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Darya 30th Anniversary in Orange County
Darya, the acclaimed restaurant at South Coast Plaza Village that serves refined Persian cuisine in an elegant setting, is marking its 30th anniversary this month with specials that will delight loyal guests and win over new fans. In an industry where longevity is a hard-earned mark of all-around excellence, Darya (a girl’s name in Farsi that means “sea”) has shined for three decades as a sophisticated yet approachable venue that exemplifies dining as an experience, with family recipes...
Read MoreAnaheim White House ‘Race to the White House’
While this election cycle could be characterized as acrimonious, Anaheim White House owner Sir Bruno Serato wants to temper the climate and add a bit of levity. He is urging guests to “Race To The White House” for an exciting and suspenseful week leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Beginning on Tuesday, November 1 and available all week, prix fixe Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump menus will be offered that will allow guests to cast their vote...
Read MoreMontage Laguna Beach New Year’s Eve Gala
Montage Laguna Beach invites guests to ring in the New Year with a special gala celebration to welcome 2017. Starting with an exclusive cocktail reception followed by an intimate three-course meal and live entertainment by The Shadowboxers and special guest, Kenny Loggins, Montage Laguna Beach’s New Year’s Eve gala will be the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends. Begin the evening in the resort’s courtyard with a cocktail reception offering passed hors d’oeuvres, a caviar station...
Read MoreThe New House of Blues Opening in Anaheim
The new House of Blues Anaheim – the first new House of Blues to be built in the U.S. in a decade – is set to open March 2017 – and will kick off a yearlong 25th anniversary of legendary music halls and restaurants. The first House of Blues opened in Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, in November 1992. Opening 25 years later the new House of Blues Anaheim will represent the ultimate House of Blues experience, combining...
Read MoreThe Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival is Back
The producers of the acclaimed Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival proudly present the 5th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival at the Anaheim Phoenix Club on Saturday, December 10 from 12-4 p.m. Tickets for Brew Ho Ho annually sell out and are currently available atwww.ocbrewhoho.com. A portion of the proceeds for this year’s Brew Ho Ho will benefit the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire. The Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale...
Read MoreBluewater Grills Boston-inspired Holiday Event
Back by popular demand, Bluewater Grills in Orange County are reprising their famous New England-inspired holiday offering and advice to seafood lovers in California and Arizona looking for something unique this time of year: Stuff the Lobster Instead of the Bird! Getting an early start on the season, Bluewater Grills in Newport Beach and Tustin, Calif., will serve a signature, sustainably harvested version of Holiday Baked Stuffed Maine Lobster in November and December. To encourage Bluewater Grill customers...
Read MoreVeteran’s Day Free Appetizer at OC Luna Grill Locations
As part of the company’s ongoing “We Salute Your Service” campaign, Luna Grill is offering a free appetizer on Friday, November 11 to any active duty, retired or reserve member of the armed forces at all locations. Service members simply show a valid military ID and receive a free appetizer on November 11 as a thank you from the team at Luna Grill. The one-day giveaway is part of Luna Grill’s ongoing campaign to support our military with...
Read MoreMy Favorite Things at the Newport Wine and Food Festival
We visited as a guest of the venue One of the events I most look forward to each Fall as a food blogger, is the Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival. And although I was not able to go both days this year, I was fortunate to be able to make it for several hours on the last day, a Sunday. This is the third year of this event and the third year I’ve attended. And it seems to...
Read MoreAnaheim White House Wine & Paint Event
The Anaheim White House will become a mecca for budding artists when the restaurant hosts Canvas and Wine on Tuesday November, 1 2016 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Guests will be invited to express their creativity on their own canvases (paint brush and paints also will be furnished) and enjoy four wine tastings and heavy hors d’ouevres. The $55 per person event will benefit Caterina’s Club, a nonprofit that helps “motel kids” and their families who are forced...
Read MoreYou’re Invited to Bistango’s New Art Exhibit
Bistango, the critically acclaimed Irvine restaurant that doubles as an art gallery, will debut its Fall Art Exhibit on Saturday, October 15 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. The public is invited to the free reception where they will have an opportunity to meet with some of the artists whose work will be represented. Pizza and wine will be served. Space is limited and reservations are encouraged by calling (949) 752-5222. Among the featured artists are Hugo Rivera,...
