Taste of Orange County

It's been a pleasure blogging for Orange Coast readers, but it's time for me to say goodbye. The lovely and talented Priscilla Mayfield will take my place, and will do a bang-up job, I'm sure of it. You may know her as the brains behind OC Food Nation, and from her freelance work from The Orange County Register. Her current gig is as the Orange County Cooking Examiner.  Her writing talent is matched only by her voracious love of all things food. We are happy to have her on board!

There are some behind-the-scenes matters to take care of right now, so stay tuned for her posts in the near future. You can reach her at ocfoodblogger@gmail.com. Drop her a line to say hello!

Again, it's been lovely! I still plan to cover the OC food world, and you can always reach me at cynthiafurey@yahoo.com. Happy trails!

The 300-seat Seasons 52 has opened at South Coast Plaza, bringing with it a seasonal American menu with touches of Californian. Expect things like wood-fired flatbreads, hearty chilis, seafood and grill items. Executive chef Tim Kast is at the helm, and an accompanying wine list was created by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-437-5252, www.seasons52.com 

OC Foodie Fest: On Saturday (Aug. 28), 50 of Southern California's best food trucks will converge at the Honda Center to help support local charities. Each vendor will have menu specials priced from $1 to$5. There will also be a beer garden and free samples from snack companies. Click here  for a complete list of participating food trucks. Presale tickets  are $12 for adults, $6 for kids. There's also family packs and other specials available. 2659 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. www.ocfoodiefest.com  

 Ingredient dinner: Kimera restaurant is hosting its first dinner revolving around a single ingredient. The ingredients in question are peak-season heirloom tomatoes, the star of dishes like Bloody Marys, leg of lamb, braised rabbit ravioli and pineapple-tomato panna cotta. The six-course meal is $65 per person. 7:30 p.m. tonight (Aug. 27.) 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine. 949-261-1222. www.diningasart.com 

"Endless Summer" cookout: Ruby's Diner takes over Huntington Beach Pier with a burger cookout and a screening of the 1966 film "Endless Summer." Director Bruce Brown and actor Robert August will be on-hand for autographs. RubyBurgers and drinks are $5, with proceeds benefiting ChildHelp. 6 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 26). 400 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach.

Some good news on the restaurant front today: Memphis Cafe celebrates its 15-year anniversary by rolling back prices -- all the way to the restaurant's 1995 lunch and dinner prices. There will also be commemorative cocktails to sip. Wednesday, Aug. 25. 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-432-7685. www.memphiscafe.com 

Claes Andersen, the owner and namesake of the longstanding Laguna Beach fine-dining favorite, died recently. He was 63.

“Claes Andersen was an enthusiastic fan of Laguna Beach, an early booster to finer dining, and a devoted disciple of wine,” says Orange Coast restaurant critic Gretchen Kurz. “His example of refined hospitality influenced generations of O.C. diners, chefs, and wine followers. His generosity and fondness for the community will be warmly remembered and appreciated. Claes will be missed by many.”

In 1969, Andersen graduated from Denmark’s Hotel and Restaurant School with honors. He went on to work as the executive chef of the Westwood Plaza Hotel before opening Claes in 1985, after he bought the Hotel Laguna. In 1993, he housed displaced residents in the hotel after a massive fire claimed 389 homes on the Laguna hillside, including his own.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 21) at Laguna Presbyterian Church (415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach), followed by a 5 p.m. reception at Hotel Laguna (425 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach). Donations can be made to the Claes Andersen Hospitality Scholarship Foundation. For more information, click on this link .

Flavors of OC gala: On Sunday (Aug. 22), Chef Jamie Gwen (at left) hosts the "ultimate gastronomic experience" at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach to benefit the American Liver Foundation. Top OC chefs like Scott Brandon (the crow bar and kitchen), Franco Barone (Il Barone), Rob Wilson (The Ritz-Carlton) and more. Each chef will prepare a five-course menu for his designated table. There will also be a cocktail reception and silent auction. $300 per person. 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. Tickets and more information: 310-670-4624.

Parrot Head Sunday brunch: Bayside restaurant will have a special Sunday brunch with live music from Mark Wood and the Parrot Head band Duet. Brunch is three courses with bottomless champagne. Main course selections include Bayside "Benedict," open-face steak sandwich or sauteed tiger prawns. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 22). $29.50 per person. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. 949-721-1222. www.diningasart.com 

Cooking class: NYC's Aureole chef Megan Romano pairs up with chef Amar Santana to teach students teach salty and sweet recipes from Romano's new cookbook, "It's a Sweet Life." 11 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 21). $75 per person. Charlie Palmer, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-352-2525. www.charliepalmer.com 

Pub & Grub: The OC Foodie Fest takes over Goat Hill Tavern with a Pub & Grub event, where bar drinks and food truck items from trucks like Taco Dawg, Calbi Truck, Piaggio on Wheels and more will be around. Bar patrons must be at least 21, but the food truck area is all ages. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 21.) Goat Hill Tavern, 1830 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. www.ocfoodiefest.com  for more information.

Farmers Market: A new certified farmers market has popped up at The District in Tustin. Every Sunday through Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon, shop for produce and specialty foods from local vendors, restaurants and stores. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-259-9090. www.thedistricttl.com 

Hawaiian cooking class: Roy's in Newport Beach is hosting a Hawaiian cooking class on Saturday (Aug. 14) at 11:30 a.m. Learn how to make salmon sushi rolls, ahi "poketinis," seared shutome and mango panna cotta. Can't make it? The same class is also offered on Aug. 21. $50 per person. 453 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-640-7697. www.roysrestaurant.com 

Beer dinner: The crow bar and kitchen will host a beer dinner Tuesday evening (Aug. 10), with selections from Delaware-based Dogfish Head brewery, known for adventurous brews. Visit this link  for the full four-course menu.  $44 per person. 2325 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-675-0070. www.thecrowbarcdm.com 

Midsummer BBQ Bash: A Restaurant celebrates its two-year anniversary with a DJ'd barbecue on Wednesday, (Aug. 11), featuring a four-course prix-fixe with entrees like Kurobuta pork ribs, smoked salmon and tri tip. For dessert, there's s'mores, cobbler or red velvet cake. The first seating is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., while the second seating begins at 8 p.m.$45 per person. 3334 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-650-6505. www.arestaurantnb.com 

Turn that pub crawl into a food crawl: Normally, Fullerton is the go-to destination for night owls and college folk looking for a little debauchery, but this week, the city beckons you during its daylight hours as well. The inaugural Fullerton Restaurant Week is underway with breakfast, lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus ranging from $5 to $40 at participating restaurants. Specials and such end on August 7. Visit www.fullertonrestaurantweek.com for a list of restaurants. 

Volunteer bloggers and bakeries are donating cupcakes for Cupcake Camp, a massive bake sale this weekend to help raise money for El Pozo, an organization that fights human trafficking. Stop by, have a cupcake (or three!) to show your support.

There will be competitions for the most unique, the “most OC” and the best childhood-inspired confection. For attendees, there’s also a cupcake eating contest(!!). Two Parts Sugar bakery of Costa Mesa is raffling off $1,000 worth of cupcakes (in the form of a wedding cake or cupcake tower). The bakery will also debut a new cupcake flavor at the event. Attendance is free, but there’s a suggested donation of $10.

Info: The event is on Aug.1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Atrium Hotel, 18700 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine. Visit this Cupcake Camp  link for more information.

This Friday, The Crosby in Santa Ana joins a lineup of restaurants and bakeries for Savor Los Angeles. This particular event is more sweet than savory, as participating purveyors will provide bites of their best sweets and baked goods. There will be champagne and cocktails, a fruit and cheese bar and other fun stuff. Friday (July 30) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 to $55 per person. Miahaus Studios, 1201 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. Visit www.savor-losangeles.com  for tickets.

Wine dinner: Winemaker Rich Salvestrin of Salvestrin family winery will be on-hand to discuss selections that are paired with the six-course prix-fixe. Courses include grilled halibut, roast duck leg, wild mushroom-stuffed filet mignon and Meyer lemon sherbet. 7 p.m. Thursday (July 22). Bar opens at 6 p.m. $110 per person. 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. 714-997-1972. www.hobbitrestaurant.com 

Artful eating with Jeff: Who's Jeff, you ask? Jeff Venier is an award-winning artist, vegetable gardener and cook. In this workshop, he'll take students through the Irvine farmers market to pick out produce for still life drawings. Afterward, the class will prepare composed summer salads. 11:30 a.m. Saturday (July 24) and 11:30 a.m. July 30. $20 per person. Center for Living Peace, 4139 Campus Drive, Irvine. 949-854-5500 or this link  for information.

Cooking class: Chef Zov Karamardian presents a class with a Greek-themed menu. Taste and learn how to make Greek salad, spanakopita, stuffed leg of lamb and chicken kebobs. 11:30 a.m. Saturday (July 17). $75 per person. 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin. Reservations: 714-838-8855. www.zovs.com 

Celebrity chef challenge: The Great Park's Great Orange Festival will include a chef challenge at noon on July 17. Judges include chefs Helene An (AnQi), Mark Kearney (Sabor International), Pascal Olhats (Pascal) and Bruno Serato (Anaheim White House). The Orange festival will run until 10 p.m. Saturday (July 17), with live music and other events. Proceeds benefit more than 20 local charities. Visit www.giantorangefestival.com  for information. For tickets, click on this link. 

SOL Cocina celebrates its one-year anniversary today with a birthday bash from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight. Get a free margarita when you order the Tres Lobster Tacos entree. There will also be cake at 9 p.m. 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com  

OC Fair: The annual bevy of fried food is back! New for this year: Chicken Charlie introduces the deep-fried Klondike Bar, while the aptly named Heart Attack Cafe debuts with deep-fried butter (how?) and garlic bacon fries. The OC Fair runs from tomorrow (July 16) to August 15. The fair is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit www.ocfair.com  for a complete schedule of events and hours. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Wine dinner and book signing: Prego Ristorante presents a dinner featuring recipes from OC food columnist Cathy Thomas' newest book, "Melissa's Everyday Cooking with Organic Produce." Each dish in the five-course prix-fixe menu will be paired with wines from Greg Norman Estates. The evening includes a cocktail reception and book-signing. 6 p.m. tomorrow (July 16). 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. 949-553-1333. www.pregoristoranti.com 

Lulu's Creperie & Cafe will feature a four-course meal tonight in honor of Bastille Day. Choices include smoked salmon, pate, cassoulet and crepes Suzette, to name a few. $29.95 per person. 24781 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills. 949-855-2222. www.lulus-cafe.com 

Chef Pascal Olhats' annual French national holiday celebration includes live music and a five-course prix-fixe. Choices include cassoulet, grilled salmon steak, and NY steak. Seatings are from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday (July 16), and Saturday (July 17). $65 per person, including wine. Tradition by Pascal, 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach. 949-263-9400. www.pascalnewportbeach.com 

Pescadou Bistro will have a four-course prix fix, with choices like coq au vin, steak frites and Boeuf Bourguignon. 3325 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. 949-675-6990. www.pescadoubistro.com 

Stars of Paso Robles BBQ: Thirty of Central California's wineries will converge at the St. Regis Monarch Beach for a massive wine tasting and barbecue event at 7 p.m. Thursday (July 15). There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the TJ Martell Foundation for Cancer and AIDS Research. Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. Call 310-451-7600 for tickets, and visit this link  for a list of participating winemakers.

Blind tasting workshops: Starting tomorrow (July 10), Laguna Culinary Arts will have blind tasting workshops every Saturday until the end of summer. Wine lovers looking to heighten their understanding of wine, or even professionals prepping for wine exams can benefit from these workshops. Peter Neptune will moderate and discuss the wines at the end of each session. Sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $45 per workshop. 845 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Registration: 949-494-0745, or online with this link. 

