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Comic-Con International => CCI General Discussion => Topic started by: grehg on April 23, 2018, 05:34:47 AM

Title: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: grehg on April 23, 2018, 05:34:47 AM
What restaurants are you likely to see celebrities during Comic-con? Where have you seen a celebrity and was it during breakfast, lunch or dinner and roughly what time was it?  We usually eat early so we may have to delay if that increases our chances for a spotting.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Dubb on April 23, 2018, 10:32:31 AM
I have stayed at the Hard Rock the past couple of years, and have seen a few at Mary Jane's - Jeremy Jordan, Dacre Montgomery, Rick Worthy. The cast of Supergirl in Starbucks in Hard Rock. There is always someone in Nobu, although I have not eaten there.

EDIT: Do not bother them while they are eating!
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cabler30 on April 23, 2018, 10:38:24 AM
I wonder if anyone has ever forgot their real name but called them by character name before lol, but doing so in a quiet manner so as not to attract attention and be discreet so u act like a close friend or relative by chance lol. im sure stars dont mind meeting fans, just not a flood at once so u can chat a bit or buy them lunch by chance at time. i have learned by others who have failed to be discreet and quiet so not to attract attention in the wrong way lol. i have met stars in variety of jobs, but was quiet and discreet so easier to chat and get a pic by chance.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: dkd on April 23, 2018, 10:40:19 AM
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What restaurants are you likely to see celebrities during Comic-con? Where have you seen a celebrity and was it during breakfast, lunch or dinner and roughly what time was it?  We usually eat early so we may have to delay if that increases our chances for a spotting.

I've been going for a longtime and the only restaurant I had sightings was at the Solamar during lunch, but it was mostly SciFi/Syfy people.

I also see celebs dining for lunch at the Wired Cafe held in the Omni, which is "invitation-only" and has a VIP area.

Honestly, I think most of the celebs have very full schedules and eat at the parties they go to in the evenings or at VIP-only places at other times.  I don't think many of them need to look for restaurants to eat at, particularly since fans would probably bother them, no matter how many times they are told not to do it.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cabler30 on April 23, 2018, 10:47:32 AM
I have seen shows or movies that portray fans ask for any pic or sign anything, but ask if they can do so later if the star is still there when they are heading the door so to give stars some privacy or break from any craziness. that why i say to try be discreet so not to attract any attention so u have a chance to chat any and all. like i by chance got a pic with a news reporter last year at con since i saw them and kept walking to get sorted and came back and checked if was still around at time and they was cool and nice and got a pic at time, but i made sure i was discreet and quiet as they was busy with camera crew for a story at time. so it nice to see and notice, but discreet is key.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: DRWHO42 on April 23, 2018, 11:09:36 AM
Here is a great post and video by Tom Kim.

https://crazy4comiccon.wordpress.com/2015/06/11/tip-of-the-day-21-how-to-meet-a-celebrity/

My advice on the topic is to respect their space and ask for permission before grabbing a selfie. In most cases they are pretty chill about it.

Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cabler30 on April 23, 2018, 11:20:14 AM
Yea, that is a good video of advice. i remember last year when was doing a job. they say cant use phone to get pics while u on the clock, but take a memory pic so to speak so u can say u saw whoever it was while u was working and they was around fans promoting a project they are on or other. then if possible after job can try get a pic with phone if all goes right later. im guessing some or any workers have got selfies with a celeb if they wanna do at time for a quick snap shot at time, just dont let it affect u doing ur job at time.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: grehg on April 23, 2018, 11:46:05 AM
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Yea, that is a good video of advice. i remember last year when was doing a job. they say cant use phone to get pics while u on the clock, but take a memory pic so to speak so u can say u saw whoever it was while u was working and they was around fans promoting a project they are on or other. then if possible after job can try get a pic with phone if all goes right later. im guessing some or any workers have got selfies with a celeb if they wanna do at time for a quick snap shot at time, just dont let it affect u doing ur job at time.

Where we're you working at then?


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Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: foxbatkllr on April 23, 2018, 12:54:59 PM
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I've been going for a longtime and the only restaurant I had sightings was at the Solamar during lunch, but it was mostly SciFi/Syfy people.

I also see celebs dining for lunch at the Wired Cafe held in the Omni, which is "invitation-only" and has a VIP area.

