Greer's Blog

Cakebread Tasting at OC Wine Mart

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By Greer Wylder
December 17, 2014

OC Wine Mart will be celebrating its final wine tasting event of 2014 with celebrated Cakebread Cellars on Thursday at its Yorba Linda location and Friday at its Irvine location for $30 per person ($3 back towards purchase & 10% discount on 4 bottles of featured wines). The six wines from Cakebread Cellars include 2012 Cakebread Chardonnay $39.99; 2012 Cakebread Reserve Chardonnay $59.99; 2013 Cakebread Pinot Noir $44.99; 2012 Cakebread Zinfandel $29.99; 2011 Cakebread Merlot $59.99; and 2011 Cakebread Cabernet $69.99. OC Wine Mart Yorba Linda on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. (first session) and 7 p.m. (second session) at…

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106th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

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By Greer Wylder
December 16, 2014

Tomorrow night marks the opening night of the 106th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, taking place at 6:30 p.m. with comedic actress Leslie Mann and singer/actor Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray as the first ever Grand Marshals for the parade.  Each night through Sunday, Dec. 21 the parade starts at Bay Island at 6:30 p.m. and finishes at the same site at approximately 9 p.m., completing its 14.7-mile route around Newport Harbor. Themed “Deck the Hulls with Bows of Jolly,” over 100 boats will be adorned with lights, decorations, moving displays, dancers, and music. Local restaurants in the neighborhood will be offering…

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We Olive & Wine Bar Opens in SJC

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By Greer Wylder
December 15, 2014

We Olive & Wine Bar just celebrated its first South Orange County location in San Juan Capistrano. It opened just in time for holiday shopping with a variety of gifts that include artisan extra virgin olive oils, hand-crafted tapenades, mustards, pesto, balsamic vinegars, body and skin care products, kitchen accessories, serving dishes, olive wood, ceramics and decorative fixtures.  After the New Year, We Olive & Wine Bar will roll out the second phase of its boutique with the grand opening of the wine bar. In addition to fresh, delicious and healthful foods, We Olive & Wine Bar will offer small…

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Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

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By Greer Wylder
December 12, 2014

Join one of the most revered holiday celebrations in SoCal at the 20th annual Festival of Lights at the historic landmark Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside through Monday, Jan. 5. The spectacular display attracts upwards of 250,000 visitors. The hotel is illuminated with more than 3.6 million lights that decorate an entire city block. There are also more than 400 animated figures, angles, elves and carolers. There are also a variety of packages for overnight stays that come with specials for the holidays: You can go all out for and book a Santa’s Suite Experience that includes an intricately-decorated, two-bedroom…

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Festive Culinary Experiences at Pinot Provence

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By Greer Wylder
December 11, 2014

Pinot Provence at the Westin South Coast Plaza is kicking off the season with innovative culinary experiences and specialty libations into the New Year. Pinot Provence presents Les Nuits Roties, a limited-time offering of a whole rotisserie-roasted duck or chicken for two available Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez carefully crafts the slow-roasted rotisserie duck and chicken, full of robust fall flavors, and pairs with seasonal vegetables for a cozy autumn dining experience. Les Nuits Roties Menu: Whole Roasted Duck for Two Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Vanilla-Scented Turnips, Chinese Long Beans, and Pink…

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