Pizzeria Ortica is offering a farm-to-table menu on select dates in July. The menu includes zucchini carpaccio, Pugliese-style bread salad, prosciutto and heirloom melon, and pancetta and broccoli pizza. Chef de cuisine Justin Miller heads to local Chino Farms to pick up the produce himself. Menu availability dates: Today, July 14-15, July 21-22. 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa. 714-445-4900. www.pizzeriaortica.com 

Beef 101: What's a hangar steak? How would you cook it? Chefs Charlie Palmer and Amar Santana teach students about the ins and outs of beef. You'll learn about different grill cuts, and how to prepare them. 5:30 p.m. tonight. $75 per person, includes the class and a three-course meal. Charlie Palmer @ Bloomingdale's, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-352-2525. www.charliepalmer.com 

Orange Coast's Best of 2010  list has hit newsstands, featuring this year's picks for everything from hottest date for vegans (118 Degrees) to best tamale in a doughnut shop (Garden Grove's Sak Donuts). Got any restaurant/menu items on your list that didn't make ours? Do tell us in the comments below.

The Melting Pot locations in Brea and San Clemente are celebrating their three-year anniversaries with a “3 for $33” fondue menu that’s available through August 31. The three-course dinner includes choices of cheeses, dipping items and dessert fondue. Brea: 375 W. Birch St. 714-671-6000. San Clemente: 647 Camino de los Mares. 949-661-1966. www.meltingpot.com

I first read about CandyCot apricots in the CandyCot twitter feed a couple of years back. Farmer John Driver claims these limited-availability apricots are the sweetest you'll ever eat, and he should know -- he's scoured the globe for seeds to bring back to his farm near Modesto, Calif., to breed into the perfect designer apricot. For two years, these were usually only available up north, most notably at the San Francisco Ferry Building. I could never justify an impromptu road trip during the May-June CandyCot season just to bring home a flat -- but now, for a short window of time, we don't have to. (Score!) 

Last night the CandyCot twitter feed  brought the news I was waiting for: A limited quantity was shipped to Whole Foods locations in El Segundo and Tustin. Tustin!! I ventured to the store this morning, where a small stack was placed at the entrance of the store, eight CandyCots packaged like jewels  in foam and cardboard mini-flats. Priced at $8.99 a pound, nonetheless. Normally, I'd laugh at this ridiculous price for produce, but since I'd been waiting two years for this moment. I bought some. 

And they are well worth the price. Sweet and floral, soft and juicy. They were everything I had imagined and then some. It'll be hard to go back to regular apricots. 

So have any of you out there tried these? I don't normally write recommendations on this blog, but if you're at all curious, hightail it to Whole Foods as soon as you can. Who knows how long they'll be around for. 

In honor of Kids Restaurant Week, The District will host a family-friendly party complete with bounce houses, face-painting, cupcake decorating, tastings and other activities. Stop in anytime between noon and 4 p.m. tomorrow (June 26) to hang out -- it's free. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin. Visit this link  for more information. 

About Kids Restaurant Week: From June 27 to July 3, you can take the family out for less than you normally would spend. Participating restaurants will offer family-style prix-fixes and/or "kids eat free" specials. A portion of the week's proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength. Visit this link for the complete list of restaurants. 

Also happening June 27 is Family Day at Don the Beachcomber. From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ,bring the family down for some hula classes, shaved ice, indoor surf lessons and more. Specials include $4 mai-tais, and kids eat free with the purchase of one regular entree from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 16278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. RSVP to mona@moxxepr.com.

This weekend, Irvine is the epicenter of all things Greek. The annual “A Taste of Greece” features food (mmm, spanakopita. And baklava, photo above), wine tasting, entertainment and other Greek-themed events. Festival is from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday June 25, Noon to 10 p.m. June 26 and noon to 9 p.m. June 27. Admission is $3, with children 10 and under free. St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine. 949-733-3102. Visit www.irvinegreekfest.com  for a full menu (and to brush up on pronouncing the names of those dishes).

August Briggs Wine Dinner: The Hobbit's latest wine pairing dinner is six courses, each matched with selections from Napa Valleys' August Briggs, an artisanal boutique winery. There are still a few tables left! Visit this link  for a full menu and more information.  7 p.m. June 24. $110 per person. 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. Reservations: 714-997-1972. www.hobbitrestaurant.com 

Dads eat free at The Counter in Irvine. Details below.

Here's a list of restaurants offering specials for dear old dad (Father's Day is June 20, for those who forgot). Got any other suggestions that aren't on this list? Feel free to comment below. Specials below are for Sunday, unless otherwise noted. As always, reservations are highly recommended. Happy Father's Day!

The Alley Restaurant & Bar: A bottomless champagne brunch available both Saturday and Sunday. 4501 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-646-9126. www.thealleynewportbeach.com 

Bayside Restaurant: Three-course Champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live entertainment. $37.75 per person, with entree choices like grilled swordfish, Italian-style frittata and sauteed tiger prawns. Kids 12 and under are $18 from a special menu. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. 949-721-1222. www.baysiderestaurant.com 

The Bungalow: Buy a bottle of wine and one entree, and dad's entree is free. 2441 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-673-6585. www.thebungalowrestaurant.com  

The Counter: The BFD ("Burger for Dad," pictured above) deal offers a free burger for dads on Father's Day -- all they have to do is request the deal by its name. Must be accompanied by a paying guest. 6416 Irvine Blvd., Irvine. 949-336-7272. (The BFD is also available at other So Cal locations) www.thecounterburger.com 

Don the Beachcomber: A BBQ brunch with bottomless draft beer from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entree selections include skirt steak, salmon, baby back ribs and Polish sausage. 10 a.m. and noon seatings. $34.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids 12 to 5, kids 4 and under are free. 16278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 562-592-1321. www.donthebeachcomber.com 

Five Crowns: Brunch menu and chocolate cigars from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with selections like prime rib, beef medallions, eggs Benedict and more. Specials start at $21. Special dinner items available from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-760-0331. www.lawrysonline.com 

The Hobbit: A grand, seven-course menu for $74 per person ($35 additional for wine pairing). Highlights include herb-roasted lamb loin, seared sable and chocolate lava cake. 6 p.m. 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. 714-997-1972. www.hobbitrestaurant.com 

Lucca Cafe: Brunch buffet featuring egg, omelet and carving stations, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $24.95 to $29.95 for adults. Children under 12 pay their age. 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine. 949-725-1773. www.luccacafe.net  

Matador Cantina: A bottomless Champagne and Mimosas brunch beginning at 9 a.m. 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. Reservations required: 714-871-8226. www.thematador.com 

Morton's The Steakhouse: For $69 per person, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe with entree choices like filet mignon, Chicken Christopher and more. Anaheim: 1895 S. Harbor Blvd. 714-621-00101. Santa Ana: 1641 W. Sunflower Ave. 714-444-4834. www.mortons.com 

Port Restaurant & Bar: Three-course prix-fixe brunch, with entrees like brioche French toast, chicken kabobs, and chocolate mousse for dessert, among other selections. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $34 for adults, $14 for kids (kids menu). 440 Heliotrope Ave., Corona del Mar. 949-723-9685. www.portcdm.com 

Prego Ristorante: Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including omelets, eggs benedict, frittatas, vanilla French toast and more, with optional bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Lunch menu will also be available. 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. 949-553-1333. www.pregoristoranti.com 

Prime Cut Cafe: Surf & Turf special of 8-ounce lobster tail and 8-ounce filet mignon for $39.95. Available all weekend. 1547 W. Katella Ave., Orange. 714-532-4300. www.primecutcafe.com 

Sapphire Laguna: Three-course prix-fixe brunch of things like Indonesian chilled shrimp, spicy halibut and andouille sausage with grits, lamb burgers and more. Available 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $45 for adults, $22 for kids ages 5 to 12. 1200 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-9888. www.sapphirelaguna.com 

SOL Cocina: Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and special dinner menu from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com 

Taleo Mexican Grill: Special Father's Day selections like lobster and filet mignon Surf & Turf, double-cut pork chop and bone-in ribeye chop. Entrees range from $28 to $48. 3309 Michelson Drive, Irvine. 949-553-9002. www.taleogrill.com 

The Winery Restaurant & Bar: From 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., enjoy dinner specials like prime rib, New Zealand elk chops, grilled lobster and more. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-258-7600. www.thewineryrestaurant.net 

Top Chef Tour: Don't pack your knives, just go: The 21-city Bravo TV's "Top Chef: The Tour" makes a stop at Irvine Spectrum tomorrow, brought to you by a giant orange semi-truck that'll be hard to miss. Meet some of the chefs from past seasons and sample their dishes in this mobile restaurant tour, complete with table seating to make it easier for you to hob-nob. There will also be games and photo ops. Pre-registration is closed, but seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine. Visit this link  for more information.

In this month's issue, Orange Coast's restaurant critic Gretchen Kurz presents a comprehensive guide with the cream of the crop from the breakfast world: The best places to get everything from biscuits to waffles. Is there a fave you'd like to add to the list? Are you a die-hard regular of a nook near your home? Do you agree or disagree with Gretchen's picks? We want to know, so leave your thoughts in the comments below.

OC BBQ Festival: Teams from all over Southern California compete for the title in this daylong fair, which includes a rib eating contest, a classic car show and games for the kiddies.10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 12. OC Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. $10 per person. 714-408-9781. www.ocbbqfestival.com 

118 Degrees Anniversary: Chef Jenny Ross and 118 Degrees celebrates its three-year anniversary from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 13 with samples of Ross' raw food and entertainment. The event is free to the public, though reservations are required. RSVP to mona@moxxepr.com. 2981 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-754-0718. www.118degrees.com 

 Stars of Santa Barbara: The Central Coast heads south to South Coast Plaza to help raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank. More than 40 Santa Barbara-area wineries will provide tastes of 100 different wines, while DJ Jason Bentley of KCRW spins some groovy tunes. Local restaurants providing nibbles include AnQi Bistro, Pizzeria Ortica, Pinot Provence and Charlie Palmer, among others. $75 advanced tickets, $100 at the door. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Tickets and info: 310-451-7600, or visit this link .

Also:  To mark Pacific salmon season, The Bluewater Grill will serve four varieties of salmon tonight in a tasting. You'll also learn about trends in salmon, fishery, and the difference between the Pacific varieties.$28.95 per person. 6:30 p.m. tonight. Reservations required. Tustin: 2409 Park Ave. 714-258-3474. Newport Beach: 630 Lido Park Drive. www.bluewatergrill.com  

Morton's The Steakhouse has concocted the Purple and Yellow specialty cocktail ($12.50) to help Los Angeles Laker fans show their spirit during the finals. The drink is made with Absolut vodka, Triple Sec, orange juice, sweet & sour, lime juice and Chambord. Stop in to watch the game tomorrow. Anaheim: 1895 South Harbor Blvd. 714-621-0101. Santa Ana: 1641 W. Sunflower Ave. 714-444-4834. www.mortons.com 

Rustica opens at Fashion Island: Fashion Island's newest restaurant opens this week, in the form of an Italian eatery that serves wood-fired flatbreads, had-crafted pastas and other items. Rustica features the cooking of Chef Grant MacPherson, who once cooked for Princess Diana and Jimmy Stewart, as well as in the kitchens of the Four Seasons Hotel. You'll find Rustica right next to the newly opened Nordstrom store. 1133 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. Reservations: 949-706-8282. www.rusticafashionisland.com 

At-home tasting room: TastingRoom.com has a little something for those who wish they could try wines before they invest in full-size bottles. The site sells 50ml mini-bottles of premium wines (think Grgich and DeLoach, with more wineries to come) in sampler kits (six bottles in each kit), so you can essentially try before you buy their full-size versions. Bottles are hand-picked by their vinters, so you know you're getting the good stuff. Visit www.tastingroom.com  to check it out.

