With the arrival of spring, Café Jardin at Sherman Library & Gardens is now open for lunch Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. On May 30, a traditional High Tea will include Chinese teas, assorted tea sandwiches and delightful desserts. High Tea is offered every last Wednesday of the month by reservation only, or for special parties by request. For reservations, call 949.673.0033.
Tuesdays have become Burger Tuesdays at Bayside Restaurant (949.721.1222, baysiderestaurant.com). The burgers, priced at $7 each, are served from 7 p.m. to closing in the bar, lounge or terrace areas. Drink specials are also available throughout the evening. Entertainment from 6-10 p.m. Bayside is also recognized for its saleable art collection that adorns the walls.
Umami Burger has opened at The CAMP in Costa Mesa (umamiburger.com). Murals on the walls, created by local artist Seth Bauer, depict the focus of the restaurant — the five senses: sweet, salt, sour, bitter, and umami, Japanese for savory. The signature burger of the Costa Mesa unit is the Tandoori Burger, a chicken tandoori curry patty with a black beluga lentil spread and cucumber tzatziki. There are nine other exotic burgers to choose from, plus sides of regular and sweet potato thin fries, an exceptional beet salad and ice cream sandwiches from L.A. Creamery.
Deborah Schneider, chef/partner of SOL Cocina (949.675.9800, solcocina.com) has taken her popular Baja-style cuisine to a second location at the Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale, Arizona (480.245.6708). Schneider, the author of five cookbooks, is recognized for her transformation of simple and fresh dishes found along coastal Mexico, into spectacular cuisine. Her menu is also vegan-friendly, vegetarian and 100% gluten-free.
Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House (714.772.1381, anaheimwhitehouse.com), has released his own private barrel wine label, Valpolicella Superiore Bin #7. Produced in an Italian countryside near his hometown, Bin #7 has the characteristics of cherries, berries and is endowed with a lively acidity that creates just the right perception of freshness.
After five years, Chef/Owner Haley Nguyen (hayley@xanhbistro) has closed Xanh Bistro in Fountain Valley. While Chef Hayley is looking for a more convenient and attractive location to reopen, she is available to teach and cater private parties, in addition to promoting her Vietnamese dipping sauce.
Spike’s Fish House in Laguna Niguel and Rancho Santa Margarita, is making it easier to enjoy quality fresh fish, grilled to order at home or at the office in select Orange County cities. Catering options include a build-your-own bowl Party Packs, for up to six guests, and Appetizer Platters for both the home and corporate. For more information, or to place an order, call 949.448.8488 or visit spikesfishhouse.com.
The Balboa Bay Club will host the ninth annual Newport Beach Wine Festival Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27. Festivities begin Friday evening with a Master Sommeliers Wine Dinner featuring guest chefs. Saturday includes seminars on Spanish Wines and Tapas, and Cheese and Wine. An elaborate Grand Tasting will take place on Saturday night in the Grand Ballroom. The weekend winds down with a Sunday Brunch, Champagnes and “Breakfast Cocktails,” followed by an Argentinean BBQ, Big Reds and Beers on the lawn overlooking the bay. At sunset, Cigars, Spirits and Sweets on the terrace at Duke’s Place brings the weekend to a close. For detailed information, or to book one or more of the events, call 949.630.4146 or visit balboabayclub.com.
The Five Crowns (949.760.0331, thefivecrowns.com) is a recipient of the Wedding Wire 2012 Bride’s Choice Award for its outstanding ceremony and reception venue.
