Greer's OC

Shopping for wine, beer and spirits just became more modern and engaging at the new Total Wine & More in Laguna Hills and Huntington Beach. Both stores just rolled out its, “next-generation” concept, while the other Orange County stores are expected to add new technologies in 2013.

On a recent visit to the Laguna Hills store, I was fortunate enough to choose three of my favorite wines that I highly recommend all priced reasonably.  You can find my “local favorites” near the entrance including Anaba Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2008 ($27.99) for big notes of cherry cola, bright raspberry and darker cassis wrapped up with flavors of creamy oak; Javillier Savigny Beaune Liards 2010, ($24.99) with crisp and fresh flavors of cranberry with some subtle earthy tones and a deliciously smooth finish; and lastly an all around great bottle for the price Kitchen Sink Red Reserve ($9.99) with concentrated flavors of blueberry, pomegranate, and mocha that come all together and end softly.

Not only does the emporium offer highly rated wines priced lower than even Costco, 24 styles of beer, and an impressive collection of spirits, its new perks include a state-of-the-art tasting bar where you can access Total Wine’s iPad app for recommendations based on wine and food pairings. (You can even print out recipes and recommendations in the store, or send them via email.) There’s an area for educational wine, beer, and spirits tastings, and flat panel TV’s streaming videos about wine, beer and spirits makers. Total Wine & More will also introduce QR codes for on-demand video content, as well as details on tasting profile, ratings and price comparisons.

Wine enthusiasts can also sign up for classes about various types of wines, beers and spirits, and attend a ‘Meet the Maker’ series for a chance to meet renowned makers and to taste and learn about the history of their craft. The education center can also be reserved non-profits and businesses at no charge.

Tustin Total Wine & More is at 24001 El Toro Road Ste. B in Laguna Hills. 949.206.1539 and at 16272 Beach Blvd. in Huntington Beach. 714.861.4047. Other Orange County stores include 471 South Associated Road at the Brea Plaza Shopping Center in Brea. 714.672.0323, and 2952 El Camino Real at The Market Place in Tustin. 714.665.4257.

Positive Plate Dinner

The pioneer of sustainable dining in Costa Mesa, Avanti Café is preparing a special dinner co-hosted by the Positive Plate tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate its commitment and leadership in locally sourced and environment-friendly practices. And its organic prix fix meal promises to showcase the best of the season’s bounty. Start with an organic cream of celery root soup, and Avanti roasted pumpkin garbanzo nugget, with organic green bean garnish and golden oil drizzle.

The next course is a tomato and bucatini timbales with roasted wild oyster mushrooms, Provencal house made organic feta quenelle, and Avanti arugula spinach pesto and organic slow oven roasted San Marzano tomatoes. Also, enjoy an organic baby green micro salad with fresh fruit, sliced red onion, tangy honey Dijon dressing and toasted almonds. Dessert ends with a rich chocolate and peanut ice cream sandwich with banana brulee.

The cost is $29.50 (tax, beverage, and gratuity not included). Avanti Café is at 259 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.548.2224.

 

50% Off Eyewear

Newport Mesa Optometry in Costa Mesa is running an end of summer sale with 50% off all eyewear with the purchase of polycarbonate or hi-index single vision, bifocal or progressive lenses for the sale frame. The sale starts today through Saturday. Top designer frames available include Prada, Gucci, Christian Dior, Fendi, Ray-Ban, Persol, Face A Face, Oakley, and many more. A current prescription is required, and the offer can’t be combined or applied with insurance, other discounts, promotions or past sales.

Newport Mesa Optometry is at 427 E 17th St Suite C, in Costa Mesa. 949.642.2929