Great Taste Magazine

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

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.

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

Five Crowns is perfect for a celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 9^th.   The building has been noted in guidebooks and historical papers as a landmark – North America’s most authentic replica of an English inn –  and its garden setting is especially beautiful in the spring.  A special occasion Brunch and Dinner menu will be offered by Executive Chef Dennis Brask. 

During Brunch served from 10:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., a choice of appetizers such as Wild Mushroom Bisque, French Onion Soup, or Pride of the Crowns, Hearts of Romaine or a Garden Salad is included with the entrées. An extensive entrée menu includes Crepes Imperial, Eggs Benedict, Poached Salmon, Roast Beef Hash, Chicken Mango, Beefsteak Neptune, Rack of Colorado Lamb and Aged, Slow-Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef served in three different cuts with Port Wine Jus, Fresh Organic Horseradish Cream, a Yorkshire Popover, Creamed Spinach, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy among the options. 

During the Dinner seating which starts at 3 p.m., Roasted Duckling and Nova Scotia Lobster Tails are added to the menu, and a Double Chocolate Soufflé with Coconut Crème Anglaise is offered for dessert.  Mother’s Day Dinner reservations will be taken through 8:30 p.m.  Entrées with the first course included are priced from $21 to $52 during Brunch; from $33 to $52 at Dinner.        

Five Crowns will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 3, by offering all the traditional favorites during Brunch and Dinner prepared by Executive Chef Dennis Brask. 

            During Brunch served from 10 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., a choice of five appetizers is included with entrees such as the Aged, Slow-Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef served in three different cuts with Port wine Jus, Fresh Organic Horseradish Cream, a Yorkshire popover, Creamed Spinach, and Mashed Potatoes with gravy.  Crepes Imperial, Eggs Benedict, Poached Salmon, Roast Beef Hash, and Chicken Mango are also options.  During the Dinner seating which starts at 3 p.m., Beefsteak Neptune, Nova Scotia Lobster Tails, Roasted Duckling and Rack of Colorado Lamb are added to the selections.  A Double Chocolate Soufflé with Coconut Crème Anglaise is offered for dessert.  Easter Dinner reservations will be taken through 8:30 p.m.  Entrees with the first course included are priced from $21 to $52 during Brunch, from $33 to $52 at dinner. 

Join us for a splendid Easter Brunch at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa’s AAA Four Diamond Restaurant, The Californian on April 11, 2010.  Fit for the entire family, The Californian is offering a buffet made for a king, a fun filled Easter egg hunt for the kids and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny!  With a savory spread that will please both adults and children, Easter at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is sure to be a memorable family affair. Pricing for the buffet ranges from $0 -$78.00 per person.  For details and reservations please call 714.845.4776.

T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants today announced it will feature two new Irish-themed drinks, an “Irish ‘Rita” and a “St. Paddy’s Peach,” and reward members of its Give Me More Stripes® guest recognition program with double stripes with any purchases that include food, valid all day long on Wednesday, March 17 for its St. Patrick’s Day Party at participating restaurants in the U.S.”T.G.I. Friday’s is always your party headquarters but on St. Patrick’s Day, one of the craziest party days of the year, our guests will have more reasons to make T.G.I. Friday’s their St. Patrick’s Day destination,” said John Neitzel, president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday’s USA. “Our bars across the U.S. will be rockin’ with two new Irish drinks and a party with green beer, beads and buttons you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check with your local T.G.I. Friday’s for their specific party plans.”

In keeping with its heritage and legacy of beverage innovation, T.G.I. Friday’s will feature the following specialty drinks for the St. Patrick’s Day Party (images available upon request):

• Irish ‘Rita – An Irish twist on a classic: Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Sour Apple Pucker, Midori, fresh lime juice and Friday’s own margarita mix.
• St. Paddy’s Peach – The perfect “St. Paddy’s” Day drink with Jameson® Irish Whiskey and peach puree.

You can follow T.G.I. Friday’s news on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridays), Twitter @TGIFriday’sNews and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/TGIFridaysNews).

