SIMPLY FONDUE CELEBRATES MARDI GRAS WITH A WINE PAIRING DINNER

San Juan Capistrano’s beloved fondue restaurant hosts an indulgent evening of savory wine and flavorful food pairings to honor “Fat Tuesday”

WHAT:To celebrate the practice of eating one last extravagant meal before Ash Wednesday, Simply Fondue has created a Cajun inspired menu complete with wine pairings. This special five course menu stays true to the restaurant's trademark fondue style, but has Creole inspired flavors. Each course will be paired with a wine meant to complement the flavors of the food fare and a wine expert will be on hand to interact with the guests and share details about each selection.

WHERE:Simply Fondue
31761 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

WHEN:Tuesday, March 8th
Seatings available from 5:30pm to 8pm


MENU:

Cajun Chicken Skewars
Served with hot, sweet & savory dipping sauces

Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs NV

* * *

Tomato & Haricot Vert Salad
Served with green beans, tomato & fenel
Or
One of our four creative salads

Trimbach Pinot Blanc ‘07


* * *
Cajun Cheddar & Rock Shrimp
Served with bread, fresh vegetables & green apples

Chalone Estate Chardonnay ‘08


* * *
Smoked Sausage, Spicy Shrimp, Creole Beef, Coconut Shrimp, Jamaican Chicken & Shrimp
Cook all items above in one of our four unique cooking styles

Uppercut Cabernet Sauvignon ‘07


* * *
Pecan Caramel Chocolate Turtle
Delicious imported milk or dark chocolate, rich creamy caramel & crunch pecans flambéed tableside & served with all of our incredible dippers

Rosenblum Cellars Chocolate Cabernet Port NV

PRICE:$59 per person + Tax & Gratuity

RESERVATIONS:(949) 240-0300

ABOUT SIMPLY FONDUE:

Simply Fondue combines state-of-the art cooking with ambrosial cheeses and a variety of savory seasoned bouillon broths for dipping a wide array of entrées such as fresh beef,lobster, shrimp, pork, poultry, tofu and gourmet vegetables. If you have a sweet tooth, you will most certainly enjoy Simply Fondue’s delicious selection of specialty chocolate fondues. Round out the evening with a glass of wine from our award-winning wine list or try one of our popular, creative martinis. Open for dinner daily. Simply Fondue has two Orange County locations: 28719 Los Alisos Blvd., Mission Viejo (949) 707-5200 and 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano (949) 240-0300. www.simplyfondueoc.com.

SOL Mexican Cocina - "Thursdays at 901"

Sol Cocina
251 Pacific Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949.675.9800

This past week I attended SOL Mexican Cocina's first “Thursdays at 901” event highlighting the OC debut of Justin Timberlake’s 901 Tequila. I'll start with my general reaction to the verbalization of the word tequila: "BLEH!" Tequila and me ARE NOT the best of friends. This one, however, had me quite delighted and returning to the bar for more.

We were offered a list of four different concoctions... I only took pictures of two (blame it on the alcohol haha), but all are listed below starting with my favorite.

Strawberry-Kiwi Margarita

(Fresh strawberry, kiwi, lime and 901 Silver Tequila)

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I believe I went back for a total of three of these bad boys! Sweet, with a slight sour tang, a smooth back-end of tequila, and yummy tid-bits of strawberry at the bottom. This one was an easy sipper if you have the self-control to not just down it right away.

Pepino

(The perfect combination of cucumber,basil, pineapple, lime, Cointreau and 901 Silver Tequila)

I agree completely with the drink's description. The Pepino was a different one in its own. It had a sweet vegetable taste. Nothing too bold. Very sippable. I believe I had two.

901 Paloma

(Fresh grapefruit juice, 901 Silver Tequila and a splash of grapefruit soda)

Grapefruit... sweet/sour. I liked this drink, personally. It was a nice kick to my taste buds, but took third place on my list after I tried the Strawberry-Kiwi Margarita and the Pepino.

