Dining
Mini But Mighty Bar
05.21.13
Orange County’s newest martini and small plates eatery Microbar, just opened at Mercantile West shopping center in Ladera Ranch. Microbar, from the same owner of the popular Pizza e Vino in Rancho Santa Margarita, offers seasonal small plates with influences from Spain and Italy and all seafood is wild, and beef is grass fed and hormone free.
Microbar's Chef Brad Robison’s specialties include proscuitto wrapped dates, burrata with roasted tomatoes with balsamic reduction, olive oil and basil; shrimp wontons; bone marrow with crostini, maldon salt and roasted garlic; and pan-fried oysters with Asian greens and Cajun remoulade.
Heartier plates includes filet mignon; New Zealand green mussels with garlic and wine reduction; pork belly sliders braised and served on Hawaiian bread; and a berry salad, with chicken breast, seasonal berries, gorgonzola, candied walnuts and a berry walnut dressing, among other offerings.
Microbar’s cocktails made with fresh, house-made mixes include a refreshing Solerno spritz (Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, fresh lemon juice and sparkling wine), reviver (Hendricks Gin, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau and Absinthe Rinse), and beat the heat (Milagro Silver Tequila, St. Germain Liqueur, fresh lime juice, cucumber, jalapeno and Agave syrup.)
The bar opens at 4 p.m. and the dining room opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and remains open through dinner Saturday and Sunday.
Microbar is in Mercantile West, across from Pavilions, at 25612 Crown Valley Parkway in Ladera Ranch. 949.429.3380.
Dinner with Picasso at the Ritz-Carlton
05.13.13
Art enthusiasts can enjoy an exclusive opportunity to experience Dinner with Picasso at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel on Friday, May 17. This evening is open to members of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program that only takes about two seconds to join here and it’s free.
Members will accrue either points or airline miles – along with luxury promotions and advantages. Fifteen Picassos will be displayed together as a collection for the first time during the exclusive dinner event available only to Ritz-Carlton Rewards members.
The evening includes an overnight ocean view accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; cocktail reception for two; four-course dinner for two prepared by Executive Chef Pedro Contreras; fine wines hand-selected by Sommelier Jörn Kleinhans, CSW, CFA.
Cost is $1,485 per couple including overnight accommodations or $795 for dinner only. To become a Rewards Member and attend this exclusive event, sign up here, or call 800.241.3333.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is at One Ritz-Carlton Drive in Dana Point. 949.240.5088.
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