 Openings
The saloon side of The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon has opened in Anaheim. The country-western themed establishment plays host to live music and DJs. In mid-January 2012, the adjacent restaurant is slated to debut, offering a menu of steaks and seafood. Michael Jordan (son of Matteo's founder Matteo Giordano) is overseeing food & beverage operations, including a 5,000-bottle wine cellar. Jordan is a Master Sommelier and was formerly general manager of Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. For more information, visit www.theranch.com. The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon, 1025 E. Ball Rd., Anaheim, CA 92805, 714-817-4200.
Burger Parlor, the Fullerton casual "pop-up" concept created by former Bastide chef Joseph Mahon, will be opening up a permanent location in the city's downtown area. The new venue is slated to open in the spring of 2012. The wide array of burgers that were offered at the temporary eatery will be featured on the menu, as well as several new comfort food items ranging from pot pie to poutine. Additionally, the eatery will feature special menu items pairing burgers with Belgian and craft beers. Lunch & Dinner daily. Burger Parlor, 204 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832, no phone available.
News
Bytes
Wine Tastings at Pelican Grill
The Resort at Pelican Hill hosts a special wine tasting event at their Pelican Grill restaurant every second Wednesday of the month from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Resort guests and locals each have the opportunity to enjoy six separate California wines, along with a special chef's selection of light bites. The cost is $25 per person. Pelican Grill, Pelican Hill Golf Club, 22800 Pelican Hill Rd., Newport Coast, CA 92657, 949-467-6800.
Vegan, Vegetarian and Wheat-Free Menus
SOL Cocina in Newport Beach has rolled out special vegan, vegetarian and wheat-free menus. Executive chef Deborah Schneider has created a supplemental list of dishes specifically designed to showcase the ways that Mexican cuisine can shed its reputation as being a strictly unhealthy food option. Selected dishes include white corn and poblano soup, a vegetable torta featuring mashed black beans and avocado, and wheat-free ancho chile empanadas. SOL Cocina, 251 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-675-9800.
P.F. Chang's Relaunch in the Irvine Spectrum
The Irvine location of P.F. Chang's China Bistro has relaunched in the Irvine Spectrum. The new venue sports a reinvented look, an expanded beer and wine program, and a bevy of exclusive menu items featured alongside the chain's traditional entrées. Some of the new selections include Chinese five-spice duo of duck served with a dried cherry-ginger chutney, Sichuan grilled flank steak accompanied by garlic-black bean scampi butter, and jumbo prawns paired with a black pepper glaze. Lunch & Dinner daily. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Irvine Spectrum, 61 Fortune Dr., Irvine, CA 92618, 949-453-1211.
Chef
Shuffle
The Island Hotel Newport Beach has announced that David Man has replaced Bill Bracken as the executive chef of its signature restaurant, Palm Terrace. The new position marks a return to the eatery for Man, who had previously worked at the Newport Beach venue for five years in various positions, including chef de cuisine and executive sous chef. Man will also oversee the facility's food program. Palm Terrace, The Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-760-4920.
Adam Fleischman is bringing Umami Burger to Orange County, opening locations in Laguna Beach and Anaheim in 2012. The mini-chain has several locations in Los Angeles and just recently expanded to San Francisco. Umami Burger, 610 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, no phone.
Closings
Taleo Mexican Grill has closed. The Irvine venue, noted for its comfortable lounge seating, outdoor patio, and extensive wine list, had recently infused contemporary Asian dishes onto a menu that had already ventured outside of traditional Mexican fare. There are currently no public plans to place a replacement eatery in Taleo's former facility. Taleo Mexican Grill, Park Place, 3309 Michelson Dr., Irvine, CA 92612, no phone.
Tradition by Pascal will be closing its doors for good February 15 after 24 years of operation. The popular Newport Beach venue is shuttering to enable its celebrated owner and chef, Pascal Olhats, to enjoy personal pursuits, as well as other restaurant and food-related endeavors, such as catering and restaurant consulting. Olhats will continue to oversee his restaurant Café Jardin, and will remain as management consultant for Brasserie Pascal. Tradition by Pascal, Plaza Newport, 1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-263-9400.
La Vie en Rose in Brea is closing its doors after 27 years of serving its blend of Continental and French cuisine. Owner Louis Laulhere made a statement on the venue's website confirming that the final day of service will be Saturday, January 28. No future plans have been announced for the unique space, which was designed to resemble a French countryside cottage. La Vie en Rose, 240 S. State College Blvd., Brea, CA 92821, 714-529-8333.
Pablo's, the Mexican restaurant located at The District in Tustin, has suddenly closed its doors after less than a year of operation. No reason for the shuttering has been given. Pablo's, The District at Tustin Legacy, 2601 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92782, 714-617-8230.
View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Orange County |
Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
