To a Tea
Since opening last fall, H. Wood, the Hollywood hot spot located on the west side of the touristy Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex, has had some identity problems.
First it was called Stork Lounge. Then it wasn't. Then came Diamond Dogs, event guru Bryan Rabin's much-hyped Thursday night party. Then someone let the dogs out and the party vanished. Next, the club started serving up lunch and coffee. Then dinner. But the latest idenitity to surface at the multi-faceted establishment -- a tea room -- actually seems pretty genius.
We stopped by the low-key spot and discovered our new Wednesday night hang. Here's what you need to know if you plan on joining the well-behaved party.
The buzz: This super hush-hush enclave is the brainchild of Jean Paul Rodriguez, the Alliance promoter who has likely turned you away from celeb-favored spots including Teddy's, My House and Crown Bar at some point in your scene-seeking travels. Only in it's second week of operation, Tea Room is open solely on Wednesday nights--for now.
The scene: Located in a small space off a makeshift alleyway across from H.Wood's main entrance, Tea Room feels worlds away from Hollywood and Highland's tourist-infested halls. Ironic, considering the next storefront over belongs to Star Line Tours.
Once inside, it's doubtful you'll find star-gazers from Iowa. Instead, expect to see the "cool" kids about town -- monied model types who, from the looks of their booze intake, don't seem to have much going on in the morning.
The visuals: With a hodgepodge of regency-style mirrors, classic oil paintings and overstuffed velvet sofas, the tiny, dark Tea Room feels like the eclectic apartment your cool sister put together after traipsing through flea markets in France. Quirky touches abound, including an antique globe housed on the bar, Chinois screens and a glittery baby grand that doubles as the DJ booth.
The dress code: The good-looking crowd has textbook Young Hollywood style down pat. Guys are a cross between an American Apparel ad (think skinny jeans paired with baggy, 1980s-style tanks) and something out of a J. Crew catalog (polo's, jeans and a pair of Chuck Taylors). Mustached men will fit in like a puzzle piece, even more so if their head is covered in any kind of hat or hood. Ladies should don downtown's finest PVC leggings or second-skin mini skirt, a $200 cotton tee and pair of complicated-looking, sky high stilettos. Extra points for a small dash of sequins or a label-less, long strap vintage bag scored at the Melrose Trading Post.
The hot seat: Between a selection of sofas, oversized club chairs, intimate tables for two and the bar, you can't go wrong when committing to a location. But with one of the best soundtracks we've heard in a very long time (a mix of Marvin Gaye, Jurassic 5, Sublime and various old school hip hop remixes literally had club-goers kicking off their shoes), the best seat in this house isn't one. Get up and groove.
The drink: Not a tea drinker? Uh, no worries. A full bar awaits. But as most Hollywood hotspots go, the price of each cocktail seems larger than the cocktail itself. On the plus side, this place is so exclusive that you won't have to throw 'bows to get to the bar. Expect to wait a mere minute or two to quench your thirst.
The door: J.P. rules his roost with a smile on his face -- assuming you (or someone in your posse) knows him. Don't expect any sort of line. But do make arrangements to come with a well-connected friend or show up close to closing for a chance inside.
The sighting: Taylor Jacobson, otherwise known as Rachel Zoe's other assistant.
The parking: $15 valet, enter on Orange Ave. If you're feeling particularly lucky, you can search for a meter on a surrounding side street. We parked in the Hollywood and Highland complex which only set us back six bucks. But we got lost in a stairwell on the way to the bar and couldn't find the car in the vast garage afterward. Next time, we valet.
The eavesdrop: "I always smoke inside."
Tea Room at H. Wood. 1738 N. Orange Ave., Los Angeles. 323-871-2262