Join Chef Rick Bayless at Macy's South Coast Plaza on 9/30

EVERYWHERE has graciously donated a $25 Gift Certificate as a prize to one of our readers! Simply leave a comment on this blog post to be entered! All comments will be numbered. A random number will be chosen and that person will win the $25 Macy's gift certificate!

Chef Rick Bayless will be in the area next week for two events at Macy’s. He’ll be at Macy's in Pasadena on September 29th and then he’s heading to Costa Mesa on the 30th.

You've probably seen Rick on TV. He won the first season of Top Chef Masters and his PBS show Mexico—One Plate at a Time is currently in its fifth season. Rick is known for his authentic Mexican cuisines and he served as the guest chef at the White House - Mexico State Dinner earlier this year.

Rick will be at Macy’s to share some of his culinary secrets and recipes. Of course, he’ll be sharing samples with the audience! After the cooking demo, Rick will be available to sign copies of his cookbook Fiesta at Rick's.

Admission to each event is $5 and proceeds will benefit local food banks. In Pasadena, proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. In Costa Mesa, proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Check out the details for the events below!

Rick Bayless at Macy's Pasadena

When:
Wednesday, September 29
12 noon
Where:
Lower Level, 401 S. Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101


Rick Bayless at Macy's South Coast Plaza

When:
Thursday, September 30
6:30pm
Where:
Macy's Home Store, 3333 Bear Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626


For both events, seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Kappa Ramen Opens Today in Anaheim

3024 W Ball Road
Anaheim, CA 92804
Tel: (714) 828-2210
www.kapparamen.com

Kappa Ramen opens today, specializing in traditional Japanese ramen shop fare as well as offering some new classics.

THE RAMEN

Kyoto Style ($7.45), tonkotsu pork broth

Ton Ton Ramen ($8.75), tonsoku pork knuckles served on top of tonkotsu ramen

Tokyo Style ($6.95), shoyu (soy sauce) soup base

Sapporo Style ($6.95), miso soup base

Kappa “Signature” Ramen ($9.95), chef’s tonkotsu broth infused with organic kimchi and served with avocado, spinach, bean sprouts and corn

Chicken Ramen ($8.75), char-grilled boneless chicken thigh served on top of shoyu ramen

Chef Eiji Kanazawa’s basic broth recipe uses chicken and pork bones. Noodles are made according to Kappa Ramen’s specifications by Sun Noodle. Extra toppings ($.50 to $2 each) include: egg, kimchi, avocado, spinach, diced tomato, bean sprouts, corn, scallions, garlic, ginger. Extra chashu and noodles (kaedama) also available. Make any broth spicy for $1.

OTHER MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Hiyashi Chuka ($8.95), cold noodles served with chicken and sliced vegetables mixed with a soy-vinegar dressing

Yaki Soba ($7.95), stir-fried noodles with pork and cabbage

Gyoza ($6.00, 8 pieces; $3.45, 4 pieces), pot sticker or deep-fried

Fried Rice ($6.95; $3.95 for half-order)

Ika No Sugata Yaki ($9.50), grilled squid with tangy ginger sauce

Tofu Steak ($4.50), slices of tofu marinated in ginger soy and pan-fried until golden brown

Kappa Chicken Salad ($4.50)

Sides: Chashu ($4.50); Buta Kimchi ($4.50), sliced pork sautéed with kimchi

Desserts: Kappa Pudding ($2.50)

Beverages: Shochu Cocktails ($6) and spiked Kappa Shave Ice ($7) in sour apple, mango, pomegranate or blue raspberry; sake and beer by the bottle and pitcher

THE SPACE

The 65-seat Kappa Ramen sports a slightly retro, funky décor in the space that was formerly occupied by Lai Lai Ken for 25 years. A noodle house with personality.

THE TEAM

Chef/partner Eiji Kanazawa – Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, Kanazawa moved to Southern California in 1986 and has worked and managed some of Orange County's best-known Japanese restaurants, including Genkai in Irvine and Corona Del Mar, and Japon in Lake Forest.

