LA Times’ The Taste Returns to Costa Mesa Oct. 18 -19

October 14, 2019

Following its 10th anniversary on the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot, one of the most popular food and drink festivals is returning to Orange County for its second year to spotlight the vibrant cuisine and award-winning restaurants in SoCal. Hosted by The Times’ Food staff, The Taste in Costa Mesa will take place at The MET over three sessions: one on Friday, Oct. 18 and two on Saturday, Oct. 19. Admission to each event includes unlimited samplings from dozens of local restaurants, premium cocktail tastings, plus demonstrations from renowned chefs and wine experts. Friday, Oct. 18, 7 to 10 p.m. L.A. Times…

Continue Reading

13th Annual Celebrate the UCI Diabetes Center Fundraiser & Cocktail Party

October 11, 2019

It’s hard to believe that thirteen years have already passed since the UCI Diabetes Center debuted an event to honor those at UCI who are working toward a goal to cure and end type one diabetes. I first attended this event after my 14-year-old son was diagnosed with type one diabetes. It was a scary and devastating time. I was encouraged by what the center was doing for those who are living with and suffering from the effects of type one diabetes. If you’d like to be a part of this important community event that affects many, you can join…

Continue Reading

Teemu Selanne’s The Penalty Box Opens

October 10, 2019

Olympic Gold medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne and partner Kevin Pratt just opened The Penalty Box a counter service casual eatery at the newly opened repurposed shipping container center, SteelCraft Garden Grove. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with an original all-American comfort menu that cleverly and whimsically refers to Selanne’s love of the NHL. Pucks are Burgers, and they’re made with the eatery’s signature blend of sirloin, short rib, and wagyu beef, and any burger may be substituted with a soy-based veggie patty. There are five…

Continue Reading

Savor Santa Ana

October 09, 2019

Orange County’s premier sidewalk food festival featuring more than forty tastes from downtown Santa Ana restaurants, Savor Santa Ana, returns Saturday, October 12. At Savor Santa Ana, sample tastes from unique, local and Michelin-rated restaurants and bars throughout downtown Santa Ana. Live musicians and local youth performance groups will perform in pop-up shows along the sidewalks, and a trolley will provide free rides around downtown. The theme will be "Fall Food Carnival," featuring fire dancers, mystique, and fall food flavors. Savor Santa Ana tickets are just $10 for 5 tasting tickets. Tickets are available online for pre-purchase at savorsantaana.com, and are…

Continue Reading

Award-Winning Chefs Open New Mexican Restaurant

October 08, 2019

Xclusive Taqueria Moderna, a modern elevated Mexican cuisine restaurant, just opened at Terrace Shops in Ladera Ranch. The new restaurant is owned and operated by three award-winning, fine dining executive chefs including Golden Foodie Award winner Chef Manny Velasco, Food Network Star Chef Chris Tzorin, and Chef Eddie Perez. The menu is constantly changing as all dishes are prepared using fresh, local, organic, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients, with gluten-free and vegan options available, all at family-friendly price points. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with a weekend brunch option available. Along with the restaurant, the Xclusive team books out…

Continue Reading