Great Taste Magazine

Taste Napa Valley - US.

Twice a year, the Napa Valley Vintners hit the road with principals and winemakers from member wineries, focusing each trip on one market. The vintners spend several days in that market, hosting a mix of trade and consumer tasting events and educational programs.

Tastings for the trade and media: Members of the wine trade and media are invited to taste literally hundreds of Napa Valley wines from both longtime favorites and up-and-comers. Come meet the movers and shakers behind these brands. In addition to helping retailers, wholesalers and restaurateurs plan purchases, these tasting are a great way to educate staff about what makes Napa Valley wines legendary.

We’re bringing more than 125 Napa Valley Vintners to Southern California. We invite you to meet and taste with the people behind Napa Valley’s legendary wines - both longtime favorites and up-and-coming brands.

Los Angeles - Monday, March 22, 2010 - 11 am - 3 pm - Napa Valley Grille - 1100 Glendon Avenue, Suit 100, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Orange County - Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 11 am - 3 pm - Fairmont Hotel - 4500 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92660

San Diego - Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 11 am - 3 pm - NTC Promenade - Corky McMillin Events Center - 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106

Everyone gets Lucky on St. Patty’s Day at Fred’s Mexican Cafe!!!

Kids Eat for FREE (off the kids menu)!

Parents can enjoy Green Beer, Green Margaritas for $2.50, GREAT Music and FUN Atmosphere!

And don’t forget Kid’s Eat FREE!

The Late Night crowd have a chance to WIN Giveaways, play POOL, and enjoy the Green Beer and Margaritas too!

Come join us for Good Ole St. Patty Fun at Fred’s !

The last installment in our Winemaker Dinner Series featuring Luc Morlet

For reservations or more information, call (714)352-2525

The next installment of our Winemaker Dinner Series, featuring Daryl Groom

Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s, Executive Chef Amar Santana shares his experience on essential kitchen techniques to help enhance your own kitchen life.

$75/person (plus tax and gratuity; includes class and 3 course meal)

Classes limited to 40 people.

For reservations, 714.352.2525

Peter Osbaldeston, author of
The Palm Springs Diner’s Bible 2^nd Edition
will sign copies of his book on April 2

June 4-June 13, 2010 is Restaurant Week in Palm Springs

If you would like to receive a copy for review
or to reach the author for an interview,
please contact me (Melanie) at 504-368-1175 ext. 315
or mglotfelty@pelicanpub.com

Friday, April 2, 1 PM
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
72840 Highway 111 - Suite 425
Palm Desert, CA. 92260
Contact: Dan Harper
760-779-0637
crm2130@bn.com

About the Book

Attracting a large number of tourists each year, Palm Springs has more than 600 restaurants that are continually changing names, menus, and employees. Knowing the ins and outs of each restaurant, Osbaldeston gives descriptions of the ambiance, atmosphere, and staff. He sometimes suggests calling ahead, and if a certain chef (listed by name), is not available, to make reservations elsewhere.

Removing all the guesswork from selecting the appropriate dining experience, this handbook includes a star rating for quality, as well as a price rating and history of the establishment. Whether choosing casino or resort dining, selecting a steakhouse, or seeking a quality kosher dinner, this indispensible guide will save time and money during the quest for the perfect meal.

Carlton DiSante & Freudenberger LLP has expanded its employment and labor law practice to include advising employers on immigration issues and also filing employment based visa petitions.  We are pleased to offer this complimentary seminar to help California employers stay apprised of I-9 and immigration developments.  This seminar will include:

• Complying With The New I-9 Regulations:
  They Are Driving Me Crazy!
• E-Verify:
  Everything You Wanted To Know But Were Afraid To Ask!
• ICE Enforcement:
  How To Keep Things Cool At Your Company!
• Visas:
  I Am Dizzy - Just Tell Me What I Need To Know!

Attendees will gain practical knowledge at this seminar which will assist them in managing their company’s day-to-day operations.

LOS ANGELES
707 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 5150
Los Angeles, CA  90017
213.612.6300

Charity Golf Classic

Strawberry Farms Golf Club
11 Strawberry Farms Road
Irvine, CA 92612
www.strawberryfarmsgolf.com

Monday, March 22nd, 2010
9:30 am Registration
10:00 am Shotgun Start
5:00 pm Awards Dinner at CAFÉ TU TU TANGO

Portion of the Proceeds to Benefit:

Tax I.D.#956097416

For more than 40 years, Orange County parents have counted on CHOC Children’s. As a non-profit hospital, CHOC relies on community support to provide leading-edge care for infants, children and adolescents close to home. Pediatric care is costly, and the demand for our services continually grows. Many of the specialized services we provide are not available anywhere else in the orange county region.

