BUZZ CLUBS

Where Mezcal and tequila rule

Banana slugs, scorpions and fat, inebriated worms are taking over La Cienega Boulevard. Seriously. The Spanish Kitchen, a famed hang of Paris Hilton, Halle Berry and the Olsen twins, debuts its new “Mariscos y Mezcals” bar this week. We’re talking 75 flavas of that crazy brew known as Mezcal (think tequila on steroids with wiggly things floating around).

And while we’re on the subject, the Mexican-themed lounge opens its new “Tequila School” at the end of the month. That’s right, guests get an education in the finer points of tequila, complete with diplomas and wall plaques. (That’s one class students won’t be cutting.)

And Spanish Kitchen owner Greg Morris tells us Bloody Mary aficionados now have a refuge at his Belmont bar and restaurant, also on La Cienega. Scenesters can recover from benders on Saturday and Sunday mornings at his “Make Your Own Bloody Mary” bar, which includes 40 ingredients. Among them: smoked oysters, shrimp, anchovies, blue cheese and a variety of tomatillo sauces. Vodka optional.

In September, Morris debuts his next La Cienega spot, Stone Fire Pizza, which will offer high-end wines on tap.

Southern comfort food

Michael Sutton tells us he’s plotting a new N’awlins-style bar and restaurant in October called Memphis, which will be in a house built in 1903 at Hollywood Boulevard and Hudson.... And Sutton, whose Lodge Steakhouse opens in June, is also hosting a new Saturday night at Mood, and last week’s opening party was a fine fete. Such luminaries as Sharon Stone, Vincent Gallo and Ashlee Simpson christened the new Hollywood nightclub.... We hear Basque, the new club at the old Deep, is offering a sneak preview tonight. Word of mouth says it’s very erotic in a cheeky Moulin Rouge way.... Random sightings: David Hasselhoff sipping hot chocolate at the Sidewalk Cafe in Venice; Joni Mitchell chowing on eggs at the Beverly Glen Deli in Bel-Air; Virginia Madsen, Christina Ricci and Travis Barker kicking it at the Chanting Garden in Hollywood; and Carson Daly downing drinks at the Well.... Manhattan Beach is going Zen with Chakra, a brand-new nightclub on 12th Street.... Westsiders get ready for Zip Fusion, a new sake lounge on Olympic that makes its debut May 20. And while we’re on the Westside, sexy bar Liquid Kitty celebrates its ninth anniversary next Thursday.... And don’t miss country blues guitarist Mark Miller at Friday’s grand opening of Gin Stevens’ new hobo art collection at Counterpoint Records/Harmony Gallery in Hollywood. Between Stevens’ Depression-era-style gems and Miller’s slide gee-tar, you’ll wanna shoot the moon.

-- Heidi Siegmund Cuda