How To Entertain Out-of-Town Guests in Southern California

Filed under Expert Advice, Locations, Planning

Keeping your guests happy and busy So Cal style

Famous Food

While Los Angeles can be a celebrity stalker’s paradise, you still need to know where the stars hang out. Stop by these eateries and increase your chances of running into somebody famous.

Newsroom Café, 20 N Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, 310/652-4444
This media cafe flaunts a healthy menu and some health-conscious celebrities.

Canter’s, 419 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, 323/651-2030
Star-watching is particularly good in the wee hours at this 24-hour kosher delicatessen. Don’t expect great service thoughcranky old waitresses are a part of this landmark’s particular charm.

Musso and Frank’s Grill, 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 323/467-5123
After more than 80 years, this legendary restaurant still draws tourists and Tinseltown vets with its old-fashioned leather booths and American cuisine.

Schatzi on Main, 3110 Main St., Santa Monica, 310/399-4800
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s trendy restaurant attracts hopeful stargazing visitors and locals at the bar.

People-Watching

There’s no denying that people-watching is one of life’s guilty little pleasures. From Hollywood wannabes to homeless street performers, Los Angeles is THE place for viewing the wackiest and most offbeat characters while soaking up the local flavor.

Farmer’s Market, Hollywood,
6333 West Third Street, Los Angeles, 323/933-9211, http://www.farmersmarketla.com
While it’s been described by the L. A. Times as “the number one place in L.A. to spot stars,” the Market is mostly a great place to see non-celebs who are every bit as interesting. Located in the historic Fairfax district, the legendary Farmer’s Market began in 1934 when 18 farmers gathered to sell produce to locals. Over the years, it has evolved into a food lover’s extravaganza, housing over 60 food booths serving everything from traditional deli nosh to ethnic cuisine. The Market attracts young hipsters, families, locals on their lunch breaks, groups of grammas sipping their morning coffee and a lot of other folks worth watching.

Venice Beach

Yes, it’s still referred to as “Muscle Beach,” and brawny bods are certainly plentiful as you amble along this ocean walk and view the extraordinary stream of beachgoers. Expect to see a plethora of artists and street performers, including dancers, comedians, musicians, jugglers, weightlifters, skaters and preachers. If you’re lucky you may even witness a performance by Venice’s own chainsaw juggler, Robert Gruenberg, or famous guitarist on roller skates, Harry Perry.

Third Street Promenade, 3rd Street (between Broadway & Wilshire), Santa Monica. 310/393-8355 or 310/393-9825
This outdoor shopping paradise is also a great place to check out a slew of locals, from genuinely talented street performers to the largest array of hip Hollywood hopefuls and facelifts you’ll ever find.

Winetasting

Wine Tasting Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or winetasting neophyte, the tranquil Southern California town of Temeculajust 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diegois a great spot to sample some homegrown fruit of the vine. Ocean breezes wafting through a gap in the coastal mountains create a unique micro-climate, which produces some of the finest wines in the region. Local wineries offer familiar varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet, as well as some innovative choices such as Sangiovese, Rosato and the robust red Tuscan Cello.

Callaway Coastal Winery, tastings and tours, Temecula, 800/472-2377, http://www.callawaycoastal.com
Falkner Winery, tastings and tours, Temecula, 909/676-8231, http://www.falknerwinery.com
Miramonte Winery, tastings only, Temecula, 909/506-5500, http://www.miramontewinery.com
Thornton Winery, tastings and tours, Temecula, 909/699-0099, http://www.thorntonwine.com
Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards, tastings and informal tours, Temecula, 909/699-9463, http://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

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