HOLLYWOOD: We got a note from chef Matthew Gladstone yesterday informing us---and we imagine hundreds of others---that he's turning a former Acalpuco on Sunset near La Brea into The Happy Ending, opening in July. Gladstone was recently at Formosa Cafe, he describes his food as globally influenced, "understandable bar food with whimsical fusion flavors." LA.com sees a dirty restaurant naming trend taking over our restaurant scene. [EaterWire Inbox]
HOLLYWOOD: That Steven Arroyo is on a frickin tear, isn't he? 750 ml just opened in South Pasadena a few weeks ago, and now he's quietly taken over the former Flora Kitchen space with Happi Songs Asian Tavern. From what we understand, it's a resto-lounge (open from 6pm to midnight daily) with that pseudo Japanese street cred that's all the rage with the kids these days. [Daily Candy]
COSTA MESA: Skipping LA all together, celebrity chef Charlie Palmer chose the new Bloomingdale's at South Coast Plaza for his new restaurant and wine store. Bloomies opens in May, but the restaurant opens this fall. [EaterWire Inbox]
SANTA BARBARA: Traveling north? David Lentz and Suzanne Goin's Hungry Cat finally opened in downtown Santa Barbara yesterday. Let's hope neither location suffers from that two-hour commute the owners have to make. [LAT
