Los Angeles - August 19, 2005

Cafe Noir

Vermont Music Cafe

V.O.

It was late and we were all in the mood for a little karaoke. But the local joint was a bust. With 50 people ahead of us, we’d be singing “Fame” for breakfast. Plus, we were looking for some privacy.

Back in the car, the dames were getting antsy. And then suddenly it hit me. “Charlie,” I said, “hang a louie on Vermont. I know just the spot.”

We pulled the coupe into the strip mall and then breezed inside the Vermont Music Cafe. Just as I suspected: no line. To my right, the sweet sound of someone sinking the eight ball. The Korean guy at the counter asked, “How many?” I told him five, and he led us to a small room.

What do you know? It came with our very own disco ball. We ordered up a round of fruity soju cocktails and nibbled on the free shrimp chips while Trixie hogged the mic, trying to choose from 5,000 songs in seven languages. I was feeling so good I figured I just might bust out my rendition of “Living on a Prayer.” En español.

Who knew where it would go from there? The night was young.

Vermont Music Cafe, Karaoke and Billiards, 191 South Vermont Avenue (213-385-3337).