Greer's OC

Johnny’s Real New York Pizza just opened its third location in Orange County at Quail Hill Shopping Center in Irvine. Its other two pizzerias are in Newport Beach at Bison Avenue, and in Corona del Mar on the Coast Highway.

The concept, founded by New York native Johnny Younesi, is known for its large slices of authentic New York-style pizza made with the highest quality and freshest ingredients.  Younesi says Johnny’s secret is a special water filtration system that mimics New York’s soft water to make the perfect dough. Recipes are also from New York, by way of Sicily just two generations ago.

The menu features signature pizzas, including the Solattzo (fresh mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers, artichokes, mozzarella and tomato sauce), and our favorite the Andolini (housemade meatballs, Genoa salami, sweet Italian sausage, fresh herbs, mozzarella and tomato sauce), the Fontaine (pepperoni, mozzarella and tomato sauce) and many others.

Johnny’s also specializes in classic housemade Penne Bolognese, Spaghetti with housemade meatballs, and hearty sandwiches such as Meatball Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Eggplant Parmesan, and Johnny’s Authentic New York Sloppy Joe, made with its Bolognese.

Make sure to try Johnny’s Famous House Salad (romaine, hearts of palm artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mortadella, mozzarella, Genoa salami, Kalamata olives, baby corn and pepperoncinis), a Classic Caesar (romaine, housemade croutons, shaved parmesan and Johnny’s own Caesar dressing) and the new location will introduce a Chicken Caesar salad and real New York milk shakes to the menu.

Appetizers include Johnny’s Hot Wings, Sicilian Style Fries (tossed with Italian spices, garlic, olive oil), New York Style Fries (thick-cut New York-style street fries), Garlic Knots and Authentic Italian Mozzarella Sticks.

Save room for Cinnamon knots to end the meal on a sweet note. Johnny’s serves select wine and beer, including Italian favorite, Peroni.

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Johnny’s at Quail Hill Village Center at 6721 Quail Hill Parkway, off Sand Canyon/ Shady Canyon in Irvine.
Johnny's at The Bluffs at 1320 Bison Avenue in Newport Beach. 949.718.1337.
Johnny’s Corona Del Mar location is at 2756 E. Coast Highway in  Corona Del Mar. 949.729.9159.

Champagne & Oyster "Sip & Shuck” in Laguna

The Deck on Laguna Beach, along with the Bungalows at Pacific Edge Hotel, and Driftwood Kitchen, will host "Sip & Shuck" on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. to benefit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

You can experience a variety of hand-shucked oysters and sparkling wines from around the world while enjoying breathtaking ocean views in Laguna Beach. Executive Chef Rainer Schwarz and his team will also prepare delicious tastes from both The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen.

This year’s event will include an incredible array of oysters, entertainers, Champagnes, wines and spirits and amazing food as well as other surprises.

General admission tickets for the 21-and-over event are available for purchase for $45 general and include oysters and small bites, as well as unlimited access to champagne, wine, cocktail and beer sampling.

VIP admission, priced at $95 includes all general admission offerings, as well as access to the VIP lounge, a private bartender and the luxury bungalow deck and living rooms with private entertainment and food offerings.

The Deck on Laguna Beach is at 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, between the Pacific Edge Hotel and the Pacific Ocean, just off Pacific Coast Highway. 

For more information or to purchase tickets for Sip & Shuck, visit  here.