Great Taste Magazine

The Sky Room
40 S. Locust Avenue,
CA-90802
(562) 983-2703
www.theskyroom.com

CuisineType : American, Seafood, Steak

*Limited Seating Available*

Valentine's Day
FEBRUARY 14, 2012

1st Seating 5:30 – 7:30
2nd Seating 8:30 – 10:30

Music: Piano and Saxophone Duo Feat. Dave Applebaum

Long Stem Rose, Box of Chocolate, Glass of Champagne

I

Kumomoto Oysters
Yucca Carrot Chip, Honey Habanero Aioli

II

Fresh Diver Scallops
Cauliflower Puree, Black Truffle Emulsion, Cayenne Oil

III

Scottish Salmon
Heriloom Caramelized Carrots, Corn Puree, Persimmon Vinaigrette

Prime Filet Mignon
Organic Purple Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus, Black Truffles, Port Wine Reduction

Colorado Lamb Loin
Apricots, Walnuts, Lemon Preserves, Cinnamon, Celery Root Puree,Balsamic Reduction

(Vegetarian available upon request)

III

Duo of French Pastries
(inspired by love)

$119.00 per person(excludes tax and service charge)

O'Neill's Bar & Grill
26772 Avery Parkway,
California-92692
949.305.5100
arroyotrabuco.com/specials.aspx

CuisineType : American, Bar & Grill

JAQK Cellars Wine Tasting

Thursday, January 19th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Live Entertainment from Howard Westbrook
Raffle
Blind Tasting Contest – Challenge the Chef, Jeff Platt in our Brown Bag Contest

$24.95 per person

Veracruz, Mexico
310-440-8877
www.nancyzaslavsky.com

CuisineType : Mexican

Winter 2012 Tour to Veracruz, Mexico

Thinking of where to take a winter break? Try unwinding with an affordable, sun-soaked Mexican vacation—one packed with world-class food, drink and culture. My small-group tours are great for friends, couples and perfect for singles because everyone feels part of our Mexican food-loving family!

DATES: February 2 to 8, 2012

Veracruz for Fish & Seafood Lovers! Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico, is a superb winter travel destination. It's a safe city, warm and welcoming with lots of sunshine and awesome things to do. Kick back in shorts, flip-flops, shades and sunscreen—grab a beer and your new Panama hat—to enjoy the ride! I’ve been bringing small groups of 10 people to Veracruz for over a dozen years tasting some of the most delectable fish and seafood in Mexico. We stay on the waterfront's top hotel with action-packed views of the port in the wildly wonderful coastal city. We're a short stroll to the most exciting, music-filled zócalo in Mexico!

The group enjoys all meals together for a week in great restaurants and my favorite palapa-roof shacks offering a staggering variety of fish and seafood. Our nighttime tacos and tamales crawl is like no other, anywhere—flavors will knock your socks off! You'll love waking up to breakfast coffee at Café de la Parroquía, Mexico's top coffeehouse.

Culturally-speaking, we take a day trip in an air-conditioned van through misty hilly coffee plantations to Jalapa, the state capital, and visit its anthropology museum with stunning contemporary architecture and pre-hispanic art. History buffs also enjoy tours to the fascinating site of Cempoala (also Zempoala), to La Antigua, the first Spanish landing site in Mexico, and to the stunning UNESCO town of Tlacotalpan. Port of Veracruz, Malecón walkway Cempoala (also Zempoala) Evening danzón on the zócalo

$2200. Does not include airfare and inexpensive taxi transport to/from airport/hotel. Fee includes 6 nights hotel (double occupancy, single supplement $400), ALL meals when taken with the group, ALL tastings, demos, tours, museum/site entrance fees and local tour transportation.For more information, please visitwww.nancyzaslavsky.com, 310-440-8877

2087 Broadway,
CO-81507
970-628-8003
www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org

CuisineType : Fine Dining, Winery, Other

Indulge in a journey of eight cleverly crafted SAVORY appetizers created with the Girl Scout's world famous cookies prepared by the Grand Valley's most talented chefs. Each custom creation will be expertly paired with a Colorado wine or specialty cocktail courtesy of Crossroads Wine & Spirits' Sommelier, Monty Haltiner.

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts and this signature event raises the necessary funds to provide Girl Scouting to girls in Western Colorado, building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.Enjoy great food, great wine for a great cause. What a fabulous experience for adults to enjoy Girl Scout cookies in a whole new way. Tickets are only $35. You can obtain them by calling 970-242-4461 or email cindi.graves@gscolorado.org.

Leoness Cellars
38311 De Portola Rd,
CA-92592
(951) 302-7601
www.leonesscellars.com/upcoming-events

CuisineType : Winery

Taste n' Tunes on The Patio Featuring: Jazz Artist Bradley Leighton Join us on the patio at Leoness on for live entertainment. First come, first serve.

