Small Bites: Casa opens its doors, New Year’s Eve brunch at Campanile, Asian-themed tapas at East
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Casa sneak peek: If you can’t wait until Jan. 6 for the official opening of one of downtown’s latest upscale Mexican restaurants, Casa is taking reservations for its soft opening, next Monday to Wednesday. The New Year’s Eve bash, which costs $25 a person and benefits programs to help the homeless at St. Peter Catholic Church in Chinatown, will feature chef Kris Morningstar’s (formerly of Blue Velvet) a la carte menu of small plates and tacos including chile colorado, al pastor, shredded chicken with chicharron crumbles, possibly lengua and more. And every four-person party that books a table will receive a free bottle of Milagro tequila. Casa, 350 Grand Ave., L.A. (213) 621-2249
Brunch with bubbles: Legend has it that when the goddess Circe drugged Ulysses’ men it was with wine made from Moscato di terracina grapes. You can try your luck at Campanile’s New Year’s Eve brunch where Cantina Sant’Andrea Spumante Secco ‘Oppidum’ will make its official American debut. Pale yellow in color, the Italian sparkler is made entirely from selected Moscato di terracina grapes (also known as Uva apiana or ‘grape of the bees’) grown near the seaside an hour south of Rome. Campanile, 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A. (323) 938-1447, www.campanilerestaurant.com
East heads west: Executive chef Keven Alan Lee, formerly of Lutèce in the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, will create a menu of Asian-themed tapas for East, slated to open in spring 2009 on Hollywood Boulevard between Cherokee and Whitley. Anchored by signature dishes such as fried red snapper served whole with Persian cucumber and a spicy relish; caviar with truffle crème fraiche; habachi-style kobe steak and sake-infused tofu, the restaurant will feature a sashimi bar with a twist: a menu of 40 different sauces, 10 salts and more than 10 types of oils, so you can personalize your dinner. East, 6611 Hollywood Blvd., L.A.
-- Elina Shatkin