• Tidbits & Kudos

    • By: TwitterButtons.com - Read More »
    • Noble Communications Co. (Noble), an integrated marketing communications agency announces that Keith Acuff has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer, assuming the role formerly held by founder and Chairman of the Board, Bob Noble. Acuff, formerly COO and … - Read More »
    • Restaurants may be dominated by male chefs but it's the females that are making a name for themselves in the Mason Dixon Master Chef Tournament, a Baltimore-area live "Top Chef" type tournament that's taking place at the Belvedere. … - Read More »
    • Sapphire at SchoolTM has been selected to provide fresh and healthy meals for Sage Hill School in Newport Coast, Calif., beginning in August for the 2010/2011 school year. Developed in 2007 by Chef Azmin Ghahreman, owner of … - Read More »
    • City Sea Foods, Inc announces the promotion of Melissa Carrasquillo to Chief Sustainability Officer. City Sea Foods, Inc. is taking a series of actions to promote sustainability: · One of which is creating a Sustainability Task force, lead and created by … - Read More »
    • Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, already known for their outside patio with its stunning bay views, will now cater to the happy hour crowd with their new outdoor lounge and new Happy Hour Tapas menu as well! … - Read More »
    • TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea has been entered into Riviera Magazine's Summer Cocktail Tour contest! Our very popular summer cocktail, the Riviera Abbey, is competing against 9 other OC restaurants.Please assist in assuring that the … - Read More »
    • Each week, chef de cuisine Justin Miller makes the drive south to Chino Farm in Del Mar to bring guests the freshest seasonal produce available, while supporting local and sustainable farming. The result: a beautiful, market-inspired menu that … - Read More »
    • The Signature at MGM Grand in Las Vegas is offering a new culinary TV program that allows guests to follow along and cook in their Signature suite.
      Guests literally tune in to the “Signature Dish” TV program for a … - Read More »

    • Hard Rock Hotel San Diego brings on veteran chef Jon Eyer to oversee the four-diamond property's world-class food and beverage operations. In his position as executive chef, Chef Eyer will direct menu development, operations, staffing, and training for … - Read More »
    • After a $25 million renovation, Hyatt Regency Orange County, is pleased to announce the launch of two new restaurants, TusCA Restaurant and OC Brewhouse. Both establishments, located in the stunning 17-story atrium lobby, offer distinctly different but equally … - Read More »
    • Despite a challenging economy, the tea industry is flourishing as deals were made, products were sold and business connections were solidified at the 2010 World Tea Expo, held June 11 - 13 in Las Vegas, Nev. at the … - Read More »
    • Trish LeBlanc of Indianapolis, a culinary student at Ivy Tech Community College-Central Indiana, Indianapolis, was named winner of the American Culinary Federation's (ACF) Be Like "Mike" contest and will shadow ACF National President Michael Ty, CEC, AAC, at … - Read More »
    • Chef Azmin Ghahreman of Sapphire Laguna has introduced "Street Foods of America," a new version of his Spice PlatesTM menu featuring samplings of seven street foods influenced by the many different cultures across the United States. Chef Azmin … - Read More »
    • Moms often say "breakfast is the most important meal of the day," and now restaurants are taking Mom's advice and paying more attention to breakfast. According to The NPD Group, a leading market research company, breakfast accounted for … - Read More »
    • This year has proved shaky for the restaurant and fast food industry. Are smaller restaurant chains failing to hold their own with large competitors? Are consumers really satisfied with fast food or are they just going for the … - Read More »
    • Ferdinand Metz, certified master chef (CMC), world global master chef (WGMC), American Academy of Chefs (AAC), hall of fame (HOF), of Escondido, Calif., received the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) 2010 Michael E. Hurst Lifetime Achievement in … - Read More »
    • El Monterey announces a three-part Facebook promotion to celebrate families and summer fun through July 16, 2010. (1) El Monterey Facebook fans can submit a video of their children cooking with any El Monterey products. The top video - … - Read More »
    • Restaurants are expected to add 428,000 jobs this summer season, a 4.6 percent increase over the March 2010 employment level, according to National Restaurant Association projections released today. America's restaurants are the nation's second-largest private-sector employer and job-creator-with … - Read More »
    • As an ACE for Practical Exams you are likely involved in all aspects of the certification process. For that reason, we wanted to ask for your assistance in sharing the good news that a new CSC Written … - Read More »

