Goan society is not traditional to the rest of India, and Goa of Hollywood is not traditional to the rest of Los Angeles… or any specific country.  A slew of International influence is apparent at Cahuenga’s new Hollywood hang out.  Persian rugs line the walls and ceiling, gold chains dangle above the bar, a statue of a Hindu God reflects the amber glow of the Moroccan lighting onto the bartenders in Indian garb.

Just across the street from Citizen Smith you’ll find Hollywood’s newest and most-exclusive supper club/nightclub.  Goa is owned by Adolfo Suaya and former soap star turned Hollywood kingpin, Michael Sutton.  Despite the Goan belief of not eating anything with a face, Ted Fujita (of Yu-N-Mi Sushi in Beverly Hills), prepares Japanese favorites such as Stuffed Calamari with Crab Meat and Eel Sauce.  Leave it to Hollywood to pick and choose a little of every Eastern culture to theme a night club!

It’s probably easier to book a flight to India for a taste of Goa than to book a reservation at Goa of Hollywood.  The subtle opening of the 7,000 square foot venue offers it’s services to only the “well-connected” or “least dressed” clubbers and celebrities in Los Angeles.

Goa’s subtle market penetration plan had it slowly rolling out the red carpet to the public on Thursday and Saturday nights for the first few months.  Friday was recently added to the venue’s hours around the same time a phone number for Goa was released to the public.  Wednesday is expected to allow another possible night to book one of the private VIPoctagon booths for dinner, but not until later this month as a house music night.

Celebrities love the privacy of the many VIP tables, including the enclosed patio booths with Bose sound systems.  Avril Lavigne, Amy Smart, Lauren Conrad, Ed Norton, Paris Hilton (of course!) and even underage Jesse McCartney have been spotted at the exclusive night club.

While the experience of Goa Hollywood is not traditional of the typical Hollywood scene, it is also not typical of any particular culture or country; it is a melting pot of many.  Goa’s limited access may keep the typical clubbers in line outside until mid 2008 when it is expected to open to the public during “typical” nightclub hours.

“Hollywood Hot Spot” or “Too Hot To Handle?”

The grey AREA, defined in black and white. Overlooking his successful nightclub, Area, Los Angeles nightclub guru, Brent Bolthouse of SBE Productions (responsible for Hyde, Privilege, and Lobby) watches over the West Hollywood Hot Spot from his John Lautner designed Hollywood home in the Hills. “I wanted to make a nightclub that was welcoming and cozy, as if guests are partying at a friend’s home,” explains Bolthouse.

Sam Nazarian and Bolthouse remodeled the former club “Prey” to be a lasting destination for Hollywood clubbers. Decorated with low upholstered “Barcelona” chairs, clean lines, leather sofas, George Nelson paper lighting, and brick slate walls atop the Terrazzo floor. An 85 speaker “system” finely tuned indoors and on the patio for appropriate sound levels. Lounging areas are quieter for discussion, while the dance floor pounds Top 40, House, 80’s, and Hip-Hop beats.

Since it’s opening on September 28, 2006, the nightclub has received praising publicity from publications such as, People , InStyle, 944 Los Angeles, Angeleno, and was even mentioned as one of the top ten “Sexiest Places In Los Angeles” in the May 2007 issue of Cosmopolitan.

Paid publicity and filming portions of MTV’s reality series, The Hills certainly helped Area climb the “clubometer” as a Hollywood Hot Spot. With so many celebrity sightings at the grand opening, it’s no wonder security is so tight. However, the strict door policy has loosened since rehab has left the club’s “hot seat” where Lindsay Lohan usually sits (in “Area Five” across from the D.J. booth and next to the dance floor) vacant.

Bottle service is average price with a bottle of Grey Goose leaving a wallet $395 lighter, unless an additional $250 upgrade is added for a “mixologist” from one of the club’s two bars to come to the table to create a specialty cocktail. Sexy waitresses aren’t a fixture in this classical 50’s modern décor like most Hollywood nightclubs. “Most people working in clubs want to be actors, but Area employs only trained bartenders,” explains Bolthouse.