Are you ready for Saint Patrick’s Day?

3/17/2010 Specials:

Happy Hour ALL Day at the Bar

Special Irish-Mexican dishes and drinks…

Make a Reservation Today

Taleo Mexican Grill
Located in Park Place-Irvine, Taleo Mexican Grill is the ultimate in upscale service, well-appointed interior and authentic Mexican food. The restaurant features a large dining area comfortable for small and large parties alike. The centerpiece of the bar is a lounge with espresso-colored leather sofas and large ottomans designed for comfort. Here, you can wait for your table or visit with friends while listening to Latin jazz and enjoying a Margarita at our happy hour. The patio is made for relaxation as you dine in deep sofas under the stars or relax in the warmth of the afternoon.

Girls in Green get $2 specialty shots all night!

Live Music

Domestic Drafts $3 all night

Shepherd’s Pie & Irish Car Bomb Combo: $15

Kavika’s

95 Aquarium Way

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562)432-8700

www.kavikas.com

We are currently taking reservations for our  Easter Sunday Brunch. Gather the family and join us between 11:30 am and 3 pm on Sunday, April 4th, for an exceptional menu of brunch favorites, in addition to our regular menu selections.

St Patrick’s Day Beer Dinner
Wednesday March 17th, 2010
6.30 Pre Beer 7.00 Dinner

Ferran Adria’s Inedit
Irish Smoked Salmon

Wexford Irish Ale
Bateman’s XXX Pale Ale
Bubble and Squeak

Curim Wheat Beer
Old Speckled Hen
Corned Beef

Murphy’s Stout
Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout
Irish Stew

Stout
Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding

Dessert and Irish Coffee
$45.00 per person +service+tax

Chez Melange

1611 S. Catalina Avenue

Redondo Beach, CA

Valentine Wine and Dine
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
At Sage on the Coast we know a thing or two about love.  We also understand that romantic encounters often flourish with a glass of wine.   Wine is the fertilizer of the heart, the elixir of Eros.  One may warm to glorious sunsets, cozy candlelit dinners and stargazing on a summer night, but it is the synaptic sensations of the palate which cause the soul to salivate  - the lilting aroma, the tingling sensation on the lips, the lingering finish.

This month our February wine tasting falls on Valentine’s weekend.  We feel it is our duty to provide a menu, sumptuous and savory, sensate and seductive.  The menu is printed to the right.  We expect nothing less than absolute synergy.

Make your reservation early.  This event may sell out.

Second Saturday Wine Tasting

Prego Ristorante will be letting love loose as it offers a romantic four-course Valentine’s dinner Friday, February 12 through Monday, February 15, 2010. Priced at $80 per couple, Prego will allow each couple to dine by candlelight and receive a special gift of chocolates and fresh flowers for those dining on Valentine’s Day.

MENU
ANTIPASTO MISTO
Bruschetta, Parma prosciutto, chilled grilled shrimp, eggplant with goat cheese,
mozzarella caprese. Served for two.

TRIS DI PASTA
Alfredo - Pesto - Pomodoro. Served for two.

Choice of
CHATEAUBRIAND
20 oz New York center cut served with potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Served for two.
-or-
SOGLIOLA
Whole Dover Sole grilled with artichoke, kalamata olives with white wine sauce on the side.
Served for two.

DOLCI
Chef’s sweetheart dessert for two!

For more information or reservations, call 949.553.1333 or visit www.pregoristoranti.com.

About Prego Ristorante
Prego has all that one could wish for in a fine Italian restaurant with an elegant, yet comfortable atmosphere, attentive service and cuisine that strikes the perfect balance between traditional authenticity and innovative preparations. It’s the perfect setting in which to enjoy good conversation and feast on the best cuisine that Italy has to offer.

