Greer's OC

Future culinary stars can now enroll in one of the only premier high school-level culinary arts programs in SoCal at Orange County High School of the Arts in Santa Ana. For the first time, OCHSA, a nationally recognized arts school, will be adding a new Culinary Arts and Hospitality Conservatory program for ninth through twelfth grade students. Applications are now being accepted for the 2012-2013 school year. Through the program, students who have a passion for food, creativity and excellence will receive guidance to embrace, nurture and foster their chosen niche. They’ll learn cooking fundamentals in both classic and modern kitchen techniques, as well as practical business applications on the same par as some of the world’s most respected culinary arts programs.

During the four-year program, students will start on a culinary arts journey that will lead to operating a student-run restaurant on the school campus.

Award-winning executive chef Peter Striffolino will serve as interim director of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Conservatory. Striffolino is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, and has garnered more than 30 years’ experience in the industry including working in kitchens at the Palace Hotel, Four Seasons and Pierre Hotel in New York.

Chef Daniel Mattos will serve as a consultant; he currently leads the culinary department and is chef director at The Art Institute of California, Orange County. In addition to teaching, Mattos also owns and operates Daniel Mattos Catering in Dana Point.

OCSHA is a tuition-free, donation-dependent, public charter school.

Student applications for the 2012-13 school year are now available at www.ocsarts.net/ApplyNows. 714. 560.0900 ext. 5510.

1010 North Main Street in Santa Ana.

Bella Bleu Who?

Bella Bleu in Costa Mesa, a popular boutique for affordable fashion trends, is giving back to local schools on Saturday with two events.  At “Product Runway” from 9 to 10 a.m. Bella Bleu will be mentoring students from Orange County FIDM by teaching them small business and visual merchandising skills.  And, they’re holding a contest for each girl to style a mannequin in the store's windows.

The second event benefits Newport Harbor High School with 10% of sales going to the Newport Harbor Dance Team. At 2 p.m. a fashion show and dance presentation starts with 8 girls from the Varsity Dance Team. Customers can enjoy Champagne and snacks too.

Bella Bleu is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

333 East 17th St.  in Costa Mesa. 949.722.2538.