A Raw Bar, Orange County Restaurant Week and More
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Get the latest in Orange County food and dining news.
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Sol Cocina (949.675.9800, solcocina.com) has launched a weekend brunch that is served every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Eye-opener cocktails feature exotic libations with a touch of food. Look for a chipotle Maria with shrimp, and a spicy Mary with Corralejo Blanco enhanced with smoky chipotle and lime and served with a skewer of shrimp, lemon, chile, and tomato. There are also 60 artisan tequilas to choose from. The Baja-style brunch menu includes a breakfast torta, crab and shrimp cakes Benedicto, huevos Mexicanos al gusto, and chilaquiles verde. Also new at Sol is happy hour served daily from 3-6 p.m. with a bar menu that lists street tacos, “naked” guacamole, shrimp tostadas, carne asada, and many more south-of-the-border-flavored bites. A late night menu is offered Thursday through Saturday night, 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
Simply Fondue in Mission Viejo (949.707.5200) and San Juan Capistrano (949.240.0300) celebrate Valentine‘s Day weekend with “Wine, Roses, and Musical Strings” on February 13-14, 2010, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The special prix fixe menu, priced at $69 per person, includes a “bubbly” toast, a satchel filled with chocolate, a Simply Fondue Gift Card valued at $25, and a long stem rose for the ladies upon departure. Diners may order from the regular menu, as well. Entertainment, on Sunday only, will be a classically-trained cellist/violinist who will perform some of the best known romantic compositions: from Mozart and Beethoven to The Beatles and Led Zepplin. A teen menu is available for $18 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Groups of five or more, receive a 15% discount off dinner. For detailed information, visit simplyfondueorangecounty.com.
Whole Foods Market in The District at Tustin Legacy (714.566.7650, wholefoodsmarket.com) has added a Raw Bar, a new counter that serves “organic living cuisine.” The concept is in collaboration with restaurateur Jenny Ross, a leading authority in raw foods, and chef/owner of 118 Degrees Restaurant in Costa Mesa (714.754.0718, shop118degrees.com). Ross’ original recipes are used for made-to-order salads, entrees and desserts. The Raw Bar counter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is located in the produce department of Whole Foods.
Veggie Grills throughout Southern California (veggiegrill.com) have updated their 100% plant-based menus to make things easier for those committed to eating more nutritious, wholesome food. Everything from entree salads to barbecue to crispy "fried chicken” to “burgers” and desserts, are free of cholesterol, animal fat, trans fat, and refined sugar, and priced under $10.
Osteria Drago is coming to Fashion Island. This will be the first venture outside of Los Angeles for the award-winning restaurateur Celestino Drago, who was a James Beard Foundation honoree. Osteria Drago, scheduled to open in spring 2010, is adjacent to Nordstrom, also slated for a spring opening. The menu will highlight high-quality seasonal foods found throughout Italy and an assortment of dishes meant to be shared family-style. The menu includes fresh pastas, pizzas baked in a Naples-style wood-burning oven and fish and game. The wine bar will carry an extensive list of rare wines, and a bar menu with charcuterie and small plates will be available throughout the day.
Orange County Restaurant Week runs February 28-March 6. Visit ocrestaurantweek.com for a list of participating restaurants and for meals based on cuisine, location and price point. A Golden Foodies card will be distributed free of charge to Restaurant Week diners and may be used throughout the year for special dining deals at participating restaurants.