In This Issue

Midsummer BBQ 2 Year Anniversary Party - A Restaurant & Market, Newport Beach

August 11, 2010

First seating reservations from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Second seating at 8:00 pm
Prix-Fixe dinner menu is $45/person
Outdoor BBQ
DJ from 8:00 pm - Midnight

Will fill fast so please make reservations ASAP. Lounge will have limited availability

A Restaurant & Market
3334 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.650.6505
www.arestaurantnb.com

Filed under: Prix Fixe Dinners, Events

Winemaker Dinner Featuring Chef Bradley Ogden - Niner Wine Estates, Paso Robles

October 2, 2010
11:00 am

When our team signed on as one of nine winery dinner partners for Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast we were thrilled. When our team joined forces with the wildly talented Chef Bradley Ogden (locally of Root 246 and recipient of the Best Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation) for this intimate evening, we were ecstatic. And now that the special event is close to selling out we are over the moon!

$125 per person (does not include Sunset Savor the Central Coast Main Event ticket)
With only 3 tickets left, do not wait! Visit www.savorcentralcoast.com today to purchase your tickets.

Niner Wine Estates Hospitality Center
2400 Highway 46 West
Paso Robles, CA. 93446
www.ninerwine.com

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Prix Fixe Dinners - Wine, Events

Project Dinner Table - El Cortez Walkway, Las Vegas

August 7, 2010
7:00 pm

Under the lights of Downtown Las Vegas’ El Cortez Walkway that bridges the Las Vegas Blvd. to the property’s 6th street entrance is where the next Project Dinner Table event will take place. Set for Saturday, Aug. 7, the event begins at 7 p.m. with social hour in the Emergency Arts Building, formerly known as the Fremont Medical Center.
So what is Project Dinner Table? It’s the dinner event series the community is talking about. The idea is simple: reconnect and make new friends while enjoying dinner at the event’s signature, long while table draped in white tablecloths. Bring back meaningful conversation while enjoying a one night only 6-course menu inspired by local and regional purveyors that is served family-style. Poetry is read. Gift bags are given out, filled with coffees, sauces and seedlings prepared by your neighbors who just happened to also be farmers and growers. (Yes, a LOT is grown in Southern Nevada – from garlic to fruits and much more.) Each event seats up to 150. Every dinner takes place in a unique setting, only accessible via events such as Project Dinner Table. This is figuratively and literally a grassroots effort.
The Aug. 7 dinner will be the fourth in the series of seven. Executive Chef, Jeff Braun of The Mirage will prepare the feast incorporating locally-grown produce and herbs into his dishes.

Tickets are $125 per person and include dinner, entertainment, gift bags, philanthropy as well as all cocktails and coffee.

www.projectdinnertable.com

Filed under: Prix Fixe Dinners, Events

Merryvale Vineyards Winemaking and Blending Presentation - Hilton Checkers Downtown, Los Angeles

July 31, 2010
6:30 pm

Checkers Downtown, in the historic Hilton Checkers Hotel located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, is pleased to announce another installment in its series of eclectic wine dinners. On July 31, Merryvale Vineyards’ assistant winemaker, Michael Cruse, will lead a presentation that guides guests through the blending and winemaking process while enjoying a five-course meal with wine pairings. Guests will not only experience an informative lesson by Mr. Cruse, they will get to participate in the fine art by blending their own, personal wine.

The custom menu is priced at $95 per person (not including tax and gratuity). The dinner and wine presentation begins at 6:30pm. Reservations can be made by emailing Tyler Dow at tylerd@hiltoncheckers.com or by calling 213-891-0526.

