Patina Restaurant Group finally conceded the northwest corner of Sunset Gower Studios after they couldn’t make Pinot Hollywood or eat. on sunset work. Sunset Entertainment Group promptly claimed the sprawling space for La Vida, offering Spanish-influenced California cuisine beginning on Valentine’s Day 2010.

Executive Chef Joseph Panarello previously cooked at Rivera. Representative dishes from the Valentine’s Day menu include broiled shrimp with pineapple and jicama; Boston bibb with dates, tart cherries and buttermilk dressing; grilled sea trout with orzo pasta and cilantro; and Spanish vanilla custard with rum roasted pineapple. Once La Vida opens officially on February 16, look for Sonoma Lamb Sausage with Yogurt Sauce ($14), Pineapple Glazed Prawns ($16) served on mini wood-burning grills and Black Bean Brushed Quail ($12).

Touster Wright Design (Bardot) riffs on southern Spain with a courtyard covered with a white plastic arch, a reception area bar lined with aqua glass tiles, a dining room with hand-blown glass fixtures and a gold tiled fireplace; and a main bar with 3-D aqua walls. SEG is the same group that brought you Sunset Room, White Lotus and Green Door, so don’t be surprised to find an elevated VIP area overlooking the dance floor. In all, La Vida accommodates 550 people.