Honestly, I think most of the celebs have very full schedules and eat at the parties they go to in the evenings or at VIP-only places at other times.  I don't think many of them need to look for restaurants to eat at, particularly since fans would probably bother them, no matter how many times they are told not to do it.

I agree with this.  I've spotted a lot of celebrities walking around, in the convention center, outside hotels, inside hotels, etc.  I don't recall seeing any at restaurants other than hotel bars.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cciveg on April 23, 2018, 01:18:54 PM
The only non-comic creator celebrities I have ever approached at CCI were Cynthia Rothrock and Jonathan Ross. Both on the floor. Ross seemed taken aback that I only asked for a photo of him, not a selfie.  :P
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Dubb on April 23, 2018, 01:33:39 PM
Last year, I saw DeAngelo Williams walking the floor with his own badge. Only one other person recognized him, but he declined them a photo. He was just enjoying the convention like everyone else.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: RSilvaConFan on April 23, 2018, 02:38:12 PM
Guillermo Del Toro was eating breakfast at a table across from me and friend one morning at the Omni a few years back - but some others joined him and there were obviously having an informal business meeting so we didn't want to interrupt.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 23, 2018, 04:51:32 PM
A few years ago we were having dinner at Vela (the fancy restaurant at the Hilton Bayfront) and Joss Whedon was at the next table, having a business meeting.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: epicskyline on April 23, 2018, 05:25:31 PM
I saw Felicia Day eating breakfast with her family at the Broken Yolk. I just gawked for a second and then kept walking. It was really cool though! Also saw Peter Capaldi while bar hopping, but I don't recall which one it was at. He was mingling at his first SDCC, and from what I gather, he went to a bunch of restaurants that night.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cabler30 on April 23, 2018, 06:44:58 PM
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Where we're you working at then?


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For the con i do volunteer, but was just guessing at any job workers by chance i guess get a chance to get selfies with a star at a place they may be working at for the event.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: susanml10881 on April 23, 2018, 07:51:59 PM

Yeah, most aren't out and about like that. They're working all day and go to parties or events at night. Plus they don't want to get mobbed. They're probably ordering room service or having assistants bring back food in between interviews or panels. You might see them checking in and out of hotels before or after con. Or going to the yachts in the back for parties or press events.


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I've been going for a longtime and the only restaurant I had sightings was at the Solamar during lunch, but it was mostly SciFi/Syfy people.

I also see celebs dining for lunch at the Wired Cafe held in the Omni, which is "invitation-only" and has a VIP area.

Honestly, I think most of the celebs have very full schedules and eat at the parties they go to in the evenings or at VIP-only places at other times.  I don't think many of them need to look for restaurants to eat at, particularly since fans would probably bother them, no matter how many times they are told not to do it.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Dubb on April 24, 2018, 07:22:03 AM
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Yeah, most aren't out and about like that. They're working all day and go to parties or events at night. Plus they don't want to get mobbed. They're probably ordering room service or having assistants bring back food in between interviews or panels. You might see them checking in and out of hotels before or after con. Or going to the yachts in the back for parties or press events.

If you keep your eyes open, you'll see them around the Gas Lamp. It's dark and they blend in with the crowds. I have seen Jared Padalecki, Katherine McPhee, David Ramsey, Lana Parrilla, Bex Mader, Rodrigo Santoro, David Anders, Eric Roberts, Rose McIver, Aly Michalka, and a bunch more just roaming around, not being bothered.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: rushfanyyz on April 24, 2018, 07:27:53 AM
I passed by Misha Collins on the sidewalk in the Gaslamp my first year and had a little freak out inside my head but I didn't bother him or anything. He was on the phone and had a shopping bag with him so he was clearly just hanging out/shopping/whatever. He did look at me though and I'm pretty sure he saw my internal struggle to stay cool  ;) 
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Angology on April 24, 2018, 07:36:52 AM
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I passed by Misha Collins on the sidewalk in the Gaslamp my first year and had a little freak out inside my head but I didn't bother him or anything. He was on the phone and had a shopping bag with him so he was clearly just hanging out/shopping/whatever. He did look at me though and I'm pretty sure he saw my internal struggle to stay cool  ;)
I saw him running on the sidewalk behind the MMM one morning. Same struggle! Didn't want to disturb his run.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: ozzz on April 24, 2018, 11:15:36 AM
I read on the hotel review thread that the US Grant is big for Conan sightings. They saw him hanging around the lobby of that hotel.
Makes sense since the spreckles theater is just across the street from that hotel.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Angel_ on April 24, 2018, 12:27:42 PM
I saw Alan Tudyk at one of the outside bars at MMM a few years ago.  As he was at a bar and not, like, quietly at a private table I asked for a selfie.  He did say to be subtle though as he didn't want to be mobbed.  I tend to think there's a different atmosphere between bars and restaurants.  If someone is at a table with friends/family they tend to want to be left alone.  If they are at a bar or in a more social space, it's a bit more acceptable to approach them.  But if they decline, always be nice about it.  Sometimes even in a social setting they just want to have a beer or something and take in SDCC.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cabler30 on April 24, 2018, 02:43:59 PM
Yea, if chance see any try be discreet so not to cause a mob as he said. celebs dont mind meeting fans cause it means what they do still matters and not sure how often they get noticed but they try avoid mobs due to safety and all. i guess ones who have secuirty are those who know they get mobbed anytime so celebs try to do what can at anytime.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cbaggs on April 24, 2018, 04:28:08 PM
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Yea, if chance see any try be discreet so not to cause a mob as he said. celebs dont mind meeting fans cause it means what they do still matters and not sure how often they get noticed but they try avoid mobs due to safety and all. i guess ones who have secuirty are those who know they get mobbed anytime so celebs try to do what can at anytime.

