Rx for the Blues
A Sunset Strip landmark, House of Blues is one of LA's most multi-faceted and popular venues.  It's an upscale soul kitchen and an adrenaline-charged music club.  With its jam-packed entertainment schedule and a hip yet friendly ambience, House of Blues is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.  The rambling 34,000-square-foot building is set just a bit back from the street, fronted by a large, shaded patio. Inside, the venue is split into different sections.  The restaurant, The Porch.  The main stage area for concerts.  The gift shop.  And, high in the back, accessible from a different entrance, the exclusive VIP Foundation Room.  With simple wooden furnishings and an airy, spacious feel, the main dining room encourages you to relax, put your feet up (figuratively speaking) and have fun.  The walls are adorned with original folk art – brightly hued, emotionally charged pieces that evoke the tradition of the rural South.  They add warmth and life to the décor, helping to create the unique House of Blues ambience.

Savor the Flavor
Food offerings run the gamut from New Orleans-style gumbo to filet mignon, crispy catfish nuggets to calamari.  Some items are Mediterranean influenced, but the Southern specialties are where the chef really shines.  Southern fried chicken, giant racks of “Fall off the Bone” baby back ribs, and Creole jambalaya are all worth a try.  Portions are more than generous.  The spicy, rich, chicken- and ham-filled jambalaya alone is enough to feed a family of four.  You won't have room left for dessert, but have it anyway.  The white chocolate banana bread pudding with whipped cream and Jack Daniels crème anglaise is delightfully decadent.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Biscuits
House of Blues might be best known for its famous Gospel Brunch, which takes place every Sunday, and features two seatings every week.  A morning here, listening to traditional music soulfully sung, dining on a sumptuous all-you-can-eat Southern Style buffet, and taking in the LA sunshine, is a must-have experience.  Plus, adults can upgrade their experience with make-your-own champagne mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Want to know more?  Click here to read about The Newbie's morning with the Clara Ward Singers at the famous Gospel Brunch.  Let her be your local tour guide.

The Company Store
If you've got souvenir shopping to do, take a few minutes to stop by the Company Store, which stocks all kinds of logo wear, learn-to-play guitar videos and books, cool trinkets, blues-themed memorabilia and original folk art.

Members Only
If it's a special occasion or you just prefer the high roller lifestyle, try booking a table at the Foundation Room.  This gorgeous, elegant membership club at the top of the House of Blues is a favorite of music moguls and entertainment types.  And though it's reserved for members only, if you ask nicely on the right night, you just might get in.

Rockin' the Sunset Strip
If there's one thing you should know about House of Blues, it's the live music.  This is one of the best live venues in LA, offering big-name artists as well as local and underground talent, all in an adrenaline-charged, up-close-and-personal setting.  True to its blues roots, the venue books the biggest names in blues-influenced artists, from rock and roll to hip-hop, reggae to soul.

House of Blues is located at 8430 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood.  Each night brings different music to the main stage.  Check www.hob.com/la or call 323-848-5100 to see what’s happening during your stay.  For dinner reservations, call 323-848-5136.