Chew on These Bits of Dining News

The Crow Bar, Sage Eastbluff and more...

When Garlic Jo’s moved from Corona del Mar to the former Margaritaville on West Coast Highway in Newport  Beach (949-673-8444), the space was promptly filled by The Crow Bar & Kitchen (949-675-0070), an attractive eatery with the fun ambiance of an English pub. Chef Scott Brandon, who previously brought accolades to Oysters just down the street, paired his menu to the brews. Among the pub favorites are fish and chips, pizzas from a brick oven, sandwiches, burgers and an assortment of salads. Along with an extensive collection of bottled international and domestic beers, there are 24 on tap, and 25 wines offered by the glass. The Crow Bar & Kitchen is open daily, 5 p.m. to midnight, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

South Coast Plaza has welcomed Hamamori Restaurant-Lounge (714-850-0880) to its eclectic group of restaurants. Located on the third level of the Home Store Wing near the Bridge of Gardens, the restaurant showcases the unique sushi style of award-winning chef James Hamamori, as interpreted by Executive Chef Takumi Murase, previously associated with Megu in New York City. A menu of tasting plates reflects both contemporary fine Japanese cuisine, and the traditional comfort foods of Kyoto.

Now you can buy a top-quality wine and help charitable organizations at the same time. Hope Wine created three varietals to support Breast Cancer (Chardonnay), AIDS (Merlot) and Autism (Cabernet Sauvignon.)  For each bottle sold, 50% of the profits are donated to the designated cause. For every 100,000 bottles sold, an additional varietal and cause will be added. Discounts are offered to charitable functions. For details, visit www.hopewine.com.

At Sage Eastbluff (949-718-9650) the tasting menu of small courses previously held on Wednesdays only will be extended to Monday through Thursday. The $35 cost includes dessert.

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