News for Restaurants in Orange County, CA
August 2011 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Le Pain Quotidien, the Belgium-based bakery and café that boasts more than 150 locations worldwide, is opening its first Orange County outlet in Newport Beach's Fashion Island. Slated to open in October, the eatery will feature a variety of freshly baked goods ranging from baguettes and croissants to muffins and pastries. The eatery will also feature several traditional and seasonal soups, salads and open-faced sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Additionally, it will feature a unique onsite bakery that will offer baking classes to the public. Le Pain Quotidien, Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr. Ste. 1103A, Newport Beach, CA 92660, no phone available.

Chefs Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton's Los Angeles restaurant, Pizzeria Mozza, opened a second location in Newport Beach, taking over the space formerly occupied by Dolce. Like the original venue, the Orange County model features a menu that highlights antipasti, salumi and pasta, along with a slew of pizzas prepared in a wood-burning oven. The 3,500-square-foot establishment also contains a hearthside pizza bar. Pizzeria Mozza, 800 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92663, 949-945-1126.

The people behind The Crow Bar and Kitchen have opened Crow Burger Kitchen, a gourmet burger restaurant located in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula. In addition to featuring several artisan burgers and sandwiches made with organic ingredients and humanely raised, free-range meats, the venue features over thirty craft beers ranging from international labels to local brews, as well as nearly twenty foreign and domestic wines. For more information, visit www.crowburgerkitchen.com. Lunch & Dinner daily. Crow Burger Kitchen, 3107 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663, 949-673-2747.

The former owner of South Coast Plaza's 40 Carrots, Jimmy "Jimmy Z" Parvin, has opened his latest culinary concept, Posch. Located in Irvine adjacent to John Wayne Airport, the venue is highlighted by an eclectic floor plan that features six uniquely decorated rooms designed to create an ambience that is completely independent from each other. The restaurant's menu touts a lineup of classic French-Mediterranean cuisine made with modern innovative touches. For more information, visit www.poschrestaurant.com. Posch, 18912 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA 92612, 949-833-1900.

News Bytes

5 for 6 'til 7 Happy Hour
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Newport Beach has renewed their "5 for 6 'til 7" happy hour program with a trio of additional menu items. The latest $6 selections are include the roasted mushroom ravioli appetizer stuffed with Portobello and shiitake mushrooms in a porcini butter sauce, and by the sparkling "tickled pink” cocktail -a 99-calorie beverage that features a blend of Belevdere Vodka, orange juice, raspberries and a splash of Italian Mionetto Prosecco. The new choices are featured alongside a host of $6 wines and $6 appetizers, including seared ahi tuna and a Prime burger. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Fashion Island, 455 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-720-9633.

Special Roasted Crab at AnQi Gourmet Bistro by Crustacean
AnQi Gourmet Bistro by Crustacean is offering a special roasted crab meal. The entreé, featuring a large roasted Dungeness crab whose average weight checks in at two and a half pounds, will be personally prepared by Crustacean Beverly Hills executive chef Helene "Mama" An within the confines of AnQi's secret kitchen. The dinner will also be accompanied by Chef An's famous garlic noodles. The cost of the dish is $48 for the crab served in the shell, and $53 for the crab served out of its shell. The item is available during dinner hours only, and it is recommended that guests reserve their order by phone a minimum of 24 hours in advance. AnQi Gourmet Bistro by Crustacean, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, 714-557-5679.

Chef Shuffle

Check back soon for more news.

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Orange County to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from yesteryear. Aqua, R.I.P.

Rustica in Newport Beach's Fashion Island shopping center has closed. The restaurant had been in operation since 2010. However, the space the venue once occupied will not remain empty, as it has been re-launched with the new small-plate restaurant concept Great Maple. Rustica, Fashion Island, 1133 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, no phone.

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Orange County

BEYONCE INSPIRED LIBATIONS

Try these whiskey cocktails inspired by Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.

Check the recipes.

BOURBON IN YOUR AIOLI

This cashew aioli recipe gets a kick with bourbon.

Get the recipe.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDS

Over the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

Check the list.

News for Restaurants in Orange County, CA August 2011 Archive

News for Restaurants in Orange County, CA
August 2011 Archive