Adding a splash of Mediterranean color to California, Prego’s ambience blends the warmth and rustic charm of old-world Italy with the electricity and vibrance of a cosmopolitan restaurant. Streamlined arches and columns, gleaming copper, polished hardwood floors and an abundance of Cherrywood furnishings produce an elegant and sophisticated, yet comfortable, atmosphere. A lively exhibition kitchens allow diners to view the artful chefs creating their delicious dishes. With a capacity to seat between 150 and 250 guests, Prego features al fresco dining, full bar, banquet rooms and catering services.

Executive Chef & Partner, Ugo Allesina, brings more than 25 years of experience to his position. Born and raised in the region of Piemonte, Italy, his experience at a number of prestigious hotels and restaurants in Italy, Germany and the United States has enabled him to develop his outstanding skills as a premiere Chef of Northern Italian cuisine.

The menu emphasizes regional Italian cuisine, featuring authentic pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, freshly made pastas, grilled fresh fish, spit-roasted meats and fowl, and an extensive list of wines from Italy and California that will please even the most discriminating wine connoisseur. Homemade desserts and pastries make a perfect ending to an unforgettable dining experience. Prego has received fine-dining awards from the Restaurant Writers’ Association and the Wine and Food Society of Southern California. It has been a culinary destination for more than two decades.

Prego Ristorante is open for lunch and dinner daily and is located at 18420 Von Karman Ave in Irvine. For more information or reservations, call 949.553.1333 or visit www.pregoristoranti.com.

Sundried Tomato American Bistro and Cafés will celebrate a Valentine’s Day to remember on Sunday, February 14, 2010 with a special menu and a romantic ambiance that will not soon be forgotten. 

Beginning at 4:30 PM until 9:00 PM, the restaurant will begin serving a special Valentine’s dinner that will not disappoint at just $40 per person.  This specially designed menu is available at the restaurant’s three locations in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Laguna Beach.  In addition, guitarist Miles Moynier will be playing at the San Clemente location from 5-9PM, featuring classic and Spanish guitar melodies.

The three-course dinner begins with an appetizer choice of Blackened Chicken Spring Rolls in a honey cilantro pesto, Bacon Wrapped Scallops in a teriyaki glaze, Cajun Spiced Seared Ahi blackened and served with a delicious Asian slaw or Tomato and Mascarpone Cheese Bruschetta.

The second course includes a choice of Carrot Ginger or the famous Cream of Sundried Tomato soup or a salad option of Romaine Wedge, Blueberry Asiago, or Chopped Salad.

For an entrée, the Chef has prepared a variety of delicious options including Sautéed Jumbo Shrimp Pasta, Bacon Wrapped Center Cut 8 oz Filet, Seared Ahi, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Mediterranean Seafood Stew, Grilled Salmon Filet, Herb Marinated New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, or a Grilled Vegetable Napoleon.

Add a “sweet for your sweetie” to complete this delectable meal!  The dessert selection features a choice of a Chocolate Heart Box filled with Chocolate Fondue, Chocolate Decadence Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Apple Cinnamon Cobbler or Crème Brulee Sampler for $9-10 each.

In addition to the delicious food, Sundried Tomato also has a diverse selection of mostly domestic boutique wines to complement the menu.

Sundried Tomato Café is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with food that warms the heart.

www.sundriedtomatocafe.com.  

Yard House at is featuring a special Valentine’s menu February 12 through 14 with items such as Truffle Fries, Beer Steamed Mussels, Pan Roasted Pork Rib Chop, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Macadamia Nut Crusted Norwegian Salmon, and a Black and Blueberry Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.  For reservations or more information, please call (949) 640-9273.

Daily Grill at Fashion Island also has a Valentine’s Day Special for Two, featuring Three Course “Supper” Menu with a starter salad, choice of entrée including Hazelnut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Sea Scallops with Grilled Asparagus, Filet Mignon with a Bleu Cheese Herb Crust, Roasted Australian Rack of Lamb, and choice of dessert or glass of wine for $28.95.  The restaurant is also offering a Valentine’s Day Special for Two, featuring a four course dinner $64, which includes a Crab Cake appetizer, a choice of entrée, salad or soup and dessert.

