Ministry of Gossip: A George Clooney-inspired birthday bash at Locanda del Lago

Imagine a well-appointed table on a stone balcony overlooking Italy’s storied Lake Como. Red wine, white roses, Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford, perhaps a drop-in from Brad and Angelina — it’s a possible scenario for Oscar-winner George Clooney, who will celebrate his 51st birthday Sunday and has a home there. Those Angelenos not invited to Italy can still enjoy a meal themed for the date, however, at Santa Monica’s Locanda del Lago, which specializes in Italian cuisine. For the second year in a row (the 50th birthday was a big deal), the restaurant has created a menu in honor of Clooney’s big day and his love of the Italian lifestyle. Watercress salad, filet mignon carpaccio (one of George’s faves) and a Meyer lemon confit will be served with the restaurant’s popular Clooney-inspired gin and blood orange cocktail. Best part? It’s only $19.61. The year of Clooney’s birth. Don’t be afraid to indulge in some after-dinner limoncello; it’ll help preserve the illusion of an Italian mountain town long into the night. (Locandao del Lago, 231 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 451-3525; https://www.lagosantamonica.com)

— Matt Donnelly