The stars have come and gone, but this year’s Oscars, no matter how boring the show was, did have some memorable moments. George Clooney disputed media reports that Hollywood was out of touch with America, pointing out that Hollywood sometimes dares to take the lead in bringing issues to the forefront. And while Brokeback Mountain did not win Best Picture, director Ang Lee used that “gay” word on primetime television. In the Love Your Outfit, Hope You Win category, I really liked Jessica Alba’s Versace sheer goddess gown. In the What Were You Thinking, Girl? category, Naomi Watts’ tattered tulle gown was a mess. And someone please tell Charlize Theron that if the bow is bigger than your entire shoulder, it’s gotta go! With Brokeback Mountain, Capote and TransAmerica making gay topics hip again in Hollywood, the next big deal is John Travolta playing Edna Turnblad in the new musical movie version of Hairspray, reprising the role played by Divine in the original John Waters movie and by Harvey Fierstein in the Broadway musical.

If you were at Hillcrest Mardi Gras, you may have sampled some really good Asian finger foods from two new restaurants in the neighborhood. After six months of renovation, The Asian Bistro finally opened in the old Golden Dragon location, and they have meticulously restored the famous neon sign to its old glory. Owner Patty is a vivacious Thai who wanted to create a fun, casual place that celebrates Asian fusion cuisine. Patty has also commissioned executive chef Songsri Thammasuckdi, previously with the Amarin Hotel in Bangkok and the Siam Orchid in Beverly Hills, to create and design her menu. The result is a vibrant mix of exquisite food with an updated twist.

The Asian Bistro has done a good job creating a contemporary casual atmosphere matched by clever names on their menu. Examples are Thai Me Down (fresh veggie rolls), Hedwig (shrimp wrapped with egg noodles and deep fried to resemble bouffant hair like that seen in Hedwig and the Angry Inch) and Son In Law’s Eggs (deep-fried hardboiled eggs over baby greens in tamarind vinaigrette). I swear I did not make this up. But cute names need to be supported by good food, and The Asian Bistro delivers the flavor. And for vegetarian items, they only use vegetable broths and vegetarian seasonings, and they cook the dishes in separate utensils from their other meals.

The Asian Bistro is open late, ’til 3:00 a.m. every day, and dinner entrées are 30-percent off from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. So after you’ve partied all night and need sustenance, head over to The Asian Bistro for good chow at cheap prices. The restaurant just opened a week ago, and they’re still working out the kinks, but what a welcome addition to the neighborhood. They’re located on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.

And if that’s not enough, Patrick (formerly of Taste of Szechuan) is furiously putting the final touches on his new fine-dining Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon on Fifth. I have seen the menu, and it is an excellent array of traditional and fusion-style Vietnamese haute cuisine. The restaurant features outdoor patio seating, and will eventually have a full bar, a lounge and underground parking. It’s nice to know that we don’t have to settle for mediocre Asian food anymore. Saigon on Fifth is expected to do a soft opening in about a week, and will have a grand red-carpet opening shortly. I’m in pig heaven.

FloraStyle finally closed their retail store on Fifth Avenue, but their flower-delivery and special-events services continue in their studio. E-mail larry@florastyle.com for info. Renovation has also started in the former ArtVenture space, and I heard that it will be a women’s clothing store. Work continues at the Incredible Edible store (next to Ortega’s Mexican Bistro), and it should be open soon. Priority Pharmacy will be moving to a new location, at 3940 Fourth Ave., right below Martinis Above Fourth.

March 9 is the annual GayVN Awards, which will honor some of the best adult gay videos of 2005. I’m proud to report that All Worlds Video garnered 20 nominations, and Mr. Rick Ford will be inducted into the GayVN Hall of Fame. Long overdue and much deserved.

I’m trekking to Los Angeles with Travis Bone and my older sister Cristina Monet, who’s nominated for an award for a non-sexual role. After all, this is not the Rocky Horror Picture Show. All the hunky porn pups and industry people will be celebrating at RAGE nightclub in West Hollywood, and the event is hosted by porn diva Chi Chi LaRue. The celebration continues at The Abbey with an after-party put together by Channel 1 Releasing. I know one porn agent who’s not invited to this party!

Speaking of hot bodies, Falcon Studios exclusive Roman Heart will be making his first appearance in San Diego on Thursday, March 23, at 10:00 p.m. as my guest at the It’s Raining Men wet underwear contest at Bacchus House. The absolutely adorable and handsome Roman is nominated for the GayVN Newcomer of the Year award, and has appeared in recent blockbuster videos such as Cross Country, Heaven or Hell, Beefcake and Super Soaked. Roman has appeared on over 20 magazine covers internationally, and is a genuinely nice guy. We’ll be giving away lots of free Falcon videos, T-shirts and calendars, and Roman will get soaking wet for you and sign autographs. On top of that, well drinks are only $1 every Thursday at Bacchus House. This is going to be one hell of a night, and the best deal in town!

Happy birthday to Dr. Greg Scott of Bacchus House, who recently celebrated a major milestone. Emperor Richard Britton of Numbers and The Flame celebrates his birthday on Sunday, March 12, with a special tribute to Broadway musicals and showtunes at 6:00 p.m. at Numbers. Your $10 donation benefits San Diego Young Positives. Princess Royale Greta Ashley Davis celebrates her 42nd birthday at the “Mark Huntley Memorial Easter Bunny Show” at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, at Numbers. Admission is a $7 donation, or bring an Easter basket for the GLBT Community Children’s Easter Egg Hunt (which takes place April 16).

Finally, very warm birthday wishes for my dear friend Edith, who will be celebrating her birthday in grand style on March 19. Edith and I have shared many laughs and much drama, and my life would be so dull without her friendship.

An evening of transgender glamour takes place Friday, March 10, at 8:00 p.m. at Bacchus House, and will feature entertainment, a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to benefit the Transgender Day of Empowerment, which will take place April 7 at The Center.

The Mr. San Diego Leather Contest takes place Saturday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Rich’s. (The VIP reception begins at 5:00 p.m.) All proceeds from the contest will benefit Being Alive San Diego and the Tom of Finland Foundation. For more information, visit www.mrsandiegoleather.net.

Pecs has an entire month of hot leather events planned, including the CCMC mixer on March 10, the Deaf Leather beverage bust on March 11, and all of the events during Leather Pride Week, which runs March 16-19.

A private luncheon with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom takes place on Thursday, March 23, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. at Martinis Above Fourth. Be a charter member of the Newsom Leadership Advisory Council and share a meal with the mayor. For more information, e-mail mike.montgomery@gmail.com.

Brokeback Mountain has generated renewed interest in the gay rodeo circuit, which was featured in a recent article in The New York Times. Coors has just signed on as a major sponsor of the San Diego Rodeo, scheduled for April 28-30 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. Check out www.sandiegorodeo.com for details.