Great Taste Magazine

Monday Night: Movie & Popcorn - free old-school surfer movies and popcorn in the lounge

Tuesday Night: 25% off all Huntington Beach locals. Just show us your driver’s license with a local zip code

Wednesday-Saturday Nights: $35 three-course menu selection from Chef Muraco plus a wine flight pairing for $15

Sunday Night: La Familia Night - 425 three-course family meal served on shared platters, plus glass of vino for $4

Happy Hour, every day from 3-7 pm:  10 small plates ranging from $3-$7, plus $2 domestic draught beers, $3 well drinks, and $4 wines

Live Entertainment or DJ Every Night!

Zimzala - located on the 2nd floor of Shorebreak Hotel - 500 Pacific Coast Hwy. Huntington Beach, CA 92648 - 714.960.5050 - www.restaurantzimzala.com

OPAH at The Market Place in Irvine has introduced new spring fixed price menus for lunch and dinner.  The lunch menu includes the choice of Kobe Burger Sliders with chili lime aioli and garlic fries; Grilled Shrimp Tacos with citrus cabbage and pico de gallo; or Grilled Mustard Rubbed Lamb Chop Salad with lamb chops, romaine lettuce, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta, tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette.  All of these entrees are only $10.

The fixed price dinner menu features three courses for $30.  A selection of starters includes Alaskan Halibut Chowder, a rich broth-based soup with vegetables, Alaskan halibut and saffron potatoes; a Wedge Salad with vine ripened tomatoes, smoked bacon, red onion and gorgonzola; and Tuna Tartar with papaya, crab, wasabi caviar and wonton chips.  The entrée choices include Blackened Ono with avocado salsa, goat cheese whipped potatoes, jalapeno cilantro burre blanc and crab taquito; Lobster & Ricotta Ravioli with tomatoes, smoked bacon, sweet peas, arugula and lemon saffron cream; or Burgandy Grilled Skirt Steak with mushroom confit, toasted garlic fries and brandy peppercorn cream.  The meal is complete with a tempting dessert of Crème Brule with seasonal berries and a hazelnut cookie, or Warm Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding served with vanilla bean ice cream and bourbon anglaise. 

In addition, every item on the dinner menu is 50% off on Monday nights.

OPAH Restaurant & Bar is located in The Market Place, at 13122 Jamboree Road, off Irvine Blvd., in Irvine.  For reservations or more information, please call (714) 508-8055.

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

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.

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.

1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Venice, CA 90291

310.314.0004

www.lillysfrenchcafe.com

 LUNCH MEAL DEAL….

$12 LUNCH SPECIAL (2 courses)

MON - FRI

SOUP OF THE DAY

OR

HOUSE SALAD

+++

CHOICE OF GRILLED VEGETARIAN SANDWICH

OR

WARM CHICKEN SANDWICH

OR

CROQUE MONSIEUR

OR

STEAK SANDWICH

OR

DAILY SPECIAL

OR

 OMELETTE (MUSHROOM&RATATOUILLE OR HAM & CHEESE

NO SUBSTITUTIONS!

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 4, 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.

Come down to RA Sushi in Hunting Beach on March 21 to see if you have what it takes to be Huntington Beach’s RA Sushi Eating Champion! The winner will be awarded FREE SUSHI for one year!

www.rasushi.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.

Introducing the new

Sunday Bloody Mary Brunch

Includes appetizer, entree, and unlimited Bloody Mary’s

$35 per person, every Sunday beginning February 28

Served 11:30-3:00PM

For reservations, call 714-352-2525 or reservations@charliepalmer.com

We believe cocktailing is an art. To get you started, we’d like to introduce our new DIY (Do it Yourself) Sunday Bloody Mary Brunch. For $35, treat yourself to an appetizer, entrée, and unlimited Bloody Mary’s. We provide the Vodka, you master the art of the perfect Bloody Mary at our diverse ingredients bar (scroll below). Need Inspiration? Just ask, we’re happy to mix our signature Charlie Palmer version.

Bloody Mary Brunch Menu

-Appetizer-

Portobello Grilled Cheese
Yellow Tomato Soup, Baby Basil, Aged Cheddar

Cinnamon Spiced Oatmeal
Brown Sugar Caramelized Apples, Cranberries
Maple Chantilly Cream

House Cured Smoked Salmon
Bagel, Whipped Crème Fraiche, Caper Fennel Relish

Fresh Farm Mixed Green Salad
Manchego, Pistachio, Red Wine Shallot Vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna And Green Tea Soba Salad
Soy Lime Dressing, Seaweed, Baby Cilantro

-Main Course-

“Steak And Eggs”
Grilled Boneless Rib Eye, Eggs, Chorizo Potato Hash

Bourbon Scented French Toast
Caramelized Bananas, Smoked Cashews, Blis Maple Syrup

