East Side Story

SILVER LAKE, 90027

With a recent influx of big-name stars (Madonna blazed the trail; Sofia Coppola, Spike Jonze, and Paul Thomas Anderson followed), the Los Feliz-Silver Lake area, which a decade ago was thought to be irredeemably down-at-the-heels, is becoming the hub of hip and stylish Los Angeles. Leonardo DiCaprio held his millennium bash at the Paramour, a 1920s mansion turned party spot, and last December, Carolina Herrera Jr., Tatiana von Fiirstenberg, Francesca Gregorini, and Russell Steinberg opened their new Franklin Avenue bou-

tique, Steinberg & Sons. The store, just one of a dozen new ventures, joined more established local fashion institutions such as X-Large, Andrew Dibben, and Monah Li. The area, which is dotted with unattracfive 50s and 60s gas stations and supermarkets, is also home to rivalist watering holes such as the Dresden and the Derby (both featured in the film Swingers), the landmark pubs Ye Rustic Inn and Red Lion Tavern, and a group of restaurants and cafes, including Fred 62, Electric Lotus, Netty's, San Sui, Back Door Bakery & Cafe, Millie's, and Vida.