``Cahuenga Corridor'' Becomes Hottest Destination in the Hollywood Entertainment District!

Entertainment Editors

HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2004

Hollywood is still leading the pack as the hottest neighborhood in Los Angeles as dozens of new restaurants and clubs open on Cahuenga Blvd. The "Cahuenga Corridor," as the area is dubbed, stretches from Yucca on the north to Selma on the south. The Corridor is comprised of premier dining, nightclubs and entertainment venues where there is a truly eclectic blend of food, fun and culture -- all within one of Los Angeles' most historic neighborhoods.

Property owners and entrepreneurs are furthering Hollywood's revitalization efforts by pouring millions of dollars into renovating buildings and opening clubs, restaurants and cafes on and around Cahuenga Boulevard. "We want the area to have a feel like San Diego's Gas Lamp Quarter," said David Gajda, property owner and head of Cahuenga Coalition, "with a wide variety of places to walk to, all within a few blocks. There aren't many neighborhoods like that in Los Angeles, so it's exciting to see this happening right here in Hollywood."

Popular hang-outs along Cahuenga currently include Concorde, White Lotus, The Room, The Burgundy Room, Hotel Cafe, Beauty Bar, Karma Coffee and the Sunset Room. Just opened:

Tokio (1640 N. Cahuenga, 323.464.2065): From the creators of Beauty Bar and Star Shoes, Tokio takes sushi to the next level. This upscale sushi bar/cocktail lounge features a wide variety of Japanese favorites in an elegant environment.

Xes (716 N. Cahuenga, 323.461.8190): The former Papaz nightclub has been reinvented as a high-energy dance club, open five nights a week and for private parties. The owners and creators of Dublin's have created a hip, trendy hot spot in the middle of Hollywood.

Coming soon:

Caffe Etc. (1600 N. Cahuenga): Opening in April, 2004, Brian Pollack's Caffe Etc. will be a coffee lover's dream. Serving the "best coffee in LA," the cafe will also offer a variety of sandwiches, salads and fresh baked goods. The 1200-square-foot space will include a magazine stand and gift section featuring local artisans. Projected hours are 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Citizen Smith (1602 N. Cahuenga): Owner Andrew Belchic plans to bring an affordable, local bistro to Hollywood. Citizen Smith will feature American cuisine in an urban tavern environment. Patrons can relax on the outdoor patio while listening to live jazz, or dine inside in the New York-inspired loft setting. Expected to open for lunch, dinner and late-nite dining in October.

DWP Building (1609-1615 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.): Environmentalist Ted Firestone is creating a natural dining experience in the historic art deco DWP building. The restaurant (soon to be named) will feature both vegan and non-vegan cuisine for natural food devotees. Guests will enjoy poetry readings in the lounge area, dancing on the patio and browsing through art hanging on the walls by local artists. The eatery will also have a retail area featuring natural clothing and products. The 5,250-square-foot property will be completely restored, and the restaurant will open December 2004.

The SoHo Project: Kenny Griswold's 28,000-square-foot restaurant and club complex.

La Velvet Margarita (1612 N. Cahuenga Blvd.): Husband and wife team Big Daddy Carlos and Ava Berman are opening Velvet Margarita, a 4000 sq. ft. restaurant/ultra lounge in the old Lloyd's Camera building. The restaurant will feature a decor inspired by the Latin subculture with a Hollywood twist. According to Carlos, "the restaurant looks like a high-end Tijuana brothel with a bit of Elvis mixed in." Brightly-colored walls are accentuated with traditional Latin puppets. The menu is comprised of dishes passed down through the owners' families. The lounge will feature designer margaritas of many flavors. Strolling mariachis will perform in the club as well as on Cahuenga, and DJ's will be spinning the latest in Latin exotica music until 4 in the morning. Opening early April.

According to Paul Devitt, owner of Star Shoes, Beauty Bar and Tokio, "The proximity to Hollywood Blvd. is great and having all these clubs right on this street creates a synergy much like New York style nightlife. People can go from place to place without having to move their cars."

"Even after the clubs close and the next day begins, one thing is clear: the revitalized nightlife in Hollywood brought back the daylife as well," said Councilmember Eric Garcetti, who represents Hollywood on the Los Angeles City Council. "The partnership and hard work demonstrated by the Cahuenga Corridor Coalition was key in turning around this neighborhood for everyone, whether they're out partying safely at night or working in an office the next day."

"And with all these great venues opening, we're planning to visually brand the area as an entertainment destination," continued Gajda. "In the coming year, we're working with the city to install 'Cahuenga Corridor' neon pole banners and other elements that will serve to create a sense of place. We look forward to the day when visitors will plan to visit Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame and the Cahuenga Corridor!"

The Hollywood Entertainment District is a five-year property-based Business Improvement District. The District is comprised of 210 property owners who are assessed $2.25 million annually to pay for security, maintenance services and marketing activities to promote the revitalization of the area. Major landmarks in the District include Mann's Chinese Theatre, Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood & Highland, the El Capitan Theatre, Capitol Records and Frederick's of Hollywood. For more information about the BID, visit www.hollywoodbid.org.