A Place Called the Bla-Bla Cafe

Sandy Ross
SLR Productions (2006)
ISBN 0977722708
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/06)

Open the book and check the "A" list.  You will see a long line of big name talent that has walked through the doors of the Bla-Bla Cafe, snuggled into the suburb of Los Angeles in a little town called Studio City.

A book that not only entices the reader with a great listing of stars who've come to the now famous cafe at some point in their life but shares some pretty darn good stories about their stay.  It seems to be the ultimate in training ground for some of the biggest stars we know today, including Robin Williams, Jay Leno, Sting and more.  While some simply came to eat the great 'chow,' others came to share their talents.  Others still would utilize the Cafe as a spot to work on writing their songs, making the Bla-Bla Cafe one of the greatest assets to our culture as we know it today.  Either way, once you walked in you were never the same.

People often say "if these walls could talk" and now it seems they can as Ross shares the many adventures that have occurred behind the doors of the Bla-Bla Café, a place that created not only many stars but many friendships alike.

Ross seems to be sharing the highlights of the many years of welcoming “would-be” stars and some “never-gonna-be” stars as almost an inside look of "How To" that gives you some insights to what it's like to deal with prejudices, hatred and hard knocks while trying to make it. Anyone who loved the 70's will adore this book. 

Sandy Ross's position booking the talent gave her a lot of access to the up-and-coming stars, where she could easily intermingle and listen in on conversations that some of us could only dream of.  The little known names of future stars could come into the cafe and order up some of their absolutely awesome food and share ideas, feelings and memories with other artists who stopped by.  They somehow created a “family like” atmosphere that could help their clients bond with others going through similar times.  Some of the older and more well known artists could not only offer their expertise but often a shoulder to cry on with a sense of understanding that you could find no where else.

“A Place Called the Bla-Bla Café” is absolutely one of the most awesome books relating to artists and their life during the 70's, seemingly a time when things were just simply different.  Ross not only shares some great information but somehow makes you feel as though you were there.  In the end you will look at some of the stars we adore now and simply smirk when you think of the thoughts and happenings Ross shared with you in this wonderful book.

My only complaint about the book was that it made me want to be there so badly... to enjoy the great sounding food and the camaraderie they shared!

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