SEPTEMBER 1991

Power! Who’s got it? This is a town that thrives on it. Power moves in waves of people. Each decade, more or less, a group of people control the scene. Then one day it’s a new group and the old guard passes away. But by then they have a great retirement fund and a place in Vermont or Santa Barbara. When their influence is over they can get away and live well. Sometimes they try to make a comeback, but it’s usually too late. They have become obsolete, too old and have no friends in power. In the meantime, while you’re in control you’ve got to do business morning, noon and night. Over meals, tennis, fundraisers, even games. One very powerful group of players in the television game gets together year after year to play charades. I wish I could get an invitation. I’m really good at “sounds like.” In the meantime, I go out to places that are known for making you feel powerful. All you need to do is make a reservation. This past month I went out for power breakfasts.

Early in the morning you can see the suits with the “trades” under their arms walking into the right spots all over LA. I got up early and went out to see who was having what, where. Campanile next to LaBrea Bakery is on the map. The new trends in LA these days are bakeries and self-service coffee, but Campanile is supposed to be a great deal den. Not the morning I was there, but I did have a great granola and cappuccino for which I had to get myself and pay an extraordinary amount of money for.

Another morning I went to Hugo’s with comedy writer/actor Marvin Bravermin and noticed Bobby Coumby and John Sykes talking about the record business. This place used to be thick with fame but it was pretty quiet. Down the street there’s Cafe Latte, which everyone is calling Hugo’s Jr. It’s got the same menu and is reputed to be owned by the real Hugo’s son. I’ve been there many times with Robert Downey Sr. It’s getting more and more popular and is competing with the Farmers Market, which is home to writers and actors. I saw Paul Mazursky there. This crowd is casual and there’s lots of talk and laughter. I’m not sure how much business is getting done, but it’s got charm and low prices. Another hangout in the morning, but one doesn’t get the vibe it’s for the let’s make a deal crowd, is King’s Road. One of the best breakfasts in town in a cafe setting right next to a newsstand. It’s actually a scene. Lots of great looking guys and gals with scripts in hand, but it’s getting too crowded and you can’t make a reservation. There’s a bench out front so you can wait and watch the motorcycles ride up. If you’re not up to waiting, there are two other places like it in the neighborhood: Who’s On Third and the Authentic Cafe’s Bakery, which also has benches out in front. By the way, these benches are showing up everywhere these days. What does it mean?

I heard the Four Seasons Hotel has a good power breakfast. They even have a Japanese selection. I was supposed to meet Todd Bridges there. I cast him in Diff’rent Strokes way before he became infamous. Unfortunately he didn’t show up so I contented myself with The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety which is available for free as you enter. I overheard three men talk about a three-picture deal, but I didn’t recognize their accents. I like the elegant setting and the great Vivaldi recording.

The Polo Lounge and the Beverly Hills Hotel with it’s phones and private booths has the reputation for being “the place,” but the morning I was there it was dead. I mean they were full but I didn’t see a soul whose name or position would impress anyone reading this. The food was expensive and boring. They served traditional egg dishes and white toast, but it’s still pretty, all pink and green.

I was about to give up the idea that powerful people start their day with a hearty business meeting, but then I went to the Bel Air Hotel. Wow, I am glad I went. Not only one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, but his was where the power elite are meeting. Tom Pollack, David Brown, Lee Rich, Alan Dershowitz and Henry Kissinger were inches away from each other. There were agents, studio executive (Columbia Television), and managers. This room had the fewest women, but very nice flower arrangements, crystal and china. I got that rush of being around power. I wanted some too. It’s contagious. I can’t wait till my circle of friends and I come into it.

Breakfast aside I also got out to some great events including Jimmy Webb’s show at the Cine Grill at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. He was sensational. He is a national treasure. Fellow songwriters Henry Mancini and Burt Bacharach dropped by. Carol Kane and Michael Feinstein were also in the audience.

I also was a judge at the Stand-Up Comics Take A Stand finals to benefit United Cerebral Palsy which will air on the Family Channel this fall. Comics, Chris Raine, Jack Thomas, Doug Benson, Geechy Guy, Jason Stuart, Piper & Tupper, Tim O’Rourke, and Bill Fox competed. The event was hosted by: James Stephens III, Pat Corley, Joe Regalbuto, Joyce DeWitt, Joel Murray, Rip Taylor, Allen Garfield, Dick Sargent, Dawn Wells, Scott Valentine, Elinor Donahue, Gary Owens, Phil Hartman and the fabulous Sally Kirkland. Geechy Guy won Hollywood’s hottest new comic. Not that he has the taste of power I wonder where he’ll go for breakfast?