How many Italian tapas can one sell to meet a rent of nearly $5,000 a month? Not enough. The ailing economy combined with an opportunistic landlord are to blame for last weekend’s closing of Apertivo on 30th Street, which over the past five years has been a mainstay for small Italian plates. Owner Ken Cassinelli says the landlord nearly doubled his rent recently, and that business began dropping as the economy took a downturn. So he is putting his kitchen equipment and tables in storage and will eventually start shopping for another spot within the neighborhood. For his next venture, “I’d like to open a kind of thing with a restaurant in the back and a retail store up front.”

And speaking of closings, Café Bleu on University Avenue in Hillcrest ceased operation last weekend as well. The restaurant survived almost two years. It was run by Ric Libiran, who also owns The Red Door in Mission Hills.

In the face of numerous restaurant closures this year, the lauded Pacifica Del Mar celebrates its 20th anniversary this week. Situated atop the Del Mar Plaza with ocean views, the seafood-driven restaurant currently offers half-price wines and affordable two-course meals on Thursdays. Pacifica Del Mar is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar in Del Mar. For more information, call 858-792-0476.

The Little Italy Association presents its biannual Taste of Little Italy on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 5-9 p.m., along India Street. More than 25 restaurants will open their doors for the event and serve a variety of appetizers, sample entrees and desserts. Among them are Buon Appetito, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Caffe Italia, Anthology, The Glass Door, Indigo Grill and Mimmo’s Italian Village. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on site. They can be purchased online at tasteoflittleitalysd.com. For more information, call 619-615-1092.

Bats, a woodpecker, a horned owl, a snake and tarantula are among the breathing guests expected at Chef Deborah Scott’s gourmet fundraiser for Project Wildlife at the Island Prime/C Level on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 2-5 p.m. The event will also feature performances by the Pualena Polynesian Dancers and the Monarch School Steel Drum Band, all to the tune of food, wine and spirits. Admission is $95 per person or $250 for VIP tickets. Proceeds will benefit Project Wildlife, which cares for thousands of wild animals from more than 320 species throughout Southern California. Island Prime/C Level is located at 880 Harbor Drive in Mission Bay. To purchase tickets, call 858-866-0555, ext. 201.

7-Eleven Inc. is trying its hands at private-label Danishes, bear claws, cupcakes, frosted mini donuts and several other bakery goods tailored for commercial mass production. Look out Hostess because the products will sell at a special rollout price of 99 cents through the end of the year.