BUZZ CLUBS

LAX almost set for takeoff

So get ready for LAX, the new name of Las Palmas -- a once-infamous Hollywood hotspot. Currently under renovation, LAX is owned by Loyal Pennings and DJ AM (aka Adam Goldstein), whose girlfriend Nicole Richie came up with the name. We hear the new spot is modern, with loads of curves -- think chic monochromatic airport lounge. The club is plotting a menu that serves dishes from such L.A. eateries as Koi (spicy tuna rolls), Musso & Frank (steak) and Jones (apple pie), to name a few. Look for takeoff in July.... Belly in WeHo has morphed into i Candy, a sweet spot aiming to entice a gay and straight crowd to take a load off in front of its cozy firepit. The grand opening is June 23.... Franck Fortet, the former manager of Barfly, is producing shindigs throughout the country for the new Ed Hardy clothing line. We hear 2,300 people showed up at the recent Hardy event in the parking lot at Basque. And there’s another bash Saturday at Monmartre Lounge’s Day After club. (Buckcherry and Crazy Town are already on the list.)

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Tropicana launches

Under the guidance of Amanda Scheer Demme, the poolside Tropicana Bar at the revamped Hollywood Roosevelt got off to a slamming start Friday night. Lindsay Lohan, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tricky, Gina Gershon, Macy Gray, Damon Wayans, Paul Thomas Anderson, Mekhi Phifer, Eva Mendes and other beautiful people sipped margaritas and enjoyed the eclectic sounds of DJ Sean Patrick....Just when you thought the Sunset Strip was safe, Quiet Riot shows up and rocks the house. The hard rockers performed their signature song “Bang Your Head” Monday with Metal Skool at the Roxy.

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-- Heidi Siegmund Cuda and Steve Baltin