Great Taste Magazine

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.

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.

GREEK & MIDDLE-EASTERN CUISINE…….JOIN US FOR A FUN NIGHT!!

The beauty of Greece & the various countries in the Middle East is a given. They have more to offer than beautiful architecture & belly dancing! :-) The food of these countries is mouthwatering & the delicacy of the various spices & herbs adds to the incredible taste to the various dishes they have to offer…. Moroccan, Greek, Lebanese…etc.

Below are just a few sites that have dozens of recipes to choose from. Mind you, these are JUST a few sites. There are many many more.

Lets enjoy a wonderful evening with these exotic dishes, bring Greek or Mid Eastern music & just maybe there will be belly dancing entertainment to add to the fun!!

IF YOU PLAN ON COMING EARLY TO HELP SET UP OR STAY LATER TO HELP CLEAN UP SO THE HOST/HOSTESS WON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL, PLEASE LET US KNOW WHEN YOU RSVP.

Bring wine, beer or whatever you would like to drink or share with the group. Also put what you will bring so we won’t have duplications of various dishes.

The $2 dues for members to help with the cost of maintaing the OC Fun Food site we can collect at the party.

We will post the address by March 19th when you rsvp.
See ya there!!
www.epicurious.com
Couscous with Fresh Cilantro and Lemon Juice
Baklava
Roast Duck Breasts with Pomegranate-Chile Sauce

www.allrecipes.com
Hummus III
Middle Eastern Rice with Black Beans and Chickpeas
Israeli Salad
Greek Chicken
Loukoumades
Greek chicken kokiknisto with Orzo

www.greekcuisine.com
www.mideastfood.about.com

www.greek-recipe.com
Beef casserole & onions
Baked lamb with yogurt sauce
Drunker’s appetizer
Crock-pot meet from Sifnos Island
www.amideastfeast.com
Vegetarian Recipes from Around the World - Greek/Mideastern

www.mideastweb.org

Calling all:

Expats, Immigrants, Global Nomads, Foreigners and those that “feel” foreign in the OC!
A social group for men and women of all cultures and nationalities living in Orange County, California.

A monthly gathering to meet and make friends with others from various backgrounds, languages and nationalities who enjoy a diverse circle of friends and conversation.

The main language for communication will be English.

Learn more about this Meetup Group

First Meetup is March 21 at the Auld Irish Pub in Orange

  There’s no horsin’ around when it comes to William Shatner’s annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show as the event benefits a number of children’s charities including Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Ahead With Horses (a therapeutic riding organization for severely disabled youngsters) and Camp Max Straus (a residential camp for underprivileged youth).  On this, the 20^th anniversary of the prestigious gala, Stonefire Grill has agreed to serve as an in-kind sponsor and in that capacity will cater the exclusive 500-guest VIP dinner. 

Founder Mary Harrigan, who with her sister, Maureen, founded Stonefire Grill in 2000, said that guests can count on a wide range of traditional American fare including lemon garlic chicken breast, barbecue tri-tip, garlic mashed potatoes, bbq chopped salad, Stonefire’s signature garlic breadsticks and fresh baked brownies.

            “On behalf of our entire team, we look forward to being a part of this year’s event,” said Mary Harrigan.  “We’re a group of family restaurants and we support a wide range of charitable causes that help kids.  This is an extension to our commitment to family.”

            The Priceline.com William Shatner Hollywood Horse Show will be held on Saturday, May 1.  The all-day event will include an arena show featuring several breeds of horses, demonstration from the Children of Ahead with Horses, world-class reining competition, silent and live auctions, dinner party in the Equestrian Room and a special performance by Sheryl Crow.  For ticket information, visit www.horseshow.org.

