ONE OF the many reasons each of us loves LA is that is SO much to do here and SO much variety.
We cover a lot of things to do in our column each week. Eileen recently did Sky Space LA, where you can go down a glass helter-skelter over looking Downtown. In addition there are Escape Rooms, Star Tours, Black ice cream, the Museum of Death and now, the pop-up, be it a restaurant, shop or something wilder.
Some of you won’t be old enough to remember an early 1990s TV show called “Saved By The Bell” which has become something of a cult classic. A comedy focusing on the lives of several teens in an LA school, it featured plenty of big hair and bright colours. The five friends we met each week were faced with everyday school dilemmas like exams, difficult teachers, romance, breakups and bullies. Starring actors including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Mario Lopez and Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, it was, along with Baywatch and Beverly Hills 90210, one of the first shows that piqued my interest in one day moving to this fantastic golden coast.
Well some 20 years later you can now relive the Saved By The Bell experience, thanks to the pop-up (meaning temporary) diner SAVED BY THE MAX in Hollywood (www.savedbythemax.com). The pop-up features a complete replica of the diner that’s featured in the show plus a hallway of the famous red lockers, and a menu that’s all American with dishes named after some of the show’s unforgettable characters…. the Mac and Screech was a big hit at our table! And I was happy to see they also do the impossible burger for those vegetarians amongst us.
Unlike most diners they do serve cocktails, which helps you relax into the characters and play along with the fun of it all. Seating is a 90-minute limit experience. Guests should dress very 1990s – so tease that hair, pop a collar and break out your double denim. The website (and they are also on facebook) will let you book tickets and will disclose the exact location. Be warned that I booked back in February for a 6.30pm seating for four. This place has been sold out for months so expect at least a three month wait.
Is it worth it? Well, it’s not The French Laundry but for a taste of nostalgia it’s DELICIOUS!
Run don’t walk. Especially in the hallways!
Bon appetit!
Craig
