Just call him the hardest-working man in the restaurant business. Alberto Lombardi will launch his latest venture, Pesca, in West Village within the next month. The Italian seafood concept will feature a raw bar, two large tanks filled with live lobsters and Dungeness crab, and fresh fish flown in daily from San Francisco, Washington state, Hawaii and New York. Other niceties include a special seafood brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as gelato and sorbetto made in-house. The space, which formerly housed Ferré, is currently getting a face-lift. The new restaurant will feature an open kitchen, Venetian mirrors and custom-made Italian furniture, along with an expanded patio.

With any luck, you can be sipping and swirling on the patio at Dali Wine Bar and Cellar (469-385-9360) this evening. Wine guru Paul Pinnell's long-delayed venue in One Arts Plaza is scheduled to open today, pairing affordably priced vintages with the cuisine of executive chef Joel Harloff. The former Landmark chef, who was previously attached to neighboring restaurant Screen Door, says he's thrilled for Dali to finally make its debut.

"I just really have always been in love with the One Arts Plaza concept," he says. "I think I've got one of the best jobs in Dallas as a chef right now, and I couldn't be happier being here with Paul." The wine-centric spot features small plates as well as more traditional entrees, with dishes that include halibut in champagne sauce and a tiny rack of veal served with oven-roasted shrimp and whipped potatoes.

Details are sparse concerning the new restaurant planned for the Westin Galleria Dallas, but foodies' tongues are wagging with the announcement that the as-yet-unnamed venture will be developed by Scott and Gina Gottlich, co-owners of Inwood Village's acclaimed Bijoux. No word yet as to who will serve as executive chef when the new concept debuts later this year, but, as at their flagship restaurant, Scott will be in charge of menu development and wife Gina will oversee the wine selection.

Soon there will be more places to nosh and nibble in Frisco's year-and-a-half-old Shops at Starwood complex. First on deck is TruFire Kitchen and Bar, scheduled to open next week. The moderately priced Italian-American eatery is spearheaded by Steve Hartnett (co-founder of Cool River and a co-owner of Bob's Steak and Chop House) and former Brinker International execs David Kazarian and Jay Clark. The Cupcakery, founded in Las Vegas by transplanted Texans Pamela Jenkins and Ricky Perritt, will follow this summer, selling pricey specialty cupcakes (à la Sprinkles). Finally comes Petra Essence of Mexico, named for chef Beto Rodarte's grandmother. The fast-casual eatery dishes up "Mexican street food with an attitude," according to company literature. This will be its second location; the original is on Eldorado Parkway in McKinney.

If your experience with Hawaiian cuisine has been limited to touristy luau buffets, head to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (360 E. FM3040, Lewisville; 972-459-9420) to see how the locals eat. The Honolulu-based fast-food franchise made its Texas debut about two months ago near Vista Ridge Mall, and yes, that creepy pink mystery meat in the iconic blue can is one of the signature offerings. In addition to such Spam-tastic Hawaiian staples as saimin (noodle soup) and musubi (a sushilike block of rice and meat wrapped in seaweed), the menu includes such island comfort foods as kalua pork, lau lau (pork roast wrapped in taro leaf) and loco moco (white rice topped with hamburger patties, brown gravy and fried eggs).

Abacus (4511 McKinney Ave., 214-559-3111) has reopened after a brief hiatus for renovations. The restaurant's new look includes a revamped bar and lounge area, a stone wall and frosted red glass dividers in the dining room, and a large glass window allowing views into the wine room. The menu got an overhaul as well with dishes that include a chile-rubbed elk loin inspired by one of the winning dishes from chef Kent Rathbun's recent Iron Chef America victory over Bobby Flay.

Through May 28, diners at Maggiano's Little Italy can support the Make-A-Wish Foundation when they order any of four selected menu offerings (shrimp scampi, spinach gnocchi with herb chicken, lemon pepper halibut and fresh berry tiramisu). For every special item ordered, Maggiano's will give $1 to the nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. The restaurant will also donate $1 for every $25 gift card sold. This is the fifth year that the Brinker- owned chain has participated in the Make-A-Wish promotion. Locally, there are Maggiano's branches in Dallas' NorthPark Center (214-360-0707) and

in Plano at the Shops at Willow Bend (972-781-0776).

• Arcodoro and Pomodoro (2708 Routh St., 214-871-1924) is celebrating its 20th anniversary by re-introducing some of the original menu selections – and prices – from 1988, when owners Efisio and Lori Farris opened the restaurant as Pomodoro. The specials are available at lunch through Aug. 31.

• Love the carefully crafted wood-fired pizzas at Olivella's but hate the cramped Park Cities setting? You're in luck: Owner Charlie Green is opening a second, larger location this fall in Victory Park.

• Olea Mediterranean Bistro (809 Preston Road, Plano; 972-378-0203) now serves Sunday brunch. The menu includes Spanish eggs Benedict, panini- grilled French toast and cinnamon and vanilla waffles, in addition to more traditional lunch fare.

• The Richardson location of Big Shucks (103 S. Coit Road, 972-231-8202) has reopened following a fire that shuttered the oyster bar last December.

• Addison's Industry Bar (5427 Belt Line Road, 214-868-3327) now offers Taco Tuesday every week. Cheap eats at the sports bar include beef tacos for 99 cents and blackened shrimp tacos for $2.99.

Kim Harwell is a Dallas food writer.