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Habana Turns the Lights Down for Weekly Candlelight Dinners

By Greer Wylder

August 17, 2026

Wednesday nights just got warmer at Habana at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. The Cuban restaurant has launched La Candela, a candlelight dinner series held every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m., exclusively at the Costa Mesa location.More than 600 candles set the scene throughout the dining room and garden patio, creating a glowing backdrop for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. La Candela features Habana's full regular menu alongside a handful of special dishes, including stuffed tostones filled with ropa vieja, roasted pork and shrimp for $18; sea bass a la plancha, pan-seared and served with…

Jonathan Alcala Named Executive Chef at Temecula Creek Inn

By Greer Wylder

August 14, 2026

Temecula Creek Inn has named Chef Jonathan Alcala as its new Executive Chef, bringing a lifelong love of California cuisine, hyper-seasonal ingredients and community-driven dining to the beloved Southern California retreat. In his new role, Alcala oversees all culinary operations across the property, including Corkfire, Temecula Creek Inn's signature garden-and-flame restaurant, as well as special events and immersive culinary programming.Alcala arrives at Temecula Creek Inn after most recently serving as Executive Chef at Carter Hospitality Group, where he led culinary operations for more than two years. Before that, he was Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director at Mount Palomar…

Anaheim White House Marks 39 Years With Italian-Style Anniversary Dinner

By Greer Wylder

August 11, 2026

Anaheim White House Italian Steakhouse is turning 39, and the historic restaurant is celebrating with a special Italian-style anniversary dinner on Sunday, Aug. 16, starting at 6 p.m.Space is limited for the multicourse evening, priced at $95 per person or $150 per person with wine pairings, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling 714-772-1381.Chef and owner Sir Bruno Serato, known both for his upscale restaurant and his humanitarian work, will greet guests throughout the night and share stories from his career.The reception opens with a spread of tray-passed bites: polenta gorgonzola made with creamy polenta and imported…

Silver Oak Comes to the Pier: 21 Oceanfront’s One-Night Wine Dinner

By Greer Wylder

August 08, 2026

At the base of the historic Newport Pier, 21 Oceanfront is hosting a Silver Oak Wine Dinner on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 5:30 p.m., and it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated evenings on the peninsula this month.The restaurant sits inside the landmark McFadden Building, one of the oldest structures on the Balboa Peninsula and a site that helped shape Newport Beach in its earliest days. Over the years, the building has been home to a string of beloved dining rooms, including Alley West, The Ritz and The Rex, each leaving its mark on the space. Since 1991,…

8th Annual Gourmet by the Bay Returns to Newport Beach

By Greer Wylder

August 07, 2026

Newport Bay Conservancy will host its 8th Annual Gourmet by the Bay dinner and auction on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach.The evening kicks off with wine, beer, a featured cocktail and live music, all set against sweeping views of the Upper Newport Bay. Do or Dine Catering will handle dinner, Tap Truck Orange County will pour the drinks, and Bristol Farms will provide appetizers and desserts. Guests can also browse the event's silent auction while mingling with fellow supporters of the bay.Newport Bay Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to…