Read MoreCha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Fundraising Night
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen in Brea Downtown is dedicating its seven-year anniversary to long-time employee, Jaime Palomar, who was recently diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma, a type of Kidney cancer. On Thursday, October 20th, proceeds from the anniversary event will go towards Jaime’s surgery. Jaime has been an integral part of the Cha Cha’s family for the past four years as Head Butcher. Nightly he cuts, mixes and cooks the dishes that guests enjoy. From creating the homemade...
Read MoreOrange Hill Restaurant Debuts Newly Remodeled O BAR
Recently voted Most Romantic Restaurant and Best Brunch by the OC Register, Orange Hill’s sophisticated O BAR, helmed by cocktail mastermind Allan Camarena, has a fresh new look and a new menu to match! Reopening on Wednesday, October 5th, O BAR will offer imbibers its signature breathtaking hilltop views in a completely redesigned and modernized space. Behind the bar, newly installed top of the line equipment like the three state-of-the-art mixology stations, draft system complete with nitro tap,...
Read MorePaul’s Pizza & Grill Coming to Rancho Santa Margarita
Paul’s Pizza & Grill, a new pizzeria and Mediterranean grill, will celebrate its grand opening this Friday, Sept. 23 at Plaza Antonio in Rancho Santa Margarita. The day will include food sampling of some of the restaurant’s popular dishes including pizza, falafel and baklava. In addition, Paul’s Pizza & Grill will donate 10 percent of all sales to the children’s charity, Newborns in Need. The 3,800 sq. ft. casual family restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily,...
Read MoreADYA’s Opens Second Location in Irvine
ADYA, an authentic Indian restaurant that is a reflection of modern India and revolves around fresh, sustainable ingredients, will open its second Orange County location at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27th in Irvine’s University Center (4213 Campus Drive). Chef/Owners Shachi Mehra and Sandeep Basrur focus on contemporary interpretations of Indian street foods, tandoori specialties and rich curries. The menu combines modern creative and classic Indian styles of cooking, while balancing the bounty of Southern California with the...
Read MoreMimi’s Introduces a Tasty Honey Lavender Pork Chop
We dined as a guest of the venue Mimi’s is one of our favorite family dining destinations in OC, and during the summer, they tested 175 guest-submitted recipes to find the newest addition to Mimi’s menu. With the help from Ellise Pierce, aka Cowgirl Chef, Mimi’s discovered the winning dish – a honey lavender pork chop. When I heard the news of this newest menu addition, I couldn’t wait to bring the family to our local Mimi’s to try...
Read More4th Annual Champagne & Oyster Sip & Shuck
For the 4th consecutive year, The Deck on Laguna Beach and Driftwood Kitchen, together with The Bungalows at Pacific Edge Hotel, will host “Sip & Shuck” on Sunday, November 13 from 2-6 p.m. to benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County. The event will give guests the unique opportunity to experience a variety of hand-shucked oysters, champagne, sparkling wines and more from around the world, all while enjoying panoramic ocean views at the oceanfront restaurants....
Read MoreCelebrate Oktoberfest at Bayside
In Bavarian countries, Oktoberfest is known as the Wiesn, a colloquial name for “fairgrounds” and has been an integral part of the culture since 1810. While music and dancing often take center stage, one Newport Beach restaurant will concentrate on bringing traditional foods to life. Austrian-born Paul Gstrein, executive chef of the critically acclaimed Bayside restaurant, will tap into his Bavarian roots to create an Oktoberfest menu available September 17 – October 29. Each dish will be crafted...
Read MoreShin Sen Gumi coming to Irvine’s Woodbury Town Center
Shin Sen Gumi, the popular Japanese restaurant known for its authentic Hakata-style ramen, is coming to Irvine. Considered one of the most respected Japanese dining chains in Southern California, the Woodbury Town Center location will be its second Orange County location when it opens in late September. Shin Sen Gumi’s first Orange County ramen shop opened in Fountain Valley in 2000 and 16 years later, it continues to draw long lines daily. In addition to its award-winning ramen,...
