Evelyn Barge
A&E Editor
The Dume Room
29169 Heathercliff Road
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-9948
This classic Malibu dive, that opened in 1972, is a hidden gem typically frequented by locals who are in the know. Legend has it that actor Robert Downey Jr. often visited the Dume Room before his days in rehab.
Downey isn’t the only celeb to find a home away from home at the Dume Room. The bar’s walls are covered with photos and headshots of hundreds of notable figures. Many bands that get their start at Pepperdine also find a friend in the Dume Room, which offers local artists the chance to showcase their music. It’s a rare weekend in Malibu when the Dume Room isn’t packed with of-age Pepperdiners looking for a laid-back scene.
Calamigos Ranch
327 Latigo Canyon Road
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 889-6280
For a little bit of local history combined with natural, scenic beauty, the Calamigos Ranch is a 120-acre property with everything necessary to impress a date.
Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains, many students miss out on all the ranch has to offer. Cozy cabin-like accommodations make for a dramatic break from city life. Their delicious Sunday brunch is open to the public, but make reservations to avoid a long wait. Fans of ‘90s television shows will also rejoice to stand in the same place where classic episodes from “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Saved By The Bell” were once filmed.
Santa Monica Airport
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8411
Visitors to the Santa Monica Airport don’t need to be carting luggage or catching a flight to enjoy everything this unusual cultural venue has to offer. With a number of restaurants and art galleries that are continually open to the public, the Santa Monica Airport experience is entirely different from the typical chaos of LAX. For Pan-Asian delicacies, the Hump and Typhoon are among the best in Los Angeles.
Laemmle’s Monica Fourplex
1332 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-9741
There is no shortage of art house theaters in Los Angeles, and Santa Monica offers some of the best. Laemmle’s Monica Fourplex on Second Street is a great place to increase independent film literacy. Laemmle Theatre’s are renowned in Los Angeles for their quality and dedication to exhibiting the finest indie films.
Main Street
Santa Monica
Everyone is familiar with the Third Street Promenade shopping experience, but Santa Monica has several fine avenues for dining, shopping and nightlife. Main Street is an excellent escape from the tourism and excess commercialism of Third Street, especially for shoppers who prefer exclusive boutiques to chain stores. Nightlife on Main Street is unparalleled by any other Santa Monica block. Those who enjoy a frequent change of location will also find dozens of establishments within walking distance of each other.
Gyu Kaku
163 N. La Cienega
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 659-5760
Located in posh Beverly Hills, Gyu Kaku is a Japanese barbecue restaurant for those with a flair for trendy eating. Each table comes equipped with a circular propane grill where freshly marinated meats and veggies are slowly grilled to perfection by the diners themselves. Top dinner off with a round of s’mores — not traditional Japanese food fare, but a must try in this exclusive setting. There are additional locations in West Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks.
Lucky Strike
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-7776
For a true L.A. experience in the heart of Hollywood, Lucky Strike is an up-to-the-minute spot to see and be seen. Be ready to do battle with the infamous velvet rope at this exclusive hangout. An updated take on the concept of cosmic bowling, don’t expect to be mingling with hordes of pre-teen partiers, because you have to be 21 to get lucky on these lanes.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
This sophisticated concert hall is located in downtown Los Angeles, a business district where few tourists dare to venture. But this architectural marvel is a must-see for anyone seeking the consummate musical experience. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the building is a mass of flowing stainless steel that gleams brightly in the magic hour.
08-29-2005
