Greer's OC

The Orange County Restaurant Week will be bringing the heat as many chefs showcase special creations for spicy food lovers in the region!

As the region's most celebrated culinary event, OC Restaurant Week returns with added spice beginning Sunday, March 8th through Saturday, March 14th with more than 150 restaurant participants offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family-friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining.

This year, in addition to the Cocktails of Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will cater to the many flavor cravers out there with the following dishes, featuring Melissa’s Produce:

• Café Sevilla -- Paella Valenciana – Mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, chicken & grilled sausages over authentic saffron bomba rice.
• Descanso -- Two Carnitas Tacos with Habanero Salsa – Pork, Xoconostle Pico, Salso Frita, Avocado y Chile Toreado Salsa and Pickled Jalapenos.
• Great Maple -- Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich – buttermilk fried chicken, napa cabbage slaw, hot sauce aioli.
• Mozambique -- Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken Sandwich – 7oz. peri-peri marinated chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, bacon and avocado on a soft ciabatta bun (Peri-peri sauce is made with a bird's eye chili pepper).
• Playa Mesa -- Birria Taco – melted oaxaca, shredded short rib birria, onion, cilantro, consommé.
• Prego Mediterranean -- Cheesy Focaccia – house-made, stuffed with mozzarella, fontina, caramelized onions, and a side of spicy Melissa’s Red Fresno pepper and marinara.
• Provenance -- Spicy Chicken Pasta – Whole All Natural Chicken Breast, Fresh Spinach Fettuccine,  Spicy Tomato Ragu, Corn and Zucchini.
• Ruth’s Chris -- Blackened Seared Ahi-Tuna – ahi-tuna perfectly complemented by a spirited sauce with hints of mustard and beer; and Surf & Turf 6oz Filet & Cajun Spiced Twin Lobster Tails – served sizzling.
• Slater’s 50/50 -- 50 Alarm 50/50 Burger – 50/50 beef & bacon blend rubbed with ghost pepper chili powder, topped with ghost chili cheese, grilled jalapenos, habanero-bacon spread & sunny side up egg on a brioche bun with spicy fired pepper
• Skyloft OC -- Spicy Vodka Rita – ketel one, triple sec, lime juice, agave, muddled cucumber, jalapenos, 1/2 tajin rim
• Waterman’s Harbor -- Spicy Shrimp Pasta – Linguine, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Crushed Red Pepper.

A complete list of spicy dishes can be found online.

During the weeklong event, participating restaurants in Orange County will offer special three-course menus, many with a cocktail or signature item at no additional charge. Each restaurant will have the freedom and flexibility to showcase its best offerings by talented chefs who personalize each menu to reflect their individual culinary style.

Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus within the following price categories: lunch for $10, $15, $20 or $25, and dinner for $20, $30, $40, $50. Once again, guests will be offered a “luxe experience” with a select group of menus priced at an $80 price point. Guests will have the opportunity to search the list of participating restaurants by name, location and price point at ocrestaurantweek.com.