Greer's OC

Dining

SAVOR SOUTHERN FRANCE AT PINOT PROVENCE

07.21.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Starting this week (through Aug. 18), Pinot Provence’s newly-appointed executive chef Jason Petrie invites OC foodies to experience the rustic charm of Southern France. Yes, it’s time for Patina Group’s annual Summer in Provence series of dinners.

Every Tuesday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Pinot Provence guests can sit on the charming outdoor patio while Chef Petrie mans the grill and oversees the kitchen with tasting menus ranging from three to seven courses (priced between $40-$100 per person). Many of the dishes are prepared tableside while the lively patio rocks live music, French cocktails and excellent wine pairings.

Chef Petrie’s menu changes weekly based on seasonally-fresh produce. Some dishes on a most recent Summer in Provence menu includes an octopus salad (grilled octopus, Mexican chorizo, crispy hominy,Marcona almonds, summer mint, Serrano chile, virgin olive oil), paper-baked loup de mer (heirloom tomato, black truffle, fruits de mer broth, grilled rustic bread), slow-roasted pork shoulder (cumin-scented panisse, confit garlic and egg yolk emulsion, wild arugula, candied orange) and lemon verbena pot de crème (market black berries, vanilla shortbread cookie).

Pinot Provence, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714-444-5900, www.pinotprovence.com.

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California. Follow her! @sheryllalexande

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New Gear

FORD DELIVERS HEALTHY CARS FOR SUMMER TRAVEL

07.20.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Some new car buyers are considering Ford vehicles not just for design and performance, but also because Ford has the best infotainment technology and mobile apps of any car maker so far. Plus, Ford's 2011 and upcoming 2012 models are some of the most safe, most fuel efficient and most fun-to-drive cars, wagons, CUVs, SUVs and trucks in America.

Now, Ford is claiming that its new technology-rich vehicles are more healthy than other cars. How can a vehicle give you better health?

Ford says its SYNC and MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles really can bring you less stress and more health by helping you easily find more healthy alternatives. With the touch of just one button, drivers can locate places such as healthy fast casual restaurants, juice bars, organic vegetarian restaurants and even the nearest gym or yoga studio.

In fact, Ford calls its hands-free infotainment technologies an "in-car concierge." But does it really work? As a professional car reviewer and automotive journalist, I have tested Ford's infotainment systems with better-than-average results. Sure, there's still times when car infotainment technology is frustrating, but it is especially helpful for long road trips when you don't know where you are or how to find that hidden healthy neighborhood gem.

Ford Monitors Allergies, Asthma and Even Diabetes

How else do Ford vehicles keep you healthy? Ford is actually on the cutting edge of allergy control systems. Based on research and design in Europe, Ford has developed high-tech pollen traps built right into the car. Ford is so sensitive to allergy sufferers that the company is developing a voice-controlled allergy information center for allergy and asthma patients. Yes, just by saying "allergy forecast," drivers can get access to day-by-day pollen and asthma index level via GPS location. And, if you can believe it, Ford says it is also researching a technology to monitor diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Now that would be one healthy car, right?

Does Parallel Parking Stress You Out?

Do you really hate to parallel park and get super stressed out when you gotta do it? Or, do you have to park your car on the street every day or for work? Ford's "active park assist" claims that this technology can really park your car for you.

But does it really work? Yes! I was given the chance to drive a Ford Flex equipped with "active park assist" technology.

What did I discover on my real-world parking test?

Ford's "active park assist" really works! Yes, I ws able to roll up between two cars. The system let me know if there was enough space to park my rather long Flex ride. I pushed the "active park assist" button. I took my hand off the wheel. Using the brake and accelerator, I "drove" the car perfectly into the empty space without using my hands whatsoever. It was certainly a no-stress way to park!

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California. She has a daily car column for Autotropolis/Autobytel titled Driving Smart with Sheryll Alexander. Follow her! @sheryllalexande

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