One From the Hearth

Now We All Know His Mother’s Maiden Name: Massimo Ormani has opened his own restaurant and, like a good son, named it after his mother. Actually, he used his mother’s maiden name. Pammolli, as it’s called, operates in the vacated Mandarette space in Beverly Hills. Ormani and his wife, Daniela Judah-Ormani, decorated it to resemble a home in Tuscany, going so far as to nick a wooden credenza and copper pot from his great-grandfather. Ormani manned the stoves at Locanda Veneta in Santa Monica from 1990 to 2001, so many diners will be familiar with his Italian cooking. On Pammolli’s menu: pappardelle with wild boar ragu ($15), spaghetti with lobster ($28), risotto with crabmeat and Cognac ($18), broiled pheasant breast ($21), oven-roasted veal shank ($17) and rack of lamb with a balsamic and black pepper sauce ($28). Tonight only, there’s a Valrhona chocolate box that serves two ($16). Pammolli is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.

* Pammolli, 9513 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 273-7588.

Procrastinator’s Paradise: If you’re still pretending you didn’t forget to make reservations for Valentine’s dinner, the Yard House locations have you covered. They have a no-reservations policy for this evening. In addition to their regular American menu, they will also have specials such as a coconut shrimp appetizer ($12.95) and a roasted lobster tail entree ($32.95).

* The Yard House, 401 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach; (562) 628-0455; 1875 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa; (949) 642-0090; 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine; (949) 753-9373; the River at Rancho Mirage, 71800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage; (760)779-1415.

Valentines for Singles: Sonora Cafe opens up its second-floor dining room to singles tonight. The loners can dine together at a long table and order from the regular menu or get specials such as buffalo filet with roasted potatoes ($34) or prime rib of veal with white beans and chile sauce ($29.95).

* Sonora Cafe, 180 S. La Brea Ave., L.A.; (323) 857-1800.

Something for Everyone: Moomba has lovers and singles covered tonight. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. sweethearts can have a four-course menu for $80 each (plus tax and tip); entree choices are Amish chicken, wasabi halibut and rack of lamb. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., singles can party with a DJ and a live version of “The Dating Game” with host Lance McKrakin.

* Moomba, 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood; (310) 652-6364.

Reach Angela Pettera at (310) 358-7647 or pettera@prodigy.net.