Celebrity City Guide: Carol Leifer's Los Angeles

Presented by Las Vegas

The openly gay Stand-up Comedian, Author and Comedy Writer chats about a few of her favorite places, events and things to do in Los Angeles.  Her hilarious new book, "When You Lie About Your Age, Terrorists Win" is in stores now.

Name: Carol Leifer
Age: 52
Profession: Author, Stand-up Comedian, Sitcom and Comedy Writer
City: Los Angeles, Ca.
Relationship Status: committed relationship with Lori Wolf. 13 yr. anniversary in November!
Sexuality: Gay

What is the best date you ever had in this town? Why?

I would say the first date that I had with my partner, Lori, was the best date I ever had. Obviously, because it led to me finding her and being together for so many years now. We went to Trader Vic's in the Beverly Hilton. We got toasted on all those goofy umbrella drinks and flirted with each other madly! Nothing like a classic, campy restaurant for your first date story.

What are some of the things you love most about your city/town?

I love the weather. So many days are the perfect, beautiful day here in sunny California. And growing up as a kid in Long Island, N.Y., you would pray for one of these days. I'm so happy that our son can go out and play as much as he can. Gotta burn off that 3 year-old energy somewhere!

I also love the giant, wide-aisle supermarkets. When I was coming up as a stand-up comedian living in New York City, the supermarkets were like shoe boxes. Here, you can pretty much do your favorite Broadway number down any aisle of your typical Ralph's supermarket!

What are some of your least favorite things about it?

I hate the smog. You're not really aware of it on a day to day basis, but when you fly into L.A. and see this carpet of ickiness over the sky, it's a real bummer.

And the traffic is a drag. But I write from home so I can luckily avoid most of the excruciating kind.

What gym do you like most? Why?

I live for Barry's Boot Camp. It's an hour but it's hardcore. You do thirty minutes on the treadmill, then weights for the next thirty. And the teachers are tough! If you don't keep up, it can ruin it for the rest of the class. I like and need the pressure of a good Nazi to get a good workout in.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends there?

The Abbey is the best. It's such a nice, open, outdoor space and the vibe is friendly and relaxed. The drinks and the food are good. And it's great people-watching, which us gays thrive on!

I also love Marix and Basix in West Hollywood. Marix is Tex-Mex with kick ass margaritas and Basix is an all-around great cafe for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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

What I love about living in LA is that any restaurant can be a "gay" restaurant. Meaning that my partner and I are very affectionate with each other in public, no matter if it's a "gay' restaurant or not. People are so open where we live, it's a no-brainer. But I do feel badly for other gays who live where people are not as tolerant and don't have the same freedom. I can't even imagine the stress of that life.

Is there a particular best place to "people watch" that most people not familiar with your town would find helpful?

Again, gotta be the Abbey or strolling down Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.

Are there any famous people from your town?

Hello? I live in L.A.

Some people can't even get their headshots up on their dry cleaners' wall ‘cause it's already full with the A-listers!

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

A little out of the loop with that one. My partner and I have a three year-old so the dancing we've been doing lately is with him and The Wiggles.

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

HRC (Human Rights Campaign) always throws great events. Fun crowd and you always meet new people who are interesting.

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

At a Marriage Equality rally. You might even wind up on TV, too!

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

The gay community here in L.A. is super strong. And when you walk around West Hollywood and see gays strolling around like any other couples, holding hands and being affectionate, it's so affirming! One day it will all be like that. But at least for now, we do have that piece of the pie and it feels so good to just be yourself and be accepted.

Do gay men and lesbians hang out in the same places in your town, or is that just a ridiculous notion?!

That's the beauty of a good Starbucks or Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in a gay neighborhood. Gay or lesbian, everyone needs to get their caffeine on!

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

We are very involved with HRC, Project Angel Food, The Gay and Lesbian Center, GLEH (Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing). I think every gay person owes it to themselves and others to get involved in something! We have such a long way to go until full equality and every little bit helps.

Does your town have a LGBT pride celebration? Do you usually attend? What are the highlights for you? What do you like least about it?

There is Pride Week here in L.A. But I'm a member of AARP now. I'd rather skip the crowds and get a nice discount on shoes at Rockport instead!

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

I like casual clothes, so I love to shop at American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, J Crew. But I still do love to dress up and enjoy a nice romp through Tahari and Theory when the pocketbook provides.

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 will go to the ends of the earth to see Rufus Wainwright perform. He is genius! And I adore Mario Cantone and run whenever he is doing his act somewhere.

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?

As I mentioned, The Abbey & Santa Monica Blvd.

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?

Gotta love NY for their gay scene. Their Halloween parade is unmatched anywhere! And their clubs are open until 4 am, so that's always a treat when you really gotta blow off some gay steam!