Sponsorships

Tournament Sponsorship $1500
8 Golfers, Registration Table,
Logo featured on fliers & all promotional materials,
2 Tee Signs & Awards Dinner Acknowledgment

Platinum Sponsorship $1000
Four golfers
Tee Sign, Sponsor Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin Contest,
Awards Dinner acknowledgment

Corporate Sponsor $500
Two Golfers, Tee Sign & Awards Dinner Acknowledgment

Tee Sign Sponsor $150

Per Golfer $125
Includes: Golf, Practice Balls, Cart, Lunch, Awards Dinner,
Cart Prizes and some beverages

Contests
1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Prize – Team Low Score.
Long Drive Contest / Closest to the Pin Contest
.

Name of Golfers Attending Dinner

Golfers 1: ________________ _________________ I will attend /
I will not be able to attend

Golfers 2:_________________ _________________ I will attend /
I will not be able to attend

Golfers 3: _________________ ________________ I will attend /
I will not be able to attend

Golfers 4:__________________ ________________ I will attend /
I will not be able to attend

Sponsorship Type:______________________ Amount$_________________

Please RSVP to Jim Hall or Paul Kraft

CAFÉ TU TU TANGO
20 City Blvd West
Orange, CA 92868
714-769-2222 Phone
714-769-2223 Fax
www.cafetututangooc.com

This month, come and join Simply Fondue in celebrating the Return of the Swallows to San Juan Capistrano. During the entire month of March 2010, guests at Simply Fondue can join us in celebrating with one of the following specials:

-Guests who purchase a prix-fixe dinner for two will receive a complimentary appetizer or $20 off your bill

-Guests who purchase a prix-fixe dinner for four or more will receive a complimentary bottle of select wine

For more information and to make reservations, please call or visit us at www.simplyfondueoc.com

Come enjoy a unique evening of savory fondue cuisine and classic opera favorites at “A Night at the Opera” held at 7 pm on Sunday, March 21 at Simply Fondue Mission Viejo, or on Sunday, March 28 at 7 pm at Simply Fondue San Juan Capistrano. Guests will hear some of the best-loved opera music of all time, including Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye”, Puccini’s “Nesunn Dorma” and Di Capua’s “O Sole Mio”. Make your reservations now for this one-of-a-kind evening!

Come join Great Taste Magazine at ZAP’s,

Coming to Orange County!

Purchase your tickets today! click here.

Taste Award-Winning Zinfandels

Whether you are a seasoned expert or an intrigued beginner, we welcome you to taste these handcrafted luscious wines, meet the winemakers and hear their stories.

Mingle with top winemakers & principals in an intimate setting

Learn about the remarkable richness & versatility of Zinfandel

Discover why Zinfandel is “America’s Heritage Wine”

Sample hors d’oeuvres prepared by students of the Art Institute of California’s Culinary Program.

A quick sell-out is expected! Don’t miss this incredible Zinfandel event.

Questions? Please call ZAP office at 530-274-4900. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers from all of us at ZAP!

Great Taste Magazine invites you to join us at ZAP’s Grand Trade Tasting.

ZAP is coming to Orange County!

Monday, April 19
Tasting 2:00 - 5:00 PM

40 ZAP wineries
will be at
The Palm Garden at the Island Hotel
660 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach

Register today! Click here.

Taste Award-Winning Zinfandels

Mingle with 40 top winemakers & principals in an intimate setting

Learn about the remarkable richness & versatility of Zinfandel

Discover why Zinfandel is “America’s Heritage Wine”

Thank you to our Sponsor

A quick sell-out is expected! Don’t miss this incredible Zinfandel event.

Questions? Please call ZAP office at 530-274-4900. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers from all of us at ZAP!

On March 27th from 11am-2pm, brides and grooms alike are invited to Pinot Provence to enjoy a “Bridal Soirée.” With the assistance of local wedding gown designers, florists, musicians and photographers, Pinot Provence is poised to stage an event that will exhibit the newest ideas in wedding planning from top wedding professionals. Pinot Provence wants to help couples rethink how they approach their “big day.”

                Pinot Provence will utilize the Grand Salon, Salon d’Olive, Salon d’Avignon and the Patio Jardin to demonstrate various cherished wedding moments, or vignettes. In the Grand Salon an intimate wedding reception will be staged featuring complimentary Champagne and a variety of Executive Chef Lauren “Lulu” De Rouen’s appetizers.   The Salon d’Olive will be set-up as if it were a rehearsal dinner space; the Salon d’Avignon which spills out onto the Patio Jardin will recreate a festive bridal shower atmosphere.  With the help of vendors that include Bloomingdale’s, Mon Amie (gowns), Bonne Fleur, Joseph Yashar (music), Best of Best Events, Westin South Coast Plaza and Friar Tux, every couple’s wedding desires will be addressed and inspired. Wedding give-aways will also be awarded, including a free tuxedo rental from Friar Tux and a free night’s stay at The Westin South Coast Plaza.