Spinach And Aged Cheddar Omelet
Toasted Brioche, Grilled Bacon, Potato Tart

Carved Turkey Club
Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Tomato, Aioli

Kobe Style Beef Sliders
Truffle Mayo, House Made Pickles

Rosemary Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Buffalo Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Arugula Truffle Oil

 ***A la carte small plates and a 3-course prix fixe lunch ($26) are also available

BLOODY MARY INGREDIENTS BAR

THE CANVAS: tomato juice, house vegetable tomato gazpacho

THE PRIMER: fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, clam juice, beef broth

THE SHADING: chipotle Tabasco, green Tabasco

Frank’s Red Hot, Sriracha, Worcesteshire, soy sauce, angostura bitters

THE BRUSH STROKES: ginger, Heinz chili sauce, Mai Ploy Thai sweet chili sauce, smoked chipotle, cocktail sauce, large chopped tomatillo, green olive tapanade, sun dried tomato pesto

THE DETAIL: celery stalks, rhubarb, Slim Jims, pepperoni sticks, housemade beef jerky

bacon wrapped in romaine hearts, cucumber spears, asparagus, half-sour kosher dill pickles, heirloom carrots en branche

THE SIGNATURE: pork rinds, pickled green beans, pickled okra, wide strips of bell peppers, lemon wedges, lime wedges, pepperoncini, banana peppers

GARNISHES: tomolives, halved heirloom cherry tomatoes, olives, blue cheese olives

HERBS:  dill, basil, opal basil, cilantro, mint

SPICES: salt, pepper, celery salt, cayenne, cinnamon, taco seasoning, paprika

Taco Rosa, one of Orange County’s most popular Mexican restaurants with two locations, has launched a new Happy Hour with 50% off select menu items Monday through Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m.  Special pricing on drinks includes $3.50 margaritas, $3.50 glasses of imported Latin wine, $1 Tecates and $1.45 for domestic beer.

In addition, Taco Rosa has a new promotion for families, with kids 12 and under eating for only a penny with the purchase of an adult entrée, on Sundays and Mondays from 4 p.m. until closing.  (This offer is not valid on take out, or when combined with other offers.)

Taco Rosa has two locations: in the Newport Hills Shopping Center, at 2632 San Miguel Rd. at Prairie, in Newport Beach, (949) 720 0980; and at The Market Place, at 13792 Jamboree Rd. at El Camino Real in Irvine, (714) 505-6080.

  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> .

Spa Gaucin

~ The Address to Celebrate Love, Life, and Wellness

Getaway Duo

Retreat in true Mediterranean style with our signature massage featuring an aromatic,

Chardonnay oil and a fig &cassis warmed back compress, coupled with an all-natural,

hydrating OSEA Facial.  Continue the relaxation poolside or in the cozy lounges

with a glass of complimentary wine.

 60-minute Mediterranean Massage

60-minute Pristine Waters Facial

$295 per person

Coastal Celebration 

Create your own unique coastal retreat by enhancing a 90-minute Mediterranean Massage with heated

coastal stones.  The warmth of the stones will lull your tense muscles to release for a deep relaxation.

90-minute Mediterranean Massage with customized coastal stone

$240

Spring Duo 

Energize your skin with the power of nature’s CoffeeBerry, which delivers superb anti-aging benefits.

 This soothing, calming and aromatic facial is perfect for all skin types.

Finish the look from head to toe with a Vogue Pedicure featuring fresh, Spring colors.

60-minute CoffeeBerry Natureceutical Facial

 60-minute Vogue Pedicure

$215 

 These specials are valid March 1-April 30, 2010. 

Not valid with other promotions, specials or discounts.

Mark Your Calendars for the March WWWW!

Women Who Wine Wednesday, March 24th

* 5:00-6:00 p.m. * $20 * Please rsvp to valory.reed@stregis.com   

Want access to more specials? 

Twitter is @spaguru or @spagaucin and become a fan of Spa Gaucin on Facebook

Our spa reservations department can be contacted directly at (949) 234-3367

to coordinate your spa experience…

Experience an amazing Tea Buffet

Saturdays from 1-3pm in Motif

Features an international variety

of teas and hand-made delicacies paired with a

selection of specialty martinis.

Adults $46; Children (5-12) $29.50

To join us for Tea & Tini’s

please call 949.234.3272

Sunday Champagne Brunch at Motif
  Enjoy refreshing ocean breezes at the most lavish brunch in Orange County. Choose from an endless array of entrees and appetizers, including, crab, oysters, tuna tartar, smoked salmon and more. Among our dreamy desserts, enjoy 40 different types of made-to-order pancakes, our signature treat. While you are savoring these epicurean delights, sip champagne or sample spicy Bloody Marys. Live musical performances featured.

Adults -$79 with champagne ($69 without); Children (5-12 years) - $39

Seating from 11:00am to 2:30pm; for reservations please call 949-234-3272

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