We’re very excited about this news: Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, whom we last saw in the 818 at the now closed D’Cache before he opened the innovative Scratch Bar on La Cienega, is now opening The Gadarene Swine with business partner Daryoush Danesh at 11264 Ventura Boulevard, according to the “beer/wine/eating place” license filed July 10 with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The license was transferred from the former Eggplant restaurant. No word yet on the concept, but expect a creative dining experience.

Alcazar, a Mediterranean restaurant that was a mainstay in Encino for 13 years and closed last year, has re-opened at 14443½ Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks (in the same strip center as Gyu-Kaku) as a fast, casual eatery at a reasonable price point. Look for plates with a choice of meat, two sides, rice and pita for $10 to $12, wraps with two sides $5 to $7, and salads $7. Great deal alert: family combination meal that serves four to six people for $48. al-cazar.com

Kung Pao Bistro at Tujunga and Ventura in Studio City closed its doors last week and will be replaced by Sherman Oaks’ VeSTATION, which will be expanding its vegan Thai concept (see our previous story here). If you still have a yen for Kung Pao’s food, you’ll have to go over the hill to West Hollywood as the Sherman Oaks Kung Pao is in name only.