On March 17, 2010, the new SideDoor Gastro Pub at Five Crowns will add a special St. Paddy’s menu to its regular selections, beginning at 4:30 p.m. until closing. Look for bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and a variety of other dishes to enjoy with a Guinness. Reservations are not accepted at SideDoor. To enjoy the main dining room and its new seasonal three-course prix fixe menu, $32 per person, plus tax and tip, call 949.717.4322. The Five Crowns will also host a Mystery Dinner on the 17th, beginning at 7 p.m. This event is $96 per person, all-inclusive. Reservations required.
Muldoon’s Irish Pub (949.640.4110) brings in St. Patrick’s Day with the Sexiest Kilt Contest on March 14 at 1 p.m. The festive event honors the rich Celtic tradition and colorful pageantry of the wearing of the kilt. The competition is open to any brave soul willing to wear a kilt and be judged by a panel of female judges. Renowned piper, Eric Rigler, will perform as each contestant is introduced. The winner receives a trophy, along with “bragging rights.” For more information, contact Mary Murphy at Muldoon’s. On the 17th, Muldoon’s opens at 10 a.m. with live music all day.
On March 24, 6:30 p.m., Morton’s The Steakhouse in Santa Ana will feature the exceptional wines of Cakebread Cellars. Bruce Cakebread will be on hand to discuss the merits of his family’s prestigious vintages. Cost of the five-course dinner paired with selected Cakebread wines is $150 per person.
With proof of train fare, Simply Fondue in San Juan Capistrano (949.240.0300, simplyfondueorangecounty.com) is offering Amtrak and Metrolink commuters a 20% discount on all entrees, wines and spirits. The discount applies during the Monday through Friday work week, beginning at 5 p.m. and at Sunday Lunch & Bubblies, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Anaheim White House will celebrate its 100-year-anniversary throughout 2010 by offering a $35 special menu for patrons celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Just mention the Centennial Celebration menu when making reservations. For guests dining every 100 days (April 10, July 19 and October 27), a $100 gift certificate will be handed out for use at lunch or dinner on their next visit to the restaurant.
Kebob Night has returned every Monday night at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin (714.838.8855), Newport Coast (949.760.9687) and Irvine (714.734.9687). The kebob dinners, created from Zov’s cherished family recipes, are paired with her signature green salad and are priced at $16.95.
Fans of Lazy Dog Café (lazydogcafe.com) can now visit the latest cafe at The Market Place in Irvine, on the site of the former French 75. Lazy Dog, now has a total of six locations, and is recognized for its well-prepared American and international dishes served in whimsical, comfortable interiors. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays.
Doug Cavanaugh, founder, chairman and CEO of Ruby’s Restaurants, The Beachcomber Crystal Cove and The Beachcomber Malibu Pier, has appointed Michael A. Jordan as president. Jordan, who formerly managed Napa Rose in Anaheim (714.300.7170), is a rare holder of both diplomas, Master Sommelier and International Court of Master Sommeliers, and will oversee the operations at Crystal Cove and Malibu to enhance and expand the wine and beverage program.
Daddy Cakes, the Newport Beach-based pancake manufacturer, has partnered with Paul Frank Industries, creators of Julius the Monkey, to introduce a new pancake mix, Boomerang Banana. Daddy Cakes has nine flavors of pancake and waffle mixes, all vegetarian, six of which are vegan and three organic. They are available at Whole Foods Market, Central Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and online at daddycakesbakery.com.
BoardWalk Ice Cream Co. (949.453.0414) has opened its first location at Irvine Spectrum Center. The store is popular for its ice cream bars that are made with premium vanilla ice cream, dipped in milk or dark chocolate, and then rolled in unique toppings. BoardWalk is available to “dip and roll” at private parties and events.
StarChefs, the online magazine for culinary insiders, celebrates the Los Angeles-San Diego Rising Stars Chef Award winners on March 18, 7-9:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica (310.576.7777). The awards recognize up-and-coming chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists from around the country that represent future leaders of the national culinary scene. Winners include Zachary Pollack and Stephan Samson of Pizzeria Ortica in Costa Mesa (714.445.4900), and William Bradley of the Addison Del Mar in San Diego (858.350.7600). Tickets to the Tasting Gala walk-around are $95 per person and are available at starchefs.com/tickets. VIP tickets are $150 and include a pre-event reception, hosted by Fairmont Miramar chef Jason Prendergast, featuring Champagne and Petrossian caviar.