Ohh, that strawberry fragrance wafting from Garden Grove only means two things: The unofficial start of summer, and the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival. Have a strawberry shortcake or other berry-themed snack, enjoy some live music and carnival rides. The festival is held at the Village Green, between Euclid and Main streets in Garden Grove. 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. May Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. www.strawberryfestival.org 

Cooking demo: Chef Ivan Calderon of Taco Rosa hosts a cooking demo and tequila tasting on Saturday at 3 p.m. Calderon will make wild red snapper with Abodo and tomatillo salsa with blood-orange relish. The featured tequila is from Penca Azul Tequila. $30 per person. Proceeds will benefit Doctors Without Borders. 2632 San Miguel Drive, Newport Beach. Reservations: 949-720-0980. www.tacorosa.com 

Dine for a cause: 100 percent of Ra Sushi’s sales on certain menu items will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital starting Sunday. Dubbed “Nicky’s Week” and running through June 5, you can help donate by ordering things like edamame, Tootsy Maki, shrimp nigiri, pork gyoza, tuna tataki, chicken yakitori, and other items will help the hospital. In previous years, the restaurant chain has raised almost $500,000 for the hospital. Huntington Beach: 155 5th Street. 714-536-6390. Tustin: 2401 Park Avenue. 714-566-1700. www.rasushi.com  

Memorial Day Barbecue: The Alley Restaurant & Bar will host its annual Memorial Day bash starting from 11 a.m. Monday. $20 gets you access to a buffet of barbecued ribs, chicken, bratwurst, corn on the cobb, salads and more. Also expect a "Minute to win it" challenge with prizes. 4501 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-646-9426. www.thealleynewportbeach.com 

Patriotic happy hour: Wildfish Seafood Grille is staging a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. Things like shrimp and crab wonton soup, ahi tuna tartare and lump crab cakes are from $5 to $8. Also expect $6 margaritas, martinis, mojitos and wines by the glass. 1370 Bison Ave., Newport Beach. 949-720-9925. www.wildfishseafoodgrille.com 

Raw food class: Chef Alysha Maiorelli, a self-described "raw food nerd," will teach a class on "Just Desserts," where students can learn how to make strawberry shortcake crumble, banana ice cream, oatmeal raisin cookies and other sweet treats. Everything on the menu is gluten-free, added-sugar-free, soy-free and dairy-free. 7 p.m. tonight. $40 per person. Environmental Nature Center, 1601 16th St., Newport Beach. Reservations: 949-645-8489. www.encenter.org 

 Pairing art with wine: Tomorrow Pascal Olhats presents an exhibit featuring the silk art works of Michele Morgan. The evening includes a Pinot Noir wine tasting with Cardwell Hills Cellars, some of Olhats’ personally selected roses wines and Provencal hors d’oeuvres. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow. $25 per person. Tradition by Pascal, 1000 Bristol St. North, Newport Beach. Reservations: 949-263-9400. www.pascalnb.com 

Book signing dinner: Longtime OC Register food guru Cathy Thomas will sign her latest book (at left) "Melissa’s Everyday Cooking with Organic Produce," at a special dinner at Five Crowns tonight at 6 p.m. The menu includes biodynamic wines from Demetria Estate, along with dishes like horseradish-crusted wild Alaskan halibut, and produce from Melissa’s World Variety Produce. Visit this link  for a full menu. $65 per person. Books are priced at $29.95. 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Reservations: 949-760-0331. www.lawrysonline.com  

Bistro dinner: Club Culinaire of FrenchCuisine is sponsoring a bistro dinner at 7 p.m. tonight at Pescadou Bistro, with three courses and wine pairings. Visit this link  for a PDF of the menu. $35 per person for club members, $45 per person for non-members. 3325 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. 949-675-6990. www.pescadoubistro.com 

Girls Night Out: For the female 21-and-over crowd, you can head down to Irvine's Kimera for a girls night out from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be free gourmet pizza (in the first hour), a DJ, raffles, and featured cocktails made of Leblon rum. 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine. 949-261-1222. www.kimerarestaurant.com  

Winemaker dinner: The Hill Family Estate Winery is featured in Wildfish Seafood Grille's winemaker dinner tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. Enjoy five courses with five pairings for $95 per person. The menu includes things like Asian pear salad, bacon-wrapped scallops and fruit crepes. 1370 Bison Ave., Newport Beach. Reservations: 949-720-9925. www.eddiev.com  

Cooking class: Learn how to make Asian-style salmon, Gyoza dumplings, herbed rice pilaf and sautéed bok choy. 6 p.m. tomorrow. Call 949-494-0745 or visit this link  to register. 845 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. www.lagunaculinaryarts.com  

Festival: The Orange County Wine and Food celebration is happening today and Saturday. The event benefits various children’s charities as well as the Roosters Foundation of Orange County. Friday’s event has a wine focus, featuring premium and limited-edition California wines paired with hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. The evening is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and tickets are $50 presale and $75 at the door. On Saturday at 4 p.m., “Passport to Chefs” is a black-tie gala featuring a five-course meal prepared by some of OC’s best chefs, wine pairings, live entertainment and auctions. $400 per person. Purchase tickets for either event at www.roostersfoundation.org   

Sale: Listen up, all you at-home chefs: Stephen Frank Table & Pantry (Laguna Gourmet) in Laguna Beach is launches a sale, offering up to 50 percent off of All-Clad, Staub, Emile Henry, Juliska and Shun gadgets and cookware. The sale ends May 31. 424 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. 949-376-1615. www.stephenfrank.com  

Cooking demo: Chef Peter Seranatoni of Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila will show attendees how to make healthy Cali-Latin dishes like ceviche, tortilla soup, and the restaurant’s signature tacos. Fresh juice “mocktails” will be served. Demos are at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday. $30 per person, or $50 per couple. 110 W. Birch St., Brea. 714-255-1040. www.chachasbrea.com 

Wine dinner: Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails presents a four-course dinner paired with California’s Matanzas Creek wines. Click on this link  to open a PDF file of the full menu. 7 p.m. Saturday. $55 per person. 2607 Main St., Irvine. Reservations: 949-387-8887. www.andreisrestaurant.com 

Sunday in the Vineyard: Taste more than 60 boutique wines and help raise money for the Marconi Foundation for Kids and the Child Guidance Center. The Winery Restaurant & Bar (photo at left) is host to “Sunday in the Vineyard” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The afternoon features a cooking demo from Chef Yvon Goetz, plus live and silent auctions. Tasting highlights: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, PerryMoore Cabernet and Turnbull Syrah, just to name-drop a few. Tickets are $125 per person, some of it tax-deductible. Tickets: 714-258-3001 or 714-258-7600. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. www.thewineryrestaurant.net 

Wine dinner: Tonight, The Hobbit will have a six-course dinner paired with Alpha Omega wines. The menu includes things like the 2007 Chardonnay paired with diver scallops, and a 2006 Cabernet paired with mushroom-stuffed filet mignon with Bordelaise sauce. Winemaker Jean Hoefliger will moderate the evening. 7 p.m. May 20. $135 per person. 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. 714-997-1972. www.hobbitrestaurant.com 

Coppola wine dinner: Prego Ristorante presents a five-course Italian dinner with wines from the Coppola family vineyards. Click here  for the full menu. 7 p.m. Friday. $54.95 per person. 18420Von Karman Ave., Irvine. Reservations: 949-553-1333. www.prergoristoranti.com

Cooking class: Laguna Culinary Arts shows you how to make Baja-style fish tacos, chipotle pico de gallo, Spanish rice salad and cinnamon crisps for dessert. Why? Because summertime calls for fresh, beachy food. 6:30 p.m. Friday. Call 949-494-0745 or visit this link  to register. 845 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. www.lagunaculinaryarts.com  

 Cooking class: Tonight, learn how to make Moroccan brick chicken at Laguna Culinary Arts. Other dishes on the menu include citrus and arugula salad, spiced sweet potatoes and strawberry pavlova. Class begins at 6 p.m. Call 949-494-0745 or visit this link  to register. 845 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. www.lagunaculinaryarts.com  

Winemaker dinner: Today, Martin Ray wines will be paired with a five-course dinner at The Winery Restaurant & Bar. Notable courses include rabbit “Deus Facons” with a Martin Ray Pinot Noir, as well as a black pepper-crusted ostrich tenderloin, paired with the winemaker’s Cabernet Sauvignon from 2004 and 2006. 6:30 p.m. May 19. $89 per person. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. Reservations: 714-258-7600. www.thewineryrestaurant.net  

Beer-pairing dinner: The Sorrento Grille will pair five courses with five different beers from Escondido-based Stone Brewing Co. Tonight's menu includes things like mini cheeseburgers with Stone Pale Ale and braised wild boar with the brewery’s Smoked Porter. $40 per person. 370 Glenneyre, Laguna Beach. Reservations: 949-494-8686. www.sorrento-grille.com 

Wine dinner: Five Crowns’ Chef Dennis Brask tailors a menu to complement the wines of Paul Hobbes Winery. Pairings include Colorado leg of lamb with CrossBarn 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. 7 p.m. May 18. $99 per person (includes tax and tip). 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Reservations: 949-760-0331. www.lawrysonline.com 

Cooking class: Blackmarket Bakery Chef Rachel Klemek’s cooking classes are so popular, they’re often sold out weeks before their dates. Case in point: There’s only one spot left for her basic fondant decorating class on June 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Click on this link  if you want that spot! There’s also a schedule  of summer classes for kids and teens. 17941 Sky Park Circle, #E, Irvine. 949-852-4609.

How’d you like to steal away from the daily grind to have lunch, poolside? The Island Hotel’s Palapa Bar is now offering poolside weekday lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It promises a brisk yet casual lunch, so you can whisk away to the office again with no trouble. Menu items include Ahi tuna salad, chopped salad with roasted chicken, gruyere and spiced beef sandwiches and fish tacos, among others. And they’ll throw in free iced tea or lemonade, too. Items are priced from $10 to $12.50. 690 Newport Beach Drive, Newport Beach. 949-760-4920. www.islandhotel.com 

Also: Through May 30th, Orange Coast’s restaurant of the year, Park Ave., is celebrating its five-year anniversary with a three-course surf and turf special, served all day. The entrée includes a six-ounce lobster tail and eight-ounce Culotte steak. Priced at $35. 11200 Beach Ave., Stanton. 714-901-4400. www.parkavedining.com 

Through July 4, King’s Fish House restaurants will offer a special Lobster fest menu. Some highlights: bisque, steak and lobster Oscar, lobster deviled eggs as well as whole live lobsters. Pricing for the latter starts at $23.50, which is kind of a steal, if you ask me. Locations are in Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills and Orange. Click on this link  for a full list. www.kingsfishhouse.com 

And in more seafood specials, the Bluewater Grill today launches a month of Spanish-inspired dishes centering around a Seafood Paella Valenciana. For today only, $28.95 gets you some Spanish tapas, two glasses of wine and the paella, made of Spanish rice, peas, chicken, green and black mussels, manila clams and shrimp. Here’s the catch: For the special price, you have to sign up for Bluewater’s e-newsletter. Click on this link to subscribe.  If you miss out today, you can still try the paella through the end of the month. Locations in Newport Beach and Tustin. www.bluewatergrill.com 

Also for the month of May, The Hobbit celebrates spring with a $66 six-course prix-fixe on Thursdays and Fridays. The evenings start with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and include a fish course, meat/poultry course, sorbet, main course and dessert. Menus change frequently, so check the website for more. 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. Reservations: 714-997-1972. www.hobbitrestaurant.com 

This Sunday, my mom’s getting a home-cooked meal courtesy of yours truly. Those not going this route can choose from any number of OC eateries offering their regularly scheduled menus. But maybe you want something more? The following are restaurants offering mom-themed menus, brunches and little perks this weekend.