Read MoreTemecula’s So-Cal Chef Open: Chefs Compete, You Eat, Kids Win
An invitation to the media preview of the 9th Annual So-Cal Chef Open set the stage for a gorgeous summer afternoon recently at Avensole Vineyard in Temecula where my favorite foodie in crime sister, Shan, and I sipped wine and enjoyed a variety of beautifully prepared bites. Sprinkled in were appearances by Celebrity Chef, Penny Davidi, as well as an award winning crew of Southern California chefs, all to benefit at risk youth and raise funds for Oak Grove...
Read MoreCulinaryLab Cooking School Now Offers Single Classes
Orange County-based CulinaryLab, a contemporary cooking school that has revolutionized culinary education, has introduced new single-day and short series classes designed for the home cook who is looking to develop high-level skills. The new classes are now available to the public, regardless of skill level, at its new Tustin educational center and kitchen (17231 E. 17th Street Unit B), where CulinaryLab offers its noted Professional Culinary and Professional Pastry Certificate programs for those looking to pursue a career...
Read MoreKids Eat Free at Slice Deli & Cakery Every Monday
Slice Deli & Cakery has debuted a new kids’ menu and will be offering free meals to kids under 12 every Monday. The family-owned, fast casual restaurant in Fountain Valley is known for its sandwiches featuring house-cured meats, artisan ingredients, and house-baked breads. The deli-cakery duo has won over the hearts of diners of all ages with its modern interpretations of deli classics and stunning cake creations. The following dishes are available on the kids’ menu: Grilled Cheese...
Read MoreWeekly Taco Feature ‘WTF’ at Who Song & Larry’s
We dined as a guest of the venue We recently had the chance to attend Who Song & Larry’s in Orange for their Weekly Taco Feature or “Wednesday, Thursday, Friday” also known as WTF. We know what you were thinking, but we’re a family blog site, and we keep it clean. Remember we love taco’s, so it was a perfect fit! It’s a very fun promotion with two new taco features introduced weekly at Who Song & Larry’s. A...
Read MoreHolsteins Shakes & Buns Birthday Celebration
Holsteins Shakes and Buns, located at Bloomingdale’s in South Coast Plaza, is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a week-long toy drive for Giving Children Hope. Guests who dine at the restaurant and bring an unwrapped toy to donate between Tuesday, August 30 through Monday, September 5 will receive a complimentary virgin “Birthday Cake Shake,” made with birthday cake crumble and topped with rainbow sprinkles. The contemporary Las Vegas burger concept, which opened in Costa Mesa last September to...
Read MoreTAPS Brea 17th Anniversary Celebration
TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea will celebrate its 17th anniversary by serving TAPS Signature Burger for $1.99 (signifying “1999,” the year of opening) on Friday, September 9, 16, 23 and 30 with purchase of any beverage. The anniversary special, regularly priced at $14.99, will be served in the bar/lounge and dining room. It will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until the restaurant serves 300 burgers. TAPS Burger is a hefty eight ounce...
Read MorePokéworks Opens First SoCal Location
Poké, the Hawaiian raw fish trend that has now launched countless new restaurants, continues its hot streak. Pokéworks opens its first Southern California location today at Culver Plaza. The expanding chain, which opened its first outpost in New York in 2015, is set for a national rollout of additional locations. “Pokéworks serves up a very pristine rendition of the classic Hawaiian staple – it’s it’s a light and healthy meal perfect for SoCal’s year-round sunny weather,” said Easther...
Read MoreBistango Introduces a New Menu
Bistango, a popular dining spot located in the Atrium building in Irvine, has rolled out a 2-tier menu featuring entrée selections that come in both traditional and petite sizes. Executive Chef Tim Doolittle, a protégé of luminaries Wolfgang Puck and Emeril, says that the expanded offerings are ideal for those with lighter appetites or who may be on a budget. The 2-tier menu is available during lunch and dinner. Among the dinner entrees are a grilled Pacific swordfish...
