ANQI LAUNCHES NEW SUMMER AND MOLECULAR MENUS!

June 29, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander AnQi by Crustacean, which is located at South Coast Plaza near Bloomingdale’s, has launched its seasonal summer and “Molecular Monday” menus. AnQi’s Master Chef Helene An and Chef de Cuisine Ryan Carson collaborated to create sophisticated and refreshing summer menus featuring only high quality, natural, organic ingredients for the restaurant’s California-Asian fusion with Vietnamese fresh herbs and spices. For a refreshing and figure-friendly summer lunch, AnQi’s new “Ssam” lettuce wraps offer flavors such as Kurabota pork belly (with grilled prawns, sesame soy emulsion, red jalapeno and ssamjang) and  hamachi (with sweet chili-cashew sauce, golden garlic and rice…

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CHIPOTLE OPENS ON NEWPORT PENINSULA!

June 25, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander No longer do sun seekers or Newport Beach locals have to make the trek to Costa Mesa or Huntington Beach as a brand new Chipotle opens on Tuesday, July 28, right on Newport Boulevard between 31st and 32nd streets (and open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.!) We love Chipotle Mexican Grill for the locally-sourced and organic produce, naturally-raised meats and build-you-own tacos, burritos and burrito “bowls” (a burrito without the tortilla served in a bowl). Every time we visit Chipotle, we are impressed with the quality of the ingredients, the delicious fresh salsa choices, the juicy meats, the…

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Leatherbys for Broadway Musicals!

June 22, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Leatherby’s Café Rouge, which is a Patina Group restaurant inside OC’s famed Henry and Renée Segerstrom Concert Hall, has announced a series of three pre-theatre, themed, prix fixe menus for the Broadway-caliber Mama Mia!, Mary Poppins and West Side Story musical performances. We recommend Leatherby’s for dinner-and-a-performance because the scene is spectacular with the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling clear and undulating walls and modern minimalist décor. Chef Ross Pangilinan’s modern American cuisine with international influences is just as pretty on the plate as it is delicious (and seasonal and organic!). Beginning with the opening of Mamma Mia! (June 21-26),…

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WINE DINNER AT THE LOFT!

June 21, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander The Loft at The Montage Laguna Beach is hosting an intimate winemaker dinner on Wednesday, June 22, with Robert Foley of Napa Valley’s Robert Foley Vineyards wines. Limited to only 30 persons, this dinner in The Loft’s sophisticated and scenic dining room features a seven-course dinner prepared by Chef Casey Overton and paired with limited wines from “Bob’s big red wines.” The dinner starts at 7 p.m. and costs $149 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Reservations are required by calling 949-715-6420. About Robert Foley Robert Foley began his wine making career in the Napa Valley…

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POOL PARTY AT THE ISLAND!

June 15, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Can you imagine enjoying a lazy pool party and barbecue on Sunday afternoons where you don’t have to do the shopping, cooking or cleaning? Then head over to The Island Hotel Newport Beach on Sunday afternoons where families swim from 3-5 pm. and then enjoy a posh and delicious barbecue buffet from 5-9 p.m. Last summer, my family lounged at the Island Hotel’s tropical pool area (with loungers, towels, jacuzzi and poolside service) for a long and relaxing swim. While the adults ordered refreshing cocktails, the kids were in summertime heaven splashing in the water. After two…

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