Two years ago, Andy Himmel, then just 25, sat at a bar in Cleveland Heights and sketched out the details of what would become his second restaurant. In one week, that restaurant will greet its first guest. Paladar (28601 Chagrin Blvd., 216.896.9020), described as a Latin kitchen and rum bar, will open August 2 at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. Himmel, who also owns the 3 1/2-year-old Boulevard Blue (12718 Larchmere Blvd., 216.721.5500), has done much to transform the look and feel of the room, which occupies roughly two-thirds of the former Bossa Nova space. "We took a place that was very modern and contemporary and warmed it up with fabric, carpeting and warm colors," Himmel explained during a walk-through. "Our goal is to make the space very inviting." The enormous central bar was removed, making it clear that the focus has shifted from booze to food. A smaller bar and lounge were constructed on an elevated level. The word paladar is Spanish for "palate," but also refers to small Cuban restaurants operated out of private homes. Paladar will feature Latin comfort foods such as slow-roasted pork shoulder with black beans, and grilled skirt steak with sofrito rice and beans. A Nuevo Latino section of the menu includes roasted Florida grouper with tropical slaw, and a guava-glazed pork chop with spicy potato salad. A dedicated guacamole bar will prepare the appetizer to-order in handmade Mexican molcajetes, a traditional three-legged mortar and pestle. The menu also features various ceviches made with shrimp, tuna and salmon. At lunch, Paladar will serve soups, salads and a variety of Cuban-style sandwiches. Dinner entrées will be priced between $23 and $28; lunch items are $10-$14. To familiarize himself with Nuevo Latino cuisine, executive chef Matthew Mytro staged at two popular Chicago restaurants, Carnivale and De La Costa. Paladar will offer domestic and imported rums from the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados and the West Indies. The restaurant will seat approximately 130 guests, with room for more on the generous patio.

At 7 p.m. Monday, July 30, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (2600 South Park Blvd.) is presenting Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life: The Real Story of Ohio's Bees, which will shed light on the problems facing Ohio's honeybees. Following a discussion led by Kim Flottum, editor of Bee Culture magazine, Lola's pastry chef,

Cory Barrett, will speak about cooking with honey while serving up delicious pastries. Advance registration

(and a $5 donation) is required.

Call 216.321.5935.