Sangria & Salsas, Green Feast and More
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Get the latest in Orange County food and dining news.
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Amar Santana, former executive chef at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza is readying his own new restaurant, Broadway by Amar Santa, in Laguna Beach. The restaurant is not on Broadway, but on Glenneyre in the building once occupied by Michael Kang’s famed Five Feet. An August opening is planned.
On July 18, 10 a.m., Morton’s The Steakhouse Santa Ana (714.444.4834) will host its 13th Annual Golf Classic at Tustin Ranch. The event includes a putting contest and lunch, a 12 p.m. shotgun start, followed by an awards reception and dinner. The fee is $250 per player, all-inclusive. Fifteen dollars per event ticket sold and 100 % of auction proceeds will benefit Birdies for the Brave. On July 28, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., Morton’s Anaheim will present a Spirited Evening with Ketel One Vodka. The $60 per guest, all-inclusive fee, includes signature hors d’oeuvres and exquisite vodka.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Ivan Calderone, founder of Taco Mesa Healthy and Authentic (tacomesa.net), has debuted a new menu meant to enhance its original concept. Executive Chef Javier Zambrano now uses organic, wild caught fish and natural chicken and beef, free of steroids, hormones and antibiotics. Gluten-free options are also available. There are four Taco Mesa locations in Orange County - Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, and Orange - plus Taco Rosa Mexico City Cuisine, a full-service concept in Newport Beach at Newport Hills Shopping Center (949.720.0980, tacorosa.com) and at the Irvine Market Place (714.505.6080).
On July 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m., ENO-versity at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (949.241.2000) presents Sangria & Salsas. Discuss and sample summer’s most refreshing drink, plus a variety of salsas. Cost, $40 per person.
The theme of the OC Fair 2011, July 15-August 14, is Let’s Eat. This year, the OC Fair Chef Series will include Duff Goldman, July 21; Carla Hall, July 28; Michael Voltaggio, August 4; and Rick Moonen, August 11. The chef appearances will be held on Thursdays in The Hangar and are free with fair admission. With a $25 super pass, guests can attend each of the chef appearances and have access to the fair each day it is open.
Agora Churrascaria (949.222.9910, agoranow.com), the Brazilian-styled steakhouse, has a small bites menu served at the bar only. Among the menu items are filet wrapped in bacon, chicken, and Brazilian pork and beef sausages for $4 each. A sampler of all three plates can be purchased for $2 more. Bargain bites, at the bar only, includes one trip to the salad bar and hot dishes for $9.
Daily Grill in Fashion Island (dailygrill.com) has online ordering for takeout and curbside service for pickup. For delivery service, call Restaurants on the Run (800.510.3663).
Motif at St. Regis Monarch Beach (949.234.3200) is serving a most elaborate Sunday Brunch. Among the vast assortment of entrees and appetizers are crab, oysters, tuna tartar, smoked salmon, and 40 different types of made-to-order signature pancakes. Leave room for one of the many spectacular desserts offered. Cost, $75 per person with Champagne, $69 without. Cost for children ages five-12 is $39 per child.
The ever-expanding Chipotle has opened its third Newport Beach eatery on Newport Boulevard between 31st and 32nd Streets. The new restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
On July 27, Café Beau Soleil in Fashion Island (949.640.4402) will host its first winemaker dinner with Au Bon Wine Cellars. The restaurant is now open nightly for dinner.
Tickets are now on sale for Green Feast, a fundraiser for The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano (949.443.4223, info@theecologycenter.org) that will be held September 10, 4 p.m. The event will feature a lineup of 12 Orange County top chefs who will prepare a five-course dinner in an outdoor kitchen. Tables are set up communal style “in the field” and outfitted with white linens and candles. Guest speakers will include the rancher, fisherman or farmer responsible for the main ingredient and will share his or her special approach to organic, pasture-raised and sustainable farming. Tickets for the event are $225 each for non-member, $180 per person for members.
