SOL Cocina Introduces Fall/Winter Bar Offerings

New Cocktails Bring Contemporary Approach to Traditional Mexican Drinks


Newport Beach, November 2012 – SOL Cocina has introduced intriguing new cocktails for the fall and winter season, bringing a contemporary approach to traditional Mexican drinks. With a focus on fresh and immediate flavors, SOL focuses on the purity of fresh ingredients, including fresh juices, fruits, herbs and vegetables.

“Our bar menu revolves around the same philosophy our kitchen follows with a commitment to the freshest ingredients to ensure the best tasting, most flavorful cocktails,” said Matt Baumayr, Managing Partner of SOL Cocina. “Our cocktails showcase SOL’s unique style while staying true to the flavors of Mexico.”

Among the new items featured on the cocktail menu:

PUMPKIN SPICE MARGARITA – This seasonal cocktail will be available through December. It is refreshing, not too sweet, and a little spicy, featuring Don Julio Blanco, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, roasted pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon.

HORCHATA MARTINI – A loved drink in Mexico, we are introducing our own house-made Horchata. It is shaken & strained with a black tea-infused Don Julio Reposado tequila and 1921 Crema Tequila, then dusted with cinnamon before serving.

MANGO CON CHILE FROZEN MARGARITA – This is a new take on our noted frozen margarita. We prepare it with mango puree in a chile-salted bucket glass is garnished with dried mango in chile salt!

1921 TEA: A warm cocktail perfect for the fall and winter season, this drink is served in a snifter with warm English Breakfast tea, Grand Marnier and 1921 Crema tequila.

Full menus, including Cocktail List, Happy Hour menu and Wine List, can be found online at http://www.solcocina.com/newport-beach/menu/.

ABOUT SOL COCINA
SOL Cocina is a unique restaurant and bar featuring Executive Chef Deborah Schneider's bold, modern interpretations of traditional Coastal Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients. Designed to echo the expansive sea, sky, and desert of the Baja peninsula, SOL features old world charm juxtaposed with an urban comfort, including an open exhibition kitchen with counter seating for guests who like to see the bustling kitchen that mimics the Baja taco bar. To complement the dining experience, SOL's bar creates spectacular hand-crafted-to order fresh fruit margaritas and cocktails inspired by the authentic, seasonal flavors of the menu. The restaurant offers over 70 artisan, premium and ultra premium tequilas and mezcals.

In an effort to preserve the timeless beauty of Southern California and Baja, whenever possible, SOL Mexican Cocina utilizes products and programs that we believe to be both environmentally and socially pro-active. In addition to offering a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian and wheat-free options, Chef Deb's menu is ideal for those interested in sustainable dining options. Seafood is caught locally or from sustainable fisheries, as certified by MSC and Seafood Watch. SOL resolves to be as environmentally friendly as possible, making sure that everything that can be recycled, is recycled, and all takeout materials are compostable. SOL is a bleach-free facility that uses green ware-washing and cleaning products.

SOL Cocina has locations in Newport Beach, CA (251 E. Pacific Coast Highway) and Scottsdale, AZ (15323 North Scottsdale Road). For more information, visit http://www.solcocina.com.

HAVEN4SANDY: HAVEN COLLECTIVE TO HOST FUNDRAISERS FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE SANDY

Haven Gastropub in Orange, Haven Gastropub +Brewery in Pasadena, Burger Haven in Pasadena, and taco asylum in Costa Mesa to Donate ALL Profits; Staff to Volunteer & Donate Gratuities to Red Cross Disaster Relief

Orange + Pasadena, CA (November 2012) –
In response to Hurricane Sandy, that swept away entire homes, businesses and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, Haven Gastropub in Orange will be hosting a 15-hour fundraising event on Monday, November 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., during which 100% of profits will be donated to Red Cross Disaster Relief set up through Indiegogo (http://www.indiegogo.com/haven4sandy) to help those affected by the disaster. Fundraisers at taco asylum in Costa Mesa will follow on Monday, November 19 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., at Burger Haven in Pasadena on Tuesday, November 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at Haven Gastropub +Brewery in Pasadena on Tuesday, November 20 from noon – 2 a.m.

“This tragedy has national implications and affects all of us – our staff will be donating their time along with their gratuities to raising funds for the hurricane relief efforts,” commented Executive Chef Greg Daniels, who along with Partners Wil Dee and Ace Patel, raised a total of $27,000 during similar efforts for 2010 victims of the earthquake in Haiti and 2011 victims of the tsunami in Japan. “We’re counting on our many supporters to come out and enjoy our full menu knowing that every dollar they spend will help those in need of our help. As long as we are in a position to do so, we will continue to support relief efforts through Red Cross Disaster Relief.”