Hilton Checkers
535 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
www.checkersdowntown.com

Filed under: Spirit Tastings Etc, Prix Fixe Dinners - Wine, Wine Tasting & Classes, Events

20th Anniversary Celebration - Bistro Garden, Studio City

September 24, 2010

On Friday, September 24, 2010, The Bistro Garden in Studio City will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with a special dinner benefiting the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research. Select menu items from the original Bistro and Bistro Garden restaurants, famous in Beverly Hills from the 1960s to the 1980s, will be served at their original price.
20% of the proceeds from the dinner will go to the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, which provides funding for Cancer researchers worldwide. The special menu items will remain on the menu from September 24 through Sunday, October 3rd.

The Bistro Garden
12950 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA
818.501.0202
www.bistrogarden.com

Filed under: Fund Raisers with Wine, Fund Raisers with Food, Prix Fixe Dinners, Events

2nd Annual Green Feast - The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano

September 11, 2010

The Ecology Center celebrates local food with the second annual Green Feast. Last year, Chef Mead put on a dinner for 200 local food enthusiasts and helped raise $20,000 for The Ecology Center. This year, Chef Mead will be back at it again, this time with the help of Chef Azmin Ghahreman of Saphire Laguna and Chef Justin Monson of Vine in San Clemente. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 11.

Tickets may be purchased at TheEcologyCenter.org or by calling 949.443.4223.

There are a limited number of seats; be sure the reserve early to insure your place at this remarkable event.

The Ecology Center
32701 Alipaz Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA‎
(949) 443-4223‎

Filed under: Fund Raisers with Food, Prix Fixe Dinners, Events

Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner - Five Crowns, Corona del Mar

October 31, 2010
7:00 pm

The Five Crowns Halloween celebration will feature a Murder Mystery Dinner complete with a special four-course prix-fixe menu created by Executive Chef Dennis Brask to be enjoyed while the drama of a new mystery unfolds. The event starting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, is priced at $96 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.

Five Crowns
3801 East Coast Highway
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625-2599
(949) 760-0331
www.lawrysonline.com

Filed under: Halloween, Prix Fixe Dinners, Events

An Evening with Merryvale and Starmont Wineries - Five Crowns, Corona del Mar

August 17, 2010
7:00 pm

Five Crowns will hold an evening with Merryvale and Starmont Wineries featuring Senior Winemaker Sean Foster as guest speaker. Executive Chef Dennis Brask will prepare a special menu for the dinner starting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 17. The event is priced at $99 per person, inclusive of tax and tip. Prepaid reservations are required and can be made by calling 949-760-0331.

Five Crowns
3801 East Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA
(949) 760-0331
www.lawrysonline.com

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Prix Fixe Dinners - Wine, Events

Father’s Day Brunch - Sapphire, Laguna Beach

Celebrate the “man of the house” with a prix fixe brunch for Father’s Day, featuring a three-course menu by Chef Azmin Ghahreman. Reservations are recommended.

1200 South Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-9888
www.sapphirelaguna.com

Filed under: Father's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners, Brunch

“Savor the Flavor of Fullerton” - Inaugural Fullerton Restaurant Week

August 1, 2010 11:00 amtoAugust 7, 2010 11:00 am

The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce presents Fullerton Restaurant Week, Sunday, August 1st through Saturday, August 7th . The inaugural event provides a week-long culinary experience featuring restaurants throughout the city offering prix-fixe menus with price points including lunch or dinner at $10, $20, $30 or $40. For a list of participating restaurants or more information, please visit 
www.FullertonRW.com