The mirrored walls give the appearance that the facility is larger than its 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The cozy décor and underlying residential concept is countered by the unwelcoming doormen. However, even with the strict admittance policy, the club is often crowded beyond the 480 person capacity with VIPs with heavy pockets and beautiful people while the less attractive are not welcome and left in the line outside.

Even with the publicity, beautiful crowd, average prices, and unique décor, online reviews have deemed Area a hot spot “too hot to handle,” and have newcomers going elsewhere. With Republic just across La Cienega Boulevard from Area, many clubbers are trading their precious drinking time and money in for a night at Republic instead of waiting outside of Area.

“Listening to Music Before the Club.”

Appetizer is a word commonly seen on just about every restaurant menu across the United States. By definition an appetizer is the food served before or outside of the main courses of a meal. An appetizer or hor d’oeuvre, as the French like to call it, is the essential starter that gets your taste buds ready to dive into the main dish which awaits the rumblings of your hungry stomach. In the vast world of clubbin’, there also exists such an appetizer before the full meal where bouncers determine if your soul is fed for the evening. Before we reach those velvet ropes of a musical purgatory where pulsating rhythms promote the pouring of drinks, pumping pelvic thrust, and promiscuity, we need that special nightlife nibble that gets our spirits flowing before the real spirits start flowing.

I’m simply talking about music. Besides the ambiance, décor, the crowd, or whatever else, music is the quintessential catalyst that drives the entire club experience. With that being said, it also can serve as the perfect appetizer for a hungry soul which craves the elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony all coming together to form what we call music. As most of us have all heard the phrase, “music soothes the savage beast,” it also soothes, excites, and creates the perfect mood for the avid yet antsy club-hopper. We all know how it is before the big event. You are racing around the house looking for something to where, you are calling everybody to see who is joining you, you may be thinking if you have time to eat before you go, you might want to stop at the ATM before you go, you may even be debating on which club to attend. Whatever the case may be, this can create a stressful feeling before we hit the club and that potentially may carry over into the evening. But somehow, when you are doing all these things with the perfect music playing in the background, all the aforementioned stress inducers don’t seem so bad. Instead of the mayhem, you’re singing in the shower, dancing in front of the mirror, and picturing how the night will transpire because the music has given you a small feeling of what you have come to expect from your previous club experiences. Imagine the drive to the club with your friends when the music is playing…ponder on that for just a quick second. One would tend to imagine you all conversing about the evening to come, singing along to the music, or possibly reminiscing about who you danced with to a particular song.

Whatever it is you may be doing, the experience is that much better because music sparks emotion. It takes us to a place in our minds, bodies, and souls that stimulates all the five senses. When you hear that certain song before you hit the club, you can envision yourself two-stepping the night away, you can smell the cologne or perfume of the person you last danced with, you can feel the bass from the speakers ,or that special sensation when you dance a little bit too close if you get my drift. You can taste that last vodka and cranberry juice you ordered the last time, and most importantly you can hear what the night could and will potentially sound like. By playing music before you actually get to the club, you have created that perfect precursor which temporarily satisfies your appetite for more. So before you sit down at a $300 per bottle V.I.P table to take on the full meal we like to call the club, remember to have a taste of that special appetizer we so affectionately call music.

“Overcoming Mood-y publicity, Judaken opens Opera.”

Opera can be thought of as the “great equalizer of Hollywood.” Despite celebrity status,wealth, or good looks – the line must go on until security is positive they won’t need to escort any underage drinkers out by the end of the night. “My security doesn’t even recognize celebrities or care,” explains club owner, David Judaken.

Judaken has come back from last year’s “Mood–Y” publicity over several controversial headlines regarding sister club, Mood. The great thing about Hollywood is how easily the public is distracted. For example; rumors shift from Mood simply by opening the four million dollar nightclub, Opera.

