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The Place:
Crown Bar
The Scene:
If you're an LA-native, you undoubtedly know the location, formerly home to ever-struggling Tempest that tried everything from happy hour buffets to gothic-theme nights to stay alive. Always up for a bit of trashy-club reinvention, Andy Fiscella and GQ editor Chris Huvane (who previously took a seedy gay after-hours club and created Winston's) debut another velvet-rope social lounge in a slightly grittier Hollywood neighborhood of $15 prostitutes and Russian mobsters.
The facade looks remarkably similar to before, albeit with a fancy coat of paint, with front patio of newly landscaped shrubbery and confusing alleyway. Instead of trying to lure people who have no intention on eating in your bar, the owners cleared the space and placed a circular bar surrounded by shimmering chandeliers and loads of banquette seating that will inevitably require a reservation for most of 2008. There's still a limited food menu of upscale pub grub like charcuterie plates and kobe burgers, but don't be surprised if it's never available and eventually gets axed. Opening night in late-April included a stellar perfromance by DJ Samantha Ronson as well as a cornucopia of Hollywood posse out to christen the latest it-nightclub.
JetSet Tips:
For those lucky enough to warrant VIP treatment, a secret entrance has been created for hushed visits and anyone evading the always-waiting paparazzi. There is also a separate rear lounge where everyone you really want to see, i.e. Christina Aguilera and Lindsay Lohan, inevitably spend most of the night.
Last Word:
Owners of Winston’s unleash new be-seen Hollywood social lounge for pop star debauchery and paparazzi moments.
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