Stonefire Grill, a leader in the fast-casual genre, was established as an homage to the Harrigan family dinners where delicious food and spirited conversation were served up nightly.  Each restaurant is distinguished by its commitment to serving exceptional food in a pleasant environment by friendly and professional servers.  Stonefire Grills offer an expansive menu featuring mesquite grilled tri-tip, barbecue and lemon-garlic chicken, baby-back ribs, and a wide assortment of salads, pizzas and pastas.  All items on the menu are available “to-go” and each restaurant is even designed with a special entrance dedicated to take-out — the modern mother’s version of providing a wholesome, delicious meal for her family.  In addition, Stonefire Grill has earned an outstanding reputation for its value-oriented catering capabilities as featured on the Style Network for “catering a scrumptious meal on a budget.”

With restaurants in West Hills, Valencia, Pasadena, Chatsworth, Fountain Valley, Irvine and a soon-to-be-opened location in Thousand Oaks, Stonefire Grills are open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays til to 10 p.m.)  For more information, visit www.Stonefiregrill.com.

Producers for the Taste of Ladera have announced some major entertainment coming to Founders Park.  This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The event will feature local food vendors and entertainment, all for a good cause.  Visit the Taste of Ladera at www.tasteofladera.com <http://www.tasteofladera.com>  to sign up for booth space or purchase tickets.

       Orange County’s most legendary rock group Lit will be headlining the weekend with their modern rock hits that include “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable.”  Also joining the line up is the English Beat whose influential pop/ska sound topped charts with songs like “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Tears of a Clown.”  The weekend will include a number of local bands and a special performance by “The OC Talent Show: Bet You Can’t Do That!,” formally known as Ladera’s Got Talent, a competition highlighting up and coming local talent.  Auditions for the talent show will be held April 1st and April 18th at The Ranch Sports Grill in Ladera.  The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar will be making an appearance that will fire up the stage and get the crowd going.  Stay tuned for more talent announcements and visit www.tasteofladera.com <http://www.tasteofladera.com> for complete line up details.

This year’s Taste of Ladera is being presented by Riptide Rockin’ Sushi & Teppan Grills and The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar.  A portion of the proceeds will go to help schools and charities in the community. Taste of Ladera is produced by Event Complete. For more information, sponsorship or booth space, please contact Event Complete at 949-218-0866 or email info@eventcomplete.com or www.tasteofladera.com <http://www.tasteofladera.com> .

Social Hour at Stonehill Tavern

Join Stonehill Tavern every Thursday all evening long….. Treat yourself after work to a relaxing evening and unwind in the seductive ambiance of Stonehill Tavern, and enjoy $9 hand-crafted Tavern cocktails, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and valet parking.

For restaurant reservations please call 949-234-3318

 Half Off All Wines Every Sunday Night at Stonehill Tavern….every Sunday night!!!!

Come wine down with us after a fun-filled weekend…..

Click here to see the seasonal tasting and bar men

http://michaelmina.net/eblast/stonehill_12_2009.html

Hours of operations:

Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6:00 – 9:00

And Friday’s and Saturday’s from 5:30 – 10:00

 Enjoy, relax and unwind with music in our Lobby Lounge 

 Fridays & Saturdays from 8pm-Midnight

Please join us every Friday and Saturday night in our Lobby Lounge for an eclectic array of oldies, disco, soul, r&b and mix of top 40 hits……let the melodic sounds of the Don Duncan band entertain you the whole evening long…..

There is something about a martini,
A tingle remarkably pleasant;
A yellow, a mellow martini;
I wish I had one at present.
There is something about a martini,
Ere the dining and dancing begin,
And to tell you the truth,
It is not the vermouth –
I think that perhaps it’s the gin.

MARTINI MONDAY….Every Monday night at the Lobby Lounge

Special drink prices w/ food pairings from 6-9pm

Join us each Thursday from 7:00pm-11:00pm for

PURE SEDUCTION TM

 At the

 LOBBY LOUNGE

 7:00pm-9:00pm special drink prices & complimentary light appetizers

 DJ and Dancing

Be Seduced at the Best Address   

For restaurant reservations please call 949-234-3272

St. Regis Monarch Beach

In tribute to Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Saints’ first-ever Super Bowl win, Bluewater Grill restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin will host a “Cajun & Creole Celebration” throughout March.  Combining Bluewater Grill’s famous fresh seafood and shellfish with savory flavors and hot spices, the first-ever tasting event and month-long menu celebration are certain to get guests proclaiming, “C’est Magnifique”!

