In the highly competitive local restaurant business, the fate of an establishment is often dominated by frequently fluctuating food trends. If chefs and owners hit upon a tasty menu, or the atmosphere is pleasing, the restaurant becomes a beloved favorite to share with out-of-town family and local friends. Other factors can be involved when a restaurant goes down. Here are some new additions to the scene and some which closed this year, for better or for worse.

New Restaurants

Ann Kelly''s by the Lake

55 Camino Aguajito, Monterey, 646-2002.

A comfortable caf‚ near Lake El Estero featuring homemade lunches, hearty breakfasts, and a new dinner menu of seafood and pastas.

Bijan''s

32 Cannery Row (at the Coast Guard Pier), Monterey, 649-6700.

Bijan''s has one of the best views of the bay and Fisherman''s Wharf, to gaze at over a plate of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired foods.

Cafe Abrego

565 Abrego St., Monterey, 375-6100.

This sunny restaurant was last known as the Clock Garden. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch.

Cielo

Ventana Inn, Hwy. 1, Big Sur, 667-4242.

While you normally can''t improve paradise much, the Ventana Inn has remodeled its award-winning restaurant and its menu of California-style cuisine. Luckily, the breathtaking ocean views remain.

Curly''s

1107 N. Fremont Blvd., Seaside, 394-7424.

Steak, ribs and chicken, all slow-grilled in a tangy Southern-style barbecue sauce, are the reasons to come to Curly''s.

da Giovanni

Lincoln Street between 5th and 6th avenues, Carmel, 626-5800.

A new simpler approach to Mediterranean cuisine in the former Cher Chez restaurant space in Carmel, heavy on Italian with touches of Greek, Spanish and Moroccan.

Hula''s

622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 655-4852.

Winner of the Weekly''s "Best New Restaurant in Monterey," Hula''s is also the only Hawaiian-themed eatery in Monterey. Great seafood and tropical drinks, while you watch surfing movies and TV.

Pasqual''s

Junipero between 5th and 6th avenues, Carmel, 624-2200.

A jazz-themed restaurant in a quaint courtyard in Carmel, the menu displays influences of German and Oriental foods, plus Italian seafood and meat dishes.

Polo Club

The Barnyard, Carmel, 626-0430.

The Polo Club occupies an elegant garden area, with fireplaces indoors and out, and a menu of entr‚es ranging from Pacific Rim to California to European tastes.

Schnarley''s Bronx Pizzeria

650 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, 375-2002.

This new pizzeria boasts authentic, New York-style pizzas, from the veggie Queens'' Deluxe to an all-meat New York New York, with wines to match all tastes.

Closed Restaurants

Brewster O''Brien''s, 55 Camino Aguajito, Monterey.

The Clock Garden, 565 Abrego St., Monterey.

Don Chano''s, Ocean Avenue, Carmel.

DuVal''s, Los Laureles Lodge, Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley.

The Hog''s Breath Inn, San Carlos Street and 5th Avenue, Carmel.

La Fontana, 2030 N. Fremont Blvd., Monterey.

La Gondola, The Barnyard, Carmel.

Wolf''s Restaurant, 1146 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove.

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