                Reservations are requested for entry so please RSVP to the event by contacting, Suzanne Hilford at (714) 428-0814 or email shilford@patinagroup.com.  Entry to the event is $15 for individuals or $20 per couple.

Join us in learning how to make Decadent Chocolate Concoctions!

Basketball and Taps…the best way to start off March Madness! Come down to TAPS Fishhouse and Brewery on March 17 to enjoy the game in the lounge for only $9.95. Must wear green!

Taps - 101 E. Imperial Hwy. Brea, CA, 92821 - 714.257.0101 - www.tapsfishhouse.com

The Delight of Spring
at Sage on the Coast

At Sage on the Coast, we plan to celebrate the arrival of spring with food and libation.  Our March, Second Saturday Wine Tasting will be a celebration of rebirth – sprouting greens, sunshine on the vines, fresh flavors and fragrant wines.

Please join us.  The format will be the same as usual– two white wines, two red wines and four paired food courses – but the company, the wine and the food should be extraordinary.

Second Saturday Wine Tasting

March 13th at 2:30 p.m.

Sage on the Coast Restaurant

949.715.7243

$30 plus tax

Reservations are recommended. This is a sit down event. Please be prompt due to the demands on our kitchen.

This Easter Sunday, Lucca will feature a lavish brunch buffet and offer a special deal for children under 12 by allowing them to pay according to their age!  The popular Easter brunch buffet, offered on Sunday, April 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature a full buffet with a wide variety of options, including items from an egg and omelet station, featuring local, cage-free eggs; and a deluxe carving station with certified Angus beef tri-tip and Diestel free-range turkey breast.

“Easter is a holiday that focuses on family togetherness and, in this day and age, that is extremely important for everyone,” comments Cathy Pavlos, executive chef/owner of Lucca.  “We wanted to appeal to families by offering the best in quality and service, while presenting a special deal for children under 12 years old, who pay their age for their meal, meaning three-year-olds would pay $3 for their brunch, four-year-olds, $4, and so on, until the age of eleven.”

The Easter Sunday brunch buffet is $29.95 for adults ($24.95 without Champagne) and items include:

·      Breakfast Pastries baked fresh from scratch

·      Egg & Omelet Station featuring local, cage-free eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon & sausage

·      Lucca Pancakes

·      Carving Station with Certified Angus Beef Tri-Tip and Diestel Free-Range Turkey Breast

·      Assorted Breads

·      Italian Veggies, Salad Bar with Organic Caesar, Mesclun and Fruit

·       Dessert Spread with Eclairs, Cream Puffs, Cannolis, Assorted Tarts, Brownie Bites…

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (949) 725-1773. Free parking available to all guests.

LUCCA is located in the Quail Hill Village Center in Irvine (6507 Quail Hill Parkway) in Irvine.  For more information, make reservations or order Lucca2Go, please call (949) 725-1773 or visit www.LuccaCafe.com.

Ann Thrup, Ph.d will be presenting a talk on the organic wine industry along with a tasting of organic wines on March 13 at The Ecology Center.

For more information visit www.ecologycenter.org

Bad to the Bone BBQ in San CLemente, CA

We will get to know each other and decide where and when we would like to get together later. What interests we have and what we want to get out of this meetup.

Easter Sunday Brunch at Palm Terrace Restaurant

Sunday, April 4, 2010 – Served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Easter Bunny will be hoppin’ around Palm Terrace handing out festive cookies to all children, while families and friends enjoy a special three-course Easter Sunday Brunch created by Executive Chef Bill Bracken. The menu features a selection of appetizers served tableside, your choice of entrée and ends with a scrumptious dessert buffet. The children will have their very own Kids Buffet, with a selection to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Price is $65 for Adults and $28 for Children under 12. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations are recommended, please call 949.760.4920.

Palm Terrace Restaurant at Island Hotel

                            The Spa at Island Hotel

                            690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach

                            Telephone: (949) 759-0808

                            Web site: IslandHotel.com

Sushi Making Demonstration with Chef Andy

Date: March 27, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Claremont Library: Library Meeting Room
Address: 208 North Harvard Avenue , Claremont
Cross Streets: Harvard Avenue / 2nd Street
Region: San Gabriel Valley Area

Description: Sushi demonstration by Chef Andy Matsuda from the Sushi Chef Institute. He will show how a variety of sushi is created. He will share his years of experience, knowledge and skill, holding back no secrets, dispelling the mysticism that has covered the art of sushi for centuries. Limited to the first 50 people. Admission: Free

Transit Directions: http://www.experiencela.com/td.asp?value1=Harvard Avenue / 2nd Street

Driving Directions: http://www.experiencela.com/drivedirections.asp?address=208 North Harvard Avenue&City=Claremont&Zip=

http://cooking.meetup.com/511/calendar/12817059/

To visit The Orange County FUN Cooking Group, go here:
http://cooking.meetup.com/511/