Steve Samson and David Myers take a quick break.
Last night, Pizzeria Ortica officially turned a year old. (Can I just say I love this slow trickle of L.A. restaurants opening on our side of town?) David Myers spent some time behind the bar as mixmaster, shaking drinks from the restaurant's new 18A cocktail menu. Best bets: Try the Rossini ($10), which is a blend of vodka, lemon juice, strawberries and mint. It's kind of what you would expect winter and summer to taste like if they combined forces in a glass. Another good one is the Eastside ($12), made of Bombay Sapphire, cucumber, mint and lime. From now until Feb. 11, if you buy a drink, you get the second one for $1. It's a good reason to try them all. 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa. 714-445-4900. www.pizzeriaortica.com
In other news: P
rime Cut Café has just announced that corkage fees are waived for the rest of the month. You can also enter to win a dinner for deux: The next time you’re in the restaurant, leave your business card with your waiter or drop it into the drawing bowl yourself. The winner receives a $50 gift card.
1547 W. Katella Ave., Orange. 714-532-4300. www.primecutcafe.com
The Summit House has launched a trio of specials for winter. Prime Rib Wednesdays gets you a cottage-cut of beef plus sides for $19.95. The prime rib is also offered nightly as part of a $40, three-course prix fixe menu. Happy Sundays extends happy hour for the entire evening, with $3 draft beers, $4 wines by the glass and 1/3 off of the Tavern menu. 2000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton. 714-671-4111, www.summithouse.net
Next week: On Jan. 19,
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine is hosting its first winemakers dinner at 7 p.m. Wines are from the Banfi Vinters, and will be poured around a four-course menu that includes choices like pan-seared Monterey calamari, chocolate panna cotta and caramel almond popcorn. Sharon McCarthy, president of the Society of Wine Educators, will be on-hand for a short education on the winemaking process and wine pairing basics. $50 per person.
2607 Main St., Irvine. 949-387-8887, www.andreisrestaurant.com