After Changes in the Title Role, Diva Will Make Its Debut

What’s in a name? First, David Wilhelm’s new restaurant in the IBM building in Costa Mesa was to be called Dakota. Then it changed to Blonde. Now it’s Diva, scheduled to open to the public on July 24. The 150-seat restaurant will reflect Wilhelm’s affinity for eclectic American cuisine and Southwestern specialties, with attention to varied food colors and textures (Wilhelm also owns Bistro 201 and Zuni Grill in Irvine, Kachina in Laguna Beach and Barbacoa in Newport Beach). Diva’s interior will contrast the building’s stainless steel exterior with a decor of dyed woods, columns and soffits, rich colors and drop lights. An exhibition kitchen for watching chefs’ performances reinforces Diva’s theatrical theme--and its proximity to South Coast Repertory and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Diva will be open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; nightly for dinner, 5 to 11 p.m., and for light late-night suppers Sunday through Thursday, 11 p.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday till 1 a.m. The address: 600 Anton Boulevard. Reservations: (714) 754-0600.

The Single Gourmet’s dine-out evenings this month are all in Newport Beach. Tonight, the group meets at the Ritz, on July 23 dinner is at Barbacoa and July 28 it’s at 21 Oceanfront. Prices range from $49 to $65, including tax and tip, and all evenings begin at 6:30 p.m. Information: (714) 854-6552.

Sweet Basil Trattoria in Irvine now offers an all-you-can-eat Italian business lunch buffet in its new al fresco dining area. For $5.25, the buffet includes chicken, homemade bread, a variety of pastas and salads, served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The regular menu is also available. The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.; dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday till 10 p.m. Reservations: (714) 752-3033. The address: 17575 Harvard Boulevard.

New at Le Gourmet Bistro in Irvine is a light summer menu with a French twist, called Gourmet Express, priced at $7.95. A choice of poached salmon with asparagus, cold duck salad with raspberry sauce or fresh noodles with baby vegetables is followed by a fresh fruit sorbet and accompanied by champagne, iced tea or iced cappuccino. Gourmet Express is available for lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and for dinner Monday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. You may also order from the regular menu at lunch or for dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Information: (714) 851-9694. Address: 17917 MacArthur Boulevard.

Prego Ristorante in Irvine and Tutto Mare in Newport Beach recently launched a Table One membership program to reward frequent diners. Members receive a plastic card embossed with their names and account numbers and acquire one point for every dollar they spend in either restaurant. Points are credited on a 10% reward system. For instance, if you spend $100 you receive points redeemable for $10 in gift certificates. Member privileges include free valet parking, preferred reservations, and invitations to parties and special events. There is no membership fee and members receive 100 points just for joining. Other participating restaurants include Spectrum Foods restaurants in the San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. Prego is at 18420 Von Karman Ave., (714) 553-1333. Tutto Mare: 545 Newport Center Drive in Fashion Island, (714) 640-6333.