*NO RSVPS for patio seating

Taste n' Tunes at The Restaurant Come enjoy some delicious wine-country cuisine with your favorite Leoness wineand complimentary live music.

RSVP for large groups only. 951-302-7301 ext 121

"Savor the wine…feel the music!"

Noble Ale Works 1st Anniversary/NOBILITY Release Celebration

Join us Saturday Jan 28, 2012
12pm-4pm

Enjoy our completer lineup of brews alongwith special barrel aged releases, casked beer and, of course, NOBILITY

Casks to be announced

$25 presale-$30 day of the event

Tickets available thru Brown Paper Tickets
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216845
and at the Brewery

IPA, Pale Ale, Alpha Red
Dark Sybian IPA
NOBILITY
Knight Changer Imperial Stout
A Knight with Wood (Barrel aged Knight Changer)
Alpha Cupa (Barrel Aged Alpha Red)

Included:

• Souvenier Pint Glass
• 7 Sample Tickets
• 1 full serving ticket
• Live music with The Noble Ones

Food Trucks scheduled to be on-site for the big event:

• The Lime Truck
• Baconmania
• Dos Chinos
• Sexy Burger Truck
• Rolling Sushi Van

Designated Drivers $5 admittance fee

Noble Ale Works
1621 S. Sinclair St Ste B,
CA-92806
714-634-2739
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216845

CuisineType : Brewery, Food Trucks

Free New Year's Eve Party at House of BIG FISH and Ice Cold Beer. Regular & BIG FISH specials served all day. Live entertainment 8 pm to 1 am featuring James Ide and Kevin Leon Smith playing Reggae, Classic Rock, and Hip Hop. Complimentary appetizers & desserts 10 pm to midnight. Complementary toast at midnight. Complementary hats and blow horns.

House of BIG FISH
540 South Coast Highway Suite 200,
CA-92651
(949) 715-4500
www.houseofbigfish.com

CuisineType : Beer Only, Cal Coast, Microbrews, Pub Grub, Seafood

New Years Eve Dinner Special

Posch Restaurant invites you to our first annual New Years Eve Surf 'n Turf dinner:

FOR NYE PARTY:

Posch
18912 MacArthur Blvd.,
CA-92612
(949) 833-1900
www.poschrestaurant.com/

CuisineType : Seafood, Steak.

Port Restaurant and Bar
440 Heliotrope Ave.,
CA-92625
949.723.9685
www.portcdm.com/

CuisineType : Cal Coast

Starfish 2012 New Year's Celebration

Come join the fun Saturday, December 31, 2011. We're celebrating 2011 until midnight, then partying on into 2012. Join us for dinner and libations & ring in the New Year Starfish style.

We will be offering an exotic tour of Asia menu featuring select entrees from 5 different regions.

1st Seating: 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

2nd Seating: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

3rd Seating: 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Third seating is when we get the party started with music to get you moving & delicious complimentary libations to toast to the new year! Choose from our: "Sea Bubbles" champagne & blue caracou cocktail or the ravenous "Red Dragon" martini.

This celebration is not to be missed…we're going to make our first New Year's the best.

Reservations: 949-715-9200

Starfish
30832 S. Pacific Coast Hwy,
CA-92651
949-715-9200
www.starfishlaguna.com

CuisineType : American, Asian

After all the Thanksgiving dinners and holiday feasts, it’s time to put down those pots and pans and celebrate the New Year the Stefan Richter way. Go ahead and pour the champagne, light the sparklers and sing the traditional “Auld Lang Syne” amid the casual sophistication of Stefan’s at L.A. Farm!

The restaurant is offering two seating’s to celebrate the New Year’s Eve festivities: 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.-midnight. The menu includes the following:

• Celery and rabbit ravioli
• House cured salmon Carpaccio with Finnish mustard and egg mousse
• Maine lobster and pea risotto with Gewürztraminer foam Rye crusted local halibut with spuds and beets
• Whole roasted beef tenderloin with black truffle mash, hollandaise and roasted parsnips
• Dessert includes: red wine lollipop, Valrhona mousse and chocolate cake

The 5:30 p.m. seating is $59 per person, and the 8:30pm seating is $79 per person. The optional wine pairing is available for an additional $30 per person. For those looking to ring in the New Year with Stefan, the 8:30 p.m. seating will also feature a German tradition – complimentary goulash soup and baguette served outside for a midnight snack – along with live entertainment provided by the Rick Vittallo Trio beginning at 9:00 p.m.

