Three’s the Charm
When it comes to the folks who run Hollywood night life, you’ve got to think in terms of prizefighters: They go their rounds, take their hits and keep coming back for more.
Two years ago, promoter Brent Bolthouse, a pivotal figure on the Hollywood club scene since the late ‘80s and a major player in the ‘90s, was down for the count. He’d just launched the Sunset Strip cafe Coffee House and was in debt to his partners at the Opium Den, a live music club in Hollywood. He was persona non grata to some club promoters, but he absorbed those blows, paid his debts and launched a major comeback on Wednesdays at Las Palmas. Now 2 years old, it’s still the hottest Wednesday night scene in town.
This year Bolthouse added Mondays at Joseph’s Cafe to his resume. It’s a laid-back night of fun and frolic at the recently revamped Greek restaurant on Ivar Street in Hollywood. In addition to Joseph’s, he and his partner, who goes only by the name Jenifer, one of the fiercest door girls on the scene, also developed a Thursday night promotion, a hot dance spot at the Lounge in West Hollywood. So far, that’s three for three.
The success of Las Palmas has given the promoters major momentum in the biz, but in part, it’s always who you know. Sky Reiss brought Bolthouse to Las Palmas; he’d been the bar manager at the Opium Den when Bolt-house was still a partner. Reiss developed the chic Mexican restaurant and nightclub, with partners Loyal Pennings and Chris Pike; Bolthouse’s Wednesdays put the place on the map overnight.
Now, Bolthouse, Jenifer and promoter Pantera Sarah have turned Mondays at Joseph’s into the ultimate house party for young Hollywood. It’s a choice place to chill for young actors and rockers, who like the low-key atmosphere. The space is small, so advance reservations are required, but people line up each week anyway hoping to get in. The guest list is tight. Without reservations, arrive early and definitely call in advance.
Until its recent renovations, Joseph’s Cafe was a modest Greek restaurant, with cheap prices and little fanfare. About six months ago, it upgraded its look by extending its outdoor patio, creating a dance area and giving the entire place an overhaul. Bolthouse was lured over by Joseph’s owners five months ago and it’s been a hit.
The patio area allows folks to dine, smoke and mingle, while the dance floor lures people with the sweet sounds coming off DJ Dave Orlando’s turntables. Orlando plays fresh hip-hop all night long and dedicates the last hour to a bewitching blend of soul and funk. Mixing the sounds of War, Outkast and vintage Sly & the Family Stone, he’s actually giving listeners a history lesson, and they eat it up.
The same goes for Thursday’s steamy scene at the Lounge. Mick Jagger rolled by last week and got a taste of aural honey.
The music blend here is broader than the Las Palmas and Joseph’s scenes, mixing it up with dancehall reggae and soul, and adding doses of ‘80s classics from the Clash, the Police and Culture Club. There’s no VIP area; everyone’s tossed in together, which makes for a cozy setup.
Like Joseph’s Monday scene, the Lounge is small, so it’s the same drill: Call in advance for dinner reservations or arrive early. The nice thing is, with three hot weekly clubs, at least you’ve got options.
*
Mondays at Joseph’s Cafe, 1775 Ivar Ave., Hollywood, (323) 848-9300 or (323) 462-8697; Wednesdays at Las Palmas, 6646 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 464-0171. Thursdays at the Lounge, 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 888-8811. For more information on Bolthouse promotions, call (323) 848-9300. All clubs 21 and older. Cover varies. Call in advance for reservations and guest list.