Prego Ristorante inaugural wine dinner of 2011

Prego Ristorante celebrates its first wine dinner of the year with a five-course menu paired with Italian wines from one of Chianti’s most highly regarded estates, Rocca delle Macie, on Friday, January 28 at 7 p.m.
Chef Ugo Allesina will present five-courses created to complement dynamic wines from the Chianti region of Tuscany. Guests will be able to experience the winery’s diverse offerings that have spanned almost three decades. The dinner, priced at $54.95 per guest (excluding tax & gratuity), will be held at Prego in Irvine (18420 Von Karman Avenue). For more information or reservations, call 949.553.1333.

Rocca delle Macie Wine Dinner
Friday, January 28, 2011 | 7 p.m.

Canapè Assortiti
Rocca delle Macie Galestro, Tuscany

Zuppa di Lenticchie
rustic lentil and sausage soup
Rocca delle Macie Sangiovese, Tuscany

Farfalle con Salmon Affumicato
bowtie pasta, smoked salmon and chives in vodka-cream sauce
Rocca delle Macie Vernaccia, Tuscany

Costina di Manzo Brasata
slow-braised bone-in beef in a chianti reduction
Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico, Tuscany

Torta di Cioccolato Delirio
chocolate delirium cake with raspberry sauce
Bottega, Moscato Spumante, Veneto


For more information or reservations, call 949.553.1333 or visit www.pregoristoranti.com.

Look Good in Skinny Jeans this Holiday Season with RA Sushi’s New Skinny Cocktails

Between office goodies, holiday parties and family feasts, it’s easy to overindulge during the holiday season. For the person who’s trying to maintain willpower or for those who need a little help with their New Year’s resolutions, RA Sushi is offering low-calorie “skinny” cocktails for a limited time.

Three classic cocktails, the Cosmopolitan, Mojito and Cucumber Margarita have been slenderized to feature less than 200 calories each. The Cosmo-teeny, Thin Mint Mojito, and Cucumber Slenderita feature TY KU Soju, TY KU Liqueur and sugar-free sweetener. The skinny cocktails will be available for $7 each, from Dec. 15, 2010 to Jan. 31, 2011 at both Orange County RA Sushi locations. www.RAsushi.com

Tustin: 2401 Park Ave.; 714-566-1700
Huntington Beach: 155 5th St.; 714-536-6390

Cosmo-teeny
2 oz TY KU Soju
.5 oz Monin Sugar Free Triple Sec Syrup
Juice of ½ a lime
Splash of cranberry juice
Garnish with a lemon twist

Pour all ingredients into a metal mixing tin. Shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glass garnished with a lemon twist.

Thin Mint Mojito
1 oz TY KU Soju
1 oz TY KU Liqueur
.25 Monin Sugar Free Triple Sec Syrup
6 mint leaves
Juice of half a lime
Top with soda

Muddle mint with lime juice. Add ice and build cocktail. Top with soda water and garnish with a lime slice and a sprig of mint.

Cucumber Slenderita
1 oz TY KU Soju
1 oz TY KU Liqueur
.5 oz Monin Sugar Free Triple Sec Syrup
Squeeze 3 lime slices
Squeeze 3 lemon slices
Splash of orange juice
Splash of soda
2 cucumber slices

Muddle one slice of cucumber. Add ice and build cocktail in a mixing tin. Shake and transfer into a tall glass. Garnish with a cucumber and lime slice.


About RA Sushi
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, an upbeat, unconventional sushi bar, opened its first location in Scottsdale, Ariz. in October 1997. RA is best known for successfully combining distinctive sushi with a trendy, hip atmosphere. Fresh sushi is served to order along with outstanding Japanese-fusion cuisine in a fun, lively environment. The result is a place that is both unpretentious and fashionable. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner is served until 11 p.m. daily. The bar is open until 1 a.m. or later. Happy Hour food and beverage specials are offered Monday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

RA has 25 locations across the country. Enjoy RA Sushi in Arizona (Ahwatukee, Mesa, North Scottsdale, South Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson); California (Chino Hills, Corona, Huntington Beach, San Diego, Torrance and Tustin); Florida (Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines and South Miami); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Chicago, Glenview and Lombard); Kansas (Leawood); Maryland (Baltimore); Nevada (Las Vegas); and Texas (two Houston locations and Plano). Look for RA on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, and check in at RA Sushi on Foursquare. For more information visit RA online at www.RAsushi.com http://www.RAsushi.com>

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT HAVEN GASTROPUB

Those looking for a “haven” in which to make their New Year’s resolutions, may select from one of three seatings – 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. – on Friday, December 31st at Haven Gastropub (190 South Glassell Street in Old Towne Orange). Executive Chef/Partner, Greg Daniels, will feature the restaurant’s full menu offerings. As always, all menu items can be paired with one of 14 beers always present on draft or one of more than 100 bottled craft beers, as well as Haven’s full bar selection of unique spirits and worldly wine list, with nearly 50 wines by the glass. Those in the 10 p.m. seating will be able to partake in a complimentary Champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve reservations for parties of up to 14 guests may be made by calling 714.221.0680. All 10 p.m. reservations will require a credit card and cancellations may be made up to 72 hours in advance. A fee of $25 per guest will be charged for late cancellations or no-shows.