Filed under: Restaurant Week, Food Festivals, Prix Fixe Dinners, Events

Easter Brunch - Bayside, Newport Beach

  • On Sunday, April 4th, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. diners are invited to enjoy an exceptional three-course prix-fixe brunch menu created especially for the holiday.
  • The three-course champagne brunch is available for $37.75 per person plus tax and service.  A three-course children’s brunch menu will also be available for $14.75 per person plus tax and service.
  • For the champagne brunch menu patrons are invited to choose a starter such as tartare of ahi tuna, roasted beets with whipped goat cheese or a griddle crab cake with chipotle aioli.
  • For the main course guests can choose from items such as a smoked Scottish Salmon, “Bayside Benedict” with citrus hollandaise or boneless pork rib rack chop with mushroom ragu.
  • As a special treat, a live Brazilian musical duo is scheduled to perform from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to entertain diners during brunch.
  • For evening diners, Bayside will have their usual dinner menu available featuring two three-course dinner menus for $35.50 and $45.50 per person plus tax and service.

www.baysiderestaurant.com

Filed under: Easter, Prix Fixe Dinners

Return of the Swallows to San Juan Capistrano - Simply Fondue

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

Filed under: Special Promotions, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Day - Daily Grill, Fashion Island

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.

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Weekend - Charlie Palmer, Costa Mesa

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. 

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Day - Taleo Mexican Grill, Irvine

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

Our Website

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Day - Scott’s, Costa Mesa

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Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Day - Taco Rosa, Newport Beach and Irvine

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with our special gift to you!

First 50 dinner reservations will receive a special “parting gift” valued at $190!

one per couple, restrictions apply

 

Valentine’s Day Brunch

10 am - 2 pm

 

Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu

4 pm - 9 pm

 

*Thank You for celebrating Valentine’s Day with Taco Rosa. The parting gift for the first 50 dinner reservations (one per couple) will be honored for future visits - restrictions apply. Good for dine-in only, not valid for take-out. Management reserves the right to modify or discontinue offer without notice*

 

Call Newport or Irvine Locations for Reservations

 

Taco Rosa

Mexican City Cuisine

 

Newport Beach

Newport Hills Shopping Center

2632 San Miguel Rd.

Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949)720-0980

 

Irvine

The Market Place

13792 Jamboree Rd.

Irvine, CA 92670

 (714)505-6080

 

www.tacorosa.com

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Dinner - Port, Corona del Mar

Valentine’s Dinner

(Sat Feb 13th & Sun Feb 14th)    

Course I

Valentine’s Salad  

Course II

 Ahi Tartar  

Course III

Filet Mignon or Halibut Plate Champagne Prawns, Au Gratin Potatoes

Course IV

 French Chocolate Heart Cake  with ice cream & Champagne Toast

 $150 per Couple

  Click to Reserve

 Valentine’s Day Brunch

  (Sun Feb 14th)

 

Course I

Soup or Salad  

Course II

  Choice of Lunch Entree

Steak, Fish, Chicken 

Course III

 Chocolate Gelato & Berries with Cream

 $100 per Couple

 Includes Bottemless Mimosas   

440 Heliotrope Ave
Corona del Mar, California 92625
949-723-9685

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Menu - Fred’s Mexican Cafe, Laguna Niguel

Fred’s Valentines Day “Match Made in Heaven” Dinner Special is…

$21.95 per couple

Starter

Choice of a side Caesar Salad or Cilantro Vinaigrette Salad

Entrée

Sizzling Fajitas to Share

Choice of Steak Shrimp or Chicken
Or
Mix and Match
(Two Side plates of rice and beans)

Dessert

“Match made in Heaven”

Chocolate Diablo perfectly complimented
with a hot Cinnamon Churro…
topped with whipped cream!

