• Tidbits & Kudos

    • The Cellar, an Orange County dining institution for nearly four decades, has just received AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Award for excellence in food, service and ambiance – one of only six OC restaurants to have achieved the distinction. … - Read More »

    • Attn Chefs,

      You're cooking every day, so why not video it and earn MONEY for every viewing? This is a GREAT opportunity to promote yourself, your culinary affiliation, and earn money for every viewing!! We want video … - Read More »

    • The Club at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel scored the number one rating for “Best Club … - Read More »
    • Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc., has named Steven M. Kim as the new general manager of Five Crowns, its Orange County fine-dining flagship.  Kim will also be in charge of the newly opened gastropub, SideDoor. Both are … - Read More »
    • Scott Barnett, founding President and CEO of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants, Inc. has announced today his resignation.  As President and CEO, Mr. Barnett’s responsibilities included … - Read More »
    • Which wines go best with "green food," such as asparagus, peppers and peas? How about other fresh vegetables that we'll enjoy this summer and fall? "Green foods are the problem children of the wine world," says Natalie MacLean, editor … - Read More »
    • Malarkey's will be re-opening under new ownership as a more food-centric restaurant with a chef-driven menu a la "Irish gastropub". The restaurant/put is a landmark on the Newport Peninsula esetablished in 1973  that was once known for is … - Read More »
    • Budd and Maurice Van Roekel are back! After a five year sabbatical they've returned to the helm, running the day to day operations of both Maurice Car'rie and Van Roekel wineries. The Van Roekel's assumed possession of the … - Read More »
    • March is Maple Month and Cabin Fever, a new 80-proof maple whiskey, is celebrating by sharing its many unique recipes with maple lovers. What could be more New England … - Read More »

    • More than 400 people attended the 2010 ACF Western Regional Conference, which was hosted by ACF Rio Grande Valley … - Read More »

    • Stonefire Grill will launch its newest restaurant in Thousand Oaks.  Known for its expansive, value-oriented menu of high quality American fare, Stonefire Grill will open its seventh restaurant at Evergreen Plaza (3635 E. Thousand … - Read More »

    • Best Bite

      02/25/10 Zimzala at the Shorebreak Hotel - Huntington Beach - Tasmanian Salmon 02/24/10  Orange Hill - Orange - Savory breakfast patties 02/23/10 Palm Terrace at the Island Hotel - Truffle butter Popcorn 02/22/10 Charlie Palmer - Newport … - Read More »
    • Nicky's Week Scottsdale-based RA Sushi Bar Restaurant will host its sixth annual Nicky’s Week fundraiser May 30-June 5 to benefit the internationally-renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All 25 RA Sushi locations, including the two Orange … - Read More »
    • Haven Gastropub officially announces the launch of its fully redesigned company website and blog, www.havengastropub.com. Produced by Crossgrain Creative Studios, the site aims … - Read More »
    • Valhalla Table, the newest eatery and bar at The CAMP is now open for feasting. In ancient Norse Mythology “Valhalla” is a majestic, enormous hall where dead soldiers celebrate in their afterlife and are kept … - Read More »
    • Haven Gastropub today announced the donation of $10,900 to its charitable partner Mercy Corps following its successful Haven For Haiti earthquake relief fundraiser held January 25th. The donation represents 100% of the restaurant’s … - Read More »
    • The post-war Gorbals, much like New York’s Lower East Side, was where poor immigrants (mainly Jewish, Indian and Pakistani) made their homes, cooked their meals and lived their traditions while excluded from the mainstream culture. The … - Read More »

    • Culina, Modern Italian will be ushering in a new paradigm for the Four Seasons brand- it will be the first independent restaurant within a Four Seasons hotel in America.  Overall, Four Seasons will be looking to Culina … - Read More »

    • AIA|LA 6th annual competition RESTAURANT DESIGN AWARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW AVAILABLE DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE Return Registration Form to AIA|LA via fax, 213.639.0767 or email, matt@aialosangeles.org no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, April … - Read More »
    • In a year when the restaurant industry experienced its steepest traffic declines in three decades, the total restaurant unit count was relatively flat, dipping slightly by -0.3 percent or less … - Read More »

In This Issue

Honig Wine Dinner - Scott’s Seafood

March 24, 2010
6:30 pm

Enjoy an exclusive 4-course Prix-Fixe menu with wine pairings in the company of fellow wine lovers.

