And that's what he did last night, dining with eight pals and carrying a nice security force into West Hollywood's star palace restaurant that actually has vegan offerings on the menu. (They're really known for truffled fried chicken but we couldn't tell if he fell off the wagon and went for this very delicious entry.)

Clinton was joined by Casey Wasserman, grandson of the late MCA Universal legend Lew Wasserman, as well as top CAA speakers agent Darnell Strom and a few guests. (Later more CAA came including chief Kevin Huvane.) Clinton sat with his back against the wall of the restaurant, facing out, and visible to anyone who had to use the facilities. Outside, paparazzi and autograph hounds milled about quietly because they were faced by about a half dozen policemen who chatted across the street.

Clinton's not in Hollywood by coincidence with the Golden Globes ceremony tomorrow night. There's a strong rumor he may appear on the show. He could be presenting George Clooney with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement, or simply introducing a movie like "Selma." There's also a chance he will turn up tonight at Sean Penn's annual dinner to raise money for Haiti. That dinner always attracts superstars; Clinton would be right at home.

But this is what it's like when you arrive from the bitter cold in New York on an awards weekend in Hollywood. It's like some kind of strange fantasy.

To wit: At dinner on Thursday night I ran into Alan Alda and wife Arlene dining at Il Piccolino with famed agent Toni Howard and her husband.