Champagne Toast

Two glasses

Fred’s Mexican Cafe
32431 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine Menu - Golden Truffle

Valentine Menu
 Sunday, February 14, 2010
1st Course

Golden Truffle Smoked Wild King Salmon with Homemade Danish Mustard Pickles 

 

Ginger Wasabe Chicken and Avocado Hand Roll

 

Rare Filet Carpaccio with Arugula and Gorgonzola

  2nd Course

Old Fashioned Cream of Chicken Soup 

 

Petite Iceberg Lettuce and Preserved Tomato with House Buttermilk Dressing

 

Sweet Shrimp Tostada, Salsa Fresca and Queso Seco

Entree

Sautéed Organic Breast of Chicken with Melange of Root Vegetables & Natural Reduction 

 

Sautéed Scottish Wild King Salmon with Brie Champagne Beurre Blanc

 

Baked Spinach Lasagna with Leeks, 3 Cheeses & Tomato Herb Ragu

 

Roasted Lamb Shank with Peruvian White Beans

 

24 Hour Pit Braised Prime Boneless Brisket with Bacon Whipped Potato and Horseradish Jus

Dessert

Meyer Lemon Butter Tart with Madagascar Vanilla Bean Gelato

 

 Dark Chocolate Pot d’Cream with Bitter Chocolate Espresso Cookies

 

Juan’s Crushed Raspberry Blackberry Cheesecake

 

$68.00 Per Person (excludes beverages, tax & gratuity)

02/14/2010 Corkage $30.00

Reservations Recommended

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Day - Bistro Garden at Coldwater, Studio City

Friday, February 12 - Monday, February 15
A four-day Valentine’s Day celebration at the romantic Bistro Garden

Friday and Saturday:
Aphrodisiac Chocolate Treat with A la Carte Menu

Sunday
Special Three Course Menu @$78.00 per person
With A complimentary Rose for the Ladies

Monday
Complimentary Chocolate or Raspberry Soufflé with each Entrée Ordered

The Bistro Garden at Coldwater
12950 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA
818.501.0202
www.bisgrogarden.com

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Candlelit Rooftop Valentine’s Dinner - Bouchees Bistro at Smooth’s, Long Beach

Candles, roses, live smooth jazz, and an aphrodisiac inspired four course menu, designed specifically for you and your loved one. Our alfresco rooftop setting will be the perfect place to spend with your valentine this year.
Space is very limited and reservations are required!

menu

first
-partner 1-
oysters on the half shell, tomato-horseradish jam, avocado
-partner 2-
honey glazed lamb chops, braised endive, pomegranate jus

second
-partner 1-
walnut crusted sauteed salmon, fig balsamic reduction
-partner 2-
prosciutto wrapped swordfish, marcona almonds, salsa verde

third
-partner 1-
beef bourguignon, mushrooms, turnips and carrots in red wine sauce
-partner 2-
warm beef tenderloin, asparagus and shiitake mushroom salad with sesame ginger dressing

dessert for two
chocolate torchon, salted cashew brittle, diced banana, vanilla cream

6pm reception
7pm first course served

price $75 per couple + tax + gratuity

Bouchees Bistro at Smooths
144 pine ave.
long beach, CA 90802
562 437 7700
www.bouchees.com

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

Valentine’s Day 4-course Menu & Live Entertainment - Manhattan Steak & Seafood, Orange

Special 4-course menu and Live Entertainment!
$90/person


Manhattan Steak & Seafood
202 S. Main Street
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 714-978-6161
www.manhattanoc.com

Filed under: Valentine's Day, Prix Fixe Dinners

February Culotte Steak Special - Park Ave., Stanton

28.00 all day every day
$24.00 Sundays

Includes:

Shrimp Cake
Chili Mayo

Choice of:

Mini Wedge Salad With our Fresh Prepared Dressings
Or
A Cup of Soup of the day

Main Course:

Grilled Culotte Steak
Natural Juices
Parmesan Fries

Choice of:

Fresh Strawberries
Custard Sauce
Or
Chocolate Cake

Park Ave.
11200 Beach Ave.
Stanton, CA 90680
Phone: 714.901.4400

Filed under: Special Event Menus, Prix Fixe Dinners

All events on the Great Taste Calendar are submitted by individuals outside of Great Taste and are subject to change without notice. Contact each individual restaurant/venue for their most updated event information.

More Events »