SANTA MONICA— Loteria on 3rd Street is set to open on Cinco de Mayo and so far the restaurant is seemingly ready to serve. The above shot was taken about an hour ago, windows still papered over, lights on. [EaterWire]
PASADENA— Word on the street is that Vincenzo Marianella of Copa d'Oro has been tapped to create the list of libations at the forthcoming Trattoria Neapolis. [EaterWire]
HOLLYWOOD—Providence, one of the lone standing fine dining establishments left in Los Angeles' sea of casual dining, brings back its annual 5 x 5 collaborative dinners. On May 21 chef Jeremy Fox joins Michael Cimarusti (Providence), Rory Herrman (Bouchon), Josiah Citrin (Melisse), Gino Angelini (Angelini Osteria) and Michael Voltaggio (ink) to prepare a multi course meal for $150 in which a portion of proceeds benefits the Southern California Special Olympics. Resy here. [EaterWire]
DOWNTOWN—Patina Restaurant Group founder Joachim Splichal has organized a pricey charity event called In the Art of the City taking place May 3 at Vibiana Cathedral. Splichal, David Feau (The Royce), Josiah Citrin (Melisse), Celestino Drago, Giacomino Drago, Tanino Drago, Ian Gresik (Drago Centro), Megan Logan (Nick+Stef’s Steakhouse), Robert Luna (Mas Malo), Monica May (Nickel Diner), Kris Morningstar (Ray’s & Stark Bar), Philippe Muze (Patina Catering) and John Sedlar (Rivera) will all cook and tables range in price from $10,000 to $100,000 (tix start at $1,000 a pop) to benefit A Better LA. Actress Sharon Stone will MC a live auction and Santana lead-singer Andy Vargas shall perform. [EaterWire]