Stefan’s at L.A. Farm is located at 3000 Olympic Blvd. at Stewart. Complimentary parking available. Call (310) 449-4000 for reservations. For more information, visit www.stefansrestaurants.com

Stefan's at L.A. Farm
3000 Olympic Blvd,
CA-90404
(310) 449-4000
www.stefansrestaurants.com

CuisineType : Continental, Steak

Gratuity not included in price. Limited quantities of each package available. To purchase, call our reservations line: (818) 980-2555 ext. 2 or email reservations@thefederalbar.com or purchase tickets online at www.thefederalbar.com.

The Federal Bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd,
CA-91601
818-980-2555
www.thefederalbar.com

CuisineType : American, Pub Grub

To ring in 2012, Locanda del Lago—located on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica—will host a “Bursting with Bubbles” party and five-course dinner on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2011) from 9-11 p.m. ($89 per person, including a complimentary glass of Prosecco; $139 includes bottomless Pommery Champagne; limited à la carte menu served from 4-8 p.m.).

The New Year’s Eve fête will also feature an extensive selection of Champagne and sparkling wines by the glass, $25 bottles of Pommery Pop Splits, a live DJ, dancing, midnight toast, and optional $15 overnight parking (with next-day pickup from 5-10 p.m.).

Locanda del Lago
231 Arizona Avenue,
CA-90401
310.451.3525
www.lagosantamonica.com

CuisineType : Italian

Celebrate the New Year with…Great food, live music, and free-flowing champagne! Our delicious 4-course menu is available at 2 convenient seating times.

First seating is from 5-7 PM at $80 per person.

Second seating is from 8 PM-Closing at $100 per person, including party favors!

Add $35 for free-flowing Pierrer Jouet Champagne Grand Brut.

*Tax & Gratuity not included

MENU

~Amuse Bouche~

~First Course~

French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar
1464 S Coast Hwy,
CA-92651
949.494.8444
www.french75.net

CuisineType : French

(Dec. 2011) New Year’s Eve 2012 Masquerade Party

9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

$15 pre-sale / $25 day of

21 & older only

• N.Y.E. Prix Fixe Menu
• Regular Menu Available
• Live Performances
• DJ Spinning Top 40 / Flashbacks
• Ball Drop Celebration

For more information, visit: citruscitygrille.com/blog/2011/12/nye-citrus-city-grille/

Citrus City Grille (Orange)
122 N. Glassel,
CA-92866
(714) 639-9600

CuisineType : American, Cal Coast

(Dec. 2011) New Year's Eve 2012

$30 Dinner for Dos (2)

Includes Dinner Salad, Fajitas for two, and Dessert

Late night appetizer menu available

Ring in the New Year with a live performance by "Local Remedy"

Fred's Mexican Cafe
32431 Golden Lantern,
CA-92677
949.218.8508
fredsmexicancafe.com/

CuisineType : Mexican

89.9 KCRW-FM & VICEROY SANTA MONICA PRESENT NYE TWENTY TWELVE

Viceroy Santa Monica is partnering with 89.9 KCRW to host the best party in town for New Year’s Eve Twenty Twelve.

The evening festivities will begin at 9:00 p.m. and will include an amazing line-up ofmusical entertainment from 89.9 KCRW including deejays Garth Trinidad, Aaron Byrdand Valida. The evening includes a premium open bar, Champagne provided by PiperHeidsick, Latin influenced appetizers and “street” tacos prepared by Executive Chef TonyDiSalvo and Top Chef contestant Chef de Cuisine Chris Crary.

Viceroy's poolside patio will transform into an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebrationwith the Main Tent spinning music while guests dance the night away over the twocovered pools. Recognized as one of Santa Monica's most vibrant nightspots, ViceroySanta Monica is a destination for locals and world visitors alike.

Should you wish to make a night of it, guest room packages start at $565.00 and include(2) tickets to the event and a bottle of Champagne upon arrival.Tickets for the Twenty Twelve event can be purchased atwww.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/newyearseve and are $150 until December 15th.Tickets purchased after December 15th will be $175.Viceroy Santa Monica is located at 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. For more information,please call (310) 260-7500.

Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Ave,
CA-90401
(310) 260-7500
www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/newyearseve

CuisineType : Mexican

(Dec. 2011) The biggest celebration invades Los Angeles.Times Square New Year's Eve

• World Famous Ball Drop at Midnight
• NYC Food Carts
• GLOW
• Doors open at 8:00 p.m. – 21 & Up
• All-star cast of DJ
• Surprise special guest appearances: Johnny James, Junior Costa, Steve Elektro, Muri

Glow Lounge
4100 Admiralty Way,
CA-90292
310-448-4815
www.glow-bar.com

CuisineType : Food Trucks

(Dec 2011) Dock at the Queen Mary this New Year's Eve for Southern California's most elegant New Year celebration. Now in its 30th year, the annual party has become a Long Beach tradition with thousands of revelers flocking to the ship to ring in the New Year with style. Doors open at 6 p.m. and festivities include seven parties and two firework displays for one ticket price of $99; deluxe dining and room packages are also available.

