Sunday evening suppers at my French grandparents’ little farm were special times that remain as some of my fondest memories. The flavors from my youth have resulted in lifelong favorite dishes in my own kitchen.
The extended family would gather for an early evening meal that we’d looked forward to all week. The adults would sit at the large dining room table. The youngsters would gather around the kitchen table to savor hearty dishes that truly were seasonal.
The smells of freshly baked bread, pies and long-simmