Beachcomber taps Michael Jordan to be president

Michael Jordan, formerly global manager of wine sales and standards at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and general manager of Napa Rose restaurant at Disneyland in Anaheim, was named president at the Beachcomber, overseeing the Beachcomber Crystal Cove and Malibu Pier.

Jordan, who left Disney last year, has a Master Sommelier diploma with the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as a certified Wine Educator diploma from the Society of Wine Educators -- one of only 15 people in the world to hold both diplomas.

Jordan also has started his own winery, Word Vineyards, where he plans to produce a limited amount of artisan wines, a few of which will be available at the Beachcomber.

Jordan is expected to expand the wine and beverage program at the Beachcomber restaurants and will offer comprehensive wine study courses for all staff members, including a two-day test administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

At Malibu Pier, 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 456-9800; at Crystal Cove, 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, (949) 376-6900; www.thebeachcombercafe.com.

Culina set to open

Culina, Modern Italian is scheduled to open at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in March. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Culina will feature antipasti, house-made pastas, thin-crust pizzas and “live-action” crudo bars where guests watch the Italian raw seafood dishes being prepared.

300 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 273-2222, www.fourseasons.com/losangeles.

Daughters’ debut

Clint Clausen, former senior vice president of restaurants for night life and dining group SBE, has opened a neighborhood restaurant called Four Daughters Kitchen in Manhattan Beach. Named for his daughters, it’s open for breakfast and lunch and is expected to be open for dinner in time for Valentine’s Day.

3505 N. Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, (310) 545-2444; www.fourdaughterskitchen.com.

Also:

Dish Bistro & Bar in Pasadena is set to open Feb. 5.

53 E. Union St., Pasadena, (626) 795-5546; www.dishbistroandbar.com.

The Lido Deck in Newport Beach has opened.

3420 Via Oporto, Newport Beach, (949) 673-9500, www.thelidodeckrestaurant.com.

-- Betty Hallock and Jessica Gelt