Everything he can pancake into a day

WHAT’S in a name? If you are singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, it’s a ready-made title for your latest album, “Mr. A-Z.” Mraz, described by some as a funnier, funkier John Mayer, is touring the globe to promote “Mr.” and a live EP, “Geekin’ Out Across the Galaxy,” just released on iTunes.

When he isn’t on tour, Mraz hunkers down north of San Diego, pondering his next project. In this case, it’s how to punctuate a weekend in L.A.

Soak up the Ray

I’d kick things off Friday by going up Topanga to the Inn of the Seventh Ray, a natural, raw-foods type restaurant with one of the most beautiful outdoor settings I’ve seen. And there’s always such a variety of people -- hippies, yogis and people who might be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. I always get the salmon, and it’s just brilliantly prepared food. After you eat there you feel revitalized. It’s very Zen, and Zen is big in L.A.

After dinner, I’d go to the Fairfax district, where I used to live, and see a show or stop at a gallery like Stir Crazy on Melrose, where I usually have friends who are hanging up artwork, and there’s always music. It’s a pretty happening little community.

A jump-start

On Saturday morning I like to get a little exercise, which usually consists of jumping rope in the parking garage of my hotel. But ideally, I would go to Santa Monica, find a break I like and spend a few hours surfing. Then I’d grab something to eat at the Griddle Cafe in L.A., which has a variety of bread-based breakfast treats, like waffles or pancakes.

I’d also hit this traveling photo exhibit “Ashes and Snow,” which showcases humans and animals in incredible harmony. There are outrageous beasts that would normally eat you, but here they’re dancing with women. The entire museum is made out of cargo containers that they stack like Legos. You’re surrounded by this organic experience. Ace Gallery on the Miracle Mile is like that too. Everything you see, touch and walk on is part of the exhibit. Places like that help you see your surroundings in a much more creative way.

In the evening, I’d walk around the Grove, get something to eat, see a movie, check out the Apple store, maybe buy something stupid for my kitchen at Sur la Table that I think will make me a better chef but just piles up in the corner.

Mick and mimosas

On Sunday morning I’d go to the Hamburger Hamlet in West Hollywood with my friends. We’d get the pancakes that hang over your plate and a super large Coke -- the classic hangover breakfast. But [for a change of pace], I’d have brunch at the Hotel Bel-Air. Last time I was there I saw Mick Jagger; it’s always nice to have a little Jagger with your breakfast. But it’s really such a romantic place -- you look at the swans and eat the disgusting caviar even though you’d rather be having a Belgian waffle, but it’s OK because the mimosas keep coming.

In the afternoon, my dream would be to play golf at Bel-Air. Then I’d have dinner at the Palms Thai Restaurant. Where else can you see an amazing Elvis impersonator and have great, super cheap Thai food?

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-- Mark Sachs