Trio Ready to Meet and Greet at Cienega

The three former Patina Group boys, Bill Priestley (former Patina sommelier), Jon Fernow (former Pinot Hollywood chef) and Rainer Schwarz (former Cafe Pinot chef), are now at home in their new place and receiving visitors.

You may remember they bought Drai’s on La Cienega Boulevard in November. The guys put their creative heads together and came up with the name Cienega for their classic American restaurant.

Opening night was Tuesday. Cienega will be open Monday-Saturday, dinner only for now. Lunches will come later. They’ve kept Drai’s phone number, so the only thing you have to scratch out of your Rolodex is the name. Cienega, 730 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 358-8585.

Going Over the Top: Sure, theme restaurants are a little wacky by nature, but since May, Santa Barbara has had one that one-ups the current crop. Q’s Sushi A Go Go has the distinction of being Santa Barbara’s first theme restaurant, but one theme isn’t enough for its ambitious owners.

On its three floors and patio, Q’s offers a sushi bar, billiards, dancing and live acoustic music. The dining room serves sushi rolls, tempura, seafood appetizers and an “SOS” (sick of sushi) menu of salads and sandwiches. It’s decorated with leopard-print chairs and a hardwood floor. The latter comes in handy after dinner, when the room becomes a disco.

The billiards room is home to nine red-felt-topped tables. Monday night is jock night, with football on TV, drink specials and a free buffet. What more could you possibly cram into one place?

* Sushi A Go Go, 409 State St., Santa Barbara; (805) 966-9177.

Quick Bites: Tom Bergin’s Tavern on South Fairfax Avenue in L.A. will be closed through 4 p.m. Jan. 14, when it reopens with a green-ribbon-cutting ceremony involving free hors d’ oeuvres and other giveaways . . . Jozu on Melrose Avenue is now open for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays only, noon to 2 p.m. It’s just acquired Angela Hunter from L’Ermitage Beverly Hills as the new pastry chef. Her new full dessert menu debuts this week. . . . Ben Ford has left the Farm of Beverly Hills to open his own restaurant. Farm owner Fran Bergen knew of Ford’s aspirations early and brought in Mark Silver to fill the gap. . . . In his spare time, Ford is joining Mark Peel, Wolfgang Puck and Nancy Silverton as guest chefs at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. They’ll be cooking five hors d’ oeuvres, the first appetizer, the second appetizer, and dessert, respectively, for a chefs’ dinner to take place Jan. 14. L’Ermitage chef Serge Falesitch will handle the main course, and his new pastry chef (since Hunter’s departure) Mauricio Guerra will make the intermezzo and the mignardises (little after-dessert dainties). The $150-per-person dinner benefits Meals on Wheels. There are two seatings that evening--one at 5:30 p.m. and another at 8:30 p.m. Call the restaurant for reservations at (310) 385-5307. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, 9291 Burton Way, (310) 278-3344.

Tidbits: Cambria on San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood has given up the ghost, shortly after redefining itself. In October it changed its name from Porter’s, redecorated and started serving California cuisine instead of American food. Maybe that wasn’t the way to go. . . . Ago (8478 Melrose Ave.) now has patio dining for lunch and dinner. Call (323) 655-6333 for reservations. . . . Callaway Vineyard & Winery in Temecula will take your done-for Christmas trees until about Jan. 9. This is good news if you plan on taking your pine tree for a long, romantic drive. Those who recycle will receive a coupon for 25% off their next purchase at the winery. Call (909) 676-4001 for directions and further information.

Truffle Mania: Troquet in South Coast Plaza is serving a black truffle menu, at least while the little darlings are in season. Chef-owner Tim Goodell has created a meal of soup, white cheese, a risotto and fish (loup de mer) incorporating black Perigord truffles. Appetizer or entree portions are available a la carte.

* Troquet, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; (714) 708-6865.

Anniversary Deals: The Seashell restaurant in Woodland Hills is celebrating its 25th year in business. What this means to you: 25% off your total dining bill from Sunday to Thursday if you mention you saw this handy bit of information in the paper you are now holding. This deal is valid until the end of March, excluding major holidays.

* The Seashell, 19723 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills; (818) 884-6500.

Celebrate With Dessert: Olsen’s Restaurant in San Pedro is even older. It’s been serving old-fashioned dinners for 60 years. If you’re polite enough to wish them a happy anniversary on your next visit, you will receive a free piece of cheesecake for dessert. This offer is good until the end of January.

* Olsen’s Restaurant, 589 W. 9th St., San Pedro; (310) 832-7437.

*

Send tips and comments to pettera@cwix.com.