A Whale of a Place

And Baby Makes Four: Chalk up another for Gerri Gilliland. The Belfast-born restaurateur just signed the lease on her fourth restaurant last week, the Black Whale in Marina del Rey. No details yet about food plan or chefs. “It happened so fast, I’m still a bit stunned,” says Gilliland, whose stable includes Lula’s, Jake & Annie’s and Gilliland’s, all on Main Street in Santa Monica. Watch for an October opening.

Take the Wrap: The third World Wraps opens June 23 on 168 S. Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. The San Francisco-based eatery, which wraps savory fillings in flavored tortillas, joins shops on Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Mexican Moves: Ron Salisbury, owner of the landmark El Cholo Mexican restaurant, has his fingers crossed. His latest offspring, El Cholo at 1025 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, is set to open this weekend, “if all goes well. You never know,” Salisbury says.

No surprises on the menu yet. Pitching in at the range of the new 250-seat restaurant, formerly Tampico Tilly’s, will be chefs from his Cafe El Cholo and Sonora Cafe, including two of his sons, both toque-wearers. . . . Great news for fans of Guelaguetza, that gem of hospitality and Oaxacan specialties on 8th Street at Normandie in Los Angeles. The owners--sister and brother Soledad and Fernando Lopez--will open a second restaurant at 11127 Palms Blvd., at Sepulveda in West Los Angeles, by the end of June. New to this restaurant will be a wine list.

Pop for Pop: Mom had her day in May. Now, it’s Dad’s turn on Sunday. Show thanks with a meal and a bonus--a hayride, bottomless glasses of bubbly, his portrait taken in a 1929 Ford roadster, a gift certificate for lunch. Here’s a sampling of what’s on for Sunday. But be quick and reserve now:

The Whale & Ale’s all-you-can-eat carving buffet includes a glass of imported ale. Every dad gets a complimentary bread pudding. Adults, $19.95; half price for kids. Reservations suggested. Noon to 9 p.m., 327 W. 7th St., San Pedro. (310) 832-0363. . . .

Warn him to wear slacks with an expandable waistline for dining at Renaissance. Chef Pascal Frapech creates hot and cold brunch buffet stations, a killer dessert table, plus there’s live music to keep Dad in good form. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5930 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. (213) 960-3222. Adults, $20; children, $10. . . .

A bonus to taking Dad to brunch at the Ritz Restaurant is the kickback: Every father receives a $20 coupon redeemable for lunch. The lavish spread features classic eye-openers such as Bloody Mary or Ramos Fizz plus nine entrees. Desserts are extra. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 880 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (714) 720-1800. Adults, $24.50; children, $12.25. . . . Big-band era music, barbecue (seafood, lamb, duck), free-flowing sparkling wine and Dad’s photo taken in a 1929 Ford roadster convertible top the agenda at Pangaea Restaurant. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hotel Nikko, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 246-2100. Adults, $42; children, $19. . . .

Sit indoors or out at the Back Porch where a barbecue of ribs and chicken, burgers and salads, plus keg beer, gets the day off to a rousing start. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sheraton Grande Hotel, 333 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. (213) 617-6090. Adults: $22.95 without beer, $24.95 with beer; children, $12.95. . . .

In the context of Caribbean cooking, jerk has nothing to do with a loser or blind-date material. It’s a spice blend that enhances the flavor of foods to be cooked. Both menus at Cha Cha Cha Encino and Calypso in West Los Angeles offer jerks (chicken and pork) plus specials such as paella, ceviche, spicy corn chowder, mambo gumbo and seafood. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cha Cha Cha Encino, 17499 Ventura Blvd., Encino, (818) 789-3600. Calypso, 2255 Sawtelle Blvd., West Los Angeles. (310) 477-4255. Prices vary; children’s menu available. . . . Invite Lady Luck or bring a lucky charm to Woodside where a drawing for a dinner-for-four may be just the right dessert for dad. Among the specials are pate with toasted brioche, grilled veal chop with black cherry reduction and mixed berry pie with vanilla ice cream. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 11604 San Vincente Blvd., Brentwood. (310) 571-3800. Prices vary. . . .

Leave the city and get into the hay. Father’s Day begins with a progressive wine tasting followed by three-course barbecue brunch and tractor-pull hayride through the property of Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula. Seating every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula. (800) 472-2377, Ext. 206. $35 per adult; $15 per child.