I’m a big fan of giving gift certificates for the holidays. They make last-minute shopping a breeze and give the receiver the opportunity to have a great experience at one of Orange County’s best restaurants.
Following are some ideas for the holidays.
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We took advantage of the Royal Khyber Dinner and Theater Combo that was offered when “Evita” was at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in November.
We will be doing the same when the highly acclaimed musical “Bombay Dreams” is at the center in late February and early March. This is the Andrew Lloyd Webber production that’s one of the hot tickets in London.
Buying the package deal from Royal Khyber gets you outstanding seats in the central orchestra section.
Here’s how it works: You select the date you want, from weeknight to weekend performances. The prices are $94 to $115, depending on which show you choose. The package includes dinner at Royal Khyber, free shuttle service and show tickets.
You probably already know that I am strongly in Royal Khyber’s corner when it comes to delicious Indian food. To buy the package, call (714) 436-1010 and ask for Arun Puri, the owner and chef.
Tickets are limited for each performance, so don’t delay. Royal Khyber is in South Coast Plaza Village at 1621 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana.
Thaifoon in Irvine Spectrum Center recently got a name change to Ling & Louie’s. The reason was to draw more diners by offering a wider array of Asian fusion food. We’ve appreciated the hospitable concept, the good-looking surroundings and especially the food since Thaifoon was launched at the Spectrum and in Fashion Island in 2002 (the latter has retained the Thaifoon name).
If you buy an $80 gift card for either Ling & Louie’s or Thaifoon, you get a $10 gift certificate for yourself.
Ling and Louie’s: 85 Fortune Drive in Irvine Spectrum, (949) 585-0022. Thaifoon: 857 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, (949) 644-0133.
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Taps Fish House & Brewery made a big impact on dining in Brea when it opened in an impressive brick structure reminiscent of New Orleans. It combines classiness with interestingly conceived food.
Amidst the friendly surroundings, brewmaster Victor Novak makes his signature beers, which have racked up many top honors. The food is California creative with touches of New Orleans taste.
For every $100 worth of gift cards bought, the restaurant is offering the buyer a Taps Jazz Brunch Extravaganza, one of OC’s finest brunches that features Dixieland jazz and so much more. It’s a $30 value. This includes sparkling wine or Taps award winning brews.
Taps: 101 E. Imperial Highway, Brea (Birch Street Promenade), (714) 257-0101.
Down at the other end of the county, Salt Creek Grille gives buyers a $20 gift card for every $100 gift card purchased.
This cozy Craftsman South County landmark is on my highly recommended list. Owners Pete Truxaw and Tim McCune know that diners love a friendly, professional and comfortable place that offers terrific food. They both are longtime industry guys and appreciators of fine food and wine.
As for the wine, this restaurant has a great list.
Sensible prices, live jazz entertainment and one of the most customer friendly bars in the county make Salt Creek Grille a place to experience.
Salt Creek Grille: 32802 Pacific Coast Highway (at Crown Valley), Dana Point, (949) 661-7799.
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The Clubhouse at South Coast Plaza has taken on new stature since the shake-up of ownership and management a couple of years ago.
Jim Hall is the management partner who has introduced passion to his entire crew and given the dining public swell food and good service. The restaurant will give you a $25 gift card with the purchase of a $100 certificate.
Clubhouse: 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 708-2582.
Morton’s will give you a $100 card with the gift card purchase of $500.
This restaurant is the epitome of a steakhouse citadel with a wine list of equal aplomb and a lounge that I adore. You must visit the redone bar area.
There’s a thread of respect and friendship that runs between customers and staff here that’s very unique. It’s glued together by J. C. Clow, one of the county’s gifted restaurateurs.
Morton’s is in South Coast Plaza Village, 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 444-4834.
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Finally, did you realize that since the classy Pinot Provence is in a hotel,the Westin South Coast Plaza,that breakfast, lunch and dinner are served every day, and brunch on Sunday too?
Christmas morning breakfast will be served from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Brunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Get rid of the Christmas dinner stress by having your family repast between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. I’ve had a look at the evening menu and it’s full of most enticing appetizers and entrees.
Reservations are necessary. Pinot Provence: 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, (714) 444-5900.
