Greer's OC

The sustainable seafood SlapFish Food Truck has come to a halt, but thankfully for its loyal followers and new fans, the first SlapFish restaurant just opened in Huntington Beach. The fast-moving, casual eatery offers an inventive, chef-driven menu, while maintaing focus on fresh, responsibly sourced, and healthy seafood - a passion of SlapFish owners, Chef Jeff Andrew Gruel and Jethro Naude.  The two, self-described “ocean-a-holics” grew up fishing, surfing and working in the restaurant industry. And now, as a seafood loving chef and a seafood expert, they have opened a modern seafood shack where they can expand on their top gourmet food truck menu, still serving fan favorites like the Lobsticle on a stick (half a South Atlantic lobster tail, skewered, grilled and brushed with melted butter); lobster quesadillas with cold water rock lobster, shrimp, spice, mascarpone and melted jack cheese; and the Spicy Lobster-Shrimp Grinder with rock lobster, shrimp, green apple, lemon, and creamy habanero sauce. Foodies claim that their seared fish taco is the best in the business, with avocado-herb spread, marinated cabbage, pickled red onion and toasted garlic.

Other must-try dishes include fresh-shucked Carlsbad Oysters, and Slapfish and chips with flake white fish, crispy potatoes, and shallot vinegar;  and Michael Harris’ Gambas a la Plancha, with organic shrimp seared in a cast iron skillet with garlic and butter. (Harris won their Facebook recipe challenge contest, and not only does he have bragging rights, but he can order the item free for life!)

Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 19696 Beach Blvd. in the Newland Center (at Beach and Adams) in Huntington Beach. 714.963.3900.

PETS ARE PART OF THE FAMILY

America’s Family Pet Expo petexpooc.com returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa today through Sunday. It is recognized as the world's largest pet and product expo, with all kinds of products from retailers and groomers, to veterinarians and humane societies. You can adopt an animal, or simply check out new pet products and take part in the family activities. Olympic Gold Medalist, Kristi Yamaguchi will make an appearance and sign copies of her latest children’s book, “It’s a Big World, Little Pig” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will also be birds, fish, and reptiles - there's a little something for everyone. Admission costs $12, Senior (60+), active military (with ID) $10, child (6-12) $6. Children 5 and under are free.
 Parking costs $5 for general, and $8 preferred. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

ILLUMINATING A WORLD WITHOUT BREAST CANCER

Each year the Komen Pink Tie Ball holds its gala to benefit the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The inspiring event always impresses its guests and raises much needed funds for programs and services, and breast cancer research - and this year will be no different.

On Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m., the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach will be illuminated by paper lanterns as the gala celebrates its mission to realize Susan G. Komen’s vision of a world without breast cancer. The artistic theme features original artwork done by breast cancer survivors, co-survivors, breast health advocates and supporters expressing themselves. All the wonderful artwork will be available for purchase in the silent auction.

The event will also recognize the efforts of the Pink Tie Guys, seven leading men in the community who advocate for the organization’s breast health mission.

Guests can make a $100 donation to receive one of 200 paper lanterns and an entry into the “Illuminate Hope” drawing with an opportunity to win one of the many prizes - the grand prize is an 18-karat yellow gold bracelet with  33 round brilliant diamonds (valued at $10,000) donated by Black, Starr & Frost. Winners need not be present.

Tickets for the Pink Tie Ball cost $350 each. The Festival of Arts is at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. For more information, and to participate in the “Illuminate Hope” drawing, call 714.957.9157 or visit www.komenoc.org

20QS WITH ELIZABETH CHARLES

1. If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?
I'd love to be a top international spy - like Briget Fonda in The Assassin. But if it needs to be more realistic, then I'd say a buyer for someone else - so I have all the fun and none of the stress.

2.What’s your most prized possession?
My family.

3. Favorite drink?
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. I also love a Margarita when it's hot.

4. What are you cutting out because of the economy?
Shopping - argh, just kidding.  Actually, I think I'm just reducing everything a little.  I believe everything in moderation.

5. Fantasy purchase?
A big beautiful amazing house with a pool and view of the Ocean.

6. What can’t you live without?
Love and support from my family.

7. What’s next on your “to do” list?
To make a "to do" list. Seriously, it's completing my Chloe order.

8. Biggest regret?
Not having better relations with my family.

9. Cause that you’re most interested/involved in?
Anything to do with kids, cancer and mental health.  I contribute to several charities that my customers support.

10. Your dream day in Orange County?
A massage, facial at Pelican Hill and dinner w friends.

11. Favorite place for breakfast?
In Newport Beach - The Dock.

12. What was the best day of your life?
When I had my baby, Lucie.

13. Last concert that you went to?
Michael Jackson.

14. Favorite vacation spot?
Rome - I love the food and shopping.

15. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you like to move?
Paris - it's the fashion capital.

16. Favorite books?
Vogue.

17. Favorite restaurants in Orange County?
Scotts and A Restaurant.

18. Biggest accomplishment?
Becoming a mum.

19. What’s your biggest fear?
Death.

20. Secret most people don't know about you
I was a management consultant on Wall Street before I went into fashion.