DINING BEAT : SMOKY TIME AT DAILY GRILL.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Hot and smoky are this summer's restaurant words. We see more barbecue restaurants on the scene than ever before, and we see more cigar events on the docket.

So meats are smoky, guests are smoking, and the weather is hot.

On Thursday, the Daily Grill at 16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, had a Dixie-Cajun cigar evening. The next one will be held Aug. 21, with a barbecue theme and microbrew beers. Tab is $40 per person and includes cigars. Reservations: [phone].

Speaking of Cajun and barbecue, one of the city's most respected restaurateurs, Mary Atkinson, who ran Orleans, a longtime major Cajun dining spot in West Los Angeles, has been talking to Rick Royce, one of the city's most respected barbecue chefs, about joining forces at his Rick Royce Premier BBQ & Grill, 10916 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A.

For Cajun fanciers who miss Orleans, this union seems a natural. Barbecue and Cajun obviously go hand in hand.

If the alliance happens, look for a new name and a revised, enlarged menu at the current Royce site.

Information: [phone].

The reign of Spain ...

At last there may be a serious West Valley outlet for the foods of Spain.

El Patio Andaluz serves tapas, paella and the fare of Spain at the ex-Marianthe's Too site, 7257 Topanga Canyon Blvd., West Hills. Information: [phone]. The original Marianthe's, continues with its Greek-accented food at 20103 Saticoy St., Canoga Park, [phone].

Meanwhile, there are signs indicating two new restaurants will soon open in the heart of Sherman Oaks, both on Ventura Boulevard and both second-floor facilities.

One is Los Chilangos, 14622 Ventura Blvd., [phone]. The other is Signature Grill, 14755 Ventura Blvd., [phone].

Napkin notes

Prompted by a listing of Cuban restaurants in L.A. Life July 24, reader Rosa Barajas of Huntington Park writes that the best Cuban pollo asado she's ever had was the version at Rincon Criollo, 4361 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, [phone]. ... Manhattan's 21 chef Erik Blauberg will be guest-cooking in the Dining Room of the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel Monday and Tuesday, showing off 21's food. Information and reservations: [phone].