901 Rocks-Lime

I was a little too ripped to remember a picture by the time I had this one, but it's a pretty self-explanatory drink. 901 on the rocks with a lime! The tequila is very smooth, but does have a nippy little bite at the end. Not as bad as a hyperactive chihuahua's, and MUCH better than any other tequila I've tried so far, but I would recommend this one as a shot rather than a sipper if you don't like the sting of tequila (like me).

I was also fortunate enough to try the corn chowder and a stuffed flor de calabaza with panela cheese and mole sauce. The chowder was smooth and creamy - not thick at all like the normal chowders I'm used to. My date promised to take me back for a late night of chowder and margaritas, and I REALLY wish SOL Cocina was open late-night every night because I would take him up on his offer right this minute!

The fried, stuffed flor de calabaza had a flavor that I can't really describe, but I will definitely be returning for more.

So... never been the type to go out on a Thursday night to start off my weekend early, but the thought isn't so bad now that I've tried it. It was actually quite a nice outing, though it threw off my mental calendar of the REAL weekend. Oh well, and well worth it!

SOL’s Happy Hour will still be offered from 4–7 p.m. (bar and patio only). SOL’s Late Night is offered from 11p.m-1a.m. (Thurs-Sat). For more information, menus, hours of operations, online reservations and directions, visit http://www.solcocina.com/.

SOL Cocina Introduces Late Night at SOL

SOL Cocina introduces late-night at SOL – every Thursday with live music, 901 Tequila specialty cocktails and menu until 1 a.m.

Launch date: Thursday, February 10 @ 9:01 p.m.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (January 2011) – SOL Mexican Cocina will host its first “Thursdays at 901” event highlighting the OC debut of Justin Timberlake’s 901 Tequila with live music, 901 tequila sampling, Chef-created antojitos, Live Nation concert ticket giveaways and a digital photo booth for guests to enjoy at SOL Cocina (251 E. PCH at Bayside in Newport Beach) on Thursday, February 10^th at 9:01 p.m.

“Thursday night is really the start of the weekend,” said Matt Baumayr, SOL’s general manager. “With ‘Thursdays at 901’ we want to create a great, relaxed vibe for our guests – a place to come and kick back with friends, listen to music and just chill. Launching our Thursday events with the debut of a sophisticated brand like 901 Tequila seems like a perfect fit.”

Space for the red-carpet launch is limited and guests must RSVP to mona@moxxepr.com. “Thursdays at 901” will continue every Thursday following its launch with guests able to enjoy late-night cocktails and menu options until 1 a.m.

SOL’s Happy Hour will still be offered from 4–7 p.m. (bar and patio only). For more information, menus, hours of operations, online reservations and directions, visit http://www.solcocina.com/.

Wines Take Flight at Haven

Wine flights allow guests to experience horizontal tastings from worldy wine list

Following the success and popularity of its beer flights, Haven Gastropub introduces Wine Flight offerings to its guests. Managing Partner & Beverage Director Wil Dee has created three distinct wine tasting flights, each a horizontal tasting of a particular varietal presented together for sampling and comparison.

Although selections will vary throughout the year, the current offerings are as follows:

Chardonnay ~ $12
Clos LaChance “Unoaked” – Monterey County ‘09
Bearboat – Russian River ‘08
Zaca Mesa – Santa Ynez Valley ‘08
Groth – Napa Valley ’08

Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $12
Leese-Fitch – California ‘09
The Show – California ‘07
Smith & Hook – Central Coast ‘07
Trig Point – Alexander Valley ‘07

Pinot Noir ~ $14
Fritz – Russian Ricer Valley ‘08
Row Eleven “Vinas 3” – California ‘08
Laetitia “Estate” – Arroyo Grande Valley ‘08
Robert Stemmler – Carneros ‘07

Haven Gastropub boasts a worldly wine list, with nearly 50 wines by the glass. The beverage menu also includes 14 rotating beers on draft and more than 100 bottled craft beers, as well as a full bar selection of unique spirits.

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

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/.