New Vincenti Is Picture of Family Spirit

Mauro’s Girl: Maureen Vincenti opened her new restaurant, Vincenti, on Wednesday. She says her late husband, Mauro, would approve: “I really think Mauro’s spirit is here. I brought in a picture of him and it stands behind me at the desk. I thank him for making this happen.”

* Vincenti, 11930 San Vicente, L.A.; (310) 207-0127.

*

Boxer Boy: With the exodus of chef Neal Fraser and pastry chef Angela Hunter, Boxer’s new chef, Michael Plapp, is going to fill both positions--at least for now. On desserts, he’ll be consulting with pastry chef Colleen Johnson (formerly of Fenix and Checkers), who has her own catering company. Plapp, who was chef du cuisine at Papashon and chef tournant at Fenix, says he’ll make the contemporary American menu more rustic and seasonal. The Plapp goal: “I would like to phase things in and out as frequently as is reasonable.” His dishes include a roasted pumpkin soup, lamb with pomegranate sauce and couscous, plank-roasted trout and honey-sauteed figs.

* Boxer, 7615 W. Beverly Blvd., L.A.; (213) 932-6178.

*

Halloween Haunts: Moonlight Supper Club in Sherman Oaks is throwing a Monster Mash Masquerade Ball, complete with costume contest, trick-or-treats for kids (5-7 p.m.), fortuneteller and swing dance lessons. The band goes on at 8 p.m.; admission is $9; food and drink minimum is $10. Moonlight, 13730 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; (818) 788-2000. . . . McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant downtown has a bash that begins at 6 on Halloween night. Costumes are welcome and there is a pumpkin-carving contest (bring your own). Drink specials, no cover. McCormick and Schmick’s, 633 W. 5th St., 4th level, downtown; (213) 629-1929. . . . Cha Cha Cha in Encino is throwing a party with a Brazilian jazz band and prizes for “most horrifying” and “best Caribbean” costumes. The regular dinner menu and a Halloween menu will be available until midnight. Reservations required. Cha Cha Cha, 17499 Ventura Blvd., Encino; (818) 789-3600. . . . Les Freres Taix is serving Halloween dinner from 5-10 p.m. One of the entrees is a filet mignon for $9.95. Featured wine: a Transylvanian Cabernet. Reservations required. Les Freres Taix, 1911 Sunset Blvd., L.A., (213) 484-1265.