SATURDAY

• Anqi Gourmet Bistro: A four-course luncheon followed by a Mother’s Day fashion show hosted by the Style Network and benefiting CASA of Orange County and Flowercause. Celebrity moms and their daughters will walk the runway in Single Dress’ spring/summer 2010 collection. Stars include Fivel Stewart, Tichina Arnold and Romi Dames. Noon to 2 p.m 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. $65 per person. Reservations: 714-557-5679. www.anqibistro.com 
• Daddy Cakes: A Mother’s day precursor pancake breakfast in which moms eat free with the purchase of one $5 breakfast. All proceeds will benefit the Whole Planet Foundation. 2437 Park Ave. (in front of the AMC theater), Tustin. For reservations, e-mail mona@moxxepr.com with the name of each mom and total in your party.
• Simply Fondue: For Saturday and Sunday, both locations will offer a three-course champagne fondue lunch and crepes in addition to its regular menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A four-course dinner is offered starting from 5 p.m. Mission Viejo: 28719 Los Alisos Blvd. 949-707-5200. San Juan Capistrano: 31761 Camino Capistrano. 949-240-0300. www.simplyfondueoc.com  

SUNDAY

• The Alley Restaurant: Brunch specials: sweet crepes with caramelized apples, salmon coquettes, honey bacon wedge salad. Dinner specials: Prime rib burgers, tuna tartare and spinach, grilled portabella salad. 4501 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-646-9126. www.thealleynewportbeach.com 
• Balboa Bay Club & Resort: A Champagne buffet brunch in the Grand Ballroom and an a la carte brunch in the First Cabin restaurant. Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is $74 for adults, $32 for children 4 to 12. First Cabin brunch is from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and is priced at $48. 1221 Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-645-5000. www.balboabayclub.com 
• The Beachcomber: Special menu offered from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for $27.95 for adults and $10.95 for kids. Choose from filet mignon and eggs, spinach artichoke frittata, surf & turf Benedict and other entrees. Price includes champagne, mimosa or non-alcoholic beverage. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. 949-376-6900. www.thebeachcombercafe.com 
• Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila: Flemenco brunch with $6 bottomless mimosas from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items include tortilla soup, chorizo scramble soufflé, roasted chicken hash, Huevos Rancheros and other dishes. 110 W. Birch St., Brea. $17.95 per person. 714-255-1040. www.chachasbrea.com 
• Don the Beachcomber: Bottomless Champagne brunch with Polynesian shows and fire dancers. Three seatings: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. $35 for adults, $13 for kids 12 to 6, free for kids under 5. Dinner service begins at 4 p.m. and features a three-course prix-fixe for $25, along with the restaurant’s regular menu. 16278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 562-592-1321. www.donthebeachcomber.com 
• Five Crowns: Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., featuring things like wild mushroom bisque, Crepes Imperial, poached salmon, chicken mango and Beefsteak Neptune. Dinner starts at 3 p.m., where things like roasted duckling, Nova Scotia lobster tails and a double chocolate soufflé are added to the menu. 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. $21 to $52 for brunch, $33 to $52 for dinner. 949-706-0331. www.lawrysonline.com 
• Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort: A bottomless Champagne brunch in the Cielo Mare Ballroom. Seatings are at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. $75 for adults, $12.95 for kids. 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 714-845-8000. www.waterfrontresort.com 
• Jack’s Restaurant and Bar: Brunch menu from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrees include eggs Benedict, smoked salmon Benedict, blue crab and shrimp crepes, filet mignon and John Dory, among others. 24462 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949-489-1903. www.jacksdp.com 
• Kimera Restaurant: Three-course champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with choices like corned beef hash, Cobb salad, Salmon BLT, hangar steak, and fresh doughnuts for dessert. 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine. $34 per person, with moms half off. Kids menu available. 949-261-1222. www.kimerarestaurant.com 
• Lucca Café: The “mother of all brunches” from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Buffete includes omelette and carving stations. Kids pay their age. 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine. $29.95 with Champagne, $24.95 without. 949-725-1773. www.luccacafe.com 
• Matador Cantina: Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., including option for bottomless champagne and mimosas for $8, and $5 Bloody Marys. Brunch highlights include chorizo Benedict and Huevos Rancheros. 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714-871-8226. www.thematador.com 
• Montage Laguna Beach: A Champagne brunch in the Grand Ballroom from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. will have 12 stations and a complimentary family portrait. $95 for adults, $40 for children 4 to 12. The Loft restaurant will have lunch from noon to 3 p.m., serving a four-course, prix-fixe menu. $85 for adults, $30 for kids 4 to 12. 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-2057. www.montagelagunabeach.com 
• Morton’s The Steakhouse: Three-course meal for $59 per person available from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., which includes: Morton’s or Caesar salad, choice of filet mignon, filet Oskar, broiled salmon, colossal shrimp Alexander or Chicken Christopher, and crème brulee or chocolate mousse. Anaheim: 1895 S. Harbor Blvd. 714-621-0101. Santa Ana: 1641 W. Sunflower Ave. 714-444-4834. www.mortons.com 
• Mozambique Restaurant: Three-course brunch with entrée choices like grilled salmon, chicken marsala and prime rib. Bottomless champagne and mimosas are offered for $10. 1740 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. $34.95 per person. 949-715-7777. www.mozambiqueoc.com 
• Port Restaurant & Bar: Three-course brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrees include blueberry pancakes, chicken breast, beef and lamb kabobs and breakfast burritos. 440 Heliotrope Ave., Corona del Mar. $34 for adults, $14 for kids. 949-723-9685. www.portcdm.com 
• Prego Ristorante: Tuscan brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes omelette, salad and antipasti bars, fresh pasta, carving stations and Italian desserts. 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 7 to 12 and free for 6 and under. 949-553-1333. www.pregoristorante.com 
• Prime Cut Café: Champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Omelettes, eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, prime rib and other choices. 1547 W. Katella Ave., Orange. 714-532-4300. www.primecutcafe.com 
• SOL Cocina: Brunch and dinner specials throughout the day. 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com 
• Stella’s Serious Italian: Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrée choices range from $17 to $32 and include Prime rib, baked French toast, eggs Benedict and Chilean sea bass. 17 Monarch Bay Plaza, Monarch Beach. 949-234-1679. www.stellasitalian.com 
• Tradition by Pascal: Four-course prix-fixe available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Main courses include braised lamb shank, petit filet of beef, grilled Irish salmon, roasted quail or Mother “Therese.” 1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach. $40 per person. There’s also a $30 three-course kids menu available. 949-263-9400. www.pascalnewportbeach.com 
• The Winery Restaurant & Bar: Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with contemporary jazz band and chocolate truffles. The dinner menu is also available from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-258-7600. www.thewineryrestaurant.net 

Here are our picks for where to celebrate today’s holiday. Let the party begin.

Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila: Food and rink specials, flamenco and mariachi bands and hourly giveaways. New drinks include a watermelon margarita, Classic Caipirinha and Brazilion Passion. Begins at 11:30 a.m. 110 W. Birch St., Brea. 714-225-1040. www.chachasbrea.com 

Don the Beachcomber: $3 margaritas and Coronas in the Dagger Bar all day, plus half off cocktails and the entire bar menu at happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 16278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 562-592-1321. www.donthebeachcomber.com 

Matador Cantina: Mariachi bands, a guest DJ and raffles for a beach cruiser, flatscreen TV and Angels tickets. Food and drink specials include $1.25 grilled tacos, $3 Coronas, $4 well drinks and $5 calls and appetizers until the restaurant closes. Begins at 11 a.m. 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714-871-8226. www.thematador.com 

Prego Ristorante: Happy hour all day with $4 tapas and beers, $4.50 house wines and specialty cocktails, and $5 well drinks. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. 949-553-1333. www.pregoristorante.com 

SOL Cocina: Specials on food, cocktails and beers, as well as samplings from the menu throughout the day. Chef Deborah Schneider will also presale her latest book, “Amor y Tacos.” A portion of sales from margaritas, carnitas street tacos and book sales will benefit Corazon de Vida. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com 

Taleo Mexican Grill: Live music and drink specials all day. 3309 Michelson Drive, Irvine. 949-553-9002. www.taleomexicangrill.com 

The Winery Restaurant & Bar: Stop in for some hors d’oeuvres and Partida tequila cocktails in the restaurant’s “Vineyard,” where there will be live entertainment. 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. $40 per person. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-258-7600. www.thewineryrestaurant.net 

For more Cinco de Mayo specials, visit this link to the blog of Mexican food guru Christian Z. Happy Cinco!

The sixth annual Taste of Ladera is a weekend packed with food, activities and entertainment, including a celebrity chef challenge and headlining rock bands Lit and The English Beat. A food court will house local restaurant booths, beer gardens and wine.

The celebrity chef challenge features local chefs competing for the win, including Susan Irby, Ken Cruz and Alvaro Gonzales, Anahita Naderi and Rochelle Taylor. Event judges include Chefs Jamie Gwen, Amar Santana, Bruno Serato, Craig Stone and Richard Sweeney. Tamra Barney of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” will emcee.

The Taste of Ladera is family-friendly, so bring the kids. The celebrity chef challenge is at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Taste of Ladera is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $12 to $17, while tickets at the gate are $17-$22. Sunday. Founders Park, 28243 Sellas Road, North Ladera Ranch. Visit www.tasteofladera.com  for a schedule, tickets and more information.

On Wednesday, Haven Gastropub will introduce its newest beer offering, Firestone Walker’s Solace, an unfiltered springtime wheat ale. Here’s what the release says about this limited-edition beer: “A special limited release, an ode to warmer weather in the northern hemisphere. A hint of citrus fruit and clove aroma are followed by tangy dry malt flavor and a silky finish making it an approachable and refreshing session beer.” Sounds pretty good to us. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. 190 S. Glassell St., Orange. 714-221-0680, www.havengastropub.com 

Also Wednesday, South Coast Plaza’s AnQi spends its happy hour showcasing the Emilio Pucci spring 2010 collection. Have a few cocktails and take in the runway show. If you want the best seats in the house, reservations are recommended. 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-557-5679. www.anqibistro.com 

On Thursday, Chef Deborah Schneider of SOL Cocina will celebrate the release of her latest cookbook, and you’re invited to the party.

“Amor y Tacos” is full of  Baja-style recipes that are inspired by the restaurant, and include salsas, antojitos, cocktails and agues frescas among other things. The evening includes samples and drinks from the book and random drawings for signed copies. 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. SOL Cocina, 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com 

The California Wine Festival starts today and runs through Saturday in Dana Point. Today's tasting event is “Taste the Future: 21st Century Classics,” where you can sample unfiltered, still-aging barreled wines, all paired with nibbles from local restaurants. The tasting is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. $75 in advance, $100 at the door. Tomorrow's tasting is already sold out, but don't fret: Tickets are still available for Saturday’s beachside shebang, which runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., (with 11:30 a.m. admission for VIP ticketholders). Dozens of wineries will come together to offer tastes of more than 300 wines (click here  for full list). Local restaurants like 118 Degrees and hush restaurant will also be there for samples. Tickets are $59 in advance, and $75 at the gate. Visit www.californiawinefestival.com  for tickets and more information.

From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, head down to the Huntington Beach Sports Complex for the annual Taste of Huntington Beach. Visit this page  for a list of all participating restuarants. General admission tickets are $65 each, while VIP tickets are $85. The VIP package includes a T-shirt, early entry, champagne area, and other souvenirs. 18100 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach. Visit this link  for more information.

Last week, it was Sage on the Coast. This week, it’s the Orange County Wine & Food Center that’s  shutting down. Blog posts onthe OCWFC's Meetup.com page state that the “economy has impacted our business in a negative way and we were forced to close on very short notice.” The official e-mail landed in my inbox this morning:

"Dear Friends & Fans of Orange County Wine & Food Center, I wish this email was announcing a great wine event, a cooking class with Chef Paul [Squicciarini] or a jazz concert in the Grand Park. Unfortunately, we are formally announcing our closure. The current economy has impacted our business in a negative way and we were forced to close on very short notice. Please call Dawn at 714-641-9922 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for being a part of our short but sweet success."

The OCWFC, formerly the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Center, opened in the summer of 2009.

