Dining
TRY MIRROR WINES!
05.04.12
Review by Sheryll Alexander
We love to review wines and especially vintages with a good story to tell as well as bold flavors and smooth finishes. So we were excited to taste test Mirror Wine, which just so happens to be the passion of former NFL player and now vintner Rick Mirer (pronounced like mirror hence the company name).
Former Oakland Raider Rick Mirer founded Mirror Wine Company when he met Jeff Smith of Napa Valley’s Hourglass. Mirer was an Hourglass aficionado and Smith was a devoted Raider fan. The two football lovers formed a friendship. Then, the bromance became a triple whammy when Rob Lawson – a famous cult winemaker from Napa Valley – was brought in to craft exceptional wines. So, the three guys founded Mirror Wine with a a common philosophy: “a humble approach to making the best wines possible and a desire to over-deliver at every stage.”
First off, we tried the Mirror 2010 Sauvignon Blanc with a first course of a Mom’s delicate Chinese chicken salad. The aromas from this straw-colored white are delicious: citrus, peaches, pineapple and pear. On the tongue, this white has the perfect balance of acid, creamy and zesty flavors.
To pair with a second course of Dad’s famous marinated steak with a side of pasta marinara, we enjoyed the Mirror 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. This glass of wine had a gorgeous floral, yet smoky nose with flower blossom, tobacco and chocolate smells. With just the right amount of tannins for a round red, this Mirror Cab was a sensuous experience with its dark berry and cherry flavors as well as oak, vanilla and spices.
Want to try Mirror Wines? The following OC restaurants carry the label: Starfish (Laguna Beach), The Ranch (Anaheim), BigCanyon (Newport Beach), The Winery (Tustin). Also ask for Mirror Wines at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa and Amazing Grapes Wine Store in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California.
Dining
TREAT MOTHER TO SOUTH COAST PLAZA!
05.03.12
Review by Joanne Tucker and Sheryll Alexander
We were excited, as always, to be welcomed by Charlie Palmer South Coast Plaza at Bloomingdale’s for Sunday brunch. And this near nirvana food-and-drink experience got us to thinking about Mother’s Day Brunch. Here’s a list of South Coast Plaza brunches on Mom’s special day as well as a dish-by-dish review of Charlie Palmer’s ultimate make-your-own Bloody Mary brunch.
Charlie Palmer Bloody Mary Brunch Review
NYC- and Sonoma-based super star chef Charlie Palmer has brought his idea of a relaxing Sunday brunch to Costa Mesa ’s South Coast Plaza. Every Sunday afternoon -- in his contemporary, yet nature-filled main dining room – guests happily fill some of OC’s most hospitable tables. Plus, this brunch is highly reasonable for the price (just $35!), the unlimited drinks and the two substantial courses of high quality ingredients and culinary innovation.
Put simply, Charlie Palmer’s Bloody Mary bar rocks! Just walk up and create your own Bloody Mary with either tomato or housemade vegetable gazpacho juice. Then, add all kinds of accoutrements from Worcestershire sauce, 10 types of hot sauce, peppers, salts, pickled veggies and our favorite – a lettuce “stick” wrapped with a piece of bacon!
Or, start brunch with a glass of bottomless champagne or mimosas while ordering the first course. We enjoyed the hearty stone ground grits with honey-glazed bacon and a slow-poached egg as well the truffle wild mushroom quiche with a frisee and arugula salad, which was lightly dressed with citrus vinaigrette. The mixed green salad was also a perfect palate opener with its fresh lettuce leaves, candied walnuts, manchego cheese and red wine shallot vinaigrette.
Rather than returning for another Bloody Mary, we decided to pair a Loire Valley white with the fantastic sundried tomato and housemade ricotta cheese omelet for the second course. A rich Bordeaux was the perfect companion to Charlie Palmer’s terribly tender, succulent and smoky six-ounce steak, which is accompanied by scrambled eggs, potato hash, watercress and a red win jus.
Although there is no kid’s menu at Charlie Palmer, our small fry was happy with the Kobe beef sliders and a side of the restaurants delicious frites (with housemade catsup and spicy Thousand Island-style sauces!).
For Mother’s Day, splurge on a dessert for the table such as the tart tasting (four different tart slices surrounded by a delectable Irish cream sauce). And while lingering over coffee and perhaps a cappuccino gelato or coconut ice cream, lean in and tell Mom why you love her so. Smile guaranteed.
