Wilhelm’s Back in Town, With a Partner You May Know

Peripatetic? That’s how recent news releases describe restaurateur David Wilhelm, and by golly, it suits him.

As of last week, Wilhelm had opened a dozen restaurants hereabouts in less than 10 years. Among those still operating, all under other ownership, are Kachina in Laguna Beach, Bistro 201 in Newport Beach and Roxbury South in Santa Ana. The latest to open, in a joint venture with Taco Bell, is Chimayo Grill.

The outside is painted in purples and mustards. Inside, the floors are red flagstone; rough-hewn poles trucked in from New Mexico support Wilhelm’s commitment to Southwestern authenticity--as well as the ceiling.

Among specialties are pan-roasted chicken on green chile and white Cheddar polenta ($10.75), and barbecued salmon in a corn husk with poblano pesto, roasted corn and red pepper salsa ($11.95). “Spaghetti Westerns” include barbwire pasta with chicken and green chile pumpkinseed pesto ($9.75).

Open Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday till midnight.

327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (714) 640-2700.

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A single malt Scotch “nosing” will take place Friday, June 2, at the Pacific Club. Actually, 20 single-malt Scotch whiskys will be available for sniffing, and at least a quarter of those for tasting, at the American Institute of Wine & Food event. The emphasis will be on understanding how the industry’s blenders evaluate the malts.

The cost, $40 per person, includes hors d’oeuvres. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday.

4110 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. (714) 457-0461 or (714) 932-6385.

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Speaking of noses, Stromboli’s Ristorante, named for the puppeteer in “Pinocchio,” has opened at the Disneyland Hotel, in the former home of Caffe Villa Verde. Among menu items are tequila lime chicken fettuccine ($11.75) and, for dessert, a fruit pizza featuring seasonal fruit on a shortbread crust topped with mascarpone cream ($4.95).

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner.

1150 W. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim. (714) 956-6755.