Melting light bulbs portraying a fiery entrance on the fog curtain follow Judaken’s trademark décor. The crowd at Opera remains as beautiful and diva-defined as at Mood, but for a price. Not that there aren’t plenty of heavy pockets to be found around the three bars. Quick bar service offers a stiff drink after the $20 valet speeds away from the line waiting to walk through the fiery fog entrance into the Hollywood Hot Spot.

With drinks at Opera averaging about $12, it’s no wonder the crowd is slightly more established than the typical Hollyweirdos. Just as any Hollywood club, the gold-diggers manage to find their way out to Opera, but the secluded location on helps “investors” to secure their “investment” won’t head off to a never-ending trip to the ladies room and never come back! Generally, the farthest they’ll go in “hooker heels” is next door!

If you aren’t a “top 40, hip-hop” type and the idea of the new Britney Spears “plea for a comeback song” over the sound system makes you cringe, there’s always the adjacent club Crimson. Offering a slightly older crowd, and rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere, Crimson is a great alternative for those whom find Opera too pretentious. Keep the car with valet and check out both clubs in one night.

Adjoining clubs make an evening out more bearable for those girls in stilettos and mini skirts looking to park their jalopy once and walk in search of their next investor to support their party habits. However, the “escape” is not as easy, so choose your investor wisely ladies – or wear the slightly lower heels and take a two block hike to Social where you’re sure to find someone with beer goggles to buy your drinks.

Anyone looking for a venue for a personal party for oneself and 400 of their closest friends, the removable wall allows the clubs to join together…for a cost!

Dress to impress, bring extra cash, and don’t forget your I.D., even if you are a celebrity, Opera doesn’t care. Judaken looks forward to a Happy New 2008 without the negative publicity of Mood. Minors, don’t even try using your fake, you will lose it and will most likely end up in the drunk-tank by the end of the night.

The Italians have a saying, “Go to a club and get laid.” They have another saying, “A thick hair shirt drives women crazy,” but we’ll ignore the second saying for now and concentrate on the first. If your intention is to get laid, it’s imperative to not act like a jackass. A typical jackass move is to request a song at a club. Let’s look at two examples we might learn from, shall we?

1. You’ve just walked into your local pickup hang. You unwrap your twelve-dollar cotton scarf that you swear looks like cashmere, remove your coonskin cap you’re peacocking with and unbutton your cape. You grab a cocktail and sip it with your pinky out, because you’re a real sophisti-cat! With no one to talk to (because, frankly, who’s friends with a guy who wears a coonskin cap), you strike up some banal banter with the deejay. The topic turns to what kinds of music the deejay has because he’s a bit of a hollow trout and has nothing else to talk about. He goes on about how so-so’s new song uses the beat from
this old, super-obscure, seventies R&B song, “Bread Sandwiches” by the ‘Nard. He’s just happy someone’s listening to him besides his dear old Mum and, before you know it, he’s asking you if you want to hear some ‘Nard. You feel bad for the geezer and agree. Now the deejay is saying over the mic how they have a special request for “Bread Sandwiches” by ‘Nard. Well, guess what? You now look like a ‘tard. The entire club stares at you as “Bread Sandwiches” kills the mood and sops up any fun. The only chance you now have to get laid is by the deejay. Hope his Mum likes you!

2. It’s getting late and you’re having the time of your life. You’re probably too hammered to nail, but some bittie is actually talking to you and you think you have a chance. You excuse yourself to hit the head, then on the way back you stop at the deejay booth. You slide the deejay a fiver (big spender!) to play anything by DJ Darude. Why? Because you’re into Scandinavian trance music, you boner. The music selection doesn’t matter, wait for the morale of the story. You return to your lady of the night and tell her you requested the next song. Darude’s song “Sandstorm” plays, because I don’t think he has another song, and the girl loses it. This song reminds her of her times in the club scene with her ex-boyfriend and you’re picturing glowsticks where they shouldn’t be. Now with the visual of neon nether regions on your brain, you can’t talk to her anymore and you’ve done ruined a perfectly good night. Morale of the story, leave well enough alone.

So next time you’re at a club remember, if you request a song, you might either look like a ‘tard or end up picturing the girl you like playing Chinese finger cuffs with two glowsticks.

