A Relaxing Day in LA

Just got back from a super-fast, but relaxing weekend in LA. I used to hate the place, but now I adore it, especially when it's a balmy six degrees here. And, I can't help it, I adore celeb-laden spots in LA...in NYC folks are too cool to want to be recognized, there's really no one interesting to recognize in Chicago, but LA...is full of people who think I should know who they are. And they're so happy to tell you their screen credits, BFFs, and agent's names. Much too fun.

If you're looking for celeb sightings, read US, People and In Touch? Here's where you want to go.

Grill on the Alley: Right in the heart of BH, and the lunch canteen for William Morris, CAA, Endeavor, etc. Agents, directors, producers, galore. It's impossible to NOT see some gazillionaire, studio honcho or other mover and shaker. Not a great spot for the 20-something crowd however.

Giorgio Baldi: In Santa Monica. Our best sighting have been here hands down, and many on a single evening. A tiny-tiny spot with no more than 50 jammed together seats. Quite intimate, and it really doesn't matter who you are: if your table is not ready, you wait on the sidewalk. Outside. Best single evening: Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw at one table; Don Rickles, Bob Newhart and wives at another table; George Hamilton, Cher and an entourage at another table, and Liev Scrieber and a pregnant Naomi Watts waiting for a table outside. Ethereal tuscan food. Worth going even without the eye candy.

Shoe Department at Saks: Best sales, best sightings, best shoes. I occasionally get a great deal here, but only rarely, as the average heel is now 4-5 inches. Runner up is shoe dept. at Neiman, which is about 1/2 block away.

The Polo Lounge: There is still only one Beverly Hills Hotel, and only one Polo Lounge. You walk in and instantly expect to see Jimmy Stewart (who we did see there once years ago), Lana Turner, and Clark Gable. Still old Hollywood, old money. And still gorgeous.