Mother’s Day Brunch 2012 South Coast Plaza Style
Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in elegant style with a special three-course prix fixe menu. For the first course, try the creamy clam chowder, truffle sweet corn risotto, heirloom tomato salad or house smoked sturgeon. Mains include such choices as pan-seared Scottish salmon with asparagus risotto or blue cheese crusted filet mignon, grilled with peppercorn sauce. Some of the dessert dishes are caramelized nut tart, fresh berries or panna cotta. $75 per person, $15 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations: 714-352-2525
AnQi by Crustacean: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Book reservations by May 6 and Mom’s entrée of lip-smacking French toast is complimentary at AnQi. (Limited to one complimentary French toast entrée with four paying guests or two mothers per table.) For Mom's Day sample delicate Vietnamese crepes, Peking-style duck breast or New Orleans-inspired beignets from a special brunch menu. The restaurant’s a la cartelunch menu is also available. Reservations: 714-557-5679
Royal Khyber Fine Indian Cuisine: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2: 30 p.m.; Dinner 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy an Indian-inspired buffet brunch, which includes a variety of salads and fish, lamb and chicken dishes and dessert for $21.95 (exclusive of tax and gratuity). For bottomless champagne, add $5.25 or Mimosas, add $6.25. Royal Khyber also serves its 30th anniversary three-course dinner with a complimentary glass of wine for $30. The a la carte menu is also available for dinner. Reservations: 714-436-1010
Nello Cucina: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate Italian style with a complimentary glass of Champagne and a delicious buffet, which includes a carving station and made-to-order omelettes, a variety of salads, fresh fruits and juices, mains of chicken parmigiana, penne pasta marinara and roasted pork chops, plus sides of vegetables and roasted potatoes. Round out the meal with an assortment of desserts. $24.95 per person, $12.95 for children under 12, unlimited champagne refills $4 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations: 714-540-3365
Pinot Provence : 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Treat your mom to a French-inspired three-course prix fixe menu in a South of France setting. Highlights of the menu include smoked pork belly with salmon caviar, Pappardelle pasta with braised short ribs and wild mushrooms and croquet “madame” with black truffle mornay sauce and roasted potatoes. $55 per person, $16 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations: 714-444-5900
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bring mom to Scott’s for a bottomless champagne and three-course prix fixe brunch. Highlights of the menu include prosciutto salad with poached egg and tomato, oysters quartet and cucumber mignonette, cheese blintzes with crepes and drunken strawberries, eggs Benedict with traditional or Dungeness crab cake and hanger steak with red wine poached eggs. $35 per person, $15 for children, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations: 714-979-2400
Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Located at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts, Leatherby's features a Mother’s Day a three-course prix fixe menu with choices such as market melon terrine with Parma ham, grilled striped bass and melted tomatoes or olive oil poached salmon Benedict with potato hash. $35 per person, $16 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations: 714-429-7640
Marché Moderne: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Amelia and Florent Marneau treat mom to a bountiful three-course prix fixe menu with choices at their renowned French bistro. $44 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.Reservations:714-434-7900
Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill : 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Located near Carousel Court, Z’Tejas is serving a Southwestern à la carte menu, plus a complimentary dessert for moms and a photo with family and friends to celebrate Mother’s Day. Prices vary with selections. Reservations: 714-979-7469
The Capital Grille: Brunch 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Dinner 4-9 p.m.
The Capital Grille is offering both brunch and dinner. The buffet-style brunch features hot dishes (like lobster eggs Benedict!), made-to-order omelets, a carving station, a raw seafood bar, plentiful salads and a table of decadentdesserts. The child’s menu features mac and cheese, mini burgers and fresh fruits. $46 per person, $18 per child and children under six are free, exclusive of tax and gratuity. A la carte menu served for dinner. Reservations: 714-432-1140
Is Mother busy during brunch hours or would she be more interested in a fine Italian dinner? Pizzera Ortica, which is located on Anton Boulevard across from South Coast Plaza and next to South Coast Repertory, is open from 5-10 p.m. for a special Mother’s Day dinner in addition to their traditional offerings.The a la carte menu features Chino Farm produce with starters like a garden salad or roasted spring vegetables. The Mother's Day entrée is roasted porchetta stuffed with fennel. And for dessert--a freshly baked hazelnut cake. Reservations: 714-445-4900
Whatever you choose to do for your Mother, South Coast Plaza ’s restaurants, shops, performing arts and gift certificates always fit the bill for an inspiringjust-for-Mom present.
Mother-daughter writing team Joanne Tucker and Sheryll Alexander run a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California.
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