On Wednesday, Scott’s Seafood will have a “Get to Know Riesling” wine tasting event featuring Rieslings from different parts of the world. On the list are France’s Trimbach, Washington’s Sagelands and California’s BV Coastal. A wine rep will be on hand to talk about each, and there will be hors d’oeuvres to snack on. Space is limited, so call for reservations ASAP. 7 p.m. Wednesday. 3200 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-979-2400. www.scottsseafood.com 

And if wine’s not your thing, Thursday brings an artisan beer tasting to Kimera Restaurant. From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can sample the following brews: Blanche de Bruxelles, Chimay Grand Reserve, Delirium Tremens, Kwak and St. Bernardus Prior 8. Not a bad deal at $15 per person. 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine. Reservations: 949-261-1222. www.kimerarestaurant.com 

I don’t normally stray from restaurant news in this little space, but free cheese? And cute little cheese-loaf VW buses? Consider me sold.

We’ve all seen the packages of cheddar loaves in supermarkets, but now we’ll see them on the road: Tillamook will take its cheddar-orange retrofitted 1966 VW mini buses to the streets of O.C, making a handful of pit stops to hand out free samples of its cheeses, recipes, coupons and giveaways. It sounds like a party. Here’s the schedule for today: 

• Fashion Island, all day
  
• Noon to 7 p.m.: Ralph’s, 380 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. 
  
• Noon to 7 p.m.: Bristol Farms, 810 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 
  

Tillamook will spread the loaf love around the county until May 22. You can visit www.loaflovetour.com for a schedule of more locations.

After Saturday, Sage on the Coast will close its doors. Chef Rich Mead’s sister location, Sage Restaurant (at Eastbluff), will remain open. We’ve heard rumors of what’s moving into SOTC's space, and all we can confirm so far is this: Master Sommelier Michael Jordan is somehow involved, and the proposed eatery will serve Matteo’s chopped salads. For those who don’t remember Matteo’s, it was a classic Italian place run by Jordan’s family in Corona del Mar years ago. More info to come. In the meantime, Sage on the Coast will have lunch tasting menus today and tomorrow, and dinner through Saturday. 7862 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-715-7243. www.sagerestaurant.com 

Thanks to the OCeanfront Shake Off, now you have a valid excuse to go resort hopping. Six of OC’s beachfront resort are competing for the People’s Choice award for best cocktail. The resorts’ top mixologists will be competing with the following drinks:

• Balboa Bay Club & Resort: The Newport Peach
• Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort: The Spicy Mary
• Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa: The OCeanfront Breeze
• The Montage Laguna Beach: Ginger Gin Ricky
• The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: Summer Fever
• The Surf & Sand Resort: Cucumber Margarita

To vote, visit this link  to The OCeanfront Shake Off’s Facebook page, where you can also find drink recipes and $10 coupons. A bonus: Voters are also entered in raffles to win drinks at Charlie Palmer or Marche Moderne. The voting period ends May 24. For more info and recipes for the drinks, visit this link  to the OCeanfront’s blog. Winners will be announced May 26.

Irvine’s Kimera is currently running a pretty cool promotion: For $27.95 per person, you’ll get a three-course dinner plus one movie ticket at a Regal, United Artists or Edwards theater. Considering you’ll spend that (if not more) on movie tickets and theater popcorn, it’s quite a bargain. A bonus: The movie tickets don’t expire. Call the restaurant for reservations. 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine. 949-261-1222. www.kimerarestaurant.com 

Shades Restaurant & Bar is hosting an informal wine tasting from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. Tonight, five wines from California’s central coast from winemakers like Dierberg, Jaffurs, Star Lane and Zaca Mesa. Next Thursday, French wines are in the spotlight. $15 per person. 2100 Pacific Coast Highway (in the Hilton Waterfront Resort), Huntington Beach. 714-845-8444.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia will be the featured guest at this Friday’s ESPN Lunch with a Legend, taking place at Anaheim’s Morton’s The Steakhouse. The afternoon includes a three-course lunch, with entrée choices like single-cut filet mignon, broiled salmon and Chicken Christopher. ESPN radio hosts Andrew Siciliano and Mychal Thompson will broadcast their show live from the event. 11:30 a.m. Friday. Call 714-621-0101 or visit www.mortons.com/anaheim  for more information and reservations. 

Chef Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery is hosting a cooking class about wine flour – what it is, how to use it, and when you can substitute it for regular flour. Students will make Cabernet hazelnut tortes, Cabernet velvet cupcakes, wine flour lavash and other goodies. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Blackmarket Bakery, 17941 Sky Park Circle, Suite E, Irvine. 949-852-4609. www.blackmarketbakery.com 

Also Wednesdays: Wine, beer, sake and liquor by the glass is half off every Wednesday at the Geisha House. 2773 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 714-564-0350. www.dolcegroup.com 

Is it Easter already? If you haven’t picked a place for brunch yet, here’s a list to help you out for the upcoming Sunday. Tomorrow, the list continues.

A Restaurant: Easter Sunday dinner beginning at 4 p.m. 3334 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-650-6505. www.arestaurantnb.com 

Bayside Restaurant: Three-course champagne prix-fixe with selections like crab cakes, beet salad, Scottish salmon Benedict and grilled swordfish, among others. There’s also a special kids menu. Adults are $37.75, kids are $14.75. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. 949-721-1222. www.baysiderestaurant.com 

The Beachcomber: Three-course prix-fixe. Highlights include Surf and Turf Benedict, coconut-macadamia pancakes and bananas foster French toast. Offered from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $27.95 for adults, $10.95 for kids. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. 949-376-6900. www.thebeachcombercafe.com 

Don the Beachcomber: Bottomless champagne brunch: Eggs Benedict, macadamia nut pancakes, prime rib and salmon carving stations, Cantonese selections. Kids’ buffet and activities like face-painting and Easter egg coloring. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $30 for adults, $13 for kids. Those 5 and under are free. Also: A $25 three-course Easter menu will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the bar and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the restaurant. 16278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 562-592-1321. www.donthebeachcomber.com 

Lucca Café: Easter champagne brunch with omelette and carving stations, pastries, pancakes and a dessert spread (photo at left). 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $29.95 for adults. Kids pay their age ($11 for an 11-year-old, etc.). 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine. 949-725-1773. www.luccacafe.com 

Mozambique: Three-course prix-fix, with entrée selections like crab eggs Benedict, Chilean sea bass and prime rib. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $24.95 for adults, $9 for kids (with special kids menu). Add $7 for bottomless champagne. 1740 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-7777. www.mozambiqueoc.com 

Port Restaurant & Bar: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., breakfast items start at $9, lunch starts at $12, with $7 Bloody Marys and $10 free-flowing champagne and mimosas. 440 Heliotrope Ave., Corona del Mar. 949-723-9685. www.portcdm.com 

Prime Cut Café: Entrees like buttermilk pancakes, Shelton Farms chicken and prime rib priced from $10.95 to $24.95. Champagne or mimosas included. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1547 W. Katella Ave., Orange. 714-532-4300. www.primecutcafe.com 

Scott’s Restaurant & Bar: A la carte brunch menu beginning at 11 a.m. with optional bottomless champagne. There is also a special family-style dinner menu. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-979-2400. www.scottsseafood.com 

Taleo Grill: Happy hour all day at the bar. Special entrees are $12 and range from Huevos Rancheros to the Taleo omelette. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are $6. 3309 Michelson Drive, Irvine. 949-553-9002. www.taleogrill.com 

This Thursday, A Restaurant is having a five-course wine dinner featuring reserve and limited edition selections from Artesa Vineyards. The evening is hosted by winemaker Mark Beringer. Artesa is one of Napa Valley’s newest vineyard, backed by the historic Cordoniu Group. Its first wines were released in 2000. 6:30 p.m. Thursday. $65 per person. 3334 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-650-6505. www.arestaurantnb.com 

Freebies: Costa Mesa’s Fleur de Lys will offer coffee from family-owned Portola Coffee and cabernet brownies Blackmarket Bakery. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. 369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. 949-548-0810. www.shopfleurdelys.com 

Continuing its fundraising for Doctors Without Borders, Taco Rosa will host a culinary demo and tequila tasting on Saturday at 3 p.m. Taco Rosa founder Ivan Calderon will make “Enchiladas Caseras,” or steak and cheese enchiladas with salsa Casera. These will be paired with Centenario Tequila. $25 per person includes the meal, appetizers, dessert and giveaways. 2632 San Miguel Drive, Newport Beach. 949-720-0980.

Also: Every Thursday, Taco Mesa and Taco Rosa will offer $1 tamales and $1 Tecate beer. Visit www.tacorosa.com  for locations.

Napa Valley Vinters' traveling tour makes a pit stop tonight at The District in Tustin, bringing with it more than 30 vinters and 50 wines from the famed wine region. Tickets are $40, and you can get them by visiting this link  (you can also view the list of participating wineries). Some of The District's restaurants will provide samples as well. The online presale will end today at 2 p.m., and if you miss it, tickets are $60 at the door. The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., near the AMC theater. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin. Call 310-451-7600 for more information.

Also, in conjunction with Napa Valley Vinters, South Coast Plaza's NapaStyle will have an informal "sip and shop" event today with wines from Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chiarello Family Vineyards, Diamond Terrace, Lang & Reed Wine Company and Tres Sabores. $15 per person. Call 949-720-9633 for tickets. 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa. www.napastyle.com 

In other libation news: SOL Cocina will have an OCHO Tequila dinner tomorrow at 6 p.m. chef Deborah Schneider will create five courses to pair with the tequila tastes. Sample plates include oysters on the half-shell, seared Maine scallops with avocado-tomatillo soup, duo of spring salmon and garlic grilled Sterling steak and chocolate-jalepeno lava cake. $50 per person. 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com . Reservations: E-mail jennifer@solcocina.com

It's a good time to be an OC oenophile. Two of wine's biggest names are hosting wine pairing dinners on different days of the week, so you can attend them both.  Bruce Cakebread of Napa Valley’s famed Cakebread Cellars will host a wine dinner at Mr. Stox on Thursday. Among wines featured are the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noi, Merlot, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 Zinfandel. Complimenting plates include a veal loin with black trumpet mushrooms, filet mignon and a Mandarin orange cashew chocolate gateau. 7 p.m. Thursday. 1105 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. $175 per person. 714-634-2994. www.mrstox.com 

Also this week, winemaker Daryl Groom will make a stop at Charlie Palmer for a five-course dinner and wine pairing with selections of his Australian wine. Enjoy the 2008 Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc paired with a sweet Tasmanian crab salad, along with other pairings. Visit the Web site for full menu. 6 p.m. Wednesday. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa. $130 per person. 714-352-2525. www.charliepalmer.com 

Here are our picks for today's St. Patty's Day specials.

Bluewater Grill: Beer-battered fish and chips, plus a pint of Guiness, green beer, Irish coffee or wine for $15.95 at lunch and $17.95 at dinner. All day, the above drinks are offered at $3 a pop. 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach. 949-675-3474. Also: The District, 2409 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-258-3474. www.bluewatergrill.com 

Five Crowns: St. Patty's done the English way: A murder-mystery dinner with a prix-fixe meal.The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, and dinner choices like roasted prime rib, roasted Maple Leaf Farms duckling or potato-crusted salmon. 7 p.m. $96 per person. 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-760-0331. www.lawrysonline.com 

M Foscari: The restaurant will have a five-flight beer and whiskey tasting with Irish-inspired appetizers from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Or, you can choose a four-course Irish dinner for $30. 5645 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills. 714-779-1777. www.foscaricuisine.com 

Ra Sushi: Beginning at 11 a.m. today, the restaurant is serving a St. Patty’s Roll ($8), made with spicy tuna, cashews, sprouts, cucumber and asparagus in a lettuce wrap. The roll is served with black pepper sesame sauce and wasabi mayo. On the drink side, today’s special is the Irish Kiss ($6, pictured at left), made with Midori, orange liqueur, lemonade and lemon-lime soda. Also: From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 30 appetizers and sushi are half off, and certain drinks are from $2 to $6. The District, 2401 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-566-1700. www.rasushi.com Taleo Mexican Grill: Happy hour all day at the bar, with green-inspired dishes and drinks like carnitas enchiladas with green mole, pork chop pipian and green apple margaritas. 3309 Michelson Drive, Irvine. 949-553-9002. www.taleogrill.com 

Jack’s Restaurant will serve corned beef and cabbage on Wednesday night in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Dinner seating starts at 5 p.m. $19.99, includes green beer. 24462 Del Prado, Dana Point. Call for reservations: 949-489-1903. www.jacksdp.com. 

