I don’t go to Hollywood that often. The constant hounding by the paparazzi and the pointing fingers and the autograph seekers make it difficult. But recently I braved the crowds to enjoy some time with a friend.
We pulled up to Hollywood and Highland in our rented Toyota Matrix. We decided to leave the Mercedes with tinted windows behind in order to try to blend in more. We thought it worked at first, but the crowds still found us. It was insane! People were everywhere, pointing and taking pictures. Everywhere we walked, people somehow managed to get us in a frame of their picture.
Finally we ducked into a quiet store. My friend needed some sunglasses. We found some great ones, and she purchased them. Sure enough, next thing I know, I turn on an episode of Friday Night Lights later that day and Connie Britton is wearing them. The exact same glasses. So exhausting having everyone want to be like us.
We managed to sneak into a few more shops to escape the crowds. Of course, after I purchased two tank-tops from H&M, I saw two girls grab the same ones. Purchasing the same plain black and white tank-tops I did? Coincidence? Please. But really, it is flattering. I chuckled as I brushed past them and saw them turn to each other, obviously discussing how close they had gotten to me.
We managed to escape safely back into the car and get to our reservation at Yamashiro. Even on the hilltop, though, the paparazzi still found us. They were pretending to take pictures of the beautiful view from this restaurant overlooking the city, but it was pretty obvious they were trying to get shots of us as we looked out at the view. Luckily, we were seated at a table partially hidden in the corner, so no autograph seekers found us. We did have a great window view as the sun set over the mountains. And the sushi was fantastic. We went with the tried-and-true crunchy roll but also had a unique combination of seared salmon wrapped around rice with asparagus, cucumber and cream cheese; it was called a Seattle roll. It was delicious. It was so cute, too, that the waitress pretended not to know who we were. It was fun to eat in anonymity for once.
After dinner we got in our car and returned home. It was a great time, and I enjoyed experiencing Hollywood. But it is truly exhausting facing the crowds and dealing with all the camera flashes and people pushing all around us, clearly just trying to get close to us.
It’s no wonder Robert Pattinson and I can never get together for dinner. Could you imagine the chaos that would cause? Hopefully, someday the fervor will die down and I will be able to go to Hollywood and not be besieged by crowds, and Robert Pattinson and I will be able to dine at SoHo House. But until then, I think if I want to go out in Hollywood again, I’ll have to bring a bodyguard. And I shudder to think of the frenzy once I get published.
