Celeb City Guide: Jai's LA!

Presented by Las Vegas

(Getty Images) The "Queer Eye" celebrity's vision of the City of Angels for gay guys.

Name: Jai Rodriguez
Age: 29
Profession: Entertainer
City: Los Angeles
Relationship Status: Dating a cool guy
Sexuality: Gay

What are some of the things you love most about Los Angeles?

I love Los Angeles because there are so many great outdoor activites. Runyan Canyon, the beach, a neighbor?s pool when they're out of town...

What are some of your least favorite things about Los Angeles?

I think there are a fair share of people who move to L.A. with the wrong intentions and it?s sad to see people chase a dream they may never get. I don't like people who only focus on the biz... that gets old fast.

What gym do you like most in Los Angeles? Why?

I go to Crunch and think it?s the best, because it?s relaxed and no attitude. I like it a lot.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends in Los Angeles?

L.A. has some of the best restaurants anywhere. I'm not a fan of just sticking to gay places so I will say Bella in Hollywood for great Italian food. Koi or Katana for sushi and Asia de Cuba for Asian-Latin fusion.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date in Los Angeles? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

(Getty Images) I haven't ever been on a romantic date at a restaurant in L.A. I think it?s really about the food when I'm eating. I haven't been on many proper "dates" for dinner anyway. On to the next question. ( I really hope that doesn?t offend the guy I'm dating.) If it does I will say Hugos for breakfast because you look cute with morning crud in your eye, eating a turkey club.

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs in Los Angeles? What do you like about them?

I will say Jeffery Sanker?s Saturday nights at here bar. It?s called Destinations. It?s got a cool vibe and you are certain that all your friends will be there.

What are your favorite gay parties or events in Los Angeles, if any? What is the crowd or scene like at those places?

I think the scene in L.A. can sometimes feel shallow if you don't have good friends to ground you. I try to attend all Hollywood events with a bestie. This way we can laugh at all the posers.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out in Los Angeles?

I think the best place for a person to make out in my city is at home. I'm not one for PDA. It creeps me out. I turn away when I see it.

What is the gay community like in Los Angeles? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene"?

(Getty Images) There are a lot of redeeming qualities about L.A.'s gay scene. They love a charitable event, which is great because I love a party with a cause. I am always at those events.

Are you involved with any LGBT community organizations in Los Angeles? Which ones? What do you like about those groups?

I work a lot with A.P.L.A., Reality Cares, AIDS Walk, and The Trevor Project.

What do you think of the annual LGBT pride celebration in Los Angeles? Do you usually attend? What are the highlights for you? What do you like least about it?

This year I didn't really get into Pride. I normally love performing at Prides but I got a bit overwhelmed with work so I couldn't enjoy it. It sucks too cause I'm in pretty good shape these days, so I would have liked to walk around shirtless for a change. I love that our Pride features new and old artists performing their songs live all day and night.

Do you have a particular fashion style? Where do you shop for clothes?

I'm a jeans and a white t-shirt kinda guy. Let my tattoos be my accessories. I shop very infrequently. I have to be super dressed up for work, usually, so I try to keep it simple when not on camera. I can shop anywhere from H&M to Fred Segal. But I love Monarchy Jeans -- they are a staple in my wardrobe.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?

I don't get to see a lot of gay artists performing in L.A. Its not N.Y.C.-ish in the way of constant live entertainment. I miss that about N.Y.C.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "musts" that you?d recommend they see or do?

(Getty Images) I'd say The Abbey for brunch on Sunday, here bar Saturdays, Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive and then Melrose Avenue for shopping.

What city (or cities) in America would you most like to visit next, and why? Are there any specific spots there (theaters, nightclubs, historic sites, etc.) that you?d really like to see?

I've toured so many cities in the States that I can?t say there is one I have been wanting to see and haven?t, but I have never been to Hawaii.

Best known as the culture coach on Bravo's Emmy-winning reality series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy", Jai Rodriguez is also an actor, musician and co-host of "Groomer Has It" on Animal Planet and "Styleyes" on Si TV.  His single "Broken" is available on AirgoMusic.com and iTunes.  To learn more about Jai, check out: www.myspace.com/jairodriguezmusic.

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Comments

[Darshana]

I like this man verymuch although I am in Sri Lanka. Pl. ask hime to send me a mail If possible and I will write him further.

Thanka

[ProShootO]

Kind of boring. There are gays outside of New York and L.A. you know.

[haroldo]

interisting gay and our opinion about what want to do and the city L.A. is so important, but I think have other like in USA, like my land Brasil, (Rio)so if you wish to know send me a post or a letter.