She’s still singing and strumming

WITH “Crossing Jordan” beginning its sixth season Sunday on NBC, series star Jill Hennessy looks back fondly on her years as Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh, almost as fondly as another, earlier gig. “I used to sing and play guitar for money on the streets in New York and Toronto, and it was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” the L.A. resident said. “You meet the most amazing people.... Busking is a real conversation starter.”

Listening to Lenny

On Friday, I’d go to the Mulholland Tennis Club and have a drink and listen to Lenny, the bartender. If you want a dose of New York/Catskills comedy, Lenny’s got it. He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I’d come with my husband, Paulo [Mastropietro]; my 3-year-old son, Marco; and the cast and crew of “Crossing Jordan.” I feel guilty about not spending more casual time with people from the show.

Then we’d go to dinner at Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton’s place, Mozza. Nancy makes these fried zucchini flowers that must be what they pass out to people entering heaven. Or I’d have a pizza with sausage and sweet red onions. And they have an arugula salad that’s the best you can get outside of Italy.

Caddy and carousel

On Saturday, Marco and I will get up and make scrambled eggs with cheese, and he’ll beat the eggs and add the ingredients. We’ll then head to the Laurel Canyon Country Store. We’d take our bright red ’66 convertible Cadillac, and I’d bring my guitar. I’d have a latte made by Lilly, the most beautiful barista in L.A. She’s a great conversationalist, basically a therapist for so many people. She has the best taste in music; she had Dylan’s “Modern Times” on a loop the last time I was there, which is so fine by me. We’ll play with the kids and the dogs and talk with the amazing people who wander in, musicians, artists, actors. I’ll play some of my original songs on the guitar and see what people think, then get back in the Caddy and go to the carousel at the Santa Monica pier. Marco loves it, and I do too, to tell you the truth.

Later, we’ll drive to Point Dume and look for seals and dolphins. I’ll play the guitar, maybe make a little money on the side. Then we’d go to the Reel Inn for dinner, just south of Malibu. There’s grilled fish, black beans and rice, incredible cole slaw and beautiful salsas. Then we’d go home, because I’d be exhausted.

Hitting the trail

On Sunday, we love Swingers on Beverly; great breakfasts in a cool-diner sort of vibe. The wait staff is not only exceptionally attractive but also incredibly nice. If you like waitresses in miniskirts with knee-high boots and fishnet stockings, this is the place for you.

Later, we’d go for a hike at Betty Dearing Trail off Mulholland, around Laurel Pass. And after that, it’s shopping at the farmers market for fresh produce and a bunch of stuff to grill up: chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, ribs. We’d invite a few people over and I’d make a big salad and my husband makes a great sauce for pasta.

Later, I’d play guitar with my friends, and if we get in a really grooving jam, Marco dances. He would have given them a run for their money at Studio 54.

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-- Mark Sachs