$95/person

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

Cakebread Cellars Vintner Dinner - Morton’s Steakhouse, Santa Ana

March 24, 2010
6:30 pm

You are invited to a special evening of exquisite wine and fine steakhouse dining.

Join host and esteemed guest
Bruce Cakebread
as we explore exceptional wines from Cakebread Cellars.

Wednesday, March 24
6:30pm Reception
7pm Dinner

$150 per guest
Inclusive of tax and gratuity

Morton’s the Steakhouse
South Coast Plaza Village
1641 W. Sunflower Ave.
Santa Ana
714-444-4834

Menu and Reservations

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

Toast to Florence Wine Dinner - Michael’s on Naples

March 11, 2010
7:00 pm

The wines of the Tuscany region of Florence, Italy will be explored at an upcoming wine dinner at Michael’s on Naples.  One of the nation’s foremost experts on Italian wines, Allessandro Lunardi, will lead the four-course culinary experience highlighting the extraordinary wines of Tenute de Frescobaldi on Thursday, March 11 starting at 7 p.m.  The cost is $80 per person (exluding tax & gratuity).  Reservations may be made by calling (562) 439-7080.
Born and raised in Florence, Alessandro Lunardi is renowned for his extensive knowledge and passion for Tuscan wines.  His experience includes serving as wine director of Palio restaurant in NYC, where he designed a 650-label wine list that received the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence.  In 1999, he joined Luce della Vite, the Italian partnership of Robert Mondavi and Marchesi de Frescobaldi, where he was the wine educator for the U.S. market.
“We’re delighted that Mr. Lunardi has agreed to share his passion for the distinctive wines of Florence at our upcoming dinner recognizing some of the extraordinary vintages of Tenute de Frescobaldi,” said Massimo Aronne, the restaurant’s general manager.
Zagat’s #1 rated restaurant in Long Beach, Michael’s On Naples is located at 5620 E. 2nd St. Long Beach.
Situated in the heart of picturesque Naples Island — Long Beach’s most exclusive neighborhood — Michael’s on Naples has developed a devoted clientele fierce in their loyalty of the restaurant.  The critically acclaimed dining establishment is committed to the Slow Food Movement, a concept that reinforces the connection between “planet, plate and palate.”  The menu is designed to protect the heritage, tradition and culture of food (i.e., herbs and spices are fresh and never bottled, produce is organic and secured from local farmers, meats are organic and come from small-scale providers).  In addition to its renowned wine list, Michael’s On Naples offers a full bar.  For more information, call (562) 439-7080 or visit www.michaelsonnaples.com.

*****

 

 

 

Tenute de Frescobaldi Wine Dinner

$80 per person tax & tips not included

 

March 11th

 

First course

Smoked scallop with endive, trevisio and

Meyer lemon marmalade

PINOT GRIGIO, ATTENS ‘08

 

Second course

Guinea Hen roulade with slow roasted heirloom beans

CHIANTI RISERVA, NIPOZZANO ‘06

 

Third course

Pici with roast wild boar ragout

CHIANTI RISERVA, MONTESSODI ‘05

 

Fourth course

Steak Florentine style, potato and marrow gnocchi and mache

SUPER TUSCAN, MORMORETO ‘06

 

Dessert

Almond cake

VIN SANTO ‘04

 

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

Far Neinte Wine Dinner - 21 Oceanfront, Newport Beach

June 24, 2010
6:30 pmto10:00 pm

Far Niente Wine Dinner

Join us for an amazing Wine Dinner with an incredible menu paired with world famous wines from Far Niente.

For the menu and other details please log on to our website or call: (949) 673-2100

COST: $150 plus tax & gratuity

21 Oceanfront Restaurant

2100 West Oceanfront
Newport Beach, Ca 92663
ph. 949.673.2100

WEBSITE: www.21oceanfront.com

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

Heitz Wine Dinner - 21 Oceanfront Restaurant, Newport Beach

April 30, 2010
6:30 pmto10:30 pm

Heitz Wine Dinner

Please join us for an amazing Wine Dinner with Heitz Cellars.

