WHEN the weather starts to sizzle, so does L.A.'s club scene. Old bars are getting a new polish, new restaurants and lounges are being readied for their close-ups and contractors are working overtime to get venues open in time to take advantage of the hot, hot heat.
And even superstars -- like Prince, who sources say is planning a seven-week residency at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood -- make special plans.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Saturday May 26, 2007 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 32 words Type of Material: Correction
Charcoal: The designer behind the new Hollywood restaurant and lounge Charcoal was misidentified in a nightlife article in Thursday's Calendar Weekend. David Maman, not Dodd Mitchell, was the designer on the project.
So many options, so many skimpy outfits to choose from.
Here are a few of our hottest picks for your summertime nighttime to-do list:
Hollywood mogul Adolfo Suaya and partner Michael Sutton celebrate the grand opening of Charcoal (8372 Sunset Blvd.) this week. After toying with a variety of concepts, Suaya teamed up with designer Dodd Mitchell to create a swanky American grill. Suaya, who owns huge chunks of Hollywood real estate as well as the Gaucho Grill franchise, and Xenii promoter Sutton, already nailed Hollywood with the Lodge, their upscale steakhouse. Now the duo are hoping Charcoal will light Hollywood on fire. Located in the ArcLight Cinemas complex, Charcoal is aiming for the dinner-and-a-date crowd, with its ample use of leather and stone, along with DJs on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
And in late August, expect Suaya and Sutton to also debut Goa (1615 Cahuenga Blvd.), an Indian fusion restaurant designed by Kristofer Keith, who traveled to India for inspiration. Decorated in golds and greens, the restaurant will include three bars, a roomy outdoor patio and multiple archways. For a visual, picture an Indian temple in miniature.
Look for the latest from clubland veteran Chris Breed (Cabana Club/Pig 'N Whistle) to make its debut in mid-June. The name is Ritual (1742 Cahuenga Blvd.), and it's located at his former White Lotus in the Cahuenga Corridor. Breed says he's going "green" this time out, with natural materials, cork tables and an ample offering of organic food. Aiming for a "mind, body and soul experience," he hopes to create a space where guests can decompress amid the pulsating music spun by VJs. Rather than traditional DJs, Ritual plans to offer videos with every song. Another notable change from White Lotus is the removal of the club's private nooks. They've taken down walls to create more of a circular, flowy vibe.
