Think West Hollywood and you think... say it...yes, the gay capital of LA. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Because where else are you going to open a shop or restaurant catering to the trendiest, partyingest, disposable-incomiest folks in town? Centrally located and totally walkable, WeHo demands a visit - and not just for the Halloween parade. More than any other neighborhood, whether you're gay, straight or undecided, West Hollywood is FAAAB-ulous 366 days a year. (Toby Muller)

1) A Cup of Cool: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (8789 Sunset Blvd.)

Only in LA could a chain coffee outlet qualify as cool. Looking for that perfect cup of Joe over a screenplay? Or, that half-caf double latte with soy and a pinch of cinnamon while "taking a meeting" with your manager? Or, maybe you just want a good cup of tea in the shadow of the Hollywood Hills? Then slip on your coolest shades and head down to the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Sunset and Horn, where the coffee is strong, the staff is friendly, and the clientele is laid back, up and coming, and sometimes already arrived (Paris Hilton and Chris Cornell frequent this joint). It's the classic spot to see and be seen, or, you can just as easily veg out on the patio facing Sunset Blvd. with a good book and a Swedish Berry iced tea (exotic coffee blends, ice blended mochas and low-fat pastries that actually taste good are in full supply). The atmosphere is vintage West Hollywood, with movie and music deals hanging in the air like bubbles from a comic book. So, break out your laptop, dust off that old script, and make your way to the Bean. A simple cup of coffee has never looked or tasted so good. Tel: 310.659-1890, www.coffeebean.com (Matthew Sidney Long)

2) Canine Care Goes (West) Hollywood: D.O.G. (346 N. La Cienega)

Unique to West Hollywood is D.O.G. (dee-oh-gee) Pet Boutique, a store that specializes in canine paraphernalia for those looking to furnish their pet with a lavish lifestyle. Inspired by the manager's Chihuahua/Miniature Pincher, currently pulling double duty as greeter and security guard, the store features an array of pet pampering products from custom-made collars and leashes to "chewnel" perfume shaped chew toys. Next to the sushi tasting treats is the shop's "barkery," a collection of doggie desserts so elaborate it rivals the fanciest dessert tray in any LA gourmet bakery. Amidst the pet spa supplies and hip apparel you'll find the pièce de resistance of pet coddling, the "furcedes benz" doggie bed, because nothing's too good for your "child," or too eccentric for West Hollywood. Tel: 310.424.5807 Hours M-Sa 11am-7pm; Sun noon-5pm www.dogpetboutique.com (Megan Karasch)

3)That's Lunch, Everybody!: Ice Cream Plus (8158 W. Sunset Blvd)

You know the old saying about never judging books? Learn that lesson, proper like, at Ice Cream Plus. The SunCrest Strip Mall at the corner of Sunset and Crescent Heights is an unassuming corner you've driven past a thousand times. Little did you know, lying in wait is a little treasure where they churn out their own amazing gelato, sorbet, and low fat, no sugar, fro-yo (Chipmunk and Zamboni are slam dunks). Better than that, they rock a red lentil soup that makes you understand why a spoon was invented yet yearn for the days when you could just tip the bowl into your mouth and gulp down the thick, hearty, delectable contents. Not to be outdone, their salads and sandwiches are excellent, but their tuna is one for the ages. (Now, remember the judging thing and keep an open mind.) Their tuna is mixed with peas, corn, and light mayo. It's like the healthy version of tuna casserole but so much more appealing. When heaped onto toasted pieces of whole wheat bread and topped with lettuce, tomato and cilantro (just go with it) you have a winner! They have stacks of gossip magazines and newspapers to enjoy while they whip up your food and, speaking of whipping, their smoothies put Jamba Juice to shame! See, your mom was right when she told you: You can only judge a book by its flavor. Tel: 323.656.8332 M-Sa: 11am-11pm (usually, but they tend to be a little flexible) Closed Sunday (Sasha Perl-Raver)

4) A Taste of Paris in West Hollywood: Boule (Boule Atelier: 408 N. La Cienega/Boule 420 N. La Cienega Boulevard*** after 10/1/07 413 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills)

When your sweet tooth starts nibbling at you, step into Boule, where you'll find rows of chocolates, cookies, tarts, ice creams and cakes of unique flavors and clad in an assortment of colors. The chocolates and truffles shimmer in metallic shades, and those I sampled mirror in quality. The treats at this Parisian Patisserie are all handmade by an in-house team of chefs and stylishly packaged. On October 1, the Boule Atelier will open its doors in West Hollywood taking the place of the existing Boule chocolatier, which itself will relocate to the city of Beverly Hills. The Boule Atelier will carry the same array of treats but will be enhanced by homemade bread products and breakfast pastries. The Boule shops also contain French coffees, teas, candles and jams, bringing authentic Parisian fare from the heart of France to the heart of West Hollywood. www.boulela.com (Megan Karasch)

5) Give Pace a Chance: Pace (2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd)

Cruising up The Canyon, cursing your phone for the lack of signal, the traffic for the lack of movement, your radio for the lack of good jams, you're probably too distracted to notice Pace just below the Canyon Country Store. Pace, Italian for Peace, offers just that, a respite from the toil of this town. Homey, warm, and inviting, from the moment you enter, it's as if the weight of the world has been lifted. As you nosh on roasted almonds, briny olives and warm focaccia, look to your left and watch Kirsten Dunst doodle on the table with a complimentary crayon. Yes, this is a celeb haven, but that's not the point. The point is that people doodle here. They doodle and slump and laugh too loud. It's wonderfully unpretentious and unrestrained while the food is unmitigatedly stellar and consistently so. Pace's claim to fame is a Cedar Wood-Grilled Salmon dressed with shallots and herbs accompanied by two sides of your choice (green beans and roasted root vegetables are a killer combo). I moaned a little at the greatness offered in a bite composed of sweet roasted carrot with the snap of a lemony green bean and the robust, rich fire of the salmon. Despite LA's code red terror level about carb loading, the pizzas and pastas are not only phenomenal, they're popular (folks just let that hair down here!). Rigatoni with Organic Chicken and Roasted Eggplant in a spicy tomato sauce is an impeccable fall dish filled with comforting flavors that aren't heavy, just addictive. In a city that demands so much, don't we all deserve a little Pace? Daily: 5:30pm-10pm - 323.654.8583 - www.peaceinthecanyon.com (Sasha Perl-Raver)

6) Abbey Food and Bar (692 N Robertson Blvd.)

Deck the halls with bows of Abbey? On Thursday, September 27, you can don your gay apparel (or not) early this year for The Abbey's annual charity benefit for Children's Hospital LA. Grab an unwrapped toy and come on down to this winter wonderland with a snow-filled courtyard, majestic Christmas decorations, and a sexy Santa who won't care how nice or naughty you've been this year.

If you can't make it this Thursday, don't sweat it. Every night's a holiday at the legendary Abbey: multiple full bars serve up a dizzying selection of cocktails; the music rocks and dancing is nearly mandatory; there's a great assortment of live entertainment; and the crowd is always lively. With its red brick interior ornamented with tiny flickering candles, The Abbey brims with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. And no matter your mood, The Abbey knows how to please. So if you tire after a long night of shaking your money maker, you can always cozy up in one of the many private cabanas enveloped in pearly curtains and filled with soft throw pillow. Tel: 310.289.8410/ Open daily 8am-2am. www.abbeyfoodandbar.com (Lucky Clover)

ALSO VISIT OTHER EDITIONS OF LA2DAY COORDINATES:
LOS FELIZ
SILVER LAKE
DOWNTOWN
OLD TOWN PASADENA
HOLLYWOOD
VENICE