Charlie Palmer @ Bloomingdale’s has launched a do-it-yourself Sunday Bloody Mary brunch with unlimited servings of the tomato-vodka libation – the only catch is you’ll make them yourself at the restaurant’s ingredients bar (servers will stand by to help, if needed). For $35, diners can choose an appetizer and entrée from a sizable list of options, which include Portobello grilled cheese sandwiches, Ahi tuna and green tea soba salad, Bourbon-scented French toast and Kobe-style beef sliders. Brunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a la carte and a three-course prix-fixe available. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Reservations: 714-352-2525. www.charliepalmer.com 

The Bungalow is offering BYOB nights with free corkage from Monday through Wednesday nights. Bring a friend on any of those nights and one dinner is half price.

The restaurant is also hosting a guest bartender night on March 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to raise money for the Newport Beach Film Festival. Guest bartenders include Newport Beach city council members Steve Rosansky and Ed Selich, NBFF CEO Gregg Schwenk and co-founder Todd Quartararo and some surprise guests. Tips and a percentage of bar revenue will be donated to the organization. 2441 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-673-6585. www.thebungalowrestaurant.com 

Saturday nights through the end of March, you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Ramos House Café with a four-course tasting menu of Irish specialties. The menu includes potato pancakes with Irish salmon, Irish stew and whiskey bread pudding, among other items. Saturday nights through March 27, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. $60 per person. 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. Call 949-443-1342 for reservations.

On Thursdays, the crow bar and kitchen offers a slew of late-night specials from 10 p.m. until close. Choose from $5 burgers, $8 flatbreads and 50 percent off select appetizers. On the drinks side, draft beers like like Craftsman 1903, Palm Ale and Karl Straus Big Barrell Double IPA are $4.50, select wines and well cocktails are $5 per glass, and you can take 30 percent off of all bottled beers. 2325 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. www.thecrowbarcdm.com 

OC Restaurant week will continue through March 13 at a majority of the current participating restaurants. Prix-fixe lunch menus are $10 to $20, while dinner menus are $20 to $40. If you plan on taking advantage of these deals next week, visit the Restaurant Week Web site to make sure your eatery of choice is still participating. www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com 

If you plan on parking it on the couch to watch the Academy Awards this Sunday, you may want to consider watching at Kimera in Irvine. The restaurant is hosting its second Oscar Viewing Party beginning at 5 p.m. Diners are encouraged to get all dolled up for Kimera’s red carpet, compete with “media” interviews before entering the restaurant. There will be hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, champagne split, gift bags, a silent auction and prizes for the best dressed and other categories. 21 and over only. $89 per person. 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine. 949-261-1222. www.kimerarestaurant.com  

There’s quite a bit of buzz circling the St. Regis lately. First, Stonehill Tavern has appointment of Brian Black as executive chef. Black replaces Adam Keough, who left the restaurant to pursue travel and research in Asia. Black is a Culinary Institute graduate who has worked for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Aqua (which later became Stonehill Tavern) and as sous chef and chef de cuisine at the Loft at the Montage Laguna Beach.

The St. Regis has also unveiled a program for oenophiles who want to learn in a formal setting. Learn About Wine, an L.A.-based program, has partnered with the resort to offer one-night classes and a four-week “L.A.W. School” credential program. Some of the courses to look forward to:

• Intro to Wine. March 18 or Aug. 19
• Greatest Wines of the World. April 22
• Palate Builder/Taste Like a Pro. June 17

L.A.W. School courses begin May 6 or October 7 and run for four weeks each. Courses are in the evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.stregismb.com  or www.learnaboutwine.com  for more information and a complete schedule.

Morton’s the Steakhouse (photo above) is featuring a Glenlivet whiskey tasting at two of its OC locations this month. Diners can try four of its single-malts, including 12-year, 15-year, 16-year and 18-year. A representative of the company will be on-hand to talk about the whiskies. Tastings will be paired with hors d’oeuvres like smoked salmon pinwheels, sliced tenderloin on crostini, broiled sea scallops and petite filet mignon sandwiches. The first tasting is on Thursday at the Anaheim location (1985 S. Harbor Blvd.; 714-621-0101), while the second is on March 16 in Santa Ana (1641 W. Sunflower Ave.; 714-444-4834). Cost is $49 per person. www.mortons.com 

Is bacon is a bit more up your alley? You might want to head over to the Anaheim White House Thursday night. Chefs Jamie Gwen and Bruno Serato have dreamed up a four-course menu with bacon as the star of each. You’ll try things like candied bacon martinis, maple bacon biscuits and filet mignon with bacon mushroom sauce. 6:30 p.m. $40 per person. 1887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. 714-772-1381. www.anaheimwhitehouse.com 

The next installment of OC Restaurant Week is upon us again, and some of your favorite restaurants are gearing up to offer some great deals. The week begins Sunday, Feb. 27 and runs through March 6. Check out www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com  for a full list of participating restaurants.

The Winery Restaurant & Bar is kicking off the week with OC Restaurant Week Eve, where the week’s official cocktail will be unveiled. There will also be giveaways, like entertainment and OC staycations. The event is free to attend, but you have to RSVP by clicking on this link  to JILL-FM (92.7 FM), one of the sponsors of the event. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-258-7600. www.thewineryrestaurant.net 

When dining out, be sure to ask about the Golden Foodies card, a free card that diners can use for the remainder of the year that provides spiffs like 15 percent off of bills, free appetizers and desserts and special prices on wine. Visit www.goldenfoodiescard.com  for more information.

Also: Taco Rosa presents a culinary demo and a Milagro tequila tasting with Chef Ivan Calderon tomorrow at 3 p.m. Tacos Coreanos are Korean-inspired street tacos (think the Kogi BBQ truck!) with chipotle BBQ pork ribs with Korean relish served with homemade tortillas and sides. Also includes dessert. $25 per person. 2632 San Miguel Road, Newport Beach. 949-720-0980. www.tacorosa.com 

And one last bit of good news for the weekend: The OC Weekly reports that Pizzeria Mozza, the Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich outfit in Los Angeles, will open an OC location at 800 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. Read more about it here .

Tomorrow, Zimzala restaurant is launching its monthly cabaret show featuring the Diamond Bettys troupe. The show is accompanied by a three-course Mediterranean dinner and a cocktail. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Also, future dates: March 25, April 22. $65 per person. 500 Pacific Coast Highway (in the Shorebreak Hotel), Huntington Beach. 714-960-5050. www.shorebreakhotel.com 

Also tomorrow, Costa Mesa’s Fleur de Lys is having its grand re-opening from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The boutique is known for its cute and quirky home furnishings and knick knacks, including frilly (and fab) aprons and dinnerware. Stop by to check out the new demo kitchen, where artisans will teach cooking classes in the near future. Plums Café will have a tasting station at the store all day, while the Brown Butter Cookie Bakers are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can also meet Chocolatier Diana Phillips from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. 369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. 949-548-0810. www.shopfleurdelys.com  

Yves’ Restaurant & Wine Bar is hosting a wine class on Thursday, featuring the wines of Trabuco Canyon-based Hamilton Oaks vineyard. Winemaker Ron Tamez will be on-hand to talk about wines the six wines he will be pouring that evening. There will also be tapas. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, Thursday. $40 per person. Yves' Restaurant & Wine Bar, 5753 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills. 714-637-3733 www.yvesbistro.com 

This Saturday, Laguna Culinary Arts is having its last Saturday of the month wine tasting from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For $5 (a bargain!) you get a taste of eight domestic and international wines. 845 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-494-0745. www.lagunaculinaryarts.com 

Plus: Tomorrow, Mozambique restaurant is having a Haiti relief fundraiser with Tom Petty’s band members and other musical guests. There’s a minimum $20 donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow. 1740 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-7777. www.mozambiqueoc.com 

The “Oscars of the food world” has just announced its nominations for 2010 restaurant and chef award semifinalists, counting Executive Chef Craig Strong of Studio in Laguna Beach as one of its picks for best chef this year. He is the only OC chef to make the list.

Strong is in the Pacific category and is up against big names like Josiah Citrin of Los Angeles’ Melisse, and Alan Wong of the eponymous eatery in Honolulu. Finalists will be announced March 22 at the Palace Café in New Orleans. (Here’s a link to a PDF  of the rest of the list.)

Strong hails from Michelin-starred restaurants and was formerly the chef de cuisine at The Dining Room at The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, Calif. He replaced Chef James Boyce st Studio in 2009 and received James Beard semifinalist nomination last year as well. www.studiolagunanbeach.com  for more information on the restaurant and its menu. 

This weekend, a few of our own bakeries are heading north to Los Angeles for the Nesquick Cupcake Challenge  to see if they have what celebrity judges and public attendees say are the best cupcakes around. Costa Mesa’s Two Parts Sugar , North OC’s Meringue Bake Shop  and Placentia’s Fairy Cakes  are among competitors. If you’re in the area, stop by to cheer them on. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. $40 per person. Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Visit this link  for tickets and more information.

Sage on the Coast’s January dinner featuring Tequila Master Robert Martinez has been rescheduled for Friday. Five Don Julio cocktails will be paired with five courses, including Oaxcan gazpacho and firecracker shrimp, scallop ceviche and hangar steak. 6 p.m. tonight. $45 per person. Sage on the Coast, 7862 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-715-7243. www.sagerestaurant.com 

On Friday, Prego Ristorante (above) will have its own five-course dinner, only this one focuses on the different regions and wines of Italy. Dishes include a salad of pears and speck, spinach manicotti with stracchino cheese, Tuscan braised beef with polenta and apple strudel in a zabaglione sauce. Courses are paired with wines from different regions. 7 p.m. Friday. $54.95. 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. 949-553-1333. www.pregoristoranti.com 

The beads and the bourbon will be out in full swing at Ra Sushi on Tuesday, where the restaurant is holding a "Mardi Ra" celebration of it's own. The Mardi Ra Masquerade bakk will have food and drink specials (like $4 Cajun wings, $6 Creole crawfish and an $8 Voodoo roll), along with a DJ playing jazz beats and current top songs. The evening starts at 8 p.m. 2401 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-566-1700. www.rasushi.com 

So you’re not in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. You can still celebrate in Brea: La Vie en Rose is hosting a Fat Tuesday jazz celebration tomorrow with a three-course menu . Choose from things like Creole soup with crawfish and andouille sausage, jambalaya or lamb shanks, among other options. 6 p.m. tomorrow. $45 per person. 240 State College Blvd., Brea. Reservations: 714-529-8333. www.lavnrose.com 

On Wednesday, the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas with the Taste of San Juan. More than 20 of San Juan Capistrano’s restaurants will have samples of their dishes, including local favorites Café Mozart, the Sundried Tomato Café and The Vintage Steak House. There will also be a no-host bar. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. $25 per person; purchase tickets at the door. El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949-493-1976. www.swallowsparade.org 

Here’s the final installment of OC restaurants offering special menus this Sunday. Check out list No. 1  and list No. 2  for more. Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails. Three-course prix-fixe menu with optional wine pairing. Choices include burrata salad, beef tenderloin, Mahi Mahi, caramelized apple tart and flourless chocolate cake. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. $45 per person, $60 per person with wine. 2607 Main St., Irvine. 949-387-8887. www.andreisrestaurant.com 

Bayside Restaurant. A champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday for $35 per person. Also: three-course dinner for $55 per person from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. 949-721-1222. www.diningasart.com 

Bistango. Three-course menu for $48 per person from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Live music from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. 949-752-5222. www.diningasart.com  

Brasserie Pascal. Four-course French dinner for $60 per person, $85 per person with wine pairing. Available for dinner Friday and Saturday, and all day Sunday. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-640-2700. Visit this link  for full menu. Brasserie Pascal is also offering a three-course take-out menu for $70 per couple. Click here  for menu.

