Murano reopens in West Hollywood

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After being open for a little more than a year, Murano, a very white-hued Italian restaurant in West Hollywood, had become a bit less white -- so it closed down for a month to re-brighten its smile. Last night it threw open its doors to friends, family and celebrities--including Lucas Haas, Sophia Vergara, Stacy Keibler and Pauly Shore--to show off its pure-white walls and newly extended lounge area.

Guests and small bites by new executive chef Luciano Sautto (who hails from Naples) circulated freely beneath the delicate Murano glass chandeliers. Among the offerings were mini margherita pizzas, Parmesan and mozzarella risotto balls, bruschetta and potato croquettes.

Hoping for a lively nightlife scene in the lounge, which is outfitted with low-rise white leather booths and dark wood floors, owners Sandy Sachs and Robin Gans have installed a state-of-the-art sound system that isolates music in each room. That way the lounge can bump while the dining room remains demure.

Murano reopens to the public tonight. Look for a new piattini menu of small plates as well as $12 Tuesdays when the restaurant will offer a variety of hand-crafted pizzas, pastas and paninis for, yup, $12.

--Jessica Gelt