A Night Out With…Rodrigo Santoro

By Matt Donnelly, Special to The Times

May 6, 2011 12 AM PT

Brazilian-born leading man Rodrigo Santoro splits his time between Hollywood and Rio but certainly gets the best from our city whenever he’s in town. Following breakout turns in “Love Actually” and “Charlie’s Angels II,” Santoro has appeared in TV’s “Lost” and Steven Soderbergh’s two-part epic “Che,” and plays the lead in “There Be Dragons,” which opens nationwide today. We dare you not to swoon as he describes the perfect date, gives a harmonica lesson and tips us off to his casual haunts.

— Matt Donnelly

Describe your mental prep for hitting the town.

Playing the harmonica is good therapy to shake off the day — always enjoy playing the blues. Followed by a cold shower to get the circulation going for a night out.

Your ideal Los Angeles dinner spot and why?

I am part Italian, so dinnertime is serious thing for me. Ago [8478 Melrose Ave.] and Il Pastaio [400 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills] have fresh pasta, and don’t even get me started on the truffle risotto — it’s amazing.

Your current favorite nightlife venues and why?

I’m not much into the club scene, I prefer live music. I was at Coachella last month, which was unforgettable. I like live music at classic venues like the Troubadour [9081 Santa Monica Blvd.].

Favorite low-key bar?

There are some great low-key places with laid-back environments, like Jones [7205 Santa Monica Blvd.], and Roger Room [370 N. La Cienega Blvd.] is always chill.

Perfect L.A. spot for a first date?

It depends on the person I am taking out. I like to create the evening based on what I believe will please her. If we go more relaxed and cozy, I’d say Figaro [1802 N. Vermont Ave]. If we go for a more beautiful environment, then I would do take-out from Matsuhisa [129 N. La Cienega Blvd.], to be eaten as the sun sets over El Matador beach [32215 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu].

Best place for late-night eating?

My kitchen, where I like to make warm sandwiches late night. The next best place would be Bar Marmont [8171 Sunset Blvd.].

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