First Cabin Restaurant. Prix-fixe dinner Sunday with entrée choices of Plugra-sauteed filet mignon, Hawaiian moon fish or rack of lamb, among others. $72.50 per person, add $40 for wine pairing. Balboa Bay Club and Resort, 1221 Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-645-5000. www.balboabayclub.com 

Geisha House. Four-course menu available all day Sunday. Choose from edamame, spicy rock shrimp tempura or albacore carpaccio, ginger black cod or lamb chops, among other dishes. $45 per person. 2773 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 714-564-0350. www.dolcegroup.com 

Kimera Restaurant. Three-course menu for $37.75 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine. 949-261-1222. www.diningasart.com 

Lucca Café. Special V-day menu offered Friday through Sunday. Expect things like endive and radicchio salad, salmon with cilantro-macadamia nut pesto and blackberry Cabernet sorbet. $55 per person, $75 per person with wine pairing. Regular menu is also available Friday and Saturday. 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine. 949-725-1773. www.luccacafe.com 

Prego Ristorante. A four-course prix-fixe available from Friday through Sunday. Candelight, chocolates and flowers, plus your choice of chateaubriand or whole Dover sole. $80 per couple. 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. 949-553-1333.www.pregoristoranti.com 

The Ramos House Café. V-day five-course dinner with seatings at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Courses include Black Pearl caviar, poached Eden apples, poached lobster and “ménage a chocolat.” $100 per person. 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949-443-1342. www.ramoshouse.com 

Royal Khyber. A four-course prix-fixe dinner available Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Choose from things like tandoori saffron shrimp, butter chicken, rack of lamb and vegetarian platters. $39 per person. 1621 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. 714-436-1010. www.royalkhyber.com 

Sapphire Laguna. From 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, there will be a three-course menu ranging from $45 to $62 with choices like baked sea bass, crispy barramundi or lamb sirloin. 1200 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-9888. www.sapphirelaguna.com 

Stella’s Serious Italian. Menu specials on Friday and Saturday. Sunday features a four-course dinner, which ranges from $65 to $75 per person. Regular menu is also available. 17 Monarch Bay Plaza, Monarch Beach. 949-234-1679. www.stellasitalian.com 

Stonehill Tavern. A five-course tasting menu for $125 per person. Add $70 for wine pairing. Dishes include things like Japanese yellowtail, Liberty Farms duck and Osetra caviar. St. Regis Dana Point, 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. 949-234-3318. www.michaelmina.net 

Tradition by Pascal. A five-course French meal with live music and roses. $110 per person, $155 per person with wine pairing. Begins at 5 p.m. 1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach. 949-263-9400. Visit this link  for the complete menu.

For the first list, click on this link.  

And if you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, check back tomorrow for the remainder of the list.

The Alley. A three-course prix-fixe with roses and champagne. Choices include Maine lobster bisque, prime rib and red velvet whoopee pies. $55 per person. 4501 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-646-9126. www.thealleynewportbeach.com 

Chateaux Restaurant & Lounge. A four-course “His and Hers” dinner set to the tunes of a five-piece jazz band. Menu is $150 per couple. 18912 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine. 949-833-1800. www.chateauxlounge.com 

The Daily Grill. Three courses for $28.95: hazelnut-crusted mahi mahi, sea scallops, filet mignon, crème brulee and cherry cobbler, among other choices. Available from Friday through Sunday. Also: V-day special for two; four courses for $64. www.dailygrill.com  for locations.

Don the Beachcomber. The 65th-annual Surfers Valentine’s Day dinner-dance is on Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Also: “Memories of Our First Valentine” lunch on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (family friendly). Also Sunday: In honor of Chinese New Year, there will be a 10-course menu, along with Chinese acrobats, singers and musicians. 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. 16278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 562-592-1321. www.donthebeachcomber.com 

Jack’s Restaurant. Three courses for $46.95 on Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Choices include shrimp cakes, beef medallions, lemon sole meuniere, berry crepes and chocolate mousse. 24462 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949-489-1903. www.jackssdp.com 

Matador Cantina. Full dinner menu available, as well as a three-course special for $30: shrimp cocktail, steak a la plancha or grilled Mahi Mahi and chocolate-covered strawberries. Includes champagne. 111.N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714-871-8226. www.thematador.com 

Taleo Mexican Grill. Four courses, including things like carnitas, chipotle apple chicken and flan. $36 per person. 3309 Michelson Drive, Irvine. 949-553-9002. www.taleogrill.com 

The Winery Restaurant & Bar. Roses, chocolate, and four courses. Choose from beef carpaccio, lobster bisque and beef tenderloin, among others. Menu available Friday through Sunday. $89 per person. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-258-7600. www.thewineryrestaurant.net 

Zov’s Bistro. V-Day champagne brunch starting at 10 a.m. Three course, choose from baked frittata, eggs Benedict and bananas Foster French toast. $33.95 per person. There are also special dinner items starting at 4:30 p.m. www.zovs.com  for locations.

 It’s that time of year again, and if you haven’t made any plans with your sweetie for Valentine’s Day, there’s still a small window of opportunity. Local restaurants are offering special menus just for Sunday. And since the list is a rather long one, we’re going to post in three parts. Check back tomorrow for part deux.

• The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove. Four-course prix-fixe for $65 per person. Items include lobster bisque, Framboise spinach salad, roasted chicken, filet mignon and strawberry s’mores. Wine pairings available. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. 949-376-6900. www.thebeachcombercafe.com 
• Cha Cha’s. $24.95 per person gets you champagne, an appetizer, two entrees and two desserts from the menu. Offer is valid from Friday through Sunday. 101 W. Birch St., Brea. 714-255-1040. www.chachasbrea.com 
• The Crow Bar and Kitchen. A five-course meal for $69 per person, or three courses for $49 per person. Choices include: Grilled white prawns, ale-braised prime rib, grilled striped bass, Belgian chocolate tortes. 2325 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-675-0070. www.thecrowbarcdm.com 
• Five Crowns. From Thursday through Sunday, you can get a three-course prix-fix dinner plus a jar of C.C. Brown’s fudge for $99 per couple. Choices include potato-crusted salmon, roasted duckling, slow-roasted rib roast and a “Chocolate Sweet Heart.” 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-760-0331. www.lawrysonline.com 
• King’s Fish House. It’s a night for lobster lovers, with bisque, deviled eggs, pot pie and other dishes made with everyone’s favorite crustacean. Spiny lobsters are from California, while Maine lobsters are flown in from New England. Special menu items are available from Friday through Sunday. 7691 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. 714-793-1177. Also: 24001 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills. 949-586-1515. And: 1521 W. Katella Ave., Orange. 714-771-6655. www.kingsfishhouse.com 
• Marche Moderne. 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. seatings on Sunday, with a four-course prix-fixe for $75 per person. Choose from Maine lobster, veal and Parmesan ravioli, oysters on the half-shell, Angus ribeye, black sea bass. Vegetarian options are available. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-434-7900. www.marchemoderne.net  
• Mozambique. A two-course Sunday brunch includes steak and eggs, Belgian waffles or eggs Benedict. Noon to 3 p.m. $29, add $6 for bottomless champagne. 1740 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-7777. www.mozambiqueoc.com 
• Port Restaurant & Bar. Three-course brunch or four-course dinner, with choices like filet mignon or halibut. Dinner option is available Saturday and Sunday, while brunch is only available Sunday. Dinner is $150 per couple. 440 Heliotrope Ave., Corona del Mar. 949-723-9685. www.portcdm.com 
• Scott’s Restaurant & Bar. Four-course prix-fixe from Friday through Sunday: choice of oysters, wild mushroom salad, filet mignon, Dungeness crab, vanilla panna cotta or chocolate soufflé. $65 per person. There will also be a champagne brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-979-2400. www.scottsseafood.com 
• Sol Cocina. “Amor y Besos” menu is a four-course dinner for $90 per couple. “Seduction” includes a special V-day cocktail, bottle of Moet Imperial Champagne, four-course dinner and dessert sampler for $200 per couple. Choices include shrimp Romesco, Angus shrimp tacos and rack of lamb, among others. 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com 

Starting tonight, all Zov’s Bistro locations will reserve Mondays for Kebab nights, starting at 5 p.m. Kebabs (photo above) are $16.95 and come with a green salad. Zov's Bistro, 17440 E. 17th St. Tustin. 714.838.8855. Also: 3915 Portola Parkway, Irvine. 714-734-9687. And: 21123 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast. 949-760-9687. www.zovs.com 

On Thursday, you can join some of the “Real Housewives” at La Vie en Rose for the ultimate girls night out. “A Night of Glamour, Martinis & Sharing” is a cocktail party hosted by Adrian R’Mante from Disney’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” while Tammy Knickerbocker and Tamra Barney from “The Real Housewives of Orange County” will model pieces from Bettinis Boutique. There will also be a silent auction. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit Canyon Acres Children and Family Services. 6:30 p.m. $50 per person, which includes hors d’oeuvres, dessert, two drinks and door prizes. 240 S. State College Blvd., Brea. 714-529-8333. www.lavnrose.com 

Watch the Super Bowl in style: the lounge at Charlie Palmer will have the game on its giant 88-inch high-definition TV, while Chef Amar Santana serves refined versions of your favorite game-day foods: chicken wings with Sriracha and blue cheese fondue, Wagyu hot dogs and Kobe-style beef sliders, among others. 3333 Bristol Ave., Costa Mesa. 714-352-2525. www.charliepalmer.com 

Fullerton’s Cantina Lounge starts the party early – 10 a.m., to be exact. Until 2 p.m., $17.99 gets you into a Sunday brunch buffet with all-you-can-drink mimosas. During the game, there will be drink specials, raffles and other activities. 2736 E. Nutwood Ave., Fullerton. 714-879-8094. www.cantinalounge.com 

Ra Sushi is offering three different party platters for those who tire of all the game-day wings and things. Platters range from $20 to $50 and include things like tempura, edamame and various rolls. 155 5th St., Huntington Beach. 714-536-6390. Also: 2401 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-566-1700. www.rasushi.com 

Colts and Saints fans alike are gonna want to stock up their Sunday afternoon Super Bowl parties with enough sustenance to last for the whole game. The crow bar and kitchen is offering large-quantity takeout for those who don't want to cook. Choose from things like meatball sliders ($39 per dozen), hot wings ($22 per dozen), crow bar chili ($15 per quart) and Icelandic cod ceviche ($25 per quart), among other things. Place your order by tomorrow. 2325 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-675-0070. www.thecrowbarcdm.com 

The Alley in Newport Beach is having its own Super Bowl shindig, where $25 gets you all-you-can-eat grilled bratwurst, spicy Andouille chili, sliders and two pints of Bud Light. There's also a hot wing competition, where you can enter your sauce to win. 2 p.m. Sunday. 4501 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-646-9126. www.thealleynewportbeach.com 

Newcomer SideDoor will have specials in honor of the big game: $7 draft pints, bottomless chips, Cuban sandwiches and other gameday fare. 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-717-4322. www.sidedoorcdm.com 

This weekend, Art Institute students and local chefs will join forces to raise money for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which works to fight against cancer in children. Chefs Colleen Johnson, Sandy Kim and Art Institute Chef Peter Striffolino (photo above) are among the six chefs who will each prepare a course for guests. Expect things like pumpkin porridge, Swiss chard tarts, beef short ribs pots de crème and other selections. Dinner is served family style. 50 Forks (on the Art Institute of Orange County campus), 3601 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. First seating is 6 p.m., second seating is 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday. $50 per person, with every red cent going to the foundation. Reservations: 714-429-0918. www.artinstitutes.edu/aiorangecounty 

Sprinkles Cupcakes now offers its popular red velvet flavor in vegan and gluten-free versions. The vegan cupcake uses soy milk, tofu-cream cheese and coconut oil, while the gluten-free version is made with gluten-free flour and the regular cream cheese frosting. Both versions are available daily. 944 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 949-760-0003. www.sprinkles.com 

On Wednesday, all Daily Grill locations will donate a portion of its sales from signature menu items to Haiti relief. When you order a chicken pot pie, cobb salad, cheeseburger or fruit cobbler, 10 percent of what you’ve paid for those items will go to the American Red Cross and Partners in Health. www.dailygrill.com  for locations.

