In This Issue

RA Sushi Anticipated at The Strand

ra-sushi-crazy-monkey-roll.gifHuntington Beach awaits the exciting opening of RA Sushi on December 15 at The Strand. The 5,300 sq ft venue focuses around a 20,000 gallon saltwater aquarium, topped with a vibrant party ambiance. General manager, Scott Peterson, has been in the hospitality industry since he was a teenager with a history at Hooters, Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, and owner to his own coffee house before accepting his current role at RA. Sean Hwang, Head Sushi Chef, has been with the RA franchise for five years and is well appreciated for his culinary skills

Established in 2002 by Rich Howland and Scott Kilpatrick, accompanied by Todd Belfer and sushi chef Tai Obata. Benihana, RA continues to expand, engulfing its success of traditional sushi cuisine with youthful characteristics. www.rasushi.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Prime Cut Café & Wine Bar - Soon to Open

08-12pg04primecut_rendering.jpgMohammed “Mo” Iqbal former (1994-1995) president of Family Restaurants Inc.’s Mexican dinnerhouse division – El Torito/ChiChi’s is soon (Dec. 2008) to open his dream restaurant, Read more »

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Back Bay Bistro Celebrates 50 years

08-12pg05back-bay-bistro-30.jpgIn celebration of their 50th anniversary Back Bay Bistro at Newport Dunes underwent a ground up $2 million renovation designed by Style Interior Design, which has been named one of the nation’s top 150 firms by Interior Design Magazine. The new restaurant seats 199 and sports a convertible roof allowing el fresco dining for warm nights under the stars and a more intimate setting for inclement evenings. Menu offerings include traditional American fare; steaks, chops, seafood etc.

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


Congratulations to the Casa Laguna Inn and Spa - Gold Medal Winners

cale3.jpgCongratulations go out to Casa Laguna Inn and Spa in Laguna Beach, Lead Chef Cale Falk and Proprietor Paul Blank for their participation in the Inn-Credible Breakfast Cook-Off.  The competition was held to recognize the Best Inn in North America.

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


El Cholo Celebrated 85th Anniversary With Local Heroes

On October 27, 2008 El Cholo honored all local heroes-teachers, police officers, firefighters by providing meals on them! In addition, all proceeds from meal sales that night were donated to children’s charities.

www.elcholo.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


The Newport Rib Company Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Opening their doors in June 1984, The Newport Rib Company in Costa Mesa will be celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary with its two other sister companies located in Long Beach and Ladera Ranch.  The Newport Rib Companies will celebrate with the a 25 Days of Charity event, where each restaurant chooses 25 local charities to raise money for between November 6 and November 30.  Dinning patrons can choose the charity of their choice and 20% of the dining receipt will go to that charity.  This is a great way for them to celebrate with their communities and give back to them at the same time.  Onward! www.ribcompany.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos, Tidbits


Bayside Restaurant to showcase Palo Uber

When art and food come together, they really know how to pull it off! World renowned abstract expressionist, Palo Uber will be showcasing his work at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, through the end of January, 2009. We know we will be enjoying the combination as much as you do! For more information, visit www.bistango.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Golden Spoon Announces Franchise Expansion in Northern California

Great news for our friends at Golden Spoon! The largest frozen yogurt chain in California by sales volume, has signed a development agreement with Pacific Yogurt Partners to develop 30 additional Golden Spoon franchise locations in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The new Golden Spoon stores will be located in Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The first planned openings to be in the First Quarter of 2009.

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


The Veggie Grill - Irvine - Nov 2008

Currently, The Veggie Grill has two current located in Irvine and El Segundo. Coming this November, a third location will open!  This restaurant dishes up a mean vegetarian and vegan menu with a lot of great taste! www.veggiegrill.com

Filed under: Restaurants, Restaurant Openings Coming Soon, Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


“Top Chef” new season in New York

Bravo Network is hosting another season of “Top Chef” in New York. The new season is to premiere on Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 10 pm ET/PT. Congratulations to all 17 chef contestants and a special “HURRAY” to the 5 Californians; Richard (San Diego), Stefan (Santa Monica), Jamie (San Francisco), Fabio (Moorpark), and Alex (Los Angeles). Great Taste knows the talent you have and cheer you on! Help us support our fellow upcoming chefs as they fire up, chop away, and piece together their creations through each task. www.bravotv.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Avanti, Best OC Restaurant of 2008

The Orange County Weekly has announced Avanti Cafe to be the best restaurant of 2008. Congratulations to Avanti for winning an exceptional award!

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos, Tidbits


Melting Pot-Election Day

OC’s Melting Pot goes political! Guests wearing “I Voted” stickers on the night of the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election will receive Election-Night Dinner specials. Offering red, white, and blue cocktails, along with door prizes and rewards for political quizzes, what better way to enjoy, celebrate and support November 2nd’s election?!

