Greer's OC

Curious to see what the unveiling of the updated Five Crowns in Corona del Mar will look (and taste) like? It’s celebrating its grand reopening Thursday. For the first time in 46 years, the landmark restaurant closed for one month, and will debut a new casual yet elegant dining experience, promising an improved dining value than ever before.

The new Executive Chef Ryan O’Melveny Wilson is also a fourth-generation Lawry family member and he's keeping the Five Crowns’ prime rib signature dish, and other longtime favorites such as its traditional rib eye, creamed spinach, and creamed corn.

And he’ll introduce seasonal additions with fresh regionally sourced ingredients. New menu items for spring will include wild salmon from Oregon, gem lettuce and Point Reyes Blue salad (a twist on a Five Crowns classic) and, as a vegetarian entrée, morel mushroom risotto with wild ramps and parmigiano reggiano.

Craft beers, classic cocktails, and a finely tuned wine list are also part of the new menu. For dessert, treats include a dark chocolate soufflé, a strawberry and rhubarb tart, as well as a dozen artisanal cheeses.

The restaurant’s interior maintains the warmth and antiques of its English inn ambience, yet now features stunning contemporary photos from David Halliday; silver gray and persimmon fabrics; hand-figured light fixtures and  wood floors for a fresh, open space.

The beautiful English garden and greenhouse patio are still ideal settings for outdoor dining and festive events.

SideDoor gastropub, awarded Orange Coast Magazine’s “2010 Restaurant of the Year” Award, is also attached to Five Crowns; its main entrance is on Poppy Street.

Open for dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday;  5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Satruday; and 4 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Five Crowns is located at 3801 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. 949.760.0331.

You're NEXT!

NEXT, an active and swim collection, will be hosting NEXT Week at the SwimSpot Pop Up Shop at Irvine Spectrum Center on Thursday through Saturday.

During the four-day event you’ll receive complimentary fit specialist sessions and 10% off non-sale merchandise. There will also be healthy snacks and drinks, as well as free fitness and wellness classes.

On Thursday, at 9:30 a.m.  take part in Pure Barre with Amy Brown; at noon, an Intro to Boot Camp with Suzanne Yeo; and at 6 p.m. Pure Barre slenderize thighs intensive with Kelly Paul.

On Friday, 9:30 a.m. Power Yoga with Stephanie Iannazzone; noon Pilates Mat Class with Leslie Buehler; at 6 p.m.; Yoga For Flexibility Workshop with Alexis Galvez.

On Saturday, at 9:30 a.m. Fab Abs with Kyle VanHoften; at noon, a Gluten Free Vegan Class with Gretchen Tseng.

RSVP here tglover@rajman.com. (Just bring your own yoga mat!)

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

It’s located at Irvine Spectrum Center at 71 Fortune Drive in Irvine. For more information, call 949.727.4790.