CLUB REVIEW : Cinegrill Offers Warm Home to Variety of Entertainment

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is rumored to be filled with the ghosts of Hollywood’s past--from Marilyn Monroe sightings to inexplicable “cold spots.” But at the Cinegrill, located inside the 68-year-old Hollywood Boulevard landmark, the energy is very much alive.

With its lovely lavender hues and simple elegance, the cabaret-style lounge is as understated as the boulevard is garish. No one’s hawking T-shirts and sunglasses here, only good music and a good time.

Ironically, the room was originally filled with souvenir shops, and the neighboring Blossom Room featured the hotel’s nightly big-band entertainment. But in the ‘30s, as jazz became the music of the day, the hotel needed a more intimate space, and the Cinegrill was born.

According to club manager J.D. Kessler, Liberace’s violinist brother George Liberace was the Cinegrill’s house pianist for six years in the ‘50s. Today, the only hints of things past are the wall portraits of such entertainers as Marlene Dietrich and Clark Gable.

Although club-goers can still hear jazz, the lounge’s stage also features rockabilly, blues, drag acts and the occasional comedian. And its glamour days certainly aren’t over--actress Cybill Shepherd is slated to sing at the lounge Wednesday through July 22, and Eartha Kitt begins a long engagement on July 26.

* The Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd. 21 and over, cover varies; $10 minimum in addition to cover. (213) 466-7000.