For full details on haven collective’s efforts with Red Cross Disaster Relief, please visit the restaurant’s official fundraising page at: http://www.indiegogo.com/haven4sandy.

ABOUT INDIEGOGO AND RED CROSS DISASTER RELIEF
In an effort to support the relief efforts related to Hurricane Sandy, which has affected millions of people across countries and state lines, Indiegogo has teamed up with the Red Cross in an innovative partnership that goes well beyond the “donate now” button to harness the passion and social network of engaged citizens, enabling individuals to create their own disaster relief campaigns. Individuals wishing to support Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief can send funds directly to the American Red Cross at http://www.indiegogo.com/Haven4Sandy.

ABOUT HAVEN GASTROPUB
With locations in historic Old Towne Orange and Old Pasadena, Haven Gastropub is a unique concept where “pub meets gourmet grub.” Named “Best New Gastropub” by Draft Magazine, which touted it as one of three new restaurants across the country that have “breathed new life into the old gastropub concept.” Gastropub, a British term blending gastronomy and pub, sprouted in the 1990s and has seen a revival as the idea behind the concept was to provide a place where friends and family could gather in a warm comfortable setting and enjoy good conversation with quality food and spirited libations. Haven boasts a selection of beers on draught and more than 100 bottled craft beers. In addition, Haven serves more than 50 specialty single-malt whiskeys, scotches and bourbons; and a worldly wine list, with nearly 50 wines by the glass. Almost every dish on the menu has a beer or wine pairing suggestion.

The menu, created by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Executive Chef/Partner Greg Daniels, offers a blend of old world European fare with a modern American twist. The result is a refreshing combination of treasured dishes from around the world fused with familiar stateside staples.

Haven Gastropub in Orange and Haven Gastropub +Brewery in Pasadena open daily. Walk-ins welcome. For more information, including address and phone number, visit http://www.havengastropub.com (on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/HavenGastropub).

ABOUT BURGER HAVEN
Haven Gastropub +Brewery in Old Pasadena features a lunchtime pop-up shop, appropriately named Burger Haven for its selection of grassfed and free-range beef burgers, chicken burger, vegetarian burger and a number of rotating burger specials. In addition to an exciting menu of burgers, Executive Chef Greg Daniels has created a full array of housemade sauces and sides. To appeal to your sweet side, our talented Pastry Chef Santanna Salas has come up with specialty shakes made with fresh housemade Haven ice cream -- we're talking Banana, Toasted Marshmallow, and Cookies n' Cream, complete with housemade cookies! The restaurant's McCormick Alley side entrance opens up to Burger Haven, which is set up as a fast casual lunch-only restaurant-within-a-restaurant. Burger Haven is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch.

ABOUT TACO ASYLUM
Specializing in non-traditional gourmet tacos, taco asylum pulls from a wide array of global cuisines, showcasing interesting ingredients ranging from Mediterranean-style grilled octopus to East Indian-style curried paneer. Le Cordon Bleu trained Executive Chef Greg Daniels has carefully thought out and uniquely constructed a menu of taco offerings, each with a distinct flavor profile, ingredients, and accompaniments. Our own unique tortillas, marinades and sauces will be made in-house and from-scratch, using only the freshest ingredients, sustainable meats and seafood, and products from local farms and vendors wherever possible. To elevate and complement the overall dining experience, Beverage Director Wil Dee has put together a unique beer selection comprised of only craft beer, with six varieties on tap, five large-format options, and more than 30 canned beers – draught and cans are priced at $6. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., taco asylum is located at The CAMP (2937 S. Bristol St, B102, Costa Mesa, CA 92626), between Native Foods and SEED People’s Market. Happy Hour specials of $3 draught beers, $2 off canned beers and $1 off all tacos are offered Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information, menus, address and hours about taco asylum, call 714-922-6010 or visit http://www.tacoasylum.com (http://www.facebook.com/tacoasylum or http://twitter.com/tacoasylum).