I saw Norman Reedus and Jeffrey Dean Morgan walking on Fifth towards the Hard Rock on Saturday evening of SDCC 2016.  There were barricades up blocking off a lane of the street so no pedestrians could walk down that section, but that's where they were walking.  They were definitely trying to blend in but I couldn't help myself and just said "Norman!" and he turned to me, put his finger to his mouth as a "shhh" then smiled so I just silently waved at him.  Clearly he was hyper aware of the massive amounts of people out in the Gaslamp at that time and didn't want to draw attention to himself, but I appreciated his humor about it and I'm glad he was able to make it through without being mobbed.  I was just happy I got to semi say hi to him!
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: susanml10881 on April 24, 2018, 08:04:13 PM

I saw some of TWD cast leaving the Hard Rock late Sunday one year. They were getting into cabs though. I think they were checking out.

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I saw Norman Reedus and Jeffrey Dean Morgan walking on Fifth towards the Hard Rock on Saturday evening of SDCC 2016.  There were barricades up blocking off a lane of the street so no pedestrians could walk down that section, but that's where they were walking.  They were definitely trying to blend in but I couldn't help myself and just said "Norman!" and he turned to me, put his finger to his mouth as a "shhh" then smiled so I just silently waved at him.  Clearly he was hyper aware of the massive amounts of people out in the Gaslamp at that time and didn't want to draw attention to himself, but I appreciated his humor about it and I'm glad he was able to make it through without being mobbed.  I was just happy I got to semi say hi to him!
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: puppy on May 01, 2018, 12:50:47 PM
I think celebrities would like me because I would have no idea who they were.  I constantly have to ask my husband who everyone is.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Dubb on May 01, 2018, 01:34:48 PM
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I think celebrities would like me because I would have no idea who they were.  I constantly have to ask my husband who everyone is.

I've ridden elevators with quite a few I do not recognize or don't care for. It's a typical elevator ride. My wife will chat them up if it's just us and them. If it's a crowded elevator, she will try not to draw attention to them.

I have also seen a few that I do not recognize, but you can tell by there demeanor that they WANT to be recognized. Almost to the point of offering to take a picture with me.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Angel_ on May 01, 2018, 02:24:46 PM
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I've ridden elevators with quite a few I do not recognize or don't care for. It's a typical elevator ride. My wife will chat them up if it's just us and them. If it's a crowded elevator, she will try not to draw attention to them.

I have also seen a few that I do not recognize, but you can tell by there demeanor that they WANT to be recognized. Almost to the point of offering to take a picture with me.

I've had two fun celebrity elevator encounters.

1) I was in an elevator up to a rooftop party and the elevator stopped on like the third floor. In steps Peter Capaldi.  He says hello and the crowded elevator politely says hello back, but the moment he turns to face the elevator doors we all looked at each other like "OMG IS THAT PETER CAPALDI??" We managed to school our expressions whenever he looked at us.  But we were all freaking out behind his back.  He got off after just a couple floors and bid us farewell, but the second the door closed we all just kind of erupted with "OMG's" at the brief encounter.

2) I was in an elevator with a bunch of strangers.  The door opens and a guy on the other side looks at the guy next to me and smiles wide. 

