HOT SPOTS : PLACE IN THE SUN.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Ca' del Sole, 4100 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, [phone]. The Tommasi-De Mori Venetian cucina rustica magic of Ca'Brea, Locanda Veneta, Allegria and Il Moro continues in this sprawling food and drink emporium, a handy neighbor to Universal Studios.

Bizoumania reigns

Tabu Bistro, 18607 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, [phone]. Cafe Bizou-inspired fare and prices, perhaps even lower, with the dollar salad (and soup) with entree, crusted fish items in the fore and inviting minimal corkage fee for wine collector diners. No wonder it's crowded.

Out of storage

Cinnabar, 933 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, [phone]. Remember Cafe Jacoulet in Pasadena? It's gone. But its host-owner has done wonders with an ex-Bekins building where the kitchen produces creative Pacific Rim-accented dinner delights.

Queen of Main

Jake & Annie's, 1700 Main St., Santa Monica, [phone]. Talented Irish chef Geri Gilliland has created an American regional menu that is the hit of Main Street where she reigns with a duo of diverse dineries as well as a third one (Washington Street Bar & Grill) in Marina del Rey.

Room with a view

The Tower, 1150 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, [phone]. Smog permitting, you will get an eyeful of the L.A. metropolis in all its glittering splendor from atop the Transamerica Building. And if you're lucky, the food may match the view.

Cuban pollo player

Versailles, 17410 Ventura Blvd., Encino, [phone]. (Also in Culver City, Los Angeles and Manhattan Beach.) Homey Cuban foodspot with plenty of zest and minimum tabs is riding a wave of popularity. One of four hits for this extra-garlicky chicken coup.