Just a little copy from an email I got. Enjoy! Wine Lab Newport Friday - Sunday: Short and Sweet Moving Sale for Newport Short and Sweet Sale on Facebook 20% Off All Bottles at Newport Beach Location Short and Sweet Sale Facts: 20% off any bottle of wine on the shelves Only Wine, not merchandise Bring your own means of carrying wine out and get an additional 5% off for a total of 25% (we have more wine than boxes!) The sale is on a first come, fist serve basis (we will not hold wine) Sale begins Friday and goes till our last day of operation which is on Sunday Wine must be bought in person, not online Wine Lab Newport Sale Hours: Friday 2 pm - 10 pm Saturday 2 pm - 10 pm Sunday 2 pm - 7 pm All remaining wine will be transported to our Costa Mesa location where you can have a drink and bite Tuesday - Sunday, open everyday at noon. If you haven't checked out our new location - please come by and see the new additions! More wine, more cheese, more beer, more food, and more fun! www.winelabcamp.com Sale prices cannot be combined with any other offer, including wine club discounts. Location: 2901 West Coast Hwy. Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA 92663

Total Wine & More Opening in Laguna Hills!

** CALENDAR LISTING **

EVENT:
Enjoy Complimentary* Wine Tastings, Music and More at Total Wine & More’s Opening Event in Laguna Hills!

• Join in the celebration at Total Wine & More’s Grand Opening event on Tuesday, August 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at an all-new location in Laguna Hills.

• Enjoy complimentary tastings, live music, and exclusive prizes as Laguna Hills welcomes its first Total Wine & More superstore.

• As America’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, spirits and beer, Total Wine & More offers more than 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers in each location, including hard-to-find labels and locally produced product.

• Browse an endless selection of rare and fine wines and distilled spirits, or build your own six-pack with a mix of micro-brews.

• The expert team at Total Wine & More will be available to assist all guests in finding just the right fit for any taste.

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Total Wine & More
24001 El Toro Road
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

WEBSITE: www.totalwine.com

*Nominal tasting fee in CA.

Here's an awesome forward from the lovely Mona.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the kick-off,
so tip one back for me if you're lucky enough to go.

Look forward to a few blogs from me by the end of
OC Wine Week and OC Beer Week ;D


Two New Events Debut in OC!
OC Wine Week Begins This Weekend!

OC WINE WEEK: September 25 – October 1, 2011
OC BEER WEEK: October 2 – 8, 2011

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., September 2011 - The Orange County Restaurant Association debuts two new events this weekend: OC Wine Week, September 25th through October 1st, and OC Beer Week, October 2nd through October 8th. These back-to-back weeklong events will be similar to Restaurant Week with great menus from Orange County’s top restaurants, but will also offer fantastic wine and beer pairing options at unbeatable prices.




Following are confirmed to participate in both events (menus are posted online at http://www.ocwineandbeerweek.com/,
the official site for both events):

o 6ix Park Grill
o Alcatraz Brewing Company
o Auld Dubliner Irish Pub
o Anaheim White House
o Andrei's
o AnQi
o Avanti Cafe
o Bacchus Secret Cellar
o Bayside
o Bistango
o Buffalo Wild Wings
o Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant
o Brasserie Pascal
o Brix Brews
o Canyon Restaurant
o Capital Grille
o Catal and Uva Bar
o Chapter One
o Charlie Palmer
o CLAES Ovation
o Clancy's Clubhouse
o Crow Burger Kitchen
o Enne Cucina Italiana
o French 75
o GG's Bistro
o Great Maple
o Harborside Restaurant
o Haven Gastropub
o Hooter's
o House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer
o House of Blues
o JT Schmid's Restaurant & Brewery
o Katsuya
o Kimera
o K'ya Bistro
o K'ya Street Fare
o Leatherby's
o LUCCA
o Luggatti's
o Lulu's Creperie Cafe
o Maggiano's Little Italy
o Matador Cantina
o Marrakesh
o Mayur Cuisine of India
o Memphis at the Santora
o Mozambique
o Nello Cucina
o Newport Beach Brewing Co.
o Newport Landing
o Nieuport 17
o Nirvana Grille
o OC Brewhouse
o O'Neill's Bar & Grill
o Orange Hill Restaurant
o Orea Taverna & Wine Bar
o Pablos
o Phans 55 Irvine | Fullerton
o Pinot Provence
o Pizzeria Ortica
o Primecut Cafe
o Quattro Cafe
o RA Sushi
o Red Table Restaurant
o Riptide Rockin' Sushi & Teppan Grills
o Royal Khyber
o Ruth's Chris Steak House Irvine | Anaheim
o Sage
o Savannah Chop House
o Signature Kitchen
o Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
o Simply Fondue
o SOL Cocina
o Splashes
o Starfish
o Sundried Tomato
o taco asylum
o Tapas Restaurant
o The Cannery
o The Crow Bar and Kitchen
o The Deck on Laguna
o The Derby Deli and Dueling Piano Bar
o The Dock
o The Loft
o The Melting Pot
o The Pint House
o The Porch
o The Ritz Restaurant & Garden
o Tommy Bahama Island Grille
o Tommy Bahama Laguna Beach Bar & Grill
o Tradition by Pascal
o True Food Kitchen
o Tusca
o Wine Lab
o Yard House | Multiple Locations
o Zimzala

