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News for Restaurants in Orange County, CA
January 2014 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS


Openings

Eureka!, the small California-based chain that specializes in hand-packed burgers and artisanal beverages, is coming to Orange County. The venue is slated to open in Huntington Beach’s Bella Terra shopping center in March. In addition to burgers, the restaurant will feature kicked up American cuisine and a beverage program that will emphasize American craft beers, small-batch whiskeys and specialty cocktails. For more information, visit www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com. Lunch & Dinner daily. Eureka!, Bella Terra, 7631 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647, no phone.
 

News Bytes

The prime rib special is back at Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Prime Rib Special is Back at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Through February 2, 2014, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Newport Beach is offering its prime rib dinner on Sundays for $29.95 per person. The three-course dinner includes a choice of salad, Fleming's prime rib, choice of side dish, and a dessert. For more information, visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Fashion Island, 455 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-720-9633.
 
Sunday Suppers at Lucca Cafe
Lucca Cafe in Irvine hosts a special mid-afternoon Sunday Supper designed to replicate the feel and ambiance of a traditional family dinner on the second Sunday of the month. Executive chef/owner Cathy Pavlos rolls out a four-course menu, with a monthly changing theme focusing on a Mediterranean country, an intriguing European region, or the food of a renowned chef. This meal is augmented by rare and unique wines, as well as other edible surprises. Pricing is per person, and varies from month to month. Lucca Cafe, Quail Hill Village Center, 6507 Quail Hill Pkwy., Irvine, CA 92603, 949-725-1773.
 
OC Cocktail Week Makes Debut in March
The first ever edition of OC Cocktail Week is coming to Orange County March 2-8, 2014. Chefs and mixologists from several dozen area restaurants will be working together to celebrate the mixed drink by creating special pairings of craft cocktails, appetizers and small bites, all priced at $20.14. Select restaurants slated to participate include 320 Main, HopScotch, Little Sparrow, Red O and Scott’s Restaurant and Bar. For more information, visit www.occocktailweek.com
 


Chef Shuffle

Ways & Means Oyster House in Old Town Orange has a new tandem team of executive chefs in the kitchen. Benjamin Wallenbeck and Justin Odegard, who honed their crafts separately in Orange County venues like A Restaurant and AnQi Gourmet Bistro by Crustacean, join forces to oversee a menu dominated by sustainably caught seafood and seasonal ingredients. Ways & Means Oyster House, 513 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866, 714-516-1800.
 

 

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.

Opah, a longtime fixture in the sprawling Irvine Marketplace, has shut its doors. Its last day of business was New Year’s Eve. No reason for its shuttering was given, and there have been no announcement for a new restaurant to occupy the now-vacant space. Opah, The Marketplace, 13122 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92602, no phone.
 
Palm Terrace has closed its doors for renovations Palm Terrace, Island Hotel Newport Beach’s flagship restaurant, closed its doors for renovations. The restaurant is slated to reopen in July 2014. Plans for alternative dining concepts during the renovation have not been formally announced. Palm Terrace, The Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, no phone.
 
Brasserie Pascal has closed its doors. The Fashion Island restaurant, which was named in part after its restaurateur and chef Pascal Olhats, had been in operation since 2009. There was no reason given for its shuttering. A replacement venue for the space has yet to be announced. Brasserie Pascal, Fashion Island, 327 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

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

Check the list.