The festivities begin with a March 9  “Louisiana Cajun & Creole Fest” tasting event featuring a pairing of classic foods from the bayou – California-inspired versions of Crawfish Etouffee, Gumbo and Jambalaya – with specialized drinks designed to bring out the flavor and turn up the heat.  Also served will be Bluewater Grill favorites Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Bienville, along with Bananas Foster for dessert.

 In honor of the celebration and the Saints’ decisive victory in Super Bowl XLIV, Bluewater Grill bartenders will pour the New Orleans Fizz, also known as the Ramos Gin Fizz, created in the late 1800s by New Orleans favorite son Henry C. Ramos.  As legend has it, the cocktail became so popular that by the 1915 Mardi Gras celebrations, Ramos’ 35 “shaker boys” had trouble keeping up with demand.  Bartenders at both restaurants will be demonstrating the drink’s famous vigorous shaking ritual to give it its unique fizz.

 The cost of each pairing event is $24.95 per person, and advance reservations are required for seating beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Bluewater Grill chefs and servers at each restaurant will be available to discuss the culinary implications and recipe possibilities of Cajun and Creole cuisines.

 Throughout the month, a sampling of Crawfish Etouffee, Gumbo and Jambalaya will be available and guests can add their own New Orleans Fizz from the bar to complete their personal Cajun & Creole Celebration.

 Offered on the second Tuesday of every month, Bluewater Grill’s monthly tasting events allow seafood aficionados and “foodies” to combine the latest seasonal fresh fish varieties, with commentary by the restaurant’s resident seafood experts.   During some months, hand-selected wines, draught beers and sakes are added to the mix, and a special, limited-time menu offering allows customers to sample the tasting event throughout the month.  

 Bluewater Grill locations in Orange County include 630 Lido Park Drive in Newport Beach, in Cannery Village, and 2409 Park Avenue in Tustin, at the new District at Tustin Legacy retail and entertainment center.  The phone numbers are (949) 675-FISH (3474) and (714) 258-FISH (3474), respectively.

The Perfect Date Chef Challenge - 10th Anniversary

Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino - Special Events Center, Indio, CA

Forgotten Grapes is proud to announce our first-ever Forgotten Grapes Wine Tasting Weekend Trip, April 8th -11th, 2010, destination Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. We’re taking 10 lucky Forgotten Grapes lovers with us for 4 days and 3 nights of wine tasting, winery tours, winemaker meet-and-greets, gourmet lunches and dinners and more, all for the low, low, super-low and all-inclusive price of $885.00 per person, based on double occupancy.

This all-inclusive $885 per person price includes all of the following:

• Ground transportation for you from your location in Southern California to Paso Robles and back,
• All ground transportation in Santa Barbara and Paso Robles during the weekend,
• Luxury accommodations at the ShadowWaters estate on Paso Robles’ Shadow Mountain, near some of the first vineyards and wineries in the region,
  
• All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, including wine-pairing dinners at Paso’s award-winning Artisan and the world-famous Hitching Post II, and several intimate meals with the winemakers and their wines at their wineries,
• All your wine tastings, including both Forgotten Grape varietals such as Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Picpoul, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Tempranillo among others, as well as plenty of Traditional varietals including Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and many more,
  
• All winery visits, vineyard tours, and meet-and-greets with the winemakers at 13 Forgotten Grape-centric wineries such as Wild Horse, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Carmody-McKnight, Dubost, Cass, Claibourne & Churchill, Lone Madrone and more,
• Transportation of any wine you purchase during the trip back to Southern California, so you don’t have to pay for extra shipping.
  

