Writers at Musso and Frank Grill
The Musso and Frank Grill in Hollywood, California, was a frequent hangout for about a dozen major authors who resided in Greater Los Angeles, especially at the dawn of the film industry era.
Attracted by Hollywood studios, writers such as William Faulkner, Dorothy Parker, Raymond Chandler, F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Eliot, William Saroyan, Aldous Huxley, Max Brand, John Steinbeck, and many more would gather there and swap war stories about transforming literature to screenplays. They were not always happy with the translation of their writing to film, but the lure of a new venue for income excited successful and struggling writers alike.
Musso and Frank’s is one of the few traditional remnants of “Old Hollywood” that is still around. Our waiter had worked there 40 years and shared interesting trivia about celebrities the restaurant served in the old days. You can read more about the history there on the restaurant’s website at https://mussoandfrank.com/about/history.
A diverse menu of steaks, pasta, and salads provides options for any discerning taste. Popular dishes include fettuccine alfredo, with pasta made fresh in their own kitchen, and flannel cakes for dessert. The alfredo sauce recipe was a known favorite of actress Elizabeth Taylor, a frequent patron.
Hollywood
Hollywood, California, is only 3.5 square miles, but it is one of the densest areas within Los Angeles County. Technically, it is not incorporated as a city but local residents think of it as such because of its distinct location, history, annual holiday parade, and honorary mayor.
Each year, 3.5 million tourists from around the world walk its famous streets, like Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and Melrose, to enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment and shopping.
Musso and Frank’s is centrally located on Hollywood Boulevard. Valet parking behind the restaurant and street parking are available.
The Musso and Frank Grill is the sixth stop on our Southern California Author Adventures Trail.
Patricia Smart
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