My trip to LA for the Retina Society meeting this year also gave me a chance to immerse briefly in the hyped up culture of old Hollywood and Beverly Hills. My fellowship research award provided the all-expense-paid trip, which included a 3 night stay at the Beverly Hilton, where the retro 1970s facade contrasted with the recently-remodeled, stylish interior. Our Thursday morning arrival gave us time to wander Rodeo Drive and lunch out at Psy-endorsed Bibigo for pajeon and steak bibimbap. We returned to attend afternoon case presentations before the poolside dinner reception. My award lecture on Friday was well-received, and it felt good to be recognized by experts in the field. I celebrated with friends at the swanky dinner reception at the Getty Museum, followed by drinks at Mastro’s, where the chatter of the hip crowd discussing films, records, and modeling made us feel out of place. The black-tie dinner banquet on Saturday was even more impressive, held in the lavish hotel ballroom where the Golden Globes are held. The great food, live music, and dancing, was only a warm up to the afterparty at Westwood’s Whiskey Blue at the W Hotel. By Sunday, the meeting was winding down and a crowd of beautiful people were checking in for the Guess district manager meeting. I spent the afternoon working at the hotel lobby while waiting for my red-eye flight home, but not before seizing the opportunity to sample rib-eye steak frites at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro for lunch, and risotto and gnocchi from Wolfgang Puck’s Spago for dinner. It’s reassuring that even as our government is shutting down, that the bold and beautiful of Beverly Hills will continue to thrive.