Valentine's Day, Gourmet Comfort Food and More
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Find out what's new in Orange County food and dining.
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On February 6, Super Bowl Sunday, The Ritz Restaurant & Garden (949.720.1800) will be open, featuring Arthur’s Famous BBQ. The menu varies from hot dogs at $9.50 to steak and lobster for $55, with burgers, chicken, ribs, and more. On February 12, 13 and 14, beginning at 5 p.m., The Ritz highlights Valentine's Day weekend with a prix fixe dinner ($85 per person, plus tax and gratuity) that begins with a spectacular seafood martini accompanied by a glass of Champagne. Next, a choice of soup or salad, an entrée from a list of eight dishes and a Valentine dessert sampler for a sweet ending. Guests may order from the regular a la carte menu as well. Reservations highly recommended.
On February 8, 6:30 p.m., Bluewater Grills in Newport Beach at Cannery Village (949.675.3474) and at The District (714.258.3474) will highlight Foods of Love: Oysters and Champagne, in the ages-old belief that oysters and Champagne conjure up feelings of love. Raw oysters on the half shell, from British Columbia and Washington State, will be paired with domestic sparkling wines, Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut or a Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir. Drink options include special draft beers. In addition to the special tasting event on February 8, the restaurants will have a month-long promotion featuring classic foods from the bayou with California-inspired versions of crawfish etouffee, gumbo and jambalaya, as well as specialized drinks and desserts. The cost of each pairing event is $29.95 per person. Advance reservations are required at each restaurant beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Cathy Pavlos of Lucca (949.725.1773) has a Valentine’s Day blowout planned with a prix fixe, four-course menu that will be complemented by five wines personally selected by hubby Elliott. A very special entrée is the Surf n’ Turf, comprised of an individual petite beef Wellington made with a filet mignon, caramelized onions, wild mushroom duxelles, and country pate all wrapped in a pastry crust. Cost, $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Along with its regular menu, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (949.720.9633) is offering a three-course winter prix fixe menu nightly through March 29. Priced at $39.95 per person (non-inclusive), the meal includes a choice of soup or salad, a bistro steak or a crackling pork shank, and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. With 100 wines available by the glass, suggested wine pairings on the menu for each course are available at additional cost.
Executive Chef Yves Fournier of Andrei’s Conscientious Cuisine in Irvine (949.387.8887) has a special menu planned for a Valentine’s Day dinner that will be served on Saturday, February 12, and Monday, February 14. There will be live music on Saturday night. Call for detailed information or visit andreisrestaurant.com.
Seasons 52 (714.437.5252) at South Coast Plaza has added a new red velvet dessert to its mini indulgence menu ($2.75). The devilish red cake is a visual delight served in a short glass with alternate layers of cream cheese frosting and topped with a fresh raspberry. The recommended wine pairing is Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2006 for $9 (3 oz. pour) or a Chartogne-Taillent Cuvee Sainte Anne Champagne at $15 a glass, or $75 a bottle. Savor throughout February.
Haven Gastropub in Old Towne Orange (714.221.0680) has a winter menu of gourmet comfort foods. Look for a mouthwatering cassoulet made with duck confit, pork belly and boudin blanc sausage; red wine-braised oxtails poutine; rabbit liver accented with onion jam; lamb burger with onion jam and tzatziki; and wagyu beef tartare with truffle oil and sliced truffles. The dessert menu includes a brownie made with beer, bacon ice cream and sel gris (gray salt.) Vegetarians will welcome the new twist given roasted cauliflower and the seasonal mushroom risotto. Fourteen handcrafted beers are on hand to quench the thirst. The owners of Haven Gastropub have recently opened Taco Asylum at The Camp, a casual eatery that specializes in non-traditional tacos.
Rock’n Fish has opened in Laguna Beach (949.497.3113). Located upstairs in the Heisler Building (above Tommy Bahama), the casual-styled restaurant is recognized for its high-quality meats and fresh fish grilled over 100% red oak. The American regional menu also includes New Orleans specialties and hand-shaken cocktails.
The 20th Chipotle restaurant has opened in Orange County at The Crossroads shopping center between Culver Drive and Barranca Parkway in Irvine. Chipotle is famous for its all naturally raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef, chicken and pork.
KOBA, specializing in Korean entrees and barbecue dishes, has opened at Campus Plaza in Irvine (across from UCI) in the space formerly occupied by Blockbuster. Famous for its simmering soon tofu, the nutritious dish is made in a variety of flavors including kimchi, seafood dumpling and curry. Teriyaki chicken, barbecue ribs and spicy pork ribs are among the barbecue specialties. There is a long list of vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is open daily from 7 to 2 a.m.
GG’s Bistro (949.494.9306), specializing in Turkish/Mediterranean cuisine, has opened on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. The patio has a view and can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or happy hour. Beef, chicken or shrimp kebabs are among the specialty items at dinner. A children’s menu includes chicken fingers, spaghetti and hamburgers. Authentic Turkish coffee or tea is perfect with the homemade baklava. Wednesday night, 6:30-9:30 p.m., is Jazz Night with Victoria McGinnis. The restaurant has valet parking and is pet friendly. GG’s is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On February 5, the Ponte Family Estate Winery in Temecula will be the site of a 100 Mile Dinner. The principal ingredients in the five-course dinner will be sourced within 100 miles of the Temecula Valley. Each course will be prepared by a different local chef and accompanied by fine wines from local vintners. Proceeds benefit the Slow Food in Schools programs in the Temecula Valley. For detailed information and reservations, call 951.694.9444 or visit pontewinery.com.
