Venice, the center of her universe

MEGALYN Echikunwoke is back as onetime interstellar embryo Isabelle Tyler on the fourth season of USA Network’s sci-fi hit “The 4400.” Her real-life heritage isn’t quite as exotic, but it’s close -- she’s the granddaughter of a Nigerian tribal lord and was raised on a Navajo reservation in Arizona.

The single actress calls Venice home now and is proud of it. “I’ve seen Abbot Kinney go from a run-down, semi-dangerous street to an artsy place with lots of great galleries and very expensive clothing boutiques. It’s almost gone too far the other way.”

Close to home

On a Friday night, I’d stay close to home at a Venice place called Primitivo on Abbot Kinney, a Spanish-style wine bar that serves tapas. I’d go there with a group of friends, and we’d sit on the back patio right next to a really nice garden. I love the beet salad with goat cheese. We’d just order a bunch of different tapas and then share. After that we’d probably try to catch a great live show at Largo or Hotel Cafe. There are so many great venues in L.A. I love this band called the Bird and the Bee, so hopefully they’d be playing somewhere.

A classic scene

On Saturday morning, I’d go to the Rose Cafe for some coffee. Then I’d head out to Pomona for a classic car show. They also have them in Long Beach. I already own a couple of classics, including a 1957 Chevy I’m rebuilding, but I’m still looking to get my real dream car: a 1968 Buick Limited. I think it has the most chrome of any car ever made. Or if not, it’s really up there. Then I’d drive up the coast to the Getty Villa and check out the exhibitions and amazing gardens.

In the evening, I’d go to a dinner party at a friend’s house. My Venice friends and I take turns hosting. We’d maybe have some grilled fish and vegetables and definitely a lot of wine, and then afterward you just jump on your bike and ride home.

Day at the beach

On Sunday morning, I’d get up and go to brunch at the Fig Tree, which has a very versatile menu -- Mexican, American, Mediterranean. They serve lovely organic vegetables that make for a nice scramble, and they have good healthy food such as turkey burgers and veggie burgers. And it’s right on the beach, so I’d go hang out there after breakfast, maybe roller skate. There’s a nice wave break in front of my house, so I’d go surfing for a while. Then I’d look around at Balmoral contemporary art gallery. Great international artists and new and emerging artists. There are some great clothing boutiques nearby, but they tend to be a little pricey.

I’d end the weekend by having a nice dinner back at Axe and order the grilled trout with pickled cabbage and red lentils. Great wine selection too. Or I’d hit Mori Sushi in West L.A. Very minimal inside, very chic. I like to let the chef recommend all the dishes, and I’ll order some sake, which is dangerous because it’s easy to get wasted. Then I’d go home and watch movies.