In addition, Daily Grill is featuring new additions to its happy hour menu, available daily from 4 to 7 p.m.  New items include Spicy Bleu Cheese Fries; Spicy Crispy Chicken Strips; Chicken Meatballs with Marinara Sauce; and Loaded Mac & Cheese, a delicious blend of Cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina, with Bacon and Sautéed Mushrooms.  The Daily Grill at Fashion Island can be reached at (949) 644-2223.

For a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day that includes a bit of intrigue, Five Crowns is serving up a new Murder Mystery Dinner with a special prix fixe menu created by Executive Chef Dennis Brask.  The event starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, is priced at $96 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.  Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (949) 760-0331.

The evening will begin with tray-passed hors d’oeuvres.  An appetizer of Porcini Mushroom Raviolis will followed by a Garden Salad of Baby Greens with Toasted Pine Nuts and Gorgonzola Cheese in a Balsamic Vinaigrette.  Guests will have a choice of entrées including Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef served in the traditional manner with Creamed Spinach and Yorkshire Pudding, Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duckling with Bigarade (Bitter Orange) Sauce on an Apple & Prune Compote served with Hand-Harvested Minnesota Wild Rice, and Yukon Gold Potato-Crusted Salmon with a Smoky Three-Mustard Sauce.  Strawberry English Trifle will be served for dessert.  

Opened in 1965, Five Crowns features Continental cuisine including U.S.D.A. Prime beef, poultry, fresh fish and seasonal selections.  Over the years, the Five Crowns has earned a reputation for serving excellent food and offering a fine and extensive wine list.  The building has been noted in guidebooks and historical papers as a landmark – North America’s most authentic replica of an English country inn.  It has served generations of loyal customers, many of whom choose it to celebrate the most special occasions of their lives.

The restaurant has earned the Automobile Club of Southern California Four-Diamond Award, the Mobil Travel Guide Four-Star Award, and the DiRoNA Award, marking it as one of the more distinguished restaurants of North America.  It has also received the Wine Spectator Grand Award, the Southern California Restaurant Writers’ Gold Award, and the Golden Bacchus Award for its wine list.

Five Crowns is a member of the Lawry’s family of fine-dining restaurants, which includes Lawry’s The Prime Rib with locations in Beverly Hills, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Osaka, Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai; and the Tam O’Shanter in Los Angeles.  Their quick-service concept, Lawry’s Carvery, opened at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa in 2002.  A second Lawry’s Carvery opened in Westfield Century City in October 2007, and a third debuted at L.A. LIVE in December 2008.  Five Crowns shares its historic building with SideDoor, a gastropub opened in January 2010.

Five Crowns is located at 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.  It is open for dinner nightly and for Sunday brunch.  Valet parking is available and all major credit cards are accepted.  Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (949) 760-0331 or at www.LawrysOnline.com.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of us are in the planning stages of romantic dinners and thoughtful surprises. To make things easy, our restaurants are offering special dinners for the entire weekend. Tables go quickly, so remember to book as early as possible.

On many of our Valentine’s menus coast to coast, you’ll find oysters, and for good reason. When Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual rapture, famously painted rising from sea foam using an open shell as a platform, bestowed her aphrodisiacal qualities on oysters, it was more than myth. In addition to their obviously provocative appearance, oysters are loaded with zinc (which controls progesterone levels), iron and other stamina inducing nutrients.

For the romantic DIY’er putting together a seafood platter at home, I’ve included some shucking advice. Picking up the oyster and trying to pry open it in your hand (as you do a clam) is standard amateur mistake.

Oysters on the half-shell with Green Apple-Cucumber Dressing 

Serves 4 as an appetizer

Depending on the occasion, oysters—particularly those topped with this refreshing green apple and cucumber mignonette—pair well with a tropically-brewed, slightly spicy amber beer like San Miguel Dark Lager, or a crisp Pinot Gris with a citrus snap from Oregon.

