MELROSE: We didn't realize the Esquire Top 20 Restaurants list was as top-secret as it is, but apparently Stefano Ungaro and Mirko Poderno's All' Angelo made the cut this year. The issue comes out in November, but celebrations take place in New York in October. As The Knife points out, past restaurants bestowed this glory were Cut, Ortolan, and Providence, so those Italian boys will be in good company. Also good: white truffles. All' Angelo's white truffle dinners start on Oct. 3. $180 per person; wine pairing is $45 additional. [EaterWire/The Knife]
BEVERLY HILLS: We knew something would take over that Zen Zoo that's closing on Sunday. We got word that Sandy and Marty Davidson will open Marty D’s, a "deluxe dog and dessert" spot. "The dogs are imported from Brooklyn will be charcoal broiled, with cole slaw, baked beans, corn on the cob plus many ice cream goodies including a banana split and root beer float." Marty was a producer and director, and Sandy was the interior designer for Meson G and The Foundry on Melrose. That's all we know for now. [EaterWire Inbox]
HOLLYWOOD: We caught wind of a new wine shop opening at Hollywood & Highland. From what we gather, Vino 100 is a franchise concept (there are more than 100 stores across the country, but only a few in SoCal), so there is a national inventory the owners can select wines from, but they can add their own wine finds as well. While it is in a mall, full of mall shoppers, the owners plan to do a lot of local outreach (wine tastings, events, etc.). Located on the second floor of the complex next to the Kodak Theatre, Vino 100 should open by the end of October. [EaterWire]
SF: Although dinner with Alice Waters at Campanile brought in $75,000 for the upcoming Slow Food Nation event, overall funds are still scant. The Chronicle reports that the organizers have to scale back plans. The main venue is still up in the air, but the city says its committed to keeping the event in SF. [SF Chronicle]