Read More$1 Buttermilk Pancake Short Stacks at iHop
IHOP and No Kid Hungry will come together again in the fight against child hood hunger. IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer a short stack of their world-famous buttermilk pancakes for just $1 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting No Kid Hungry. Please help IHOP, the pioneer of breakfast all day, every day, reach its goal of serving one million pancakes to make an impact in the lives of hungry children across America. For close to six decades,...
Read MoreTender Greens Smoke N’ Beers Event
On Sunday, August 21st, Tender Greens will be hosting a Smoke N’ Beers event, featuring Golden Road Brewing, on the outdoor patio at the Irvine location. Executive Chef Tara Johnson and Sous Chef Jonathan Gonzales will be serving unlimited smoked offerings and complimenting brews from Golden Road Brewing. Menu highlights from the extensive family-style spread includes Pretzels with Smoked Sea Salt and Golden Road Beer Cheese, Cold Smoked Yellowtail Crudo with Ponzo Gellee, Yuzu Cream, Tograshi , TG...
Read MoreVince Ferragamo Wine Dinner Meet & Greet
Are you a Rams fan? Then you’re not going to want to miss the upcoming Vince Ferragamo wine dinner and meet and greet at Newport Dunes’ Back Bay Bistro on Thursday, August 18th from 6pm to 9pm. The event features a 5-course meal complete with wine pairings for $67 per person. Plus, guests attending this event will have an opportunity to meet Rams player Dennis Harrah (1975-1987). Reservations are required by calling 949.729.1144, and guaranteed to fill-up quickly....
Read MoreSaturday Brunching at Spear Steak and Seafood House
We dined as a guest of the venue Brunch and me. We have a love-hate relationship. Every brunch starts out the same for me. I start by drooling over the Eggs Benedict smothered in hollandaise sauce. Oh my. And bagels. Give me a great Everything Bagel smothered in cream cheese and lox, with a sliced tomato and capers and I am in heaven. The thing is, I rarely order these. And I pine for the days I could eat...
Read MoreOcean Breezes and Delicious Bites at Las Brisas
We dined as a guest of the venue We were recently invited to Las Brisas in Laguna Beach to sample some new items from their Patio Menu. Hmm, summertime evening, taking in the coastline and enjoying the iconic restaurant? Absolutely! Upon our arrival we were thrilled to discover a favorite local chef of ours, Johannes Bernau, he is overseeing their menu, sampling new items with the guests and introducing dishes that are more seasonal. We love his creativity with...
Read MoreTry Einstein Bros. Bagels Egg Sandwiches for Free
To aid in the fight against America’s childhood hunger epidemic, Einstein Bros. ® Bagels has joined forces with No Kid Hungry. To kick off the partnership, on Tuesday, Aug. 16, Einstein’s will offer its customers a FREE all new, fresh cracked egg sandwich and for each sandwich given, Einstein’s will donate a meal to a child in need. The new sandwiches continue the company’s commitment to innovative and flavorful menu offerings with elevated ingredients and unique flavor profiles....
Read MoreGNO at Holiday in Costa Mesa
We dined as a guest of the venue As a so-called “foodie”, for me, a girls’ night out usually means dinner and cocktails in a nice restaurant with friends. I am pretty clueless when it comes to lounges and clubs in OC, so when I was invited to the soft opening for Holiday in Costa Mesa this past week, I really didn’t know quite what to expect. I grabbed my sister, which I guess makes it more of a...
Read MoreBack-to-School Kids Eat Free at IHOP Event
Kids Eat Free* at IHOP® Restaurants is back! Known for being the originator of serving freshly made breakfast at any time of day, every day, IHOP invites families to savor the last weeks of summer by spending time together at dinner — all while stretching back-to-school dollars since kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult entrées from August 1 to September 25, 4-10 p.m. every day at participating restaurants. The Kids Eat Free deal...
Read MoreFamily-Friendly Sushi at Wokcano in Santa Ana
We dined as a guest of the venue Wokcano opened up in Santa Ana a little over a month ago. It is an Asian restaurant that has an excellent bar and serves Sushi and other Asian favorites. My husband and I along with our toddler were invited to have a lunch date here. We went around 1:00 PM and it was not overly crowded. We were quickly seated and left to look over the menu. We decided to start...
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