Ingredients

¾ c Mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)

½ c rice wine vinegar

2 T extra-virgin olive oil

2 T minced shallot

1 green apple, unpeeled

½ English cucumber, halved lengthwise and seeded

24 oysters, scrubbed clean

For serving: crushed ice or kosher salt

Shucking

Opening an oyster is something that must be done carefully with an oyster knife, preferably one with a stainless steel blade and a textured handle for a nonslip grip. An oyster shell is in two parts: one cupped to hold the body and the other relatively flat, like a lid. Using a folded kitchen towel, securely hold the oyster on a stable work surface, cup side down with the point (or hinge side) facing towards you.  Insert the tip of the oyster knife through the hinge and turn your hand (like you are turning an ignition key) until you hear the hinge pop. Give a full twist to scrape the blade across the top of the shell cutting the muscle that attaches the oyster. Then cut the bottom muscle, keeping your hand out of the way and the oyster level at all times (so you don’t lose any of the juice).

The dressing

Whisk together the Mirin, vinegar, oil, and shallot in a medium bowl. Julienne the apple and cucumber, then dice them fine. Immediately drop them into the Mirin mixture (the acid in the wine will keep the apple from turning brown).

The oysters

This can be done several hours before serving, but oysters are best when fresh­est. It’s preferable to make the dressing, assemble the serving plates, and open the oysters at the last minute.

Get out a sheet pan. Take a piece of aluminum foil twice the length of the pan and crinkle it up to fit the pan and create a contoured bed for the opened oysters: You want them to stay level so the liquor doesn’t tip out of the shells. Open the oys­ters and nestle them into the foil. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

To serve

On each appetizer plate form a mound of salt or crushed ice then flatten it slightly. Spoon the dressing over the oysters while they are still on the pan and then carefully transfer them to the plates, arranging 6 oysters on each. Serve with cocktail forks. 

From “Charlie Palmer’s Practical Guide to the New American Kitchen, Melcher Media Inc. 2006

Valentine’s Weekend Dining (Feb 13-14):  We’re offering a delicious Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu including aphrodisiac-inspired dishes on both Saturday and Sunday.$105 per person, $45 wine supplement. 714-352-2525 for reservations. Click here to view the menu. 

Valentine’s Day at Taleo
Prix Fixe Menu - $36 per person

Appetizers   (choice of one)
Freshly made Guacamole or Queso Fundido
Soup or Salad   (choice of one)
Mixed Greens Salad
Caesar Salad
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Azzoz Con Pollo Soup

Entrees   (choice of one)
Carnitas
Tender pork deeply caramelized
Smoky Chipotle Apple Chicken
Two fire grilled chicken breasts glazed in sweet
and smoky chipotle apple barbecue sauce
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Jumbo Gulf shrimp sautéed in a white wine sauce
with roasted garlic and a touch of cream

Wine
A glass of red or white house wine

Desserts   (choice of one)
A portion of our delicious Pastel de Tres Leches
A portion of our Famous Creamy Flan

Prices exclude tax and gratuity.

Prix Fixe Menu - $60 per person

Appetizers   (choice of one)

Freshly made Guacamole or Queso Fundido
Soup or Salad   (choice of one)
Mixed Greens Salad
Caesar Salad
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Arroz Con Pollo Soup

Entrees*  (choice of one)
Caribbean Lobster Surf and Turf
Caribbean lobster tail split, paired with a
5oz grilled Filet Mignon
Jumbo Sea Scallop Surf and Turf
Four jumbo sea scallops wrapped in bacon,
pan seared golden, paired with a 5oz grilled Filet Mignon
Camarones Surf and Turf
Three jumbo Gulf shrimp, paired with a
5 oz grilled Filet Mignon
*All $60 entrées are served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Wine
A glass of Fall Line Cabernet or Chardonnay

Desserts   (choice of one)
A portion of our delicious Pastel de Tres Leches
A portion of our Famous Creamy Flan

Prices exclude tax and gratuity.

Taleo Mexian Grill

3309 Michelson Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 553-9002

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