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Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024
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A summer of fun looms, with wine, lobster and 50 close friends

I am one of those who commented vehemently on the Disney decision to dismantle the Electrical Parade two years ago. I disliked the fiber optics flop that followed it. In a great incentive to get customers into the new California Adventure, the Disney officials have rethought the situation and brought back the beloved Electrical Parade for the summer. I can’t wait to see it again. And, while I am in the park, I will be having my glass of wine and a meal at the Mondavi Golden Vine Wine Center.

Dining options at the Mondavi wine center abound. Just to be sure you get your wine quickly, there are several wine bars. The casual Terrace restaurant and the more formal Vineyard Room are on the upper level. The latter features fine linens, crystal stemware and specialty tableware offering elegant, upscale dining. Meals are served family style to encourage sharing and sampling of the variety of appetizers, antipasti, entr & #233;e and dessert dishes. Meals are offered at a fixed price of $36 without wine and $50 with wine. You may choose from a variety of wines served in half glasses at each course, enabling experimentation with different wine and food combinations. The Terrace offers a family-friendly menu perfect for those with children who are not going to be impressed with the grown up dining scene of the Vineyard Room.

The phone number for reservations is (714) 327-8000.


Tango for 50

Are you tired of booking your corporate,and personal,events and paying too much money while getting fairly generic banquet food and surroundings? I want to have a real party when I schedule a special occasion that everyone else is going to refer to as a party. That means I want entertainment and surroundings and food that my guests are going to remember for a long, long time. And, hey, if the restaurant happens to refund some money to me, that’s another big plus.

I’m talking about Caf & #233; Tu Tu Tango here, a place where I have gathered for fun and food with a big group of friends and on many occasions with only a few at my table. First of all, when booking a function, don’t you look for atmosphere? How can you beat a place that is modeled after an artist’s loft in Barcelona, where artists paint while you dine and display their works on site, and performing arts are represented through spontaneous entertainment ranging from hot, hot, hot salsa dancers to a 10-piece Polynesian dance troupe?

The food is important and it’s so interesting at Tango. The multi-ethnic menu is served in small plate portions intended for sharing and when you put these unique international dishes on the agenda for your guests, it makes for a totally different dining experience. So, we’ve got very clever surroundings, art and entertainment and interesting food.

Segue to the money back part: $50 for 50 people. Bring in guests, friends, business associates or book a private party and you’ll reap your just rewards,on the spot. Ask your server or your contact person when planning your party for your $50 for 50 card. You get a dollar of credit for every guest, every time you dine. And, there’s no limit on the rewards. So, book a banquet and get $50 for every 50 people in your party, no limit. For private dining, when the card is full, you get $50. And, they don’t send you a check or give you a credit on your next meal; you get cash in your hand. After your first visit, mention your 50/50 card when making reservations.

The least you can do with this summer weather is brighten up your whole scene at Caf & #233; Tu Tu Tango. I can already tell you what I am doing when I get my first $50 back: buying another pair of shoes to add to my 100 plus pairs. Tango is located at the Block at Orange. Phone (714) 769-2222 for further information.


Lobster by the Pool

Time to make a reservation for the Lobster Cookout at Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach. My summer’s incomplete without it. Held every Saturday evening throughout the summer at the enticing poolside Calypso Caf & #233; from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., two-pound Maine lobsters are grilled by a chef in full view, setting the stage for the casual, but delicious evening. Included in the meal are corn on the cob, Caesar salad and a baked potato. Since you will also be sitting there admiring the plentiful and decadent dessert buffet that’s also included, I’d bet you’ll go for some extra calories.

The music of the G & #233;rard Barbut Trio fills the air in this tropical setting. Price is $46 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Since this is a sell-out every Saturday evening, reservations are a must. Finish off the evening in the cushy Trianon Lounge where Gerald Ishibashi and the acclaimed Stonebridge Band play old standards, rock, rhythm and swing tunes from 9 p.m. There is no cover charge, but seating is limited in the lounge. The hotel is located at 4500 MacArthur Blvd. Phone (949) 476-2001.

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