Once again, you get all of this for only $885.00 per person, based on double occupancy. But reservations are extremely limited, as there is only room for 10 wine lovers to accompany us on this premiere trip, so don’t hesitate. Sign up at ForgottenGrapes.com today.

For more information, to check out the full itinerary, and to make your reservation, visit ForgottenGrapes.com now! Don’t be late! And we look forward to seeing you in Paso with us April 8th - 11th!

WEBSITE: Forgotten Grapes 2010 Santa Barbara/Paso Robles Wine Weekend Trip Information

WHAT: “Restaurant Experience: Vietnamese Cuisine”

WHEN: Saturday, March 13, at 7 pm

WHERE: Xanh Bistro
16161 Brookhurst St
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-531-2030

This event is the first of our new Restaurant Experience Series, in which we sample an undiscovered restaurant offering delicious ethnic cuisine. Tonight, we’ll be sampling yummy Vietnamese cuisine at the Xahn Bistro in Fountain Valley!

Don’t let this little restaurant hidden away at a shopping center fool you! You can experience Chef Haley Nguyen’s personal touch as you watch her do all the cooking in the open kitchen restaurant. (She also offers cooking lessons, and I’m going to check and see whether we can get a group rate sometime.)

You might want to start out with traditional spring roll appetizers or spicy sticky chicken wings. Or the hot-and-sour soup is perfect for a cool, wintery evening. Try the claypot white fish (moist, delicious and perfectly salty like it should be) with garlic mustard greens (tender & definitely garlicky). I hear that the five-spice-seasoned short ribs are fabulous. And people have told me that the best part of the meal is the banana blossom salad with chicken skewers infused with lime leaves. This salad is tossed with a bold, flavorful, salty, sour sweet dressing that seems to draw away the normal astringency of the banana blossoms. Of course, they also serve green papaya and mango salad. For dessert, try home-made cardamom ice cream or delicious coconut creme brulee.

I haven’t tried this restaurant yet, but I can’t wait to do so! Please join me in sampling this fabulous cuisine!

LOCATION: The restaurant is at the corner of Edinger and Brookhurst, in the Albertson’s shopping center. There is a Denny’s restaurant in the same shopping center. There is another Vietnamese restaurant nearby — Mi La Cay– don’t go there!

Prices are reasonable; main course entrées range from $6.95 to $14.95. Beer & wine are served. Parking is free.

MENU: http://www.xanhbistro.com/menu/menu.html

Here’s a review from the OC Weekly: http://www.ocweekly.com/2010-02-04/food/xanh-bistro-vietnamese-fountain-valley/

To rsvp: Restaurant Experience: Vietnamese C…

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

Project Dinner Table is a series of one-of-a-kind white table cloth dinners held on-location in unique and adventurous settings to celebrate community, local food sources, and the art of conversation. You will break bread with local growers, food artisans, and other spirited members of our community. Project Dinner Table is a tasty reason for people to gather, give back, connect, and share a phenomenal culinary experience. The humble idea of gathering around the dinner table to pay homage to local growers, sustainable sources, and community is a powerful message. Project Dinner Table invites you to share in our message and be part of the celebration.

www.projectdinnertable.com

Ristorante daVinci in Long Beach is participating in dineLA Restaurant Week 2010!   This edition of Restaurant Week January 24 - 29 and January 31 - February 5. So, treat yourself, or come as a group and enjoy a specially priced three-course menu at Ristorante daVinci for lunch, dinner or both.Our menu has been specially prepared for Restaurant Week by Executive Chef Joseph Gotti, with multiple dishes that don’t appear on our regular menu. So, make a reservation during dineLA’s Restaurant Week and enjoy the brilliance of Ristorante daVinci at a great deal!. Make a Reservation Today!

Calling all engaged couples…the Anaheim White House is offering to pay for your wedding reception for up to 100 guests at the newly unveiled West Wing.  The package is valued at $20,000.  In order to qualify, you must mention that you wish to enter the contest when you make a dinner reservation anytime between February 12 – 16, 2010 and the winner will be selected at random, announced owner Bruno Serato.