Nick Reid – Raised in Tokyo and moved to Sydney, Australia, where he became Australia's biggest operator of Japanese restaurant concepts, introducing Sydney-siders to Japanese cuisine and even karaoke, in the 1980s and 1990s.

WHAT IS KAPPA?

Kappa Ramen is named after mischievous water creatures found in Japanese folklore called kappa, which are fond of eating, troublemaking, sumo wrestling and good manners.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Tuesday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

OC BREW HA HA Festival Fundraiser to Feature 100+ Craft Beers, 50+ Breweries September 11, 2010

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9/11 fundraiser to support Orange County Fallen Firefighters Relief Fund

Irvine, Calif., September 2010 – The Orange County community will be given the opportunity to honor fallen firefighters during a unique 9/11 celebration, the OC Brew Ha Ha festival fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. at Hidden Valley Park in Irvine. On Saturday, September 11, attendees will have the opportunity to sample more than 100 custom craft beers from some of the most prestigious breweries in Southern California, as well as enjoy food, entertainment and beer seminars. In addition, off-duty firefighters will be pouring and serving up brews to the public throughout the event.

This 9/11 event will serve as a way to observe and show appreciation for local firefighters as a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Fallen Firefighters Relief Fund, a non-profit organization that aids families of Orange County firefighters lost in the line of duty.

All tickets, restricted to those 21 years and older, include a commemorative glass and 10 four-oz. samplings, free water/soft drinks, and free parking. Additional samplings may be purchased – three for $5. Regular admission is $35 per adult and special VIP packages are available starting at $45 for early admission (11 a.m. entry), two extra tastes, and preferred parking. Other packages include a $60 pass with an exclusive food and beer gathering with brewers and firefighters after the event (3 p.m. – 4 p.m.); and a $10 Designated Driver ticket for those who will not be sampling brews. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit http://ocbrewhaha.com/ or call (949) 363-1774.

“As a retired Lieutenant Commander from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, I have a special interest in helping those associated with service to the community and to our country, so I wanted to produce a 9/11 event that celebrated the contributions of the many brave men and women who wear uniforms to serve and protect,” commented Carrie James, event producer for the OC Brew Ha Ha fundraiser. “Our goal is to raise funds while having a great time enjoying quality beers at what we hope will become an annual craft beer festival in Orange County.”

In addition, guests will be able to gain knowledge from Beer Appreciation Presentations, some led by fully certified Cicerones. In the beer industry, this is the equivalent of a wine Sommelier, and the OC Brew Ha Ha will have four of the most respected authorities on beer in the nation: Ed Heethuis (Celebrator Beer News), discussing Sensory Analysis of Beer; Stef Ferrari (The Bruery), on the topic of Barrel Aging: Past, Present & Future; Jonathan Porter (Tustin Brewing), on The Journey from Homebrew to Going Pro and Dr. Bill Sysak (Stone Brewing), revealing the Secrets of Exceptional Food & Beer Pairing.

The OC Brew Ha Ha will be held at Hidden Valley Park (8800 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618), one of the premier private-event facilities in Southern California. It is centrally located in Irvine, between the Verizon Amphitheater and Wild Rivers, where the 5 and 405 come together. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://ocbrewhaha.com/.

Brea Marketplace
975 East Birch St. #K
Brea, CA 92821
714.255.0090

www.kabukirestaurants.com

KABUKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT RAISES THE BAR for SUSHI WITH ITS NEWEST ORANGE COUNTY LOCATION OPENING ON september 4 in BREA, CA

The Southern California-based Japanese restaurant brings its innovative, high-quality cuisine, cocktails, and design concept to the Brea Marketplace

On Saturday, September 4, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant announces the opening of its first north Orange County location at the Brea Marketplace in Brea, CA. A nineteen-year restaurant industry veteran, Kabuki will offer a variety of traditional and inventive Japanese cuisine, artfully-created cocktails, and a contemporary, casual atmosphere for guests shopping at the center on East Birch Street.