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


T & T (Tacos & Tequila) - Las Vegas

T&T (Tacos & Tequila) is Now Open at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Offering a high-engery atmosphere with a deliciously sexy menu, T&T shows off its’ style by combining fun, electricfying vibes, sensational flavors of traditional and modern Mexican elements, with an interwhining rock’n'roll flair. Owned and operated by Drive This Entertainment and partners Michael Frey and Craig Gilbert, world-renowned restaurateur and chef Richard Sandoval was brought in with the innovative creations of New York-based design team Rafael Alvarez and Brannen Brock to truly create a Vegas favorite. But don’t take our word for it, check it out yourself–we hear the tacos and tequilia are great!

Filed under: Restaurants, Just Opened, Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


BEST-O-BURGER

San Francisco’s mini-burger flipping extravagansa, BEST-O-BURGER, is celebrating their 100,000th burger! The craze?–they just opened in May! Our excited congratulations to partners Steve Weber and Nick Graham for developing such a fun and successful concept. Another burger please!www.bestoburger.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


Casting Call: Can you cook?

Enter to show off your HOT cooking with The Food Network. Auditions will run through the end of October so sharpen those knifes, grill up the stove, and listen loudly as Great Taste Magazine cheers you on! For more on how to apply, visit www.FoodNetwork.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


CookedApple has a new name!

Formally known website, CookedApple, has changed their name! Now known as MenuCalc, this online tool helps to bring the nutritional calculator straight to your kitchen using cutting edge results. Now that Gov. Schwarzenegger has passed for all California chain restaurants to publish their nutrional information, MenuCalc helps save time and energy. What a life savor! www.menucalc.com


Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Chef Phil Knoke Gets Locked Up!

Chef Phil Knoke gets locked up and he likes it! To be released on good behavior, Knoke must raise bail. Donations may be made to SITE, will be given to help families in our community. For more information or to be added as a contributor, please email phil3@joinmda.org.

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos, Tidbits


Yard House Has Something New

The well-known Yard House franchise is excited to introduce new menu items and pint-size desserts in efforts to help with the local economical status of their guests. Items added range from delicious Chix Tortilla Soup to Spicy Jambalaya. www.yardhouse.com

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Crow Bar & Kitchen

With the help of committed volunteers, together the Crow Bar & Kitchen and Share Our Strength are working hard to ensure that no kid is left hungry. Partnering with the national organization, Crow Bar & Kitchen will be donating protions of proceeds from all guests who dine during September 21st - 28th. To read more, visit www.strength.org, www.thecrowbarcdm.com or call 949.675.070

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Sushiamba - Sept 2008

Friday, September 19th, Restaurant Sushiamba truly knew how to ring in the celebration. With over 40 geishas, taiko drummers and samba dancers, the entertainment kept the attendees’ wanting more. Celebrity guest appearances set the red carpet on fire as HBO’s Entourage Stars and Rap Artist Mickey Avalon walked down. To say the least, Sushiamba is now open! Located inside The Shoppes at the Palazzo (second floor).

Filed under: Restaurants, Just Opened, Tidbits & Kudos, Tidbits


Congratulations Stacy Chavez

Stacy Chavez was recently promoted to the position of Garde Manger Chef at the Hyatt Huntington Beach. Congratulations Stacy!

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


Promo Star - Ristorante Da Vinci - Long Beach

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Promo Star - Ristorante Da Vinci - Long Beach

Here’s our promo pick of the month.

Friday Night Flights at Ristorante Da Vinci.

Enjoy a flight of wine paired with hors d’oeuvres prior to a helicopter tour along the coast.

Filed under: Special Promotions, Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


Addison’s Dan Pilkey earns Coveted Certification

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Dan Pilkey, a sommelier with the acclaimed Addison at the Grand Del Mar, has attained the level of advanced sommelier, a coveted certification from the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, the premier international examining body for the wine industry. At just 27 years old, Pilkey is the second, and surely the youngest, person in San Diego to attain this status. Congratulations, Dan!

August 2008

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


Local Sommeliers Receive Award

Many congratulations go out to three of Orange County’s most accomplished sommeliers, as they have been honored with the Trefethen Family Vineyards Passionate Wine Service Award. Christopher Coon Beverage Director at Charlie Palmer in Costa Mesa, Michael Jordan of Napa Rose in Anaheim and William Lewis of The Winery in Tustin were all recognized with this prestigious designation. ”The Trefethen Passionate Wine Service Award is our way to express our sincere appreciation and to convey the recognition these sommeliers deserve for creating and instilling a passion for exceptional wine and wine service,” said Janet Trefethen, president and CEO. The award was created by Trefethen Family Vineyards on its 40th anniversary to honor and thank the top 40 sommeliers in the entire United States. Congratulations go out both to the vineyard and our exceptional local sommeliers!

Filed under: Tidbits & Kudos, Kudos


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