For the menu and other details please go to our website or call:(949) 673-2100

COST: $150 plus tax & gratuity

21 Oceanfront Restaurant

2100 West Oceanfront
Newport Beach, Ca 92663
ph. 949.673.2100

WEBSITE: www.21oceanfront.com

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

An Evening with Sodaro Estate and Winery - Antonello Ristorante, Santa Ana

March 19, 2010
6:30 pmto9:30 pm

Antonello welcomes Don and Felicity Sodaro, Sodaro Estate Winery, Napa Valley to hold their first “Pre release” wine dinner showcasing the upcoming 2006 vintage, including the Felicity and the limited Sodaro Estate Reserve Blend. Chefs Salvatore and Gino have created an outstanding menu to pair with Sodaro’s great wine offerings. Visit our “Special Events” page at www.antonello.com for complete details. Grazie!! Steve Ebol  Wine Director

WEBSITE: Antonello Ristorante

COST: $109.00 per person inclusive

Antonello Ristorante So. Coast Plaza Village

3800 South Plaza Drive
Santa Ana, Ca. 92704
ph. 714.751.7153

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

Ferragamo Encore Wine Dinner - Antonello Ristorante, Santa Ana

March 12, 2010
6:30 pmto9:30 pm

Antonello welcomes back Salvatore Ferragamo to host this Encore Wine Dinner. Along with our Chef’s creative menu, Salvatore will be showcasing his latest releases from their Castiglion del Bosco and Il Borro Estates in Tuscany, Italy. Included in the tasting will be his newest release, the Brunello di Montalcino 2004 and the “Campo del Drago” Brunello di Montalcino 2003 from Castiglion del Bosco. The event will begin with his Il Borro Lamelle Chardonnay 2008 and the Pian di Nova ”Super Tuscan” 2006. Please visit us at www.antonello.com and click on the “Special Events” icon for complete details. We hope you can attend this outstanding event.  Millie Grazie!!  Steve Ebol  Wine Director

COST: $129.00 per person inclusive

Antonello Ristorante, South Coast Plaza Village

3800 South Plaza Drive
Santa Ana, Ca. 92704
ph. 714.751.7153
WEBSITE: Antonello Ristorante

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

Harborside Winemaker Dinner Event - Harborside Restaurant, Newport Beach

March 11, 2010
6:00 pmto8:30 pm

Levendi winemaker Alison Green Doran will be making the trip  from Napa Valley for this special dinner.

Famous for its world-renowned cupola and illuminated by more than 1,400 white lights, the Balboa Pavilion has served as the beacon of Newport Beach for almost a century.  Enjoy Harborside’s impeccable food artistically paired with Levendi wines, with Alison Doran leading the tasting.  Recently featured in the Tasting Panel magazine, this is a great opportunity to hear from one of the most recognized winemakers in Napa Valley.  We hope to see you there!

COST: $75 per person + tax/gratuity

Harborside Restaurant

400 Main Street
Newport Beach, CA 92661
ph. (949) 673-4633
WEBSITE: Harborside Restaurant and Pavilion

Filed under: Wine Dinners, Events

Mi Sueno Wine Dinner - Lido Deck, Newport

March 23, 2010

Prix Fixe

 $135 per person

 

1st Course

 Chilled Octopus Soup

 Haricot vert, russet potatoes, wild boar bacon, tomato broth

 Mi Sueno Rose, Napa Valley, 2007 (1st bottling)

2nd  Course  Veal Medallion

Marinated veal medallion, grilled vegeatbles, lady apples Pinot Noir, russian river Valley, 2007  

3rd Course

Pork Ternderloin
Cinnamon rubbed pork tenderloin, mushroom couscous, red mole  El Llano, Napa Valley, 2006  

4th Course

Australian Lamb rack

Cumin Scented lamb rack, hickory smoked sunchoke puree, braised red & yellow plums

Cabernet Sauvginon, Napa Valley, 2006

Dessert

 Chocolate tamale

 Belgian chocolate tamale, braised black cherries, chocolate ganache

 Pinot Noir, Esmeralda, Russian River Valley, 2006

 RSVP REQUIRED!!!!! Only 30 Seats Available 

 Please make sure to go to our website to learn more about Mi Sueno Winery and the famous Winemake Rolando Herrera or visit their website at

 

www.misuenowinery.com

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

Class of 2010 to be Inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

March 13, 2010

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) will honor the 2010 Vintners Hall of Fame inductees on March 13, 2010 with a daylong Celebration of California Wine & Food, culminating in the Vintners Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The ceremony will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception featuring wines representing the 2007, 2008 and 2009 inductees. The 2010 class to be inducted includes longtime Napa Valley grower Andy Beckstoffer; Al Brounstein, founder of Diamond Creek Vineyard; Randall Grahm, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard; veteran winemaker Zelma Long; and Leon Adams, a founder of the Wine Institute.