“Our goal is to keep things fresh, fun and delicious, so it seemed natural to shake things up by producing an event that builds on the success of OC Restaurant Week with fabulous wine and beer pairings,” commented Pamela Waitt, president of the OC Restaurant Association. “The back-to-back weeks of wine and beer fun will offers options for every taste and budget so that those interested may take advantage of amazing deals at the best restaurants in OC and maybe even try new restaurants. Really, there will be something for everyone!”

The unique culinary celebration will replace the fall OC Restaurant Week with prix-fixe menus and wine-pairing options during OC Wine Week, September 25th through October 1st. Immediately following will be OC Beer Week, October 2nd through October 8th with equally interesting beer offerings throughout the county.

Presenting sponsors for the 2011 OC Wine Week and OC Beer Week include Orange Coast Magazine, Cox Wireless, OC Metro, LA Times, M Magazine, Socal PBS, Playlist 92.7 FM, Moxxe PR, Greer’s OC, DiningOut Magazine, OCStandard, OpenTable, and OCfoodies. For general information, or to learn about participation or sponsorship opportunities for the Orange County Restaurant Association, please visit www.OCRestaurantAssociation.org.

*****
For more information, contact: Mona Shah, Moxxe PR at +1 818 749 1931 or mona@moxxepr.com

Today's livingsocial deal: (50%OFF) One Ticket to the OC Wine and Beer Week Kickoff Party

Alrighty! So I'm a little late to actually posting this one, and there are only 6 MORE HOURS! to get this deal, but livingsocial has a 50% off savings for one ticket to the OC Wine and Beer Week Kickoff Party! WOOO HOOO!!

Here's their link in case anybody is interested:
http://livingsocial.com/deals/109979-one-ticket-to-oc-wine-and-beer-week-kickoff-party

OC Restaurant Association
One Ticket to the OC Wine and Beer Week Kickoff Party

If it makes you melancholy that happy hour ends on Friday, uncork today's deal and spend the weekend rubbing elbows with a bevy of beer buffs and wine aficionados at the OC Wine and Beer Week kickoff party. With today's deal, pay $15 (regularly $30) for one ticket to this Saturday, September 24 boozy block party at The District in Tustin. Your ticket includes admission to the 4- to 7-p.m. event, a Tustin District commemorative glass, wine stopper, and eight pours of wine and beer -- plus live music on two stages. Knock back Lagunitas and Shock Top, sip West Coast wines like Cambria and Freemark Abbey, and mow down a mélange of munchies from local eateries. Tickets are limited, and proceeds benefit the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation; so nip this half-off deal in the bud(weiser) before last call.

Location
2437 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
714-259-9090

The Fine Print
Buy as many as you like • Limit one voucher per person per event • Present your voucher and receive a "Tustin District" commemorative glass, LS wine stopper and 8-10 pours of wine/beer, food and live music • Entire value must be used in a single visit • No refunds will be given if the event is missed • Other conditions apply • PAID VALUE DOES NOT EXPIRE • PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON September 24, 2011

Want more? Check out OC Wine and Beer Week on Facebook.

Haven Gastropub Showcases Full Bar Offerings With Prohibition-Era Cocktails

Orange, CA (July 2011) – On the heels of launching a new summer menu, Haven Gastropub introduces intriguing Prohibition-Era cocktails, created with top-shelf spirits, and the purity of fresh fruit and herbs. Known for its expansive craft beer selection and boutique wines, Haven aims to showcase its bar-chef mentality with unique bar offerings.

“These are vintage cocktails from the Prohibition Era – many of them forgotten classics from the roaring ‘20s,” commented Wil Dee, Managing Partner & Beverage Director at Haven Gastropub. “From the period between 1920 and 1933, the many illegal speakeasies that popped up were forced to serve what they could find, making it necessary to get creative with cocktails to mask the poor quality of the liquor. We’ve put our unique twist on some of these cocktails, with remarkable spirits and interesting, quality ingredients to make them our own.”

