Midweek Bites & Delights, Thanksgiving Dinner with a French Touch and More
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Check out what's new in the world of food and dining.
|
The new Junior League cookbook Orange County Fare will be introduced in conjunction with the opening of The Christmas Company Opening Night Gala on November 12 at the OC Fair & Event Center. A special luncheon event will be held November 13, with Dr. Beth Hamilton and Dr. Stephanie McClellan, authors of So Stressed: The Effects of Stress on Women’s Health and What You Need to Know to Restore Your Energy, Joy and Balance. Tickets are priced at $35 and are available at jlocc.org or by calling 949.263.3785. A Preferred Shopping Breakfast ($35) starts the overall event at 9 a.m.-11 a.m. November 13. Other events include Breakfast with Santa and a Tea Party with the author and illustrator of the Fancy Nancy book series. General admission to The Christmas Company is $10 per person. The event ends November 15.
In addition to its regular dinner menu, The Palm Terrace Restaurant at Island Hotel Newport Beach (949.760.4920) has a new lineup of Midweek Bites & Delights, a menu of bites and wines priced at $8. On Tuesdays, enjoy “Chardonnay & Shrimp“; Wednesdays, “Merlot & Mushrooms“; Thursdays,“Cabernet & Beef.” Kobe beef items are priced at $12. Executive Chef Bill Bracken has implemented a Sunday Night Brunch buffet from 5 to 8 p.m. The Sunday supper feast, complete with live entertainment, has a Cold Station, a Peking Duck Station and a Stir-fry Station featuring selections prepared to order. Pastry Chef Michael Owens fills the dessert buffet with irresistible treats. Cost, $38 for adults, $19 kids ages 12 and under. Tax and gratuity not included. Reservations recommended.
The fall menu is in place at Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine (949.387.8887). Executive Chef Yves Fournier has added several new taste treats. A few of them are California striped bass in a curry coconut ginger emulsion, Scottish salmon marinated in Chermoula and served with grilled eggplant, and a “lamb tasting” featuring herb encrusted lamb chops paired with lamb osso bucco. Yves has created a lengthy menu for those with dietary restrictions. Options include a gluten-free menu, vegetarian choices and a vegan menu. Yves’ wife, Elyssa, is the pastry chef who offers a sweet ending to the meal with a seasonal apple, pear and cranberry streussel tart, pumpkin pie with crème fraiche and pomegranate molasses, and a few more delights.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (949.720.9633) will continue its new nightly prix fixe menu until the end of the year. The full three-course dinner includes an appetizer, a choice of selected entrées and dessert for $39.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Pinot Provence (714.444.5900) will give Thanksgiving dinner a French touch under the capable hands of Executive Chef Lulu De Rouen. Besides the bird, De Rouen will have main course selections of Scottish salmon, boneless beef short ribs, grilled flank steak, duck leg confit with Toulouse sausage, and classic cassoulet. Desserts include an all-American pumpkin pie, pecan pie and a trio of sorbets, or house-made ice creams. Cost, $39 for adults, $19 for kids under 12. Under 3 free.
On November 5, 6:30 p.m., Antonello’s (714.751.7153) will welcome Dennis Bell of Lewis Cellars at a Winemaker Dinner. Cost, $129. On November 12, three wineries, Sodaro Estate, Levendi Winery and B Cellars, all owned by Orange County residents, will be highlighted in an exciting wine tasting mixer, Battle of the Napa Valley Boutiques. Cost, $25 per person. Antonello’s holds its final Winemaker Dinner with Julie Bart of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars on November 19. Cost, approximately $145. Reservations for all the events are advisable.
Chakra Indian Cuisine (949.854.0009) serves an open lunch buffet Monday through Saturday. Cost, $14.95 per person. A superb Sunday Brunch, including Champagne, served 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is $19 per person, plus tax and gratuity. An a la carte menu is also available. Dinners begin at 5 p.m.
