Ma Maison

Ma Maison, that popular West Hollywood eatery of the stars and other luminaries, will close Thursday because the 22,000-square-foot property it occupies has been sold. That's the word from industry spokesmen, although Patrick Terrail, Ma Maison owner, was unavailable for comment. When contacted, Joe Lenzi of the Novagroup Realty in Beverly Hills, verified that he represented both sides in the $2-million-plus transaction, which closed escrow Nov. 1.

"A legend in our time." That's what the Friars Club calls Gene Kelly, that all-around, splendid talent. To back up those words the Friars are giving Kelly their Lifetime Achievement Award at a resplendent black-tie affair Nov. 9 at the Beverly Hilton. The award is no small token of recognition. In past years it has gone to such worthies as Lucille Ball, James Stewart, Sammy Davis Jr., Red Buttons, Marvin Davis and Milton Berle.

My experience at Ma Maison included uncomfortable patio chairs, cramped bathrooms, a lovely view of dirty air-conditioning ducts suspended from the ceiling and, above all, fine champagne served in wet glasses. Oh, and the food? Excellent. TERUKO BURRELL La Puente

New billboards across the street from the Beverly Center depict a smiling waiter in a striped apron, bearing a scale model of an imposing 11-story building on a silver platter. "Ma Maison, the hotel," the billboard announces. "Opening Spring, 1987." But some nearby residents are not smiling about the prospect of living across the street from the renowned French restaurant and hotel of the same name. Project designers, however, are confident that the neighbors will learn to love it.