The evening celebration continues with a walk-around dinner in the school’s Teaching Kitchen with celebrity chefs and wine makers including Michael Chiarello, Todd Humphries, Christopher Kostow, Anne Gingrass-Paik, and Sarah Scott. Guests will dance the night away to the sounds of Jeffrey Campbell & Megan Slankard while enjoying desserts created by renowned pastry chefs, including Emily Luchetti of Farallon in San Francisco.

Guests joining this year’s Celebration will have the opportunity to attend a morning Wine & Food Salon at the CIA at Greystone followed by a wine-country lunch, tour and tasting at a prestigious Napa Valley winery. There are a limited number of seats available for Creating Flavor: The Art of Food & Wine Pairing featuring wine expert and Chair of the CIA’s Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies, Karen MacNeil, and CIA Chef Bill Briwa. Wine writer and chair of the VHF Electoral College, Blake Gray, will join David Breitstein for the morning’s other Wine & Food Salon, Big, Bold, and Beautiful: Tasting Historic Magnums from the California Collection of David and Judy Breitstein.

Proceeds from the Vintners Celebration of California Wine & Food will provide scholarships for the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the CIA at Greystone.

The cost of the evening reception, induction ceremony and walk-around dinner is $250 ($150 tax-deductible). Each $250 ticket includes the opportunity to purchase a Wine & Food Salon seat and a tour, tasting and lunch at a Napa Valley winery for an additional $150 ($75 tax-deductible).

For more information on the 2010 Vintners Hall of Fame Induction celebration, please contact Reuben Katz, 707-967-2305 or r_katz@culinary.edu.

The Vintners Hall of Fame at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (subject to change). For more information on the Vintners Hall of Fame and to view the list of 2007, 2008 & 2009 inductees with their photos and biographies, please visit www.ciavintnershalloffame.com.

Filed under: Spirit Tastings Etc, Wine Dinners, Special Promotions, Events

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 1998 - Fleming’s

As an exclusive opportunity for Friends of Fleming’s, we are offering the acclaimed Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 1998 for the very special price of $125. Available in limited quantities.** Don’t miss this one!

For Locations, visit: www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Filed under: Spirit Tastings Etc, Wine Dinners, Prix Fixe Dinners - Wine

Ponte Winery’s Valentine’s Dinner Weekend

Valentine’s Dinner Weekend

Our Barrel Room and Reserve Room will be transformed into a breathtaking and romantic setting for you to woo your loved one. Enjoy a champagne reception with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, a delectable four course meal, Ponte wines, live entertainment and a portrait studio for you to capture your lovely evening.Friday, February 12th, 7:00 pmSaturday, February 13th, 7:00 pmSunday, February 14th, 7:00 pm$95 per person | $86 for Wine Club MembersTickets for the event can be purchased in the Tasting Room or online at www.PonteWinery.com

Valentine’s Dinner Menu

Assorted Amuse Bouche Chef’s ChoiceAppetizer Salad:Spicy local field greens, on crisp flat bread with a warm brie and caramelized onions tossed in a pomegranates, Ponte Ariana vinaigretteIntermizzo:Pink Grapefruit and Tarragon Sorbet Drizzled with Green ChartreuseEntrée:Surf & Turf Wellington - Natural Grass Fed filet Mignon and lobster wrapped in puff pastry and baked to a golden brown served candied garlic horseradish cream, bouquet of vegetablesDessert:Hand Made Chocolate Bag’s filled with Passion Fruit Mousse and Créme Anglaise and Passion Fruit Coulis

Event Title: Ponte Winery’s Valentine’s Dinner WeekendRestaurant Name/Event Location: Ponte WineryRestaurant City/Event City: TemeculaPhone or Email Address for info: 877-314-wineWeb Address:www.pontewinery.com

Filed under: Holidays, Wine 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.