 Openings
The Veggie Grill has opened its second OC location at the Irvine Spectrum. Located across from Dave & Buster's, this plant-based, fast-casual restaurant serves up delectable sandwiches, "burgers," salads and wraps. Popular options include the spicy Bayou "chicken" sandwich, salty sweet potato fries, chocolate "pudding" and kale with sesame dressing. Also, this Veggie Grill location has curbside service at the center's nearby valet stand. The Veggie Grill, Irvine Spectrum Center, 51 Fortune Dr., Irvine, CA 92618, 949-727-9900.
Chef Marc Cohen (230 Forest, Opah) opened his newest restaurant May 11. WaterMarc Grill is located in the former Partner's Bistro space in downtown Laguna's charming Peppertree Lane building. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with a menu of two dozen "grazing" plates, along with a progressive wine and spirits program. WaterMarc Grill, Peppertree Lane Building, 448 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, 949-376-6272.
Matador Cantina has opened in historic downtown Fullerton. Located in the former Rockin Taco space, "The Matador" has brought back this building's 1900s charm with super-high ceilings, warm brick walls, romantic candlelight, red chandeliers and a 50-foot wooden bar. Chef David Dennis has created a flavorful, yet light menu of traditional Mexican dishes as well as fusion creations. Go try the strong cocktails with freshly-squeezed juices, plus the cheesy queso fundido dip, unusual chorizo ravioli and delish chile relleno. Matador Cantina, 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832, 714-871-8226.
News
Bytes
Jacobi Relaunches Newport's The Ritz
Ray Jacobi, previously the managing director of The Island Hotel Newport Beach, has been named managing partner of The Ritz Restaurant and Garden, an iconic Newport Beach dining institution in Fashion Island. Jacobi says he is focusing on bringing The Ritz "back to the forefront of Newport Beach dining" by delivering a "top caliber" product. In fact, popular singer and pianist Jimmy Hopper will croon soft ballads and easy pop favorites on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-10 p.m. He is also re-introducing the "Ritz Bar Burger" during happy hour from 4-7 p.m. The Ritz Restaurant and Garden, 880 Newport Ctr. Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-720-1800.
Adults-Only Ice Cream
Pastry chef Allyson Dobson of the Fairmont Newport Beach's bambú restaurant has created a new "ice cream bar menu." Yes, you have to show age identification to slurp such delectable frozen treats as chocolate Mandarin martini, blackberry Merlot sorbet and Jack Daniel's Snickers. These adult-only ice creams are also available poolside. bambú, Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-476-2001.
White House Celebrates Centennial All Year Long
Set in a charming 1909 home, the Anaheim White House this year celebrates the mansion's 100th anniversary. To celebrate, charming proprietor Bruno Serato is offering several promotions all year long. Each Friday evening in 2009, the White House prepares a four-course, prix-fixe dinner for $100 per couple ($50 per person). And every 100 days (July 19, October 27), the restaurant is giving away a $100 gift certificate to reservation-making guests only. Plus, anyone celebrating a centennial birthday in 2009 receives a free lunch (proof of birth required). Anaheim White House, 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805, 714-772-1381.
Chef
Shuffle
Chef James Boyce has left Studio at the Montage Laguna Beach to open his own restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama. In June, Craig Strong, formerly of The Dining Room at The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, will become the executive chef of Studio. The Dining Room with chef Strong was a Gayot Top 40 Restaurant in the U.S. in 2005 and 2006. Studio under chef James Boyce was on the Top 40 list in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Studio, Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, 949-715-6000.
Closings
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