So Cal staple Ruby’s Diner is adding five premium burgers to its menu, all made with American Kobe beef. Choose from the All-American, BBQ-Cheddar, Portobello-Provolone, the Greek and the Cobb. All are priced at $9.99. The rollout begins Feb. 2 in Yorba Linda, fanning out to other locations in Southern California. By the end of March, all Ruby’s locations will have the new offerings. Visit www.rubys.com  for locations.

News from The Hobbit in Orange: Every Thursday for the entire month of February, enjoy no corkage fees when you bring in a bottle. Also, starting March 1, the restaurant will serve dinner at 7 p.m. from Wednesdays through Sundays. 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. 714-997-1972. www.hobbitrestaurant.com 

“Top Chef” season one favorite Dave Martin will host a dinner at Bayside restaurant on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The lucky diners who attend will have a chance to meet Martin and also receive an autographed copy of Martin’s latest book, “Flavor Quest.”

The five-course prix-fixe menu is $59 per person and includes:

• Oven-roasted wild mushroom soup (amuse)
• Tempura crab fritters with Sambal lime aioli
• Wild striped bass with brussel sprouts, haricot verts and roasted garlic butter
• Asian tenderloin hangar steak bites with ginger pan sauce
• Meyer lemon crisp with berry coulis

Call 949-721-1222 for reservations. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. www.baysiderestaurant.com 

Laguna Culinary Arts is having an open house on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., where you can sample some dishes prepared by recent graduates and chef instructors. The Professional Chef Program Open House will also have mini-demos. RSVP by Thursday at 6 p.m. by calling 949-494-0745. 845 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. www.lagunaculinaryarts.com 

Sage on the Coast’s second Saturday wine tasting was canceled a few weeks ago, but the restaurant makes up for it by hosting a special wine tasting on Jan. 30. The tasting will feature some of the bottles on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list: Provenence Sauvignon Blanc (2008), Rodney Strong Chardonnay (2006), Chapoutier Cotes du Roussilon-Village (2008), Seghesio Zinfandel (2008). Wines will be paired with various nibbles. 2:30 p.m. $30. 7862 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-715-7243. www.sagerestaurant.com 

Newport Beach Restaurant Week starts tomorrow and runs through Jan. 28. Around 75 restaurants will offer either lunch or dinner prix-fixe menus -- or both -- at $15 or $20 for lunch and $25 or $35 for dinner. Click on this link  to go to the official Restaurant Week site. 

If you’re not in the mood for a full-on, sit-down menu, you may want to check out what the Wine Lab is offering for the week: five wines and five artisan cheese pairings for $25. It looks like a pretty good deal. The menu:

• Montaudon Brut Champagne NV paired with Mt. Tam Cowgirl Creamery from California and a crispy chip
• E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2007 paired with Purple Haze (lavender and fennel in a soft goat cheese) from California
• Tenuta Vitanza Volare Toscana 2007 paired with Pecorino Toscano Sheep from Italy
• Ahnfeldt Merlot 2005 paired with Midnight Moon 1-year aged goat Gouda from the NetherlandsEponymous McCallister meritage 2006 paired with Pittig 4-year aged Gouda from Holland

Four seatings per night: 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. 2901 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-515-VINO. www.winelabnewport.com 

Haven Gastropub's Executive Chef Greg Daniels and his team will work pro bono on Jan. 25, donating all profits to Haiti relief. 

From 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., every last cent the restaurant earns will be donated to MercyCorps. The restaurant’s grand total will be tracked on the restaurant’s donation page the following day. 

Haven accepts reservations for groups of seven or more. Can’t make it out? You can still donate by visiting Haven’s MercyCorps page. 

Also: The OC Weekly reports on three other restaurants stepping up to the plate for Haiti: the Anaheim White House, Beach Pit BBQ and the Chaparosa Grill. Click on this link for more. 

News comes that Master Sommelier Michael Jordan has joined the Ruby’s family as president of food and beverage of The Beachcomber cafes in Crystal Cove and Malibu. Jordan had previously worked as general manager of the  Napa Rose, and was the man responsible for the award-winning wine list and wine education program at the restaurant. He stepped down from the position last year to start his own winery, Word Vineyards.

Expect some big changes to The Beachcomber’s beverage list in the future. Jordan has plans to implement a wine education program for staff, similar to the one he put into place at the Napa Rose. The wine and beverage list will also expand, no doubt including some award-winning wines. Stay tuned.

Newport Beach’s upscale Baja restaurant Sol Cocina will host a tequila dinner featuring dishes paired with premium Corzo tequilas. A margarita reception precedes dinner, which is as follows:

• SOL Tostadas with Borracho black bean dip and chipotle-tomatillo salsa, mushroom taquitos with Cotixa, Epazote and green chile salsa, Apache beef ceviche with beet chips, all paired with Corzo cocktails
• White corn and grilled Poblano soup with crema and pepitas, paired with Corzo Reposado
• Seared sea scallop ‘En Nogada’ on tostone with creamy Poblano chile sauce, pomegranate seeds and crumbled walnuts,paired with Corzo Blanco
• Kurobuta pork carnitas and roasted vegetables ‘Pipian’ in roasted squash with green mole sauce, paired with Corzo Anejo
• Fallen chocolate souffle cake with Piloncillo caramel sauce, spicy mango-pineapple compote and vanilla bean ice cream, paired with Corzo Reposado

6 p.m. Wednesday. $50 per person. 251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. E-mail Jennifer@SolCocina.com for tickets, or call 949-675-9800. www.solcocina.com 

Laguna Culinary Arts has started its winter season of cooking classes. Here are a couple coming up this week: At the Orange location, learn how to prepare a mean pesto-crusted chicken, roasted beet salad with goat cheese and date bars for dessert. 6 p.m. Wednesday. $85 per person. 541 W. Chapman Ave., Orange.

The original Laguna Beach location, will have a class on hearty winter party foods like oven-roasted buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce, white bean turkey chili, beef chili, cornbread muffins and brownie sundaes. 6 p.m. Friday. $90 per person, $100 with beer. 845 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Register online with this link , or call Or call 949-494-0745. www.lagunaculinaryarts.com 

Mozambique is offering happy hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Drinks are half off, while appetizers like sliders ($2.50), wok-charred ahi tuna ($8) and vegetable samosas ($5) are offered at rock-bottom prices. Daily dinner specials are also available, including wood-grilled pork chops for $10. 1740 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-715-7777. www.mozambiqueoc.com 

On Wednesday, Charlie Palmer will host a winemaker dinner with pours from Pride Mountain Vineyards of St. Helena, Calif. (Photo at left.) Click on this link  for the full menu. 6 p.m. $130 per person. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-352-2525. www.charliepalmer.com 

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

To kick off 2010, the Orange County Wine and Food Center is pouring wines from Sonoma for its Wednesday Wine Stars program. The wines:

• Kunde Estates Viognier
• Chalk Hill Estate Winery Chardonnay
• Hanna Winery Pinot Noir
• Rodney Strong Vineyards "Knotty Vines" Zinfandel
• Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon

The evening is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is $15 for a taste of all five and various bar bites. 1570 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa. 714-641-9922. www.ocwfc.com 

Z’Tejas is currently serving its winter menu, which will be served until March 7 to make way for spring. New lunch and dinner items include a crab cake salad with chipotle aioli, a citrus flank steak with spinach and spicy walnuts, an avocado turkey burger and sweet potato fries, and grilled apple pork chops with andouille cornbread stuffing, among others. There’s also a Winterburry cocktail, which is made of Prairie organic vodka, St-Germain, Monin Wildberry and fresh mint leaves, diced apples and raspberry sugar. 3333 Bristol St. (South Coast Plaza), Costa Mesa. 714-979-7469. www.ztejas.com 

It seems like just yesterday David Myers claimed a piece of Costa Mesa for his latest restaurant venture, but it’s actually been a whole year. Pizzeria Ortica turns 1 year old on Wednesday, and to celebrate, Myers, Steve Samson and Zach Pollack are offering free appetizers and 2-for-1 drink specials from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. For those too busy to make the soiree, it’s your birthday too: the drink special will be around until Feb. 11, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to close. Everybody wins! 600 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa. 714-445-4900. www.pizzeriaortica.com 

Those headed to OC’s Great Park to take in Cirque du Soleil’s “Kooza” show may want to check out the Lucca Café’s (photo above) dining deal. Guests dining in who present a ticket or ticket stub to the show will receive 15 percent off of their bill. Offer is not valid on prix-fixe meals or special events. 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine. 949-725-1173. www.luccacafe.com 

In other news: The Bluewater Grill is having a France vs. Italy night tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., pitting bouillabaisse and cioppino against each other in a single dinner. The meal includes French and Italian wines to compliment the seafood stews. $26.95 per person. Reservations are required. Newport Beach: 630 Lido Park Drive. 949-675-3474. Tustin: 2409 Park Ave. 714-258-3474. www.bluewatergrill.com 

The vibe may be a bit more casual (SideDoor doesn’t accept reservations), but the upscale pub fare sounds like it’s being held up to the same standards as the hallowed eatery next door: roasted Chioggia beet salad, butternut squash with wild nettle pesto and duck confit. Sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie plates are made to order. There's also beer, wine and spirits. 

Jenny Ross makes raw food appetizing with dishes like lasagna.

Raw food is so much more than munching on crudités, and Jenny Ross aims to show you that on Friday. The chef and owner of Costa Mesa’s 118 Degrees  will host a grand opening reception for Raw Bar, her latest venture, located inside the Tustin Whole Foods market. There will be raffles and free gifts in addition to nibbles from Raw Bar’s organic menu: things like Kombucha martinis, chocolate truffles and Florentine lasagna. The Raw Bar also will have packaged selections for those on the run. It’s free, you just need to RSVP by e-mailing spjam.marketing@wholefoods.com 6 p .m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Whole Foods @ The District, 2847 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-566-7650. www.wholefoodsmarket.com 

As a gift to start the new year on the right foot, Chef Dee Nguyen of the popular Break of Dawn restaurant in Laguna Hills shares a recipe for Vietnamese comfort food. This poached chicken with ginger and jasmine rice is healthy, so you don't have to break any resolutions to indulge. To learn more about Nguyen and how he cooks at home, visit this link to a story in the latest issue of Orange Coast. 

Gingered Poached Free-Range Chicken
with jasmine rice “pilaf” and ginger sauce
Yield: 4 serving

• 1 free-range chicken
  
• 1 onion, cut into quarters
  
• 2 pieces ginger, thinly sliced
  
• Water
  

For rice: 

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  
• 1 onion, diced small
  
• 2 cups jasmine rice
  
• 3 1/2 cups reserved liquid from chicken poaching 
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

For sauce: 

• 2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger, diced small
  
• 3 tablespoons sugar
  
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Sriracha)
  
• Juice of 1/2 lime
  

To finish: thinly sliced onions, Vietnamese tarragon

Procedure: 

1. To poach chicken: In a large pot, combine all chicken, water, onion and ginger with enough water to cover the chicken. Cover with lid and bring liquid to a boil. Turn off heat and let chicken poach for exactly one hour. Remove chicken from liquid and let it cool to room temperature. Cook remaining liquid over high heat to reduce, until you have about 3 1/2 cups.

2. To make rice: In a saucepan, sauté onion with oil on medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add rice and continue to stir for additional 5 minutes. Add poaching liquid, salt and pepper, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot and cook rice for about 20 to 22 minutes, until done. 

3. In mortar and pestle or food processor, pound or process the ginger and sugar until smooth. Add fish sauce, hot sauce and lime juice. 

4. To serve: Clean and shred the chicken into small pieces. Toss chicken with onion and Vietnamese tarragon until combined. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve chicken cold with hot rice and ginger sauce.