Following are the new specialty cocktails created by Haven Gastropub bartenders, and Partners Wil Dee and Executive Chef Greg Daniels:

Atomic No. 47
Old Grove Gin by Ballast Point
Orchard Apricot Liqueur

Death or Glory
Michter’s Straight Rye Whiskey
Grapefruit Bitters

Knock – Knock
Death’s Door Gin
Aperol Aperitivo
Carpano Antica Vermouth

One-Ninety Manhattan
“On the Rocks”
Bulleit Rye Whiskey
Carpano Antica Vermouth

Setting Sun
Bulleit Rye Whiskey
Courvoisier VS Cognac
Combier Liqueur d’Orange

Pimm’s
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
Ginger Beer
Fresh strawberry, Lemon, Orange,
Mint, Cucumber

Martinez
Aviation Gin
Carpano Antica Vermouth
Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Grounds for Divorce
Junipero Gin
Vanilla Simple Syrup
Cherry Bitters
Haven-Made Maraschino Cherries

Old and Bitter
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
Aperol Aperitivo
Peychaud’s bitters

The Aviation
Bols Genever Gin
Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Crème De Violette Liqueur

Beg, Borrow, or Steal
Bulleit Bourbon
Maple Foam
Nutmeg

The Green Monk
Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
Green Chartreuse
Fresh Cucumber + Sage

Walnut Manhattan
Buffalo Trace
Carpano Antica
Walnut Liqueur

For more information, or to see Haven Gastropub’s food and beer/wine menus, visit http://www.havengastropub.com/.

ABOUT HAVEN GASTROPUB
With its first location in historic Old Towne Orange and another set to open in Old Pasadena, Haven Gastropub is a unique concept where “pub meets gourmet eats.” Named “Best New Gastropub” by Draft Magazine, which touted it as one of three new restaurants across the country that have “breathed new life into the old gastropub concept.” Gastropub, a British term blending gastronomy and pub, sprouted in the 1990s and has seen a revival as the idea behind the concept was to provide a place where friends and family could gather in a warm comfortable setting and enjoy good conversation with quality food and spirited libations. Haven boasts a selection of beers on draught and more than 100 bottled craft beers. In addition, Haven serves more than 50 specialty single-malt whiskeys, scotches and bourbons; and a worldly wine list, with nearly 50 wines by the glass. Almost every dish on the menu has a beer or wine pairing suggestion.

The menu, created by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Executive Chef/Partner Greg Daniels, offers a blend of old world European fare with a modern American twist. Under the tutelage of Pascal Olhats of Tradition by Pascal, and then on to Napa Rose with Andrew Sutton, Chef Daniels learned what it means to feed people great food. The result is a refreshing combination of treasured dishes from around the world fused with familiar stateside staples from Mac n’ Cheese with black truffles, to hearty Chicken n’ Waffles served with housemade hot sauce and bärenjäger maple syrup.

Each menu item is made using farm-to-table fresh ingredients with dishes prepared entirely from scratch, including the award-winning Haven Burger, piled high with roasted red bell peppers, wild arugula, pickled red onions and St. Agur blue cheese; and housemade Salt & Vinegar Chips of red wine vinegar and sea salt and truffle fries served with garlic aïoli dipping sauce or housemade ketchup, also Haven’s own. The affordably priced menu ($5-$20), will also entice with a full selection of delectable desserts, including noteworthy ice creams flavors, including candied bacon, salted caramel and tobacco-infused.

Paired to elevate and complement the overall dining experience, world selection of craft beer offered alongside a distinct selection of boutique wines, scotches, whiskeys and bourbons. Craft beers flow regularly on rotating taps, including offerings from such breweries as Russian River, Mikkeller, Brewdog, Stone, and The Bruery.

Haven Gastropub in Old Towne Orange is located at 190 South Glassell Street. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily. Happy Hour menu offered 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. daily. Walk-ins welcome. For more information or to make reservations, call 714.221.0680 or visit http://www.havengastropub.com/ (on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/HavenGastropub).

ABOUT HAVEN COLLECTIVE
Partners Greg Daniels, Wil Dee and Ace Patel opened their first restaurant, Haven Gastropub, in the heart of Historic Old Towne Orange in September 2009. Since then, Haven’s “pub meets gourmet eats” concept has earned rave reviews locally, regionally and nationally, being named one of the country’s “Best New Gastropub” by Draft Magazine, which commended the restaurant for having “breathed new life into the old gastropub concept.” On the heels of the Haven Gastropub’s ongoing success, the Partners decided to open a unique fast-casual concept, taco asylum, at The CAMP in Costa Mesa in January 2011. As part of The Haven Collective, the three Partners play distinct roles at each restaurant with Wil Dee serving as Beverage Director and Greg Daniels as Executive Chef.