During this time of year, it's only natural for the dead to come alive, in some way or another. Deceased restaurants Kula Sushi Bistro (on Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Glen) and Gardens on Glendon (on Glendon in Westwood) are being taken over by new owners. What's to come? SmithHouse Tap & Grill (think a smaller version of Yard House) replacing Kula, and Skylight Gardens at the Gardens on Glendon space (although that information has yet to be verified). Chefs are shuffling around per usual. Things seem to be in order.

But let's not forget about the still-empty restaurant lots. Lety's Bakery on Sepulveda Boulevard is still up for grabs, as is Zeke's in West Hollywood, and Koo Koo Roo on Santa Monica Boulevard. French 75 in the Century City mall was lonely for a while but BJ's is set to take it over. Hana Sushi is still boarded up with no signs of life, which makes its neighbor Q's look more happening than usual. Turn the page, for last month's list of openings and closures.

OPENINGS

The Cheese Store of Pasadena: 140 South Lake Avenue #107, Pasadena; (626) 405-0050.

Dog Haus: 105 N Hill Ave., Ste 104, Pasadena; (626) 577-4289.

Cellar 55: 7455 Melrose Ave., L.A., (323) 951-1555.

Eveleigh: 8752 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; (424) 239-1630.

Mani's on Maple: 345 North Maple Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 247-0009.

Mix n' Munch: 1005 Mission St., South Pasadena; (626) 441-8808.

Pal Cabron: 3337 ½ W. 8th Street, Los Angeles. (213) 427-0601.

Pal Cabron dos: 3337 1/2 W. 8th St., Los Angeles.

Pizzeria Olio: 8075 West 3rd Street., Suite. 100, Los Angeles. (323) 930-9490.

Ramen Yamadaya: 3118 W. 182nd St., Torrance, (310) 380-5555.

Robata JINYA: 8050 W 3rd St., Los Angeles; (323) 653-8877.

Scarpetta: 225 North Canon Dr. Beverly Hills; 310-860-7970.

SugarFISH: 600 West 7th Street, downtown Los Angeles.

Swill Automatic: 1820 Industrial St., Los Angeles; (213) 239-9088.

The Tap Room (in The Langham Hotel): 1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena.

Xandros: 50 N La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 854-1001.

CLOSURES

AAA Thai Market, 11127 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles.

Fleur De Lys Patisserie: 440 S Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park; (626) 282-4040.

Islands Restaurant: 350 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 556-1624.

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