Experience L.A the Bolthouse way

He first became a household name after appearing on the hit MTV show, “The Hills”, as Heidi’s ‘boss’, but Brent Bolthouse has been a pivotal figure in the L.A club circuit for quite some time. Swide visits some of the hot spots that Bolthouse has turned into L.A fixtures.

Photo by Kirk McCoy

In the last few years, Brent Bolthouse has been known for his popular night venues that turn out celebrities like party girls, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. Bolthouse is most famous for opening L.A favourites, Hyde lounge, Katsuya and Area during his time at entertainment group, SBE. What does Bolthouse do so well, that makes every business venture a success? In talking about Hyde Lounge, Bolthouse shares, “what I know how to do is build brands.” Always attaching a sort of identity to a venue, as well as aligning it with a certain crowd has been Bolthouse’s strength in building his “brands”. Swide takes a look at his most popular venues:

1. Hyde Lounge-Sunset

Hyde Lounge

Since first opening in 2006, the once 1930s strip center, Hyde Lounge still attracts a large crowd.
Hyde first gained popularity when young Hollywood called it their nightclub of preference. Back in the days, it wasn’t uncommon to find the likes of Lindsay Lohan stumbling past valet. The wild times at Hyde Lounge have since died down, but we wouldn’t call the place “dead”. The British style lounge is decorated with crocodile-trimmed upholstery and lit with candles that suspend from its pounded-copper ceiling. Unlike many other L.A nightclubs, Hyde’s small, yet endearing stature makes you feel as though you’re not in a meat market. Hyde is a definite must-see when in Los Angeles.

2. Katsuya

Katsuya- Photo by Katsuya

Found on the corner of Hollywood and Vine, Katsuya offers up appetizing sushi dishes. This super trendy restaurant is the place to “see-and-be-seen” in L.A. As with any uber-hip restaurant, the décor of Katsuya doesn’t fall short of amazing. Decked out with overblown images of a geisha’s body parts, Katsuya offers some visual stimulation while you wait for your meal. A must try is the crispy rice with spicy tuna. Be sure to visit Katsuya when visiting the city of angels.

3.Trousdale

Trousdale-Photo by Minx Society

Since leaving SBE, Trousdale is Brent Bolthouse’s first venture without partner, Sam Nazarian. In talking about newest baby project, Trousdale, Bolthouse shares, “in my mind, Trousdale will be similar to what we did with Hyde”. We’re afraid that may easier said than done. Having SBE open their newest nightclub, Industry (once known as Area) in the same weekend as Trousdale makes it that much more difficult for Bolthouse to get the new club off its feet. Nevertheless, Trousdale is decorated with a semi 17th century baroque vibe, sexy booths and pool tables. Trousdale is a definite breath of fresh air in a city full of fluo-coloured clubs and no seating spaces.