EaterWire: Cecconi's Ambitions, Recession Specials, More

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The opening of Cecconi's was a hot topic last week, so for those interested, the Times UK has an interesting piece on Richard Caring, the Brit behind the ambitious project. An excerpt: "Caring says that, with hard work, keen pricing and a little luck, Cecconi’s will beat the bust. 'There is nowhere as casually glamorous as this in LA. We are well priced, too' ... He hopes that the Italy-meets-California menu and interior will help Cecconi’s to replace The Ivy — LA version — as the place for Hollywood stars and agents to compete to leave their Mercedes “out front”, within ogling distance of the best tables." [Times UK]

SANTA MONICA—Coming in the wake of the Craft action today, we've got a number of recession specials to report. Up first, Ocean and Vine at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and Chef Gregory Foos have recently launched a $28 tasting menu. The special includes two courses plus a glass of white or red wine. [EaterWire]

DOWNTOWN—Casa has introduced a new happy hour menu that includes $12 sangria pitchers, $3 beers and a bunch of food items. It's available in both the post-work and late-night hours. The hours are as follows (there will be a quiz): Food, Mon–Fri from 4:30pm to 6:30pm; Drinks, Mon–Fri from 2:30pm to 6:30pm; Late Night, Mon-Sat from 9pm to 12am; and Saturday from 5pm to 7pm. [EaterWire]

TELEVISION—It was clear early on that Fabio Viviani would be this season's runaway hit, and lo and behold, the Italian chef is getting his own show. No word on which network will host it. [GossipSauce]

WESTLAKE—Finally, in a terrible, sad turn of events, police are searching for the man responsible for killing a local tamales vendor in what appears to be an attempted robbery: "[Cosme] Gonzalez was remembered as a hardworking vendor who had a steady stream of loyal customers seeking out his tamales and warm drinks called champurrado. 'Everybody knew him,' police Detective Jeff Cortina said. 'He was an integral, complete part of the community.'" [AP]