Remember to tell ‘em Moobs sent you,
Banley Moobs, that is.

A playground to young Hollywood’s most unacceptable behavior and the birthplace of the most shocking headlines.

Underage drinking, lap dances, gun shots, and the most recent debacle, alleged rape by one of the owners are just some of the Hollywood headlines originating from Les Deux. The generic Hollywood crowd doesn’t show up for the weak drinks and mood lighting. Not even for the romantic motif and trademark fountain.

Lonnie Moore, co-founder of The Dolce Group, responsible for Geisha House, Dolce, Ketchup, and many other restaurants and nightclubs around Los Angeles including Les Deux, started the multi-million dollar group simply by bootstrapping, begging, borrowing, and stealing as much as needed to open the first restaurant. It wasn’t until he and Mike Milan decided to seek celebrity investors to really launch their careers as club owners.

The business concept founding Les Deux was to find several celebrities to invest in a specific club, each investor invites a number of their friends to the grand opening and all publicized events and it’s easy to have a couple hundred people, all once removed from a celebrity investor at the party. With so many celebrities wanting to party in one place, there’s bound to be trouble! Which is probably why Moore is now facing allegations of raping an underage patron in the “Managers’ Suite” at Les Deux last Friday (the “Manager’s Suite” is a bedroom on the premises for managers to rest because of the long hours required to operate the nightclub).

Hollyweirdos hit up this hot spot to see the menagerie of cocaine’s effects on celebs and minors and to possibly be able to say, “I was there that night when those two people were shot.” With so many private rooms, dark corners, and low light, Les Deux is the perfect scene to make a scene. The idea that a night at Les Deux could be a celebrity publicist’s nightmare or dream-come-true is the underlying concept of Les Deux’s continued popularity.

The red corset and black mini-skirt uniformed waitresses add to the “house of ill repute” decor of Hollywood’s sinful hot spot. In fact the uniforms are so skimpy, rumor has it, Britney Spears applied for a job simply for the uniform (they must have not had her size). Perhaps she thought it would improve her chances with The Dallas Cowboy, Tony Romo if her Les Deux lap dance didn’t captivate the quarterback this past October, which was publicized by on looking Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS FM morning show the following day.

This Lohan-esque nightclub is great for star-spotting, and a few laughs at Hollywood’s most desperate celebrities looking for headlines, but not really somewhere to go to get away from life’s drama. Cat fights and occasional parking lot brawls are common among ‘regulars,’ but for Angelinos with above average self-esteem go elsewhere.

Sunday nights can represent many different things to different people.  For the avid football fan it may represent the sobering feeling of winding down after a day filled with intrigue, excitement, and close calls.  For the corporate executive, it could represent his/her last moment of freedom before returning to the daily grind of a nine to five.  For the weekend warrior it may represent the last chance to hit that club or bar that everyone has been raving about.  On a cool December night in Hollywood, it represented all of those things and more.  Nestled in the core of Universal Citywalk Hollywood, BB Kings Blues Club played host to a night where you could find all of the aforementioned individuals all coming to together to enjoy the soulful sounds of Van Hunt.

With the house lights low, drinks flowing, and the smell of barbeque filling the air, the eclectic crowd was pulsating with excitement, anticipating the arrival of Blue Note Records artist, Van Hunt.  As the BB King patrons watched a few opening acts from up close as well as the 2 tiered balcony levels, the DJ kept the party rocking in between performances with a soulful blend of hip-hop, r&b, and a few classics.  As the last opening act, Francois, was into his final song which included an amazing rendition of “Purple Rain” by his guitar player, the crowd flocked to the stage all the while knowing that Mr.Hunt was about to make an appearance.

