Bay of Pines returns with Happiness Day, pirate ship.

I didn’t see this coming.

Then again, I never saw a restaurant featuring marine murals, endless decorations and a giant pirate ship bar coming to downtown Monterey in the first place.

I marveled at the unique design at Bay of Pines with a photo blog post in fall 2013 called "Monterey's Newest Night Spot Will Introduce a Pirate Boat Bar," and the pictures still surprise me.

(Some BoP tasting notes starring Irish-Mex nachos and pistachio-crusted salmon followed in January.)

After an uneven first year plus braving treacherous new restaurant waters, Bay of Pines, which occupies the old India Clay Oven on Del Monte near Cibo, closed. (The food was above average, if not superb, the drinks sugary, the overall feel uniquely weird.)

Its owner said it was only temporary, but that's the equivalent of a concert promoter calling an undersold show "postponed," or a broke bill payer saying "check's in the mail."

I was among those very skeptical it would ever reopen.

Which makes this next note doubly happy news.

In celebration of United Nations' International Day of Happiness (March 20), Bay of Pines is hosting a weekend-long party 8am-2pm Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20.

The activities include Gratitude Wall Postings to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, Little's Lemonade Stand, a pirate treasure hunt, face painting, creative puppet shows, international storytelling and a special menu starring pancakes, crepes, fresh soups and salads, burgers and tri-tip sandwiches.

Owner Dana Hellman is a former teacher, environmental education enthusiast and lover of kids, hence the youthful focus.

Hellman plans on adding kids nights when parents can dine downstairs and kids can participate in musical, cultural and artistic activities upstairs.

The restaurant itself reopens for lunch April 1, and for dinner when BoP reacquires its liquor license (hopefully May).

Underrated Eli Rabaino returns as chef, which is great news.