Try to look like you belong and enjoy the eye candy
Via Michael McCarthy, Postmedia News
On the southern edge of Los Angeles, Disneyland presents a world of pure make-believe for children and families. At the other end of town, discerning travellers with more adult tastes might find the fantasy world of Beverly Hills more to their liking. The major difference is that one fantasy is real and the other isn't. A visit to Beverly Hills is like stepping into a dream.
Movies aren't made on Hollywood movie lots anymore, but many Hollywood stars still live, shop, dine out and party in nearby Beverly Hills. They can be seen in high-end restaurants and boutiques around the "Golden Triangle" centred on Rodeo Drive. A stroll along the Drive will prove that the beautiful people of Beverly Hills (and not just the movie stars) are as gorgeous in real life as they appear to be on the screen.
Beverly Hills has been home to the stars and the ultrarich producers and promoters who can also afford to live there, since the original Beverly Hills Hotel was built in 1912 in the middle of an apple orchard. The hotel is still located on Sunset Strip, with its 204 rooms and suites and 21 unique bungalows. Now the sultan of Brunei owns the hotel, and stars still party at the famed Polo Lounge, but if it's fantasy you're after, then it's Rodeo Drive you need to explore.
Rodeo Drive has evolved into the premiere shopping district for the entire world, and every major brand, from Faberge to Versace, operates a swank signature store here. But don't expect to waltz into every boutique, unless you are properly attired or have made an appointment.
There are large, welldressed and handsome doormen standing in many doorways, and they decide whether you look like a shopper or a gawker. Leave the scruffy blue jeans at home.
In Beverly Hills, the experience of rubbing elbows with the gorgeous and fabulously wealthy is totally free, but it's best to be rather circumspect with your camera, if you want to enjoy yourself. Even waiters and clerks look like movie stars.
One of the hottest restaurants in Beverly Hills these days is Crustacean, a delicate fusion of French and colonial Vietnamese cuisine. When our party was escorted to a booth, we saw David Caruso from the TV series CSI sat down at the table next to us. Standing at the bar were several other familiar-looking faces from TV and movies. And, the lobster, king crab and prawns served with garlic noodles were delicious.
The dress code at Crustacean is "relaxed," which means you don't need an evening gown or suit. Make a reservation well in advance. Just give them the phone number for the Hilton and you'll be fine.
Be sure to check out the Aquastar pool at the Beverly Hills Hilton (note: reasonable room rates, too) for hot young stars and starlets sunning themselves in deck chairs. The Hilton's spa treatments are also reputed to be the best in town, so make sure you misplace your chequebook before checking in.
Actors such as Jack Nicholson are reputed to enjoy the occasional beverage at the Hilton's Trader Vic's lounge. The downside is that you will feel like a B-movie extra compared to the gorgeous creatures who live and work here, but you can cheer yourself up by saying to yourself, "It's not real." Only it is real, and that's what is truly amazing.
If You Go
Where to stay: Splurge, and stay at the Beverly Hills Hilton (www.beverlyhilton. com).
Where to eat: Dress well and make a reservation at Crustacean (www.houseofan.com).
What to do: Walk around Rodeo Drive and try to see how many shops will let you in. Ride the trolley tour, or check out other attractions on the city's website (www. beverlyhills.org).
Movies aren't made on Hollywood movie lots anymore, but many Hollywood stars still live, shop, dine out and party in nearby Beverly Hills. They can be seen in high-end restaurants and boutiques around the "Golden Triangle" centred on Rodeo Drive. A stroll along the Drive will prove that the beautiful people of Beverly Hills (and not just the movie stars) are as gorgeous in real life as they appear to be on the screen.
Beverly Hills has been home to the stars and the ultrarich producers and promoters who can also afford to live there, since the original Beverly Hills Hotel was built in 1912 in the middle of an apple orchard. The hotel is still located on Sunset Strip, with its 204 rooms and suites and 21 unique bungalows. Now the sultan of Brunei owns the hotel, and stars still party at the famed Polo Lounge, but if it's fantasy you're after, then it's Rodeo Drive you need to explore.
Rodeo Drive has evolved into the premiere shopping district for the entire world, and every major brand, from Faberge to Versace, operates a swank signature store here. But don't expect to waltz into every boutique, unless you are properly attired or have made an appointment.
There are large, welldressed and handsome doormen standing in many doorways, and they decide whether you look like a shopper or a gawker. Leave the scruffy blue jeans at home.
In Beverly Hills, the experience of rubbing elbows with the gorgeous and fabulously wealthy is totally free, but it's best to be rather circumspect with your camera, if you want to enjoy yourself. Even waiters and clerks look like movie stars.
One of the hottest restaurants in Beverly Hills these days is Crustacean, a delicate fusion of French and colonial Vietnamese cuisine. When our party was escorted to a booth, we saw David Caruso from the TV series CSI sat down at the table next to us. Standing at the bar were several other familiar-looking faces from TV and movies. And, the lobster, king crab and prawns served with garlic noodles were delicious.
The dress code at Crustacean is "relaxed," which means you don't need an evening gown or suit. Make a reservation well in advance. Just give them the phone number for the Hilton and you'll be fine.
Be sure to check out the Aquastar pool at the Beverly Hills Hilton (note: reasonable room rates, too) for hot young stars and starlets sunning themselves in deck chairs. The Hilton's spa treatments are also reputed to be the best in town, so make sure you misplace your chequebook before checking in.
Actors such as Jack Nicholson are reputed to enjoy the occasional beverage at the Hilton's Trader Vic's lounge. The downside is that you will feel like a B-movie extra compared to the gorgeous creatures who live and work here, but you can cheer yourself up by saying to yourself, "It's not real." Only it is real, and that's what is truly amazing.
If You Go
Where to stay: Splurge, and stay at the Beverly Hills Hilton (www.beverlyhilton. com).
Where to eat: Dress well and make a reservation at Crustacean (www.houseofan.com).
What to do: Walk around Rodeo Drive and try to see how many shops will let you in. Ride the trolley tour, or check out other attractions on the city's website (www. beverlyhills.org).
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