And what an appearance he made; as he entered stage left dressed in his vintage 60’s soul-singer outfit fully equipped with the scarf tied to the front.  The scene was set for the audience to experience a few “Seconds Of Pleasure.”  For those in attendance, Van Hunt didn’t disappoint. Obviously a gifted musician, Van Hunt cleverly displayed his talents on the guitar as well as a vocal range that mirrors the likes of a modern day Curtis Mayfield.  With a set that included songs from his debut album, Van Hunt, his second album, On The Jungle Floor, and several new joints off his EP, Popular Machine, he seduced the audience with sultry melodies and harmonies that would soothe the most savage beast.  Under the “Hot Stage Lights,” Van Hunt displayed a musical poise that is seldom seen in a live performance.  There wasn’t any jumping around, crazy dance moves, or pyrotechnics, but there was a feeling of brilliance and a mood created by the artist that kept the people intrigued from start to finish.

Sunday nights are often synonymous with the ending of an adventure while simultaneously symbolizing the return of the daily routine.  Well, on this particular Sunday night in Hollywood, Van Hunt was far from the routine.  He gave a new meaning to the evening for all of us by making us realize that the “Night Is Young.”  As the night continued into the morning, Van Hunt made it a lot easier for everyone to return to their respective “Popular Machine” on Monday morning.

Whether you’re a Billy No Mates or you’ve got more friends than a pre-killing people O.J. Simpson, there’s a certain decorum one wants to maintain when you head out to a nightclub. For your personal use, I’ve put together some simple do’s and don’ts.

Do slip some money to the bouncer.

Don’t stand outside waiting for the bouncer to let you in. You stand outside long enough all of the birds are going to see you and your chances for some fresh macaw will be very slim. If you’re too cheap to grease the bouncer, what are you even doing at a nightclub? Go get a tall boy and find a busy street corner where you can bum a smoke.

Do chat up your friends, beighbors (bar neighbors) or the babetender. Hopefully you’ll have something that’s not completely mundane to talk about. Stay away from topics with strangers that might be considered offensive. Such as, “Don’t you think it’s odd that the Chinese are so dirty, yet they own all the best dry cleaners?”

Don’t for the Queen Mum’s sake, talk to yourself. If you get caught mumbling like a jackal, duck out to the bathroom.

Do drink, if you do that sort of thing.

Don’t order a bottle of Cristal for some girl just because she’s pretending to be interested in you. She’s using you. She doesn’t actually find your telemarketing job of interest. Yes, customer service is boring, as well. Say you’re a pilot.

Do order a drink for you and your new lady friend, but pretend you have a tab at a different bar and ask her to buy this round.

Don’t get so hammered that you can’t get to the bathroom if you need to vomit. It is not an acceptable shortcut to carry around a barf bag.

Do dance if you’re able. Able doesn’t mean you have functioning legs and you know “The Electric Slide,” the “Roger Rabbit” or the “Running Man.”

Don’t grab random girls and pelvic thrust them in their legs.

Don’t stand at the edge of the dance floor with your hands in your pockets, unless you have psoriasis.

Do have fun, or at least pretend to have fun. No one likes a wet blanket.

When you hear or see the acronym, B.Y.O.B, you instantly equate that with the commonly known phrase, “Bring Your Own Bottle.” Where I come from, we have grown to understand that as don’t come empty handed to the party. Just to be a bit technical for a brief second, the term B.Y.O.B was first used in the 1950’s. The last letter “B” has taken on many definitions, but none more popular than the aforementioned meaning. Although the frequently used acronym has become synonymous with the likes of house and college dorm parties, it has now become somewhat of a growing fad in the bar, restaurant, club, and concert businesses. Although no other city does it quite like Las Vegas, where you can BYOB everywhere, Hollywood does the best it can at getting the party started.

There are two Hollywood concert venues in particular that not only share the BYOB policy but they also share the same zip code and virtually the same street. On one side of the 101 Freeway, on the border of Hollywood Hills, you have the world famous Hollywood Bowl. And right across the freeway you have the John Anson Ford Theatre. Just to give you some background, the Hollywood Bowl is a place where Southern Californians gather to picnic and enjoy a variety of music under the stars. Throughout the summer, the LA Phil presents the best in jazz, classical, Broadway, and world music, featuring artists that range from the 80s sounds of the Pet Shop Boys to the soulful sounds of Nancy Wilson. While the Ford Amphitheatre is an outdoor facility that presents music, dance, film, theatre and family events from May to October.

