It’s Happening in Beverly Hills

Forge Ahead: As the new Spago Beverly Hills opens this week, a question remains: What happened to the lawsuit filed last November by three limited partners against Puck and Spago to block the move?

“It’s still in arbitration,” says Tom Kaplan, a managing partner in Spago restaurants. “We should know soon. That’s all I’m allowed to say.”

Meanwhile, Wolfgang Puck’s original Spago on Sunset Strip is closed for renovation and will reopen April 25, according to Kaplan. The renovation includes fresh paint, new carpet, and resupports for the floor and substructure. The original name, Spago, will not change. There will be slight changes to the menu but basically the food will stay within the Spago style, according to Puck.

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Low Profile: No fanfare for the opening of the new Chasen’s in Beverly Hills on Friday.

That’s how owner Grady Sanders wants it, according to spokesperson Joan Luther. Expect a bash when Sanders’ pet project, the Jockey Club, a members-only dining and cigar club upstairs on the second level, is finished. At the helm in the kitchen is executive chef Michael Otsuka (formerly of Patina and, briefly, Spago). Chasen’s, 246 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 858-1200.

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Matzo Ball Challenge: Celebrate Passover by staying out of the kitchen. Here are a few restaurants with holiday menus (reservations are a must): Four-course Sephardic Seder with menu by chef Toribio Prado. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Cava in Beverly Plaza Hotel, 8384 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (213) 658-8898. $55; $30 children. . . . Three-course menu inspired by local cookbook author Judy Zeidler at Gilliland’s Cafe. Menu starting at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. $24. Gilliland’s Cafe, 2424 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 392-3901. . . . Noodle kugel, charoses and oven-roasted potatoes come with any of eight entrees at a la carte prices at Chez Melange. 5 to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Chez Melange in Palos Verdes Inn, 1716 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach. (310) 540-1222. . . . La Bruschetta Ristorante offers a non-kosher five-course menu on Monday. 6:30 p.m. $45. La Bruschetta Ristorante, 1621 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 477-1052.

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On the Prowl: Brace yourself, Joachim. Sam Modada is eyeing Patina. Well, the clientele, that is. The 32-year-old chef-restaurateur closed Modada, his 2-year-old restaurant on Melrose Avenue, in February. “Despite the great reviews we were under-financed from the start. I did it all on credit,” Modada explains.

Hardly down, he’s up and scouting for a new location for his ideal spot, an 80-seat place that will be classy and not as cutting edge as Modada.

“I want five guys in the kitchen, not two. And an average tab of $60, not $40.

“I want the dream team. You know--accountants, lawyers, better wines, cognacs, cigars. Time to take advantage of my background,” says the Cordon Bleu graduate, who worked for Splichel for two years, among others here and in France. “I want to take business away from Patina.”

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Worth the Bark: Dine out this Saturday and save a forest. More than 12 restaurants in West Los Angeles area will donate 10% of their receipts to Green Corps, a national training program for young adults interested in saving redwoods and other environmental projects. For a list of participating restaurants, call (310) 397-5270, Ext. 326.