Living so close to Hollywood, many of us often head north for a movie at the Arclight or a show at the Pantages, and look for a spot for a light, casual meal before showtime. Â Preferably within walking distance of either of those theaters so you don’t have to park twice and can stretch your legs before and after the show.
We stopped into Los Balcones Del Peru, at 1360 Vine (corner of De Longpre) recently to check out its interior re-design. The warm light, wood-lined walls and bottle-laden bar made for a cozy spot. Serving “traditional rustic and regional Peruvian cuisine” from chef Walter Rodriguez along with hand crafted Peruvian cocktails, the menu offers lots of small plate seafood and beef options that tweak your palate with some new flavors. Service was delightful, food was great and prices reasonable . Parking in the K&L Wine lot across the street was a breeze.
Stella Barra Pizzeria has been open now for a year, in the corner of the Arclight complex that faces Amoeba Records on Sunset and Ivar. Owner chef Jeff Mahin serves up “rustic California pizza” in both red and white varieties (think smoked bacon/goat cheese, or fennel/rosemary/burrata) as well as some hearty salads, and charcuterie plates. “Take the spinach and kale pizza,” Mahin told  Eater-LA in an interview published yesterday. “There’s six cups of spinach and kale on the top of that pizza. The idea is that you taste the spinach and kale. It’s very organic and not composed.” Sounds like a delicious way to get your full dose of greens for the day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 6372 Sunset Blvd,  parking is a snap in the Arclight garage.
With all the new housing developments, clubs and dining spots in Hollywood, there are plenty of people still strolling about the Vine / Sunset / Hollywood area after dark . Makes it feel a bit New York-esque, as if you’re in the Broadway district when a show lets out and the streets swarm with people.