With thirteen established locations throughout Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada, Kabuki’s full-service, casual dining concept has found great success in urban lifestyle centers throughout the Southwest. “We are thrilled to take our fourteenth location to the residents of Brea and Orange County,” says Kabuki CEO David Lee. “Our affordable and approachable Japanese menu is perfectly suited for these diners, who are looking for premium sushi and sashimi, interesting interpretations of classic Japanese dishes, and everything in between.” Kabuki will join other retailers and restaurants at the Brea Marketplace including Target, BevMo, Sprouts Farmers Market, and TGI Friday’s.

Each Kabuki outpost has its own distinct ambiance and décor, reflecting the diverse communities of which they are an integral part. The new Brea location will feature a contemporary design that draws on Japanese culture, with murals, a back-lit bar, an outdoor patio, and polished wood and granite sushi bars for both sushi novices and connoisseurs to enjoy the skills of Kabuki’s seasoned sushi chefs.

Diners will find a consistently exciting menu at Kabuki’s Brea location, as Corporate Executive Chef Masa Kurihara showcases traditional Japanese culinary traditions—comprising about 60% of the menu—along with innovative interpretations and over 150 menu items offered every day. Kabuki’s menu features signature sushi and sashimi selections such as the Pyramid Roll, made with Tuna, Avocado, Krab, and Arare, with Yuzu Tartare Sauce, served in the shape of a triangle ($9.95), and Kabuki's most popular premium roll, the Lotus on Fire Roll with Spicy Tuna, Lotus Root, and fresh sliced Jalapeño on top of a California Roll ($9.95). Signature dishes from the newly refreshed menu include Grilled Calamari marinated in fresh Lemon Juice and served with Ginger Garlic Sauce ($7.95); a Spicy Tuna Trio with Spicy Albacore, Poké Tuna, and Spicy Tuna ($10.95); and the Mediterranean Sea Bass with Kabuki Tomato Salsa, Corn, Asparagus, and Japanese Mint ($14.95).

In addition to providing an extensive selection of sake, beer and wine, Kabuki’s Brea location will also offer diners a full bar with exotic specialty cocktails, many of which are prepared with sake and soju. Master Sake Sommelier Yuji Matsumoto—currently the only certified Master Sake Sommelier in North America—has taken the restaurants’ beverage program to new heights with inventive cocktails such as Sake Sangria by the glass or carafe ($5.95/$19.95); the Buddha’s Tea—an exotic blend of Soju, fresh Mint Leaves, and Sparkling Tea Zazz in Plum Orange, Paw Paw Mango, and Yuzu Ginger flavors ($6.95); and the namesake Matsu-Mojito in Plum Orange and Mint Nigori ($8.50). Diners can enjoy a daily Happy Hour from Monday through Friday between 3-6 p.m. with premium sushi starting at $2.95 per roll and appetizers starting at $3.95, including Sesame Chicken and Mozzarella Tempura. Sake and Kirin Ichiban draft beer are also available for $1.95. Guests also receive a complimentary order of edamame with purchase of sushi.

Kabuki also provides a family-friendly environment for families, including an award-winning kids’ menu with items unique to the traditional offerings in standard restaurant chains, such as kid-friendly sushi. Introduced in April 2010, the Kabuki Kids Club Card allows young guests to enjoy six kids’ meals at any Kabuki location and receive a complimentary seventh meal. Other dining incentives include the Red Mask Club, designed to reward Kabuki’s most loyal customers by giving one point for every dollar spent at the restaurant. Diners can sign up for the Red Mask Club at any of Kabuki’s 14 locations or via the restaurant’s website.

Currently, Kabuki has 14 locations in Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada:

California

§ Brea: Brea Marketplace, 975 East Birch St. #K (714.255.0090)

§ Burbank: 201 N. San Fernando Blvd. (818.843.7999)

§ Cerritos: 11431 South St., (562.467.8003)

§ Hollywood: 1545 N. Vine St., (323.464.6003)

§ Howard Hughes Center, West L.A.: 6081 Center Dr. (310.641.5524)

§ Huntington Beach: 7801 Edinger Ave. (714.898.9239)

§ Old Town Pasadena: 88 W. Colorado Blvd., Suite 103, (626.568.9310)

§ Pasadena: 3539 E. Foothill Blvd. (626.351.8963)

§ Rancho Cucamonga: 12595 N. Main St. (909.646.8555)

