stairs leading to the DVD mezzanine. If you choose to walk forward you eyes will be flooded with every musical genre imaginable including a separate room for Jazz, blues, and classical. Make sure to check the equally impressive used section (with prices ranging from $1.99 to $11.99 for newer discs) to see if your favorite records have been turned in by other patrons! On the other side of that table, being someone who sells CD’s, Amoeba offers great prices for your used discs.

If you decided to make a right at the entrance you would be headed toward the stairs up the mezzanine. The DVD mezzanine offers exactly the same fair as the CD floor. Any genre, any language, any orientation, you can find it up there. I’ll tell you some of the best deals in town can be found in the bargains bin. Also, and true to form for the rest of the stores, laser disc’s and video tapes are in abundance and with great prices. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that vintage junkies will find Amoeba as good as home.

Don’t forget to check the schedule and see some of the hottest performances around on the Amoeba stage. I think if they let me bring a sleeping bag inside the store, I would be able to live there. And that just about sums it up!

Ah, the Pig n' Whistle. I’ve got plenty of memories in that place. There was a time in my life where I spent every night at that place. Of course not only did I go to school next door (Musicians Institute), I used to live just down the road. But, there is just such an atmosphere inside that me and my buddies couldn’t help but not ask each other after class “we going to the pig?” Whether it’s the excellent drinks, wonderful food, or wild and often unpredictable entertainment, the Pig n’ Whistle delivers on all levels.

With it’s convenient location next to the Egyptian Theatre (Where the movie premieres happened during the Twenties and Thirties when the pig opened it’s doors), it’s not too uncommon to run across a who’s who of Hollywood. It’s also a major tourist attraction, so it’s pretty easy to say that there will always be a few out of place families sitting in the booth across the right wall.

To me, The Pig really comes alive when the sun goes down. Home to some of my favorite bar tenders, the Pig is THE place to drink with your buddies in downtown Hollywood. The low lights, and abundant television’s make it a great place to bring your whole crew. Almost every night of the week finds the Pig turning into the place to be, and one of the many places to be seen in the downtown area.

For all you karaoke fiends out there, The Pig’s Wednesday night karaoke is notorious. I used to spend every Wednesday night singing, dancing, and drinking at The Pig. I think I most enjoyed the fact that every week there was a great mix of friends and new people alike. You can always meet new people, and can always count on your friends waiting for you outside, or at the bar. Also, If you’ve got some single guys in your crew (or you yourself), The Pig is a great place to meet and pick up women of all shapes, sizes, and personalities.

If you make it before ten o’clock I would recommend you order something from the menu. No one wants to drink on an empty stomach, and no one should pass up these delectable dishes. Among the many amazing choices are pizza (the chicken and artichoke heart is the best), fish and chips, and some of the best calamari around. Top all that off with a hearty lager, or a nice cocktail. It’s good to get something in your stomach because your going to need it. The rest of the night will become a blur of fun and laughter just be safe. If you can walk, do it. I walked there every week, and despite what people say, Hollywood is a safe place to be even at night.

That being said, The Pig n’ Whistle is a fantastic place for you and your friends to spend a night on the town.