Latin Love

After eight months of intensive remodeling, La Tortilla Feliz (2661 West 14th Street; 216-241-8385) has reopened as a paragon of rustic charm, with handsome tilework, artful faux finishes, and colorful table linens. The restaurant now has two dining rooms, a full bar, and 30 additional seats. The small menu has also been expanded to include some South American and Spanish specialties among the Central American fare. Don't-miss dishes include the sweet-and-savory platanos fritos (fried plantain with beans and sour cream), pabellon (shredded flank steak in a juicy sauce), and for dessert, flan. La Tortilla Feliz is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Sunny delights . . .

Here are a few food-related ways to while away your time this summer:

Staffers at Capsule (13376 Madison Avenue, Lakewood; 216-CAP-SULE) have temporarily traded their space suits for swimsuits and are throwing a Hawaiian Luau, complete with roasted suckling pig, tropical drinks, and a limbo contest. Surf's up this Saturday, June 29, beginning at 6 p.m. (Vegetarian and seafood specials will be provided for the squeamish.)

Jerkfest 2002: No, it's not a convention of your old boyfriends. It's a celebration of Jamaican cuisine, with jerk-rubbed appetizers and dinner specials hot off the grill, and watermelon daiquiris to wash them down. The burn begins Thursday, July 4, at Johnny Mango World Café; (3120 Bridge Avenue, Ohio City; 216-575-1919) and continues through Sunday, July 7, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Think you know wine? Then put your palate to the test at the Grovewood Wine Bar (17105 Grovewood Avenue, Cleveland; 216-531-4900) beginning at 8 p.m. on July 11, during the tavern's Unknown Wonder 2002 Contest. Contestants will be asked to identify five different wine varieties by taste and aroma alone. The most talented taster, who must also correctly answer two bonus questions, will take home a prize. Entrance fee is $8; calling ahead is a good idea. And if you're under 21, forget about it.

Hieronymus Bosch had it right: Strawberries are the most sensual fruit. And soon, Century at the Ritz-Carlton (1515 West Third Street) will become a veritable Garden of Earthly Delights, with a scrumptious Strawberry Dessert Buffet, laden with shortcakes, tartlets, napoleons, and chocolate-dipped confections made from the succulent berries. The feasting takes place from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Friday in July. Cost is $12; call 216-902-5255 for reservations.