October brings Oktoberfest and one of the best will be held at Five Crowns (949.760.0331) on October 12, 2010, 6:30 p.m. A variety of beers from Munich’s Spaten Franziskaner Brewery will accompany Executive Dennis Brask’s buffet table that will be laden with starters of herring two ways, roasted beet salad, German cheese and cold meats, and entrées of sauerbraten, smoked pork loin, a trio of sausages, and many more German specialties. An accordionist will play live music throughout the evening. The event is priced at $69 per person, all-inclusive. On October 31, 7 p.m., Five Crowns will again celebrate its popular Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner. Murder sleuths will dine on a special four-course dinner created by Chef Brask, while the drama of a new mystery unfolds. Cost, $96 per person, all-inclusive. Reservations are highly recommended.
On October 12, Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach (949.675.3474) and The District at Tustin Legacy (714.258.3474) present Fiery Mendocino Oysters. A dozen fire-roasted Mendocino oysters will be prepared three ways – with butter, garlic and wine; tangy barbecue; and Pacific Rim style. These delectable oysters will be paired with Firestone Pale Ale IPA or a glass of Firestone wine. The cost is $24.95 per person and reservations are recommended. Throughout October, Bluewater chefs and seafood experts will be available to discuss the latest oyster preparation techniques, recipes and regional trends. The Fiery Mendocino Oyster plate is on the menu throughout the month for those unable to attend the special oyster event.
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant has opened at the Brea Marketplace (714.255.0090). Corporate Executive Chef Masa Kurihara showcases traditional Japanese cuisine throughout most of the 150 menu items offered daily, as well as contemporary interpretations and an award-winning kids menu. The bar has an extensive selection of sake, beer and wine, exotic soju and sake-based cocktails by Master Sake Sommelier Yuji Matsumoto, currently the only certified Master Sake Sommelier in North America. Matsumoto will be an award recipient for the esteemed Sake Samurai award in Kyoto, Japan, on October 15.
Kappa Ramen has opened on West Ball Road in Anaheim (714.828.2210, kapparamen.com). Along with a variety of ramen soups, chef-partner Eiji Kanazawa also offers pot stickers, grilled squid, tofu steak, and stir fried noodles with pork and cabbage, to name a few. Japanese-born Chef Kanazawa previously worked at Gen Kai in Irvine and Corona del Mar, and Japon in Lake Forest.
Tuesdays come alive at The Ritz Restaurant and Garden (949.720.1800) with Russ Henry starting the evening off with steel drums at 4 p.m. in the Garden, followed by a Martini Tasting and Arthur’s Famous BBQ from 5-7 p.m. The Fabulous Baker Boys take over from 6:30-10 p.m. Arthur’s BBQ is also available Friday and Saturday nights, as well as entertainment by the Baker Boys. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, all bottled wines are 50 percent off with dinner. For detailed happenings at The Ritz, visit ritzrestaurant.com.
On Wednesdays from 4 p.m., Daily Grill in Fashion Island (949.644.2223) offers half off on any listed bottled wine. During happy hour, 4-7 p.m. seven days a week, beers, martinis and hand-crafted cocktails are discounted. Chicken “bites” and a hummus dip are specially priced at $2.95. The regular bar menu offers heartier appetizers such as fried calamari, popcorn shrimp, chicken quesadillas, an outstanding chicken pot pie and more, priced accordingly. Kids 11 and under can enjoy many of their favorite foods, such as mac n’cheese, mini cheeseburgers and grilled cheese, and a beverage and dessert for $5. Recipes for many of the Daily Grill‘s popular items can be found online at dailygrill.com.
Bayside Restaurant (949.721.1222) has revamped its popular tapas menu and has extended its happy hour from 5 p.m. to closing. Tapas, starting from $5.95, can be enjoyed in the bar area, or on the new outdoor patio lounge with its comfortable, casual style of furniture. Drink Specials, including specialty martinis and wine, start at $6 each. Currently on exhibit, through January 2011, are the works of contemporary artist Dick Marconi. Marconi’s works of “color fusion,“ portray swirling, dark, shadowy strokes and brilliant bursts of vibrant color that he paints by hand.
On exhibit at Bistango (714.752.5222) is A Show for All Seasons featuring the works of 14 new artists, among them Jerry Muller whose famous black-and-white photographs are on display.
On the last Monday of the month, enjoy live music and a complimentary wine tasting during happy hour, 5-7 p.m., at Prego Ristorante (949.553.1333). The wines, provided by International Wine Ventures, change monthly and are available at the bar on special by the glass. Regular happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4:30-7 p.m. Enjoy $4 Bar Bites, $5 well drinks, $4.50 house wines, $4 beers, and $4.50 select specialty cocktails.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (949.720.9633) has released its 2010-2011 award-winning list of 100 wines by glass to coincide with the restaurant company’s award of Best California Wine List in the category of restaurants with 10 or more locations. Fleming’s has ongoing winemaker dinners and wine tasting nights. To keep track of events and dates, visit flemingssteakhouse.com.
Chef-owner Deborah Schneider of SOL Cocina (949.675.9800) has joined the band of restaurateurs who utilize products and programs that they believe to be both environmentally and socially pro-active. Schneider’s wildly popular halibut tacos, shrimp tacos, ceviche, albacore tostadas, and other seafood specialties, are made with fish locally caught. The meat is from Meyer Meat in Montana, recently recognized by the Humane Society for humane treatment of their cattle.
The Orange County Restaurant Association has announced October 24-30 as Happy Hour Week. Participating restaurants, bars, pubs, and breweries throughout Orange County will promote their best drinks and appetizers with many of the restaurants offering happy hour all day and all week. Visit happyhourweek.com for a list of participating establishments.
On October 7 at 6:30 p.m., Cathy Thomas, The Orange County Register food columnist and author of Melissa’s Everyday Cooking with Organic Produce, will teach a cooking class at Sur la Table, Corona del Mar Plaza (949.640.0200). Thomas will prepare several favorite autumn recipes from her latest cookbook. An added bonus will be an appearance by Ida Rodriguez, executive chef of Melissa’s, who will prepare garden enchiladas. Stories will be shared, samples of seasonal produce will be handed out and cookbooks will be for sale and autographed. Cost of the class is $69. Register for the class by calling 949.640.2330 or by e-mail, cooking007@surlatable.com.