With their ticket, guests can soak up jazz in one of the ship's historic salons, sing along to dueling pianos and dance to tunes ranging from the 70s and 80s to today's top 40. Entertainment includes the Mini Driver Band, Early McCallister Jazz Trio, Brian Kehlenbach and Jennifer Hart, Boogie Wonderland, Hollywood Squares among others, plus all-night sets by guest DJs. Performances will take place in venues throughout the ship and merrymakers are free to bounce from party to party as they wish.

This year the outer decks of the ship will be flooded for not one but two spectacular fireworks shows. From the starboard side of the ship facing the city and Lighthouse Park, early birds will see a grand display at 9 p.m. The second showing will follow at the traditional midnight hour.

Those wanting to experience the most luxurious celebration can book the Royal VIP Package. In addition to general admission to the ship's seven parties, Royal VIP purchasers will enjoy exclusive access to a VIP party at the bow of the ship and an open bar from 8:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., complimentary self-parking, and and a private viewing area for both firework shows.

Guests in attendance are encouraged to make reservations for dinner at one of the ship's signature restaurants. Sir Winston's, Chelsea Chowder House & Bar, and the Promenade Cafe will each feature early and late seatings and prix-fixe menus. Additionally, the ship's Grand Ballroom Buffet will commence from 6 to 9 p.m. and feature a variety of regional and international favorites including carved prime rib, roasted salmon, chilled seafood and salad stations, and an over-the-top dessert selection. Dinner packages are per person and include one event ticket.

To start off 2012 right, the ship will also offer a Midnight Breakfast Buffet in the Promenade Cafe until noon on New Year's Day as well as a special New Year's Day Champagne Brunch beginning at 9 a.m. in the Grand Salon.

All are invited to make a stay out of the festivities by reserving a hotel and ticket package that includes overnight accommodations, two tickets to the New Year's Eve celebration, New Year's Day Champagne Brunch for two and a commemorative gift.

The Queen Mary's New Year's Eve ship-wide celebration is open to guests 21 and older. Event tickets are available for $99 (parking additional). Royal VIP packages are $199 per person and overnight packages begin at $579 per couple for a historic Stateroom. Signature dining packages are also available and menus and seating times may be viewed online. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.QueenMaryNYE.com or call (800) 437-2934.

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway,
CA-90803
(800) 437-2934
www.QueenMaryNYE.com

CuisineType : American

Vue
25135 Park Lantern,
CA-92629
(949) 661-5000
www.lagunacliffs.com

CuisineType : Cal Cuisine

Vue New Year's Eve Dinner

Enjoy a 5 course Prix Fixe meal prepared by the award winning restaurant.

Cost of event: $105Reservations required

For more information visit: www.lagunacliffs.com

Looking for good fun and live entertainment

Then join Laguna Cliff Marriott in the Dana Ballroom. OC Vertigo, will be performing hits from the 70's.

Doors open at 8:30pm and the band will begin performing at 9:00pm.

Cost of Event: $25

Looking for the perfect Christmas meal for you and your family? This year, celebrate Christmas Eve with a delicious meal and live entertainment at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach!

On Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2011, Bayside will be offering Festive Holiday Specials that are sure to please every palate, along with the restaurant’s regular dinner menu.

To accompany your dinner, live entertainment by the Mike McKenna Duo will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Bayside offers complimentary valet and self-parking.

DATE: Saturday, December 24, 2011

TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Bayside Restaurant
900 Bayside Drive,
CA-92660
(949) 721-1222
www.diningasart.com/baysiderestaurant/

CuisineType : American, Cal Coast

The Winery
2647 Park Avenue,
CA-92782
714.258.7600
www.TheWineryRestaurant.net.

CuisineType : Winery

Shade Hotel Turns Six!

Shade Hotel, which opened in November 2005 and quickly became the hotel of choice for “in the know” travelers and the preferred venue for the hottest events in the South Bay, will celebrate its sixth birthday on Thursday, December 1, 2011 with a festive event open to the public.

The event, set to take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at zinc@shade, the hotel’s craft kitchen restaurant and lounge, will feature complimentary sparkling wine and cake, live entertainment, and a gift for every guest. For those who want to expand the celebration, $6 appetizers, wine and select cocktails will also be served.

Zinc@Shade
1221 North Valley Drive,
CA-90266
310.698.5560
www.shadehotel.com/index.php

CuisineType : Quick Serve, Sm Plates