Now that I gave you a little history, let’s talk about what you really want to hear. I have been to both of these venues and I must say that I have had an equally amazing experience at both. Besides the sounds and visuals illuminating the night from the stages, my favorite thing about these places is the picnic culture. The fact that you can bring your own food and most importantly beverages is the thing that really creates the perfect mood. Whether you are enjoying your beverage of choice in one of the various picnic areas or drinking your own liquor right from the comfort of your seat, both of these venues cater to your personal indulgence.

As the Vodka, Wine, Beer, or whatever you drink flows along with the music, so does the sociable harmony of an inebriated bunch all coming together to enjoy the art of sound, sight, and camaraderie that you can find at either venue. Whether the address is 2580 Cahuenga Blvd (Ford Theatre) or 2301 N. Highland Blvd (Hollywood Bowl), you are guaranteed a great show, wonderful company, and a night to remember. On any given night, you could have patrons at both venues enjoying two different shows with different types of people, but the one thing you can bet on is that no matter what side of the freeway they are on, everyone understands the advantage and necessity of “Bringing Your Own Bottle.”

An Exclusive Performance By Van Hunt In Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, CA (Clubberblog.net) — Grammy award winning recording artist Van Hunt will be performing an exclusive concert at BB King’s Blues Club and Restaurant on December 2nd as part of the Hpnotiq Soul Concert Series. This intimate venue performance is not to be missed as Van Hunt, who has been described as “supremely talented” by All Music Guide, gives fans a preview of songs from his upcoming album, “Popular,” due out on January 15th, from Blue Note Records.

Van Hunt began his career in the late 90s as a songwriter and guitarist/keyboardist for former Arrested Development frontwoman Dionne Farris. During this period, Van Hunt’s song “Hopeless,” performed by Farris, appeared on the “Love Jones” soundtrack, and Lenny Kravitz performed “Mean Sleep,” co-written by Van Hunt and Cree Summer. After a successful stretch as a songwriter, Van Hunt signed with manager Randy Jackson, now a judge on American Idol, and in 2004, music fans were finally treated to Van Hunt’s own voice with his critically acclaimed debut album, “Van Hunt.” The album featured hit singles “Down Here in Hell (With You),” “Dust,” and “Seconds of Pleasure,” showcasing the synthesis of Van Hunt’s original sound with influences as diverse as Prince, Sly Stone, and David Bowie. “Dust” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.

In 2006, Van Hunt’s sophomore album, “On the Jungle Floor” expanded on the themes of his debut, including the R&B smash “Character,” and his own take on “Mean Sleep” (a duet with Nikka Costa). The album featured everything from Van Hunt’s trademark neo-soul to a cover of The Stooges’ punk classic “No Sense of Crime.” The Boston Globe called “On the Jungle Floor” “ambitious and compelling,” assuring its readers that “this funky soul singer is in it for the long haul.”

If there had ever been any doubt about that last statement, Van Hunt dispelled it last year, when he took home a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, along with John Legend and Joss Stone, for their cover of Sly & The Family Stone’s funk anthem, “Family Affair.”

2006 also saw Van Hunt duet with Nikka Costa again, this time on “If I Had No Loot,” for Sam Moore’s (of Sam & Dave fame) first solo album in over 35 years, “Overnight Sensational.” This July, Van Hunt gave fans a preview of his own upcoming album with four-track digital EP, “The Popular Machine.”

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for $20, or at the door for $25. VIP tickets are $40. BB King’s features live music every night, and offers concertgoers an extensive selection of food and drinks, ranging from barbecue wings and beer to fine New York Steak. The venue is located on the second floor of famous Universal City Walk, just off the 101 freeway in Universal City, next to Hollywood.

Venue Information:

B.B. King’s Blues Club
1000 Universal Center Dr.
Universal City, CA 91608
818.622.5464
http://la.bbkingclubs.com/