RESTAURANT ROUNDUP:

Nearly two decades ago, Scott’s Seafood gave dinner a twist with live piano music — until retaining the musicians proved too expensive.

Now, the restaurant has returned to its roots. Scott’s, which resides at 3300 Bristol St. across from South Coast Plaza, installed a baby grand piano in December and offers live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. Pianists Geoff Woodhouse and Andrew Roddick alternate shifts and regale customers with jazz, classical, pop and anything else that suits the mood.

“We thought, with the influx of people coming through the doors, it would be a good time to have live music in a lounge style,” said General Manager Mark Kuehn. “It’s background music. It’s not a stage with high-powered colored lights and a dance floor. It’s more for listening enjoyment, so it’s easy to converse, meet friends and have drinks.”

The piano, Kuehn noted, is located right inside the front door to entice customers.

“When you enter, you’re basically walking into the sound of the piano,” he said.

Call the restaurant at (714) 979-2400.

Newport steakhouse gets leader with lineage

Russ Bendel Jr., the son of a veteran restaurant industry leader, has been named as the new operating partner for Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at Fashion Island.

Bendel, who graduated from the Collins School of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, started his restaurant career as an hourly associate with Outback Steakhouse in 1999 and joined Fleming’s management program in 2004.

At one point, he served as wine manager of the chain’s Newport Beach location. Bendel’s father, Russ Bendel Sr., has served as president of Roy’s and Mimi’s Cafe.

Fleming’s launched in Newport Beach in 1998 and features a wine list with more than 100 brands. The restaurant is at 455 Newport Center Drive.

— Michael Miller