Ceviche specialist: Manuel Martinez, the first executive chef and menu creator for Palacio in Los Gatos, is now a solo act. He’s the owner and executive chef of La Viga, a new Latina cocina opening in downtown Redwood City, in the space formerly occupied by Czech Point. The emphasis here is on seafood. Besides ceviches, look for salmon Yucateco, paella and shrimp empanadas. And don’t be surprised to find a few French influences mingling on the Latin menu: Martinez previously was a chef for Left Bank in Menlo Park and the Santa Clara bistro Brigitte’s. Details: 1772 Broadway, Redwood City. 650-679-8141.
Get your fix: If you’re a devotee of the tagines, kebabs and couscous at Morocco’s, head over soon for a last meal. The Market Street location in downtown San Jose is closing, leaving only the Mountain View restaurant for now. The departure will leave another big hole in the block that once was also home to Gumbo Jumbo. Details: 86 N. Market St., San Jose. http://moroccosrestaurant.com.
Reinvention on the Row: San Jose’s Roux Louisiana Kitchen has served its last bowl of gumbo. Owners Sylvia and Eduardo Rallo decided to close their Nawlins-style eatery and bring the Santana Row space back as a Cal-Mex cantina. Hot Tamales will open, appropriately, in time for a Cinco de Mayo celebration with live music and specialty cocktails. The Rallos