Haven Gastropub menus can be found online at http://www.havengastropub.com/.

SOL COCINA PRESENTS TEQUILA DINNER WITH SUPER PREMIUM CLASE AZUL

Final Tequila Dinner of 2010 to Showcase Exquisite Menu of Food & Drink | DEC 7

Newport Beach, CA - SOL Cocina Executive Chef Deborah Schneider has created a special menu of Coastal Mexican cuisine to complement the flavors of Clase Azul Tequila for the final tequila dinner of the year at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. A reception featuring a handcrafted Clase Azul Blanco margarita will be followed by a four-course dinner featuring Clase Azul Blanco and Reposado tequilas.

Aged in fine oak barrels, Clase Azul possesses distinct, smooth flavors and aromas, as well as an excellent balance over the palate. Produced and bottled in Jalisco, from 100% agave and twice distilled, Clase Azul tequila and SOL Cocina join in harmonious union.

Space is limited for this tequila dinner, offered for $80 per guest (excluding tax and gratuity). Seats must be reserved in advance by 949.675.9800 or emailing Nicole at Events@SolCocina.com.

SOL CLASE AZUL TEQUILA DINNER MENU

Tuesday, December 7, 2010
$80 per guest, plus tax & gratuity

6:30 – 7 PM reception
Deep-fried Coconut Calamari with Spicy Lime & Mango
CLASE AZUL BLANCO MARGARITA

first
White Sea Bass Ceviche with Habanero Chiles & Tropical Fruit, Camote, Papaya & Avocado
CLASE AZUL BLANCO

second
Roasted Poblano Chile Relleno with Garlic Shrimp, Mexican Cheeses & Arroz Verde
Fresh Tomato Salsa Diabla
CLASE AZUL REPOSADO / BLANCO

third
Adobo-Grilled Pork Ribs
Spicy Green Chile Macaroni & Cheese with Cotixa Cheese & Chicharron ~ Black Beans
CLASE AZUL REPOSADO

fourth
Coffee Granita with Whipped Cream, Organic Agave Syrup & Drizzle of Reposado Tequila, Callebaut Chocolate Bark and Chocolate-Cherry ~ Cinnamon Biscotti
CLASE AZUL REPOSADO

ABOUT SOL COCINA
SOL Cocina is a unique restaurant and bar celebrating traditional Baja cuisine with a fresh, modern interpretation. 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. SOL offers a decadent menu of the freshest seasonal ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors, along with a vibrant bar that honors the flavors of the Baja region with artisan tequilas and mezcals.

Located at 251 E. Pacific Coast Highway at Bayside Drive, on the Balboa Marina, SOL is open daily for Lunch (11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; TOUR de SOL tasting menu offered Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Dinner (Sun-Wed 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Thurs-Sat 4:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.), Happy Hour (4 p.m. – 7 p.m. daily in the bar and patio), Late-Night Dining (11 p.m. – 1 a.m. Thurs-Sat), and Weekend Brunch (10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday). Industry Hours offers 50% off cocktails, beer and wine to those with proper ID working in the hospitality industry (Sun-Weds 9 p.m.-midnight; Thurs-Sat 11 p.m.-close). Private Room available.

For more information, call 949-675-9800 or visit http://www.solcocina.com/

Haven Gastropub + The Bruery Provisions Team Up For Beer Dinner Tomorrow Night 11/16/2010

Both known for showcasing the finest in craft beer, Haven Gastropub and The Bruery Provisions, located in Old Towne Orange, have teamed up for a truly unique five-course beer dinner on Tuesday, November 16. Guests have the option of beginning their experience between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at The Bruery Provisions (143 N. Glassell Avenue), a specialty market and tasting room where they will enjoy fine cheese and beer pairings. The dinner will continue with four courses at Haven Gastropub, where Managing Partner/Beverage Director, Wil Dee, will present four of The Bruery's craft beers alongside a menu by Chef Greg Daniels.

This dinner is priced at $75 per guest (excluding tax & gratuity) and reservations are required, as space is limited. The reservation times will be offered from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. only. Guests may call (714) 221-0680 for more details or to make reservations.

HAVEN GASTROPUB + THE BRUERY PROVISIONS DINNER MENU


1^st Course

Honeycrisp Apple Salad
Seven Grain Saison

2^nd Course

BBQ Braised Kurobuta Short Ribs, Cheddar Cheese Grits, Cole Slaw
Loakal Red

3^rd Course

Cassoulet
Saison Rue

4^th Course

Beer Brownie, Bacon Ice Cream, Candied Pecans
Rugbrod

For more information on this beer dinner or to make reservations, please call (714) 221-0680. Haven Gastropub’s food and beer/wine menus can be found online at http://www.havengastropub.com.

