This Just In....

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<< WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (AP) -- The newest addition to the roster of celebrity-inspired restaurants, Carlos Santana's Maria Maria, promises to deliver authentic Mexican cuisine in an atmosphere inspired by his music.

The 59-year-old musician and his wife, Deborah, announced a partnership this week with Walnut Creek-based Dudum Sports & Entertainment Corp., which developed Joe DiMaggio's Italian Chophouse in San Francisco and other celebrity-focused establishments.

Together, they plan to turn three existing Northern California restaurants into Maria Maria, named after Santana's Grammy-winning single.

The first restaurant is scheduled to open in Walnut Creek in April, followed by Mill Valley in May and Santa Rosa in June.

''The passion that we have for food and for creating a unique experience really resonated with Carlos and Deborah,'' said Jeff Dudum, DSE's chief executive. ''I couldn't be more excited about having the opportunity to work with them on restaurants that honor and celebrate Latin American culture, food and music.''>>