Local reopenings and specials you won't want to miss

The choices are endless in this gastronomic paradise we call the Bay Area. It's always so hard to decide where to eat next. Well, here is more food for thought that may help you pare down your "must-try" list throughout the weekend and into early next week.

This Friday, Mustards Grill reopens after clean up from the fire that closed it down in February and reportedy caused nearly $100,000 in damages. If the wine country is too far to travel, try the newly redone Grand Cafe. With executive chef Mauro Pando at the helm now, they have a new Brasserie menu featuring items from their wood-burning oven and a slew of dishes from land and sea.

On Saturday, May 2nd, Picán is hosting A Taste of the Kentucky Derby starting at 1:30 p.m. Bourbon and Burgoo-a-plenty, for sure.

Sundays are kids' night at Luella. Children under 10 can enjoy items off of the little luella menu like Shirley Temples ($1.50), mac and cheese ($4), chicken pot pie ($6), Margherita pizza ($5) and ice cream sundaes ($4).

Globe hosts Sunday Dinner from 6:00 p.m. until midnight showcasing fresh, local products from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market each week.

At Luna Park on Sunday through Thursday nights, there are "Blue Plate Specials," literally served on a blue tray. Ranging in price from $10 - $12, you can get comfort food that changes weekly but includes items like meatloaf, chicken fried steak, beef stew and vegan cassoulet. And, buy $5 drink specials like signature mojitos or sangria in...you guessed it...blue glassware. By the way, if you become a "fan" of theirs on Facebook or follow them on Twitter, you'll find out about cool promotions like their recent mustache night, wear your favorite hat night or password night where you can get special deals on food and drinks.

In keeping with the blue color scheme, I wanted to tell you about The Blue Plate Restaurant which is celebrating its 10th anniversary throughout the month of May with a three-course dinner for $25. You bet they're serving their famous meatloaf, and if you're a vegetarian, don't worry, they have an option for you. The meal will also come with a seasonal salad and dessert, and will be served during their early seating from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If it's super popular, they may offer this special throughout the rest of the evening. They have new hours starting Sunday and will be open for dinner seven days a week. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For Cinco de Mayo, pop into Tres Agaves for beer and drink specials, live mariachi and a DJ all night. They open at 10:00 a.m.! Mamacita is adding special items to their menu just for the occasion and will have a traditional style mariachi band. They will be open from 3:00 p.m. until whenever the fiesta is over. If you're in the Peninsula, Hola! in Burlingame and Belmont will have drink specials, music, giveaways and their website says the Cuervo and Corona girls will be there. Doña Tomás in Oakland will offer their regular menu and stay open later than usual to accommodate revelers.

Tell me about your favorite dining adventures at . I'd love to hear from you! Happy eating!

Monday morsels: feasts, festivities, free food and fresh spots

Zagat says One Market chef Mark Dommen is preparing a special five-course dinner highlighting fresh ingredients from local purveyors. Feast on signature items including Dungeness crab salad with avocado, cucumber and a lemon grass sorbet, Alaskan halibut cooked sous vide, and beef cheeks braised with...oooh... Guinness! Pastry chef Patti Dellamonica-Bauler will do, what else, dessert. The cost is $59/person before tax and tip, plus $15 for int'l beer pairing or $25 for wine pairing. Call 415.777.5577 to reserve your table!

Today, a new sushi place emerges in Hayes Valley, sharing company with the likes of Domo and Sebo. It is called Otoro Sushi, named after the tasty, melt-in-your-mouth, top-of-the-line bluefin tuna. In my book, there can never be too many sushi-izakaya style restaurants to satiate me. The big test will be the saba...205 Oak at Gough. They will be open for lunch (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., last call at 10:30 p.m.), Monday through Saturday, and for dinner only on Sundays. 415.553.3986.

Get your free KFC! Their latest "unfried" recipe is making its debut. Step into any location today and sample a piece of the Kentucky Grilled Chicken for yourself. The concept of grilled food at KFC sort of puts my head on tilt, but okay, I'll try it, especially if it's on the house.

I poked my head into Bistro Gambrinus last week and interrupted a meeting long enough to find out that they will open their doors at the end of the month. They are still working on their menu and applying finishing touches, but from the looks of it, there may be a new watering hole worth trying to find parking for on Fulton near Masonic.

Have you heard about Jamba's School Bananananza '09? Jamba Juice is donating 20% of sales to local schools until May 24th. See the website for more info or call your nearest location for a list of participating schools.

Not sure where you're going to celebrate Cinco de Mayo next Tuesday? Here is what's happening at several places in the city. Mercedes - Hair of the Dog Cantina will be open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. so you can start whooping it up early. They will be closed for a private function in the evening. But, how about heading over to Tommy's Mexican Restaurant next? Yes, I know they are usually closed on Tuesdays, but they will be open, open, open from 12 noon until 11:00 p.m on this festive day. There's also T.G.I.Friday's which is offering some 5¢ appetizers to go with their blackberry margaritas, 4-7 p.m. Chevys will serve their regular menu, but remember, kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of a regular priced entree. I'll list more spots as Cinco de Mayo nears, so be sure to come back to my page soon!