"I'm a huge fan!" he says to the stranger next to me. 

"Thank you," the guy responds and waves to his fan as the doors shut.  I have no idea who he is and it's suddenly just me and him in the elevator at this point. 

I awkwardly say "uh, so I guess you're someone famous?"

He says "yeah, you could say that.  I've been in the industry a few years." He then gets off at the next stop.

To this day I have no idea who this guy was.  Gray/white hair back in ponytail.  Larger nose. A little bit of a ruddy complexion.  I'm assuming that the "industry" is comics, but since it's a multi medium convention I can't be sure.  I hope this mystery gets solved someday. 
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cabler30 on May 01, 2018, 04:03:03 PM
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I've had two fun celebrity elevator encounters.

1) I was in an elevator up to a rooftop party and the elevator stopped on like the third floor. In steps Peter Capaldi.  He says hello and the crowded elevator politely says hello back, but the moment he turns to face the elevator doors we all looked at each other like "OMG IS THAT PETER CAPALDI??" We managed to school our expressions whenever he looked at us.  But we were all freaking out behind his back.  He got off after just a couple floors and bid us farewell, but the second the door closed we all just kind of erupted with "OMG's" at the brief encounter.

2) I was in an elevator with a bunch of strangers.  The door opens and a guy on the other side looks at the guy next to me and smiles wide. 

"I'm a huge fan!" he says to the stranger next to me. 

"Thank you," the guy responds and waves to his fan as the doors shut.  I have no idea who he is and it's suddenly just me and him in the elevator at this point. 

I awkwardly say "uh, so I guess you're someone famous?"

He says "yeah, you could say that.  I've been in the industry a few years." He then gets off at the next stop.

To this day I have no idea who this guy was.  Gray/white hair back in ponytail.  Larger nose. A little bit of a ruddy complexion.  I'm assuming that the "industry" is comics, but since it's a multi medium convention I can't be sure.  I hope this mystery gets solved someday.

If not suggested before, if u see a celeb and have no clue who they are but have a feeling they are one then just ask nicely who they mite be and inquire what shows or movies. say nice to meet u and all. by chance a pic with or autograph. cause im sure they dont mind being known and gain new fans any. so next time u can say hi and ask how they doing. i have met stars by chance and not expect to do so anytime but i try chat and say i saw show or movie by chance. i had chance meet richard hatch of battlestar galactica tv series and he was thankfull i saw show as kid and all. not get pic with but took pic of him with crew at time by chance. so was nice to meet somebody i saw on tv and enjoyed the show at time.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Angel_ on May 01, 2018, 04:13:26 PM
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If not suggested before, if u see a celeb and have no clue who they are but have a feeling they are one then just ask nicely who they mite be and inquire what shows or movies. say nice to meet u and all. by chance a pic with or autograph. cause im sure they dont mind being known and gain new fans any. so next time u can say hi and ask how they doing. i have met stars by chance and not expect to do so anytime but i try chat and say i saw show or movie by chance. i had chance meet richard hatch of battlestar galactica tv series and he was thankfull i saw show as kid and all. not get pic with but took pic of him with crew at time by chance. so was nice to meet somebody i saw on tv and enjoyed the show at time.

I did, though. And he was vague about it and wouldn't answer.  My "so I guess you're famous" was me sort of prodding him to tell me who he was.  Instead of doing so he gave a vague answer and then got out of the elevator.  So unfortunately it didn't really work in this case.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: Angie on May 02, 2018, 08:48:44 AM
Was eating at Vela in the Bayfront and the entire cast of Archer walked in to eat. It must have been after their panel.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: cabler30 on May 02, 2018, 11:28:51 AM
So i guessing even trying to be nice in a way some celebs try to avoid being noticed unless they like the spotlight much. if they not in mood to be friendly then guessing they just go where they gotta and try to skip the craziness if any.
Title: Re: Celebrity sightings at restaurants
Post by: bmag on May 15, 2018, 11:21:02 AM
As a professional in the industry, seeing celebrities is pretty common. It's really good to be lowkey and have a small chat to break the ice when bumping into one. Celebs tend to be more energetic and interact when they're ahead of their day. Most celebs will already be burnt when you spot them from all the marketing events and photoshoots so you can tell by their body language that they're not in the mood for small talk. It never hurts to try to talk to one just as long as their not hinting their drained from all the crazy functions they've been juggling.