BON RELAXATION
Remember when the Sofitel across from the BevCen was Ma Maison and stodgy/French, as opposed to its current hip/modern French? With last summer’s opening of Simon LA and Rande Gerber’s Stone Rose, those images were banished forever from the corner of La Cienega and Beverly.
Now it’s the spa’s turn for a complete makeover, and it’s gorge. Officially named LeSpa at Sofitel, it JUST opened its doors. Pampering aestheticians love using the Decléor  and Carita products for face and body, both lines from Paris. Book Julia Palmer for a mean mani/pedi that will last twice as long as you’re used to. She’s recovered from the days when she used to paint J. Lo’s digits on music video shoots at all hours, but if you’re lucky, she might tell you some war stories. 
Spa Director Maureen Schumacher runs a sleek ship. The relaxation lounge is luxuriously tranquil, a place to kick back, have a heated-rock foot soak and drink some soothing tea before indulging in an intense hydrating facial or an aromatherapy massage. And why no other spa has ever thought of comfy black robes, I’ll never know.
LeSpa at Sofitel Los Angeles, 8555  Beverly Bl., LA, 310.228-6777, 8a—9p daily.

THE UNKINDEST CUT OF ALL
Since it became the carnivorous stomping grounds for everyone from George Clooney, Brad & Angie, Matt Damon (together), TomKat and the royal Beckhams (together), not to mention Sir Elton and Jeffrey Katzenberg (together), it’s pretty tough to get a rezzie at Cut at the RegBevWil. But be persistent and plan ahead, or go early or late. It’s worth it. Wolfie may be there, and the kitchen is under the practiced toque of Lee Hefter. The Wagyu steak is to die for, and much more edible than Japanese Kobe, which is far too fatty for most people to take more than a few bites and not feel incredibly sated and perhaps even a little ill. 
Cut, 9500 Wilshire Bl., BH, 310.276-8500 

CHOW DOWN
If you haven’t been to Mr. Chow lately, well, don’t worry, the house specialties haven’t changed a bit, but there is a bit more room for some of us claustrophobic types. You know, the ones who don’t like the whole establishment to know you have to hit the ladies’ room, because the tables on either side of you have to move so that you can move your butt off the banquette. This is after your this-close neighbors have overheard all of your confidential convo, and you theirs. The new, second room—just to the left of the entry, features actual real estate around the tables—and the same efficient, knowing service from the professional wait staff. Not to mention beautiful new bathrooms that are easily accessible without having to navigate stairs in 4” heels after more than a few glasses of Veuve Clicquot. 
Mr. Chow, 344 N. Camden Drive, BH, 310.278-9911, also in New York 210.751-9030 and Knightsbridge, 0207.589-7347, www.mrchow.com

SPECIAL TREAT IN A BOX
Hey, that’s what the New York Post called it. And for the few who haven’t seen this Justin Timberlake/Andy Samberg video from SNL, you must take a look, and be prepared to laugh your ass off:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA&mode=related&search
I guess Cameron didn’t get it for Christmas.

GOLDEN GLOBES TIME

 L’Oreal Paris  2007 Red Carpet Compact

Forty percent. That’s the statistical probability that Leo DiCaprio and Clint Eastwood both have of taking home a Golden Globe Monday night in the best actor and director categories in which they’re each nominated twice. And speaking of seeing double, all of the Globe nominated ladies can check their look in the mirror in a stunning two-mirrored compact designed by Kwiat and featuring Swarovski crystals on 18 karat plated gold and a red ruby crystal clasp, courtesy of L’Oreal Paris. (It’s also available in limited edition for $100 with part of the proceeds going to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Call 310.360-6555.) 
Despite the fact that as of this writing, the much-lauded and goody-loaded Oscar gift bag isn’t in the cards this year because of the tax brouhaha, gifting and beauty and swag suites show no signs of abating this awards season. (Or maybe its value will be under $600, the taxman’s limit—and a far cry from the north of 100k value previously assigned to the bag.) 
Morton’s even got in the act early last month by handing out $1,000 gift certificates to EVERY Globe nominee, inviting them to host a dinner party in the steakhouses’ private dining rooms.  1k should buy their buddies a few Porterhouses and a lot of baked potatoes with sour cream…
GG primping and partying starts in earnest today in the hills and in the flats. Some of the best places to prep for the big night: Platinum Guild, HBO Luxury Lounge, Silver Spoon, Liberace and Kari Feinstein.

SAD, BUT TRUE
From a salesgirl at Fred Segal Santa Monica to a customer wanting a larger size: “Oh, that’s different. Everyone who comes in here smokes crack, so they’re all a size zero.”