Gotta Spend

When the money’s burning a hole in your pocket. . . .

* C Bar. This splendid little vodka bar and restaurant offers caviar in every price range--expensive, more expensive and to the moon. We say, go for it. It’s not every day one has the op’ to spend so much on so little. 8442 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (323) 782-8157. 21 and over, no cover.

* Conga Room. The best thing about this venue--aside from the red-hot energy spewing off the stage--is its bottom-line attitude: If you’ve got the dough, they’ve got a VIP table with your name on it. Period. 5364 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 938-1696. 21 and over, cover varies.

* The Gate. Neither grunge nor the rebirth of punk could stop the onslaught of gussied-up gals and guys from blowing their wad here. Guests angling for a VIP table purchase spirits by the bottle, not by the glass. Now how smart is that? 643 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 289-8808.

* House of Blues, Foundation Room. Atop this Sunset Strip club is its VIP Foundation Room, a combination of beauty and the beast. It’s seen renewed (and moneyed) popularity--surely a good sign for the industry all around. 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 848-5100. Foundation room is 21 and over. Cover varies.

* L’Orangerie. From its sexy, surfer chef--a twentysomething Frenchman named Ludovic--to the aroma of fresh-cut flowers, even a trip to the bathroom is worth the price of such fine dining. The lovely, star-studded restaurant makes booking a trip to France purely optional. 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 652-9770.

* Shark Bar. Hey, we all know this is a city of sharks, so why not dive in and swim with them? A La Cienega neighbor of L’Orangerie and the Gate, the Shark Bar is a favorite hot spot for African American industry types. 826 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 652-1520. 21 and over, no cover.

* Sushi Nozawa. Last time we trekked to this micro-size sushi bar, we summoned the courage to ask chef Nozawa for his autograph. That’s how good the sushi is here--ask all the celebs who wait in line to dine. 11288 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 508-7017. All ages, no cover.