Shamrock Tattoos on the Strip

Couldn’t wait for the paint to dry Friday night to make an inaugural visit to the Shamrock Social Club, Mark Mahoney’s new tattoo parlor. Thanks to its Sunset Strip proximity, Marines wandered in well before midnight and the place was a-whir with action. The grand opening is Dec. 14.... Man, the strip was buzzing with action that night. The Rainbow was its usual cheery self, a mecca for tourists in town for a night. The Whisky had a line of young punk kids out front, the Cat Club was hosting a live jam session and the Viper Room had the cutest mod boys I’ve ever seen under one roof-all anticipating performances by Paloalto, Silent Grey and Rolan Bolan, heir to the glitter-king throne....

Popped into Blest and had the good fortune of bumping into author Clynt Catalyst, who works for the new hipster shop on Cahuenga Boulevard. Saucy owner Christina Carey hooked me up with a Blondie T-shirt, and before leaving, I ran into Chase, a Hollywood jack-of-all-trades who’s got a lamp exhibit opening at the bar Vine on Dec. 16.

Back at the homestead, I’m in remodel hell, sweetened only by the clubbing tips that keep coming my way. Sparky, the electrician, says the Short Stop is where it’s at. Carlo Mancini, the tree trimmer, performs opera in the Valley at Marcello’s on Saturdays, and the booth builder’s giving me dish on 7969, Deep and the Lava Lounge. Wake me when it’s over.... Barkeep Craig Trager says he bought the house a drink at Well on Friday. He figured it was the night after Thanksgiving and it’s been a tough year for folks. Cheers Craig.... Had a lovely chat with Scott DeGraff, who tells me his Ghostbar at the Palms Casino Resort in Vegas has hipsters doing the twist. Sounds cheeky.

Heidi Siegmund Cuda