Blog
Orange County’s Top Chefs Raise Money, Awareness for Homeless Families
03.16.17
On March 12, 2017, thirty-two of the county’s top chefs came together at the county’s most exclusive culinary fundraiser at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, to participate at Illumination Foundation’s 2017 OC Chef’s Table. This over the event raised over $680,000 for the construction of a new emergency house for homeless families with children.
Every dish, libation and extravagant decoration was designed and donated by the chefs and restaurants with the intention of making the night unforgettable for every guest and raising funds for Illumination Foundation’s Emergency Home. Each table burst with colors, textures, decorations and smells. The tablescapes all ranging in shapes and sizes Some restaurants chose simple yet meaningful centerpieces, such as Anchor Hitch’s Bonsai trees representing their environmentally-conscious and one-with-nature cuisine style.
Other restaurants exhibited extravagant 5-foot decorations filled with hanging fruits, vegetables and flowers. Some even displayed delicate and impactful flowers, such as poppies, known as a symbol of remembrance of soldiers who have died during wartime. Antonello Ristorante even featured a plethora of live Beta fish in their magnificent centerpiece, while Nick’s Restaurants’ tall flower chandelier featured Illumination Foundation’s symbolic “IF,” representing the foundation’s mission of shedding light on the growing homeless population and a flame of hope those in the ballroom give to our most vulnerable homeless families and children.
Illumination Foundation is currently working on acquiring the land and garnering partnerships to build a new emergency house in the coming year, which is expected to house over 200 homeless families with children.
Blog
Luck of the Irish in OC
03.15.17
Just in case you are still looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in OC, here’s where you can find the luck of the Irish.
The Iron Press at Anaheim Packing House
Waffles + beer = your answer to A.M. IPA’s with a tasty waffle pairing for those extra carbohydrates. The Iron Press, situated on the top floor of the Anaheim Packing House, the waffle sandwich and local brews bar will be featuring a selection of green beers (and ciders) from their lineup of 25 rotating taps. Hoppy Hour will be all day too, with discounts on beer and bar bites for the green-cladded!
440 S. Anaheim Blvd Anaheim. 714.533.7225.
CaliVino
For those in the celebratory mood but the green-drink-infused shenanigans tradition isn’t up your alley, consider CaliVino for your holiday needs. Enjoy live music all evening long as you indulge in their killer Happy Hour from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., featuring $2 off bar bites like their Pork Belly Sliders (which you will want), and $1 off draught beers, all from local breweries of course.
2410 E Katella Ave, Anaheim. 714.939.7735
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
It’s no Paddy’s Day in OC without mentioning Muldoon’s. March 17 marks Muldoon’s 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash. No need for reservations or to expect a cover charge for these festivities. At the ripe morning hour of 9 a.m. Muldoon’s will open their doors for guests to enjoy two live bands along with dancing should you feel so inspired to let out a jig, along with Irish specialty dishes being served all day long like Corned Beef Sandwiches at their Bulldog Cafe.
202 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach. 949.640.4110.
Queen Mary
Come prepared to rock the boat aboard the historic Queen Mary on Saturday, March 18 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event will feature a large lineup of Celtic Irish rock bands, lucky charmed green beer and food. Tickets are $15 ($20 at the event) with $5 parking. Special room rates are available at the Queen Mary that include tickets to the event. 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach. 877.342.0738
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