In conjunction with the performances of the Blue Man Group at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, November 8-20, Chef Ross Pangilinan of Leatherby’s Café Rouge (714.429.7640) will create a special Blue Man Group-themed three-course dinner for $39 per person, $54 with wine. The regular fall menu is offered Tuesday to Saturday, 5-8:30 p.m., and Sunday 4-8:30 p.m. Closed on all non-performance nights.
Antonello Ristorante at South Coast Plaza Village (714.751.7153) has launched “3 For 20 Under 40.” The new weekday lunch is geared towards busy executives who wish to enjoy a three-course lunch for under $20 in less than 40 minutes. The prix fixe offerings will rotate frequently and will incorporate more organic ingredients and a lighter approach in preparation.
Heartier dishes are now on the menu at Nello Cucina at South Coast Plaza (714.540.3365). The rolled pasta in a tomato vodka cream sauce and substantial meatball sandwich, share the menu with an autumn chicken salad topped with a yogurt Gorgonzola dressing, pork chops and braised boneless beef short ribs over polenta.
November 11, 5:30 p.m.: Share Our Selves (SOS) will present its 21st annual Celebrity Chef dinner/auction, A Celebration of Service, at the Hilton Waterfront in Huntington Beach. Several prominent local chefs will coordinate a five-course gourmet dinner, paired with specialty wines. The chef’s roster includes Jeff Armstrong (Surf & Sand); Franco Barone (Il Barone); Bill Bracken (Island Hotel); John Cuevas (Crow Bar & Kitchen); Alan Greeley (Golden Truffle); Carlito Jocson (Yard House); Jeff Littlefield (Waterfront Hilton); Ken Mukai (Yoshi’s Sushi); Alessandro Pirozzi (Cucina Alessa); Chris Savage (Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach); and Ryan Wilson (Five Crowns). Tickets, $250 per person, may be purchased by contacting Elizabeth Evans at 949.270.2137 or online at efevans@shareourselves.org.
November 17, 6:30 p.m.: The Junior League of Orange County opens its 36th Christmas Company fundraiser with an opening night gala, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. The four-day shopping extravaganza, themed A Home Cooked Holiday, includes food events such as PJs & Pancakes on November 19, 10-11:30 a.m., and a Cooking Demo and Simply Zov book signing by Zov Karamardian, owner of several Zov’s Bistros, 4-5:30 p.m. On closing day, November 20, a Fancy Nancy Tea Party is set for 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. General admission is $10 per person. Tickets are available at the door, online at jlocc.org or by calling 949.263.3785.
November 17, 5:30-8 p.m.: A Beaujolais Nouveau World Release Celebration will be held at Pascal Epicerie. The wine sampling includes hors d’oeuvres and a grilled sausage tasting. Cost, $28 per person, plus tax and gratuity. On November 18 and 19, 6 p.m., a four-course Beaujolais Nouveau Dinner Celebration takes place at Tradition by Pascal. A live accordionist will entertain. Cost, $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations for either/both event(s) can be made by calling 949.263.9400.
November 19, 5:30 p.m.: The Share Our Wine Foundation (800.527.6201, shareourwine.org) will hold its Seventh Annual Auction Orange County presented by Newport Lexus and South Coast Plaza. The evening will include a silent auction on more than 1,000 wine lots and a live auction for one-of-a-kind vacations. Tickets are $150 per person and may be purchased online. The auction benefits local children’s charities that treat and prevent abuse and neglect in our community.
On Friday evenings, from November 4 through December 16, the chefs du cuisine of Pelican Hill (949.467.6800) will lead a hands-on preparation course paired with wines. Each class in the series features a distinct menu and takes place in a luxurious Villa kitchen. Cost, $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required. Thanksgiving, November 24 will be celebrated at Andrea Ristorante from noon to 10 p.m., at the Pelican Grill & Lounge 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and at the Coliseum Pool & Grill throughout the day, beginning with a breakfast buffet at 7 a.m.
On November 18, 6-7 p.m., Eno-Versity at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (949.240.2000) will sample a variety of wines that will pair perfectly with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Cost, $40 per person. Reservations requested. The resort’s Giving Season kicks off November 19 with a collection of non-perishable food items, toys, books, and stuffed animals to be donated to local Orange County charities. Guests who donate any of these items will receive an Anniversary Card that provides 15% off in the resort’s restaurants, spa and retail shops, as well as valet parking. Toys will be collected for Miracles for Kids at The Holiday Tree Lighting on November 20.
Fall dining at the Palm Terrace at the Island Hotel (949.760.4920, theislandhotel.com) includes a new Sunday night rib roast 4:30-8:30 p.m. Cost, $19.95 adults, $12.95 for the kids buffet; kids under five, free. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., is Brown Bag Wine Night. Based on entrée selections, a bottle of carefully selected wine is served in a brown paper bag and revealed at the end of the meal. Wine enthusiasts try to guess the varietal. On Thursdays, 8-11 p.m., it is tacos, tequila and live entertainment by Tino in the Palm Terrace Lounge. No cover charge. A three-course Thanksgiving feast will be served from 11 a.m-7 p.m. Thanksgiving breakfast served from 7-11 a.m.