§ Woodland Hills: 20940 Ventura Blvd. (818.704.8700)

§ Valencia: 24045 Newhall Ranch Rd, Bridgeport Marketplace (661.799.8655)

Arizona

§ Tempe: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Suite J-1051, (480.350.9160)

§ Glendale: 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Suite G-211 (623.772.9832)

Nevada

§ Las Vegas: Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South (702.896.7440)

ABOUT KABUKI:

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant is a full-service, casual Japanese restaurant chain with 14 locations in Southern California, Arizona, and Las Vegas. The restaurant showcases traditional and innovative Japanese cuisine, inventive cocktails, and contemporary interior designs. The menu is executed by a team of highly skilled sushi chefs who have each been individually trained by Executive Chef Masa Kurihara. Kabuki also boasts an impressive beverage program featuring classic cocktails, wine, and beer, as well as creative sake libations created by Master Sake Sommelier Yuji Matsumoto, currently the only certified Master Sake Sommelier in North America. Kabuki offers a lively dining environment for sushi novices, connoisseurs, families, and friends alike.

NOW OPEN: SEASONS 52 AT SOUTH COAST PLAZA

OC’s Newest Dining Destination Celebrates Good Living

COSTA MESA, Calif. (August 30, 2010) – Seasons 52, the much-anticipated fresh grill and wine bar restaurant, opens its dining room doors today at Orange County’s South Coast Plaza. Offering a seasonal contemporary American menu, a fun, accessible list of wines and cocktails, a casually sophisticated ambiance and exceptional service, this is the first of the Seasons 52 collection in California and the first one west of the Mississippi.

The menu for the Seasons 52 restaurant collection was carefully created by Senior Culinary Director Clifford Pleau and decidedly features wood-fire grilling, brick-oven cooking and the absence of the use of fryers – all to ensure flavorful, healthful fare. Highlights include: savory signature Flatbreads such as Rosemary & Parmesan Cheese Crisp; appetizers like Housemade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli; scrumptious salads; entrees such as Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon; Caramelized Sea Scallops with sun-dried tomato pearl pasta and roasted asparagus; Chicken Citron with golden beets, broccoli and wild rice, and Mesquite Grilled Filet Mignon. For a sweet finale, Mini Indulgences offer individual servings of classic desserts such as Key Lime Pie, Belgian Chocolate Rocky Road and Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse – enjoy one or sample them all.

Sourcing ingredients at the peak of ripeness and maximum flavor from the region’s farmers and purveyors, Executive Chef Partner (and Newport Beach native) Tim Kast creates a featured menu of seasonal specials – 52 weeks a year – such as Black Mission Fig & Chevre Flatbread and Spicy Pacific Halibut Curry. Menus for special dietary needs (low sodium, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) are also available.

Master Sommelier George Miliotes compiled a thoughtful wine list with a diverse international selection of 100 wines, including 60 wines by the glass. Signature cocktails, such as the orange-infused Organic Sunshine Martini and Pomegranate Margarita Martini, are also inspired by the seasons.

Located on the south side of South Coast Plaza (main entrance on Bristol Avenue), the 300-seat restaurant features an inviting, contemporary style with earthy hues, abstract artworks and soft designer lighting that enhance the interior’s casual, sophisticated appeal. A circular piano bar with nightly entertainment, a bustling open kitchen with a chef’s table and 65-seat patio with two fire pits all underscore the welcoming, convivial atmosphere at Seasons 52. In addition, two flexible private dining rooms expand to accommodate cocktail parties, corporate luncheons, showers, birthdays and any occasion for up to 70 guests.

“We are thrilled to launch our California expansion here at South Coast Plaza,” says Stephen Judge, president of Seasons 52. “Seasons 52 offers a distinctive dining experience that truly complements the California lifestyle and one that can satisfy even the most sophisticated, culinary-savvy diners. We’re also very excited that our culinary team now has local access to California’s seasonal bounty, which is by far some of the country’s best ingredients to cook with.”

Seasons 52 is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Complimentary valet parking is provided. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Avenue, Suite 2802, Costa Mesa. For reservations, please visit www.seasons52.com or call 714-437-5252.

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