Blog

The OC Rescue Mission Toy and Gift Donations
12.11.15
The Orange County Rescue Mission is in need of more than 150 gifts for the formerly homeless families living in its Orange County transitional living facility, the Village of Hope, this holiday season. The Rescue Mission has an urgent need for toy and gift donations for young children ranging from newborns and toddlers to kids ages 8 to 12. These gifts will be shared with families at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s upcoming “Magic at the Mission” event on Saturday, December 12.
The Orange County Rescue Mission’s “Magic at the Mission” is a special annual event held each year for the residents of the Village of Hope. The event features a variety of activities for families, including carnival-themed holiday games, an appearance by Santa Claus, and a special gift-giving tradition.
Those wishing to donate can drop off new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages, as well as small gifts for parents, at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope located at 1 Hope Drive in Tustin.
The donation warehouse is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Blog

SAVORY HOLIDAY MENU AND CELEBRATION COCKTAILS at The Yard House
12.11.15
The Yard House, the award-winning restaurant known for its creative cuisine, extensive draft beer selection and innovative crafted cocktails, just celebrated its 19th anniversary this week! The original Yard House opened at Long Beach’s Shoreline Village in 1996.
And, it’s the perfect place to celebrate with a new holiday menu and celebration cocktails available through January 3 at all Yard House locations.
Special offerings created by Executive Chef Carlito Jocson for the holidays include:
Maui Pineapple Chicken, marinated for two days in a bath of soy sauce, garlic, ginger and brown sugar then grilled with fresh pineapple and served with a seven vegetable, stir-fried brown rice and a side of pineapple sauce.
Our favorite, Lobster Mac N Cheese, made with sundried tomatoes, asparagus, and fried wild mushrooms is tossed with campanelle pasta and melted cheddar and parmesan cheese then drizzled with white truffle oil.
The new Apple Cider Brined Pork Chop, a savory 12-ounce pork chop grilled with red apple honey sauce, caramelized Brussels sprouts and roasted butternut squash is simmered in brown butter.
The Za’atar Crusted Salmon, was created after Chef Jocson traveled to Israel and experimented with some of his favorite flavors from his trip. He create the dish rich with superfoods, seasoned with za’atar spices and served on a bed of red quinoa with cauliflower, kale, golden raisins and pine nuts with a side of spicy lemon tahini sauce.
For dessert, there’s a new Banana Berry Rum Macadamia Nut Crumble, reminiscent from his time spent on the Hawaiian Islands. This holiday-inspired dessert with fresh banana and strawberries is mixed with rum, brown sugar and cinnamon then baked with a macadamia nut crisp topping. And, toasted coconut ice cream is served on top with mint sprig garnish then lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
In the mood for some festive holiday drinks? The new trio includes…
Brown Sugar Old Fashioned: a twist on the classic cocktail made with Bulleit Rye Whiskey, a dash of aromatic and orange bitters then finished with house-made brown sugar syrup. A fresh orange peel and black cherry skewer add the final touch to its classic snifter presentation.
Ruby Sparkler: this celebratory drink is made with Zardetto Prosseco, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and a splash of Framboise poured into a fluted glass and garnished with a pair of fresh raspberries.
Rum Pumpkin Mule: like drinking pumpkin pie from a chilled copper mug with mix of Zaya 12-year Estate Rum, Monin Pumpkin Pie Syrup, a dash of aromatic bitters and refreshing house-made ginger beer.
Yard House is also a festive destination to host an informal holiday gathering for small to large groups with private and semi-private dining options. Special multi-course, prix-fixe menus are available and details can be found online at yardhouse.com/dining-options
Yard House is open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night dining.
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