SMALL BITES SO LONG, GREECE; HELLO, PERSIA.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Lots of openings in sight.

The former Greek Bistro at 17737 Ventura Blvd., Encino, will become Maykadeh, a Middle Eastern spot with a Persian emphasis.

Owner Hans Dorrikhteh promises lunch and dinner service, a full bar, a hookah patio, belly dancing and musical entertainment, and a menu featuring extensive appetizers and entrees priced from $10 to $18.

He said he is aiming for a late-October debut.

Information: [phone].

TOTALLY STOKED: Stacy Moyer, owner of Greystoke Grill, 18395 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, intends to purchase the former Troubadors, 20969 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.

Currently in escrow, the facility, as yet unnamed, will hopefully be open around mid- to late October, says Moyer.

Remembering it as Stanley's, Moyer said he wants to do an updated version of the Stanley's concept, what is often termed contemporary American today.

It will have a full bar, and some interior modifications are planned.

Information (Greystoke Grill): [phone].

MOVING TO WILSHIRE: Chef Christopher Blobaum, previously at the Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach, will be the executive chef at the upcoming Wilshire Restaurant, 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Set to open in early November with ``a menu of moderately priced, classic comfort food,'' the Wilshire will have a large rear open-air patio. Information: [phone].

STEAK IS COMING: The former Ed Debevic's at 134 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, will be reconstructed as a ``high-end Japanese steak house'' named Gom Pache. Construction is expected to last four months. Owner is Kozo Hasegawa, who already operates two local restaurants, Cafe La Boheme in West Hollywood and Monsoon in Santa Monica.

VALLEY GETS PANERA: And Panera Bread, the fast-growing national bakery-cafe chain, is now open in the Valley at 12131 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.

Information: [phone].

IN THE SWIM: Readying for its second anniversary is Sushi Iki, 18663 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana.

Known for its unusual selection of fish and seafood, Sushi Iki claims it will serve ``the finest, rarest and most exotic fish known to sushi aficionados'' during its Sept. 17-19 celebration.

On each celebration day there will be three seatings (5, 7 and 9 p.m.).

Information and reservations: [phone].

NIBBLES & SIPS: Double celebration at Kate Mantilini, 5921 Owensmouth Ave., Woodland Hills, [phone], on Thursday honors the restaurant's first anniversary and the 52nd wedding anniversary of owners Harry and Marilyn Lewis. ... One of four potential restaurant customers say they are staying home more often to eat rather than eating out due to the high cost of gasoline, according to a recent Maritz Poll. ... Beaulieu wines (BV) will be poured with chef Joachim Splichal's food at the Governors Ball, the official party of the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Sept. 19 at the Shrine Auditorium.