By: Serita Stevens
Visitors coming to the Los Angeles area always want to see “Hollywood,” but what they don’t understand is that Hollywood is really just a neighborhood – and not a very safe one at that. However, besides the Hollywood sign, which is impossible to get to and can only be seen from afar, there are places that typify what people identify as Hollywood. The intersection of Hollywood and Highland is one such place.
On Hollywood Boulevard, itself, you will often find costumed actors dressing up as favorite parts. The other day when I was there “BumbleBee” from the Transformers stood on the corner as well as Spiderman. Be aware that these actors will ask you for a few dollars to take a picture with them as the character. Some people don’t mind it, others do.
As you walk along the street, you will see stars in the walkway with various famous names imprinted. Half a block up from the mall, you will find Gruman’s Chinese Theatre where the original hand and footprints of many stars can be found.
Besides being a great shopping center where you can find everything from souvenirs, to clothes, make up and fast foods, there are also some excellent restaurants. One I especially like is the elegant Rolling Stone on the second floor. The lovely patio allows you to people watch as you eat the delicious food.
Prices are reasonable varying from a wide variety of salads – I loved their Caesar ($11) and their far east salad ($13) is great, too. (Meat, chicken, fish or shrimp can be added to any salad to make it a full meal. There are also grilled flatbreads as crushed tomato and basil to prosclutto san daniele ($11-14), sandwiches starting at $10 smoked turkey breast or grilled veggie at $11 to their house ground prime burger at $14. Main dishes rum from crispy dry rubbed half chicken at $18, pan roasted salmon ($20) and bone-in 20 oz rib eye at $38. Additions include such items as yummy garlic and parsley fries, beer battered onion rings, creamy three cheese mac, roasted spaghetti squash with duck meatballs and grilled asparagus. Snacks include soft pretzels with beer cheese fondue, warm popovers, and caramelized apple butter.
Besides being great for lunch, the restaurant is open for dinner, late night snacks and serves as a club and a lounge in the evening. The club (and mall) is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, L A 90028, 323 464 4000. Happy Hour is 3 to 7 pm and late night happy hour is 9:30 to 11 pm (this is Monday through Friday).
Parking for the mall and restaurant is discounted with validation and you enter the parking on Highland north of Hollywood Blvd, next to the Lowes Hotel. With validation, the price is $2.00.
