Greer's OC

Looking for a fantastic dinner experience at a family owned neighborhood bistro? Champagnes Bistro & Deli in Newport Beach is celebrating 23 years in business, and it just debuted an expanded dinner menu after 4:30 p.m. with bistro specialties and a sophisticated yet casual ambience with candles, linens and waiter service. (It’s still serving a delicious breakfast and lunch.)

Our favorite new bistro-inspired dishes include starters such as caramelized Brussels sprouts ($8.50), firecracker shrimp ($10.95), crab cakes ($12.95) and French onion soup ($6.95), and entrées such as chicken breast paillard ($13.95), braised short rib beef bourguignon ($18.95), and fire crusted fresh Atlantic salmon ($16.95). We also highly recommend Champagnes Burger served on an Amish buttermilk bun, with Angus beef, Tillamook cheddar cheese, caramelized onion relish, lettuce, tomato, and roasted garlic aioli ($11.75); and the thin-crust pizzas with handmade dough and family sauce are among the best local pizzas we’ve tried ($11.95 to $15.95).

Craving something super healthy? Order the "Farm-acy" superfood salad with mixed greens, organic baby spinach, strawberries, blueberries, red grapes, sliced apple, oranges, dried cranberries, celery, red onion, cucumber, spiced almonds, blue cheese, and orange Champagne vinaigrette ($10.95). As soon as the weather cools off, you’ll also want to try their famous turkey chili, a favorite for more than 20 years. Save room for some Callebaut Belgian chocolate mousse or sweetheart coconut cake with fresh with fresh raspberry sauce and creme anglaise ($5.95).

Champagnes Bistro & Deli is in the Newport North Center at 1260 Bison Ave. (at MacArthur Blvd.) in Newport Beach. 949.640.5011.

Truly Good Deals on Jeans

There's no need to labor over finding the perfect pair of jeans. Shop online at True Religion for its Labor Day weekend outlet sale now through Monday. Select denim is reduced an additional 20 to 30%, select shorts and skirts are reduced  an additional 30%, and active wear is reduced an additional 20%.

Open 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

949.640.5011.