The Winery Restaurant & L’Aventure Winery Host Special Winemaker Dinner

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar will host Stephan Asseo, Owner/Winemaker of Paso Robles-based L’Aventure Winery, as he brings a taste of Wine Country to OC on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. The four-course wine dinner, priced at $99 per guest (excluding tax and gratuity), will begin at 6:30 p.m. with seasonal tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and full dinner prepared by Executive Chef Yvon Goetz. L’Aventure wines, paired by Sommelier William Lewis, will accompany each course. Space is limited and reservations can be made by calling 714-258-7600.

Following is the menu for the evening:

2008 L'Aventure Rosé
YG’s Seasonal Tray Passed Hors D’Oeuvres


2008 L'Aventure Optimus
California Quail and Napa Cabbage in Potato Crust
Homemade Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli, Porcini-Chestnut Jus


2008 L'Aventure Estate Roussanne
Jumbo Maine Scallops and Roasted Portobello Mushroom Napoleon
Wilted Pea Shoots, Light Lemongrass Butter


2008 L'Aventure Estate Cuvée
Slow Braised New Zealand Venison Osso Bucco
Fall Root Vegetable Medley, Alsace Brandied Cherry Sauce
YG’s Selection of Mini Pastries

ABOUT THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Located at The District in Tustin, The Winery was named “Restaurant of the Year” by the Orange County Concierge Association in its first two years in business. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar pairs contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience, with highly decorated Executive Chef & Partner, Yvon Goetz, directing a team that delivers a culinary experience straight from the Wine Country.

The restaurant’s wine list, which currently offers 650 selections, changes weekly, offering diners a wide range of varietals from around the world. Guests can look into and even tour the restaurant’s 800-square-foot, climate-controlled cellar, which can hold up to 6,500 bottles! The wine program is led by William Lewis, Managing Partner & Sommelier, a Level II Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers, the examining body for the Master Sommelier Diploma.

The Winery offers a warm and passionate menu complimented by the perfect wines -- endless possibilities and something to suit every palate. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is located at The District in Tustin (2647 Park Avenue, Tustin, California 92782). For more information, call 714-258-7600 or visit http://www.TheWineryRestaurant.net or http://www.facebook.com/thewineryrestaurant.

Chef Deborah Schneider pairs 5 courses with Wagner Family of wines

Newport Beach – SOL Cocina will celebrate the Wagner Family of wines as it hosts its first Wine Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9 and Wednesday, November 10. Executive Chef Deborah Schneider has paired five of the family’s exceptional wines, including its noted Caymus Cabernet, with one-of-a-kind creations intended to stimulate the palate. Space is limited for this two-night engagement, which is priced at $90 per guest, and those interested must make reservations in advance by calling 949-675-9800.


WAGNER FAMILY WINE DINNER MENU
CONUNDRUM
Tray-passed appetizers

• bolitas with roasted green chile, cheese, chipotle chicken and avocado sauce

• grilled corn & shrimp cakes on banana leaf with spicy lime sauce

• apache beef – spicy raw beef with lime & habanero chile on daikon

• sweet potato chips with spicy salt and mole pipian dip

MER SOLEIL CHARDONNAY
Mexican escolar roasted on rock salt and herbs, with avocado butter and seared tiny del cabo organic tomatoes

BELLE GLOS PINOT NOIR
kurobuto pork carnitas with ancho chile & dry cherry salsa, roasted poblanos, warm corn tortillas, sweet onions & cilantro, black bean pastel

CAYMUS CABERNET
kobe skirt steak grilled and sliced, avocado salad, grilled nopal, beer-battered ‘king’ oyster mushroom, cabernet reduction

MER SOLEIL ‘LATE’
Warm upside-down pineapple spice cake with Piloncillo-Sour Cream Sauce

Limited seating, reservations required. No splitting or substitutions. Price per guest is $90, excluding tax and gratuity. For more information or to make reservations, please call 949-675-9800.

ABOUT SOL COCINA
SOL Cocina is a unique restaurant and bar celebrating traditional Baja cuisine with a fresh, modern interpretation. 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. SOL offers a decadent menu of the freshest seasonal ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors, along with a vibrant bar that honors the flavors of the Baja region with artisan tequilas and mezcals.

Located at 251 E. Pacific Coast Highway at Bayside Drive, on the Balboa Marina, SOL is open daily for Lunch (11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; TOUR de SOL tasting menu offered Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Dinner (Sun-Wed 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Thurs-Sat 4:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.), Happy Hour (4 p.m. – 7 p.m. daily in the bar and patio), Late-Night Dining (11 p.m. – 1 a.m. Thurs-Sat), and Weekend Brunch (10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday). Industry Hours offers 50% off cocktails, beer and wine to those with proper ID working in the hospitality industry (Sun-Weds 9 p.m.-midnight; Thurs-Sat 11 p.m.-close). Private Room available.

For more information, call 949.675.9800 or visit http://www.solcocina.com/.