Economic Stimulus Meal Deals, Burger Mania and So Much More

WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Find out what's new in the food and dining scene.

Photo By CINDY YAMANAKA/THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER The Crow Bar and Kitchen

Byron Gemmell, chef/owner of Gemmell’s French Restaurant in Dana Point (949-234-0063), has taken over the former Rendezvous in San Juan Capistrano and renamed it The Vintage Steakhouse (949-661-3400). The restaurant, set in a 1927 fully restored Pullman car, serves breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner, and has a late night bar menu until midnight. There is live jazz entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The Judy Chamberlain Trio will perform August 6 and 20. Visit thevintagesteakhouse.com for a complete schedule of  hours and entertainers.

On August 20, 5-7 p.m., Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Village (714-751-7153) will host a casual, stand-up wine tasting featuring a total of eight wines from Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and Dolce Wineries. The mixer, priced at $30, plus tax, will be followed with a “wine shop” retail wine offering, as well as an optional four-course dinner in the main dining room for $35.95. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the restaurant, or by e-mail to Steve@antonello.com. On August 27, Antonello’s and The Tinder Box will present a J. C. Newman Diamond Crown Cigar Dinner featuring all three types of Diamond Crown cigars: Robusto #3, Robusto #4 Maduro and Maximus Pyramid #3. The dinner menu and pricing to be announced. E-mail reservations to events@antonello.com.

Wildfish Seafood Grill (949-720-9925) has launched a summer prix fixe dining special for $29.95, and happy hour specials. Choices include soup or salad, a main course of ahi steak, filet of Atlantic salmon, roasted breast of chicken, or a seven-ounce center cut, grain-fed Midwestern beef (add $5). Desserts include the house favorite Belgian chocolate mousse, crème brulee or fresh seasonal berries. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Saturday from 4-7 p.m. and all night on Sundays and Mondays, with select half-price appetizers and $6 cocktails.

The official name for Kimera’s new wine bar is the Decanter Wine Bar (949-261-1222). The bar, with seating for 11, can be utilized for lunch or dinner. Nightly wine flights are available with a selection of three wines by the glass for $12, four for $15 or five for $20. Wine tastings, featuring wines from around the world are held Tuesday, and either Friday or Saturday evenings when a DJ entertains. For future wine tastings at the Decanter Wine Bar, go to kimerarestaurant.com or visit them on Facebook, where listings are regularly posted.

Bayside Restaurant (949-721-1222) is offering its own “Economic Stimulus Package,” with a prix fixe menu for $35. Choices include an appetizer of soup or salad, followed by a choice of tiger prawns, Atlantic salmon, boneless pork rib rack chop, beef culotte steak, linguine with lamb ragu, and one of Bayside’s spectacular desserts. While dining at this award-winning restaurant, view the new collection of artwork by contemporary impressionist Richard Rice of Newport Beach. Sister restaurant Bistango (949-752-5222) is featuring the diverse artwork of nearly 20 artists.

Monday night is Burger Mania night at The Crow Bar and Kitchen in Corona del Mar (949-675-0070). The regular menu is readily available, but the stars of the night are burgers made with pastrami, halibut, lamb merguez, and a list of other creative fillers. During happy hour, 3-7 p.m., generous discounts are applied to beers, bottled wine, wine by the glass, well drinks, and appetizers. The Crow Bar also provides catering that runs the gamut from traditional food to a Hawaiian BBQ or an authentic clam bake.

Photo By STEVE ZYLIUS/THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Blackmarket Bakery owner Rachel Klemek glazes a cake in the bakery's kitchen.

Blackmarket Bakery (949-852-4609) continues its summer baking classes for both adults and children. August 3, 6-9 p.m., kicks off the new schedule with “My Grandmother’s Southern Sweets,“ featuring hummingbird cake, red velvet cake, bread pudding with hard sauce, beignets, and more. Visit blackmarketbakery.com for complete details of classes.

Victor Novak, brew master at TAPS Fish House in Brea (714-257-0101 or tapsfishhouse.com) was recently honored by the California State Fair and L.A. International Beer Fest with five medals for his handcrafted ales and lagers. Novak’s cream ale received two gold awards. All are available for tasting during TAPS happy hour Monday through Saturday.

Now is the time to experience ”Fashion Plates,” at South Coast Plaza (714-435-2000 or southcoastplaza.com). SCP’s fine dining restaurants are serving three-course lunches for $20 and four-course dinners for $30-40. Time is up August 9.

Budge-conscious party-goers who need space for up to 50, might be interested in Ginger’s Rooftop Suite at The Garden of Beauty in Costa Mesa (949-637-2790). This adaptable, mostly empty, space is surrounded by windows, and has a patio. Previous bookings have included graduation and birthday parties, yoga and dance classes, rituals, networking events, and workshops.