CLUB BUZZ

The Abbey falls far from the tree

Venerable WeHo hotspot The Abbey may soon expand to a few new cities, and Beauty Bar gets into the pageant business.

May 25, 2006

Abbey on the move

Add venerable hotspot the Abbey to the growing list of SBE properties. The Sam Nazarian-run SBE, which already counts Prey, Privilege, Shelter and the Lobby among its burgeoning L.A. nightclub empire, has announced that its restaurant division had entered into a partnership with the WeHo hang. Longtime denizens of the Abbey, which just celebrated its 15-year anniversary, can rest easy though, as owner-founder David Cooley is staying on as president. "We're not changing it. It's gonna be exactly the same," SBE's Brent Bolthouse says. So, why the move? Expansion. The team is looking at opening Abbeys in other cities. "We're really looking to launch that," Nazarian says.... Speaking of Nazarian and Bolthouse, it looks like Hyde is hopping. The spot is a sexy reworking of the old North on Sunset and features a menu handcrafted by Katsuya and top Hollywood DJs spinning rock.

Simpson's night out

Although the tabloids keep painting Jessica Simpson as a tragic figure, the blond bombshell brought pals to Three Clubs in Hollywood last Thursday, where she rocked out to Sign of the Fox, a power pop crew composed of veteran scenesters. Word is foxy fans Christina Applegate and Johnny Knoxville will be there tonight.

Bountiful birthday

Scenemaker Josh Richman hosted his birthday in the Marilyn Monroe Suite at the Hollywood Roosevelt on Saturday. Wishing him well were Robert Downey Jr., Jessica Alba, Jeremy Piven, Matt Leinart and Deborah Harry, who popped by after her Blondie gig at the Gibson Amphitheatre. Richman, who produced Guns N' Roses videos, co-founded the naughty/nice club Grand Ville and MCs Metal Skool, says his Alliance crew have been hired by the Roosevelt as consultants. We hear he's cultivating a steamy poolside gathering on Thursdays.... Social Hollywood, the new venue at the old Hollywood Athletic Club, has hired former Geisha House GM David De Bacco as its director of service. De Bacco is an old-school pro originally from New York.

Beauty and bets

Tattooed scenesters need apply: Beauty Bar is hosting a nationwide beauty pageant titled "Drop Dead Gorgeous," a quasi-spoof of "American Idol" and traditional beauty pageants. Barry Williams is hosting the next round on June 4.... Vixens and vices: Tonight at the Broadway Bar, burlesque dancer Bella Beretta hosts "Cabaret Roulette." Acting as the instigatrix, Beretta spins a roulette wheel and guests win prizes.... Spotted: Actor Drew Carey at the Viceroy in Santa Monica.

Historic decision

The scene is celebrating the unanimous decision by the L. A. City Council to approve the Cultural Heritage Commission's decision to make the famed Derby nightclub an official historic monument. Original founder Tammi Gower can finally rest in peace.... Frankie & Tommy's Social Club at the Viper Room have invited Berlin, Howard Jones, Colin Hay, Tommy Tutone, Jane Wiedlin and the Motels to perform June 1. Skinny black ties optional.

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