The operatic vocals by “Daniel the tenor” have become quite the sensation at Apertivo Italian Tapas and Wine Bar in North Park. The singer-waiter breaks into Italian folk and opera songs for guests from 5:30 p.m. to closing, every Sunday, as customers savor Italian tapas and numerous global wines by the glass and bottle. Also on Sundays, pinot grigio and Chianti are priced at only $2.75 per glass. And new to the kitchen is an applewood smoker that Apertivo owner Ken Cassinelli puts into action for preparing various meats, fish and cheeses. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1097.

Pizzas cooked in less than three minutes can be found at the new Pizza Gourmet Express in University Heights, a new mom-and-pop joint where customers point and choose from an array of toppings displayed at the counter. Assorted crusts are also available. The pizzas cook rapidly in convection ovens that blow hot air onto the pizzas from the top and bottom, and remarkably, turn out crispy. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1097.

Over in Mission Hills, the best deal for pizza by the slice resides at Fiori’s, a liquor and grocery store where you can wolf down a wedge topped with sausage or pepperoni for only $1.35. Cheese slices are a dime less. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1097.

Splash Wine Lounge recently opened in North Park, allowing customers to self-dispense one-ounce pours from sleek Italian technology that uses pre-paid plastic cards. More than 70 varietals are available, each ranging in cost per sample. Wines by the glass and bottle are also offered, and served in the traditional sense. The atmosphere boasts a modern feel, with the sleek wine-dispensing “islands” dominating the room. Cheese boards, pizzas and sandwiches round out the experience. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1097.

Acclaimed local chef Melissa Mayer, formerly of The Guild, makes her debut at Balboa Park Food and Wine School in a class that focuses on some of her favorite “small plates” recipes. The menu will include cucumber ceviche with chili foam, grilled shrimp with cumin cream and black bean tacos with cilantro pesto. The cost is $60 per person. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1097.

According to a National Restaurant Association survey of chefs, “nutrition and philosophy-driven choices” along with healthy children’s meals will nudge their way onto more restaurant menus in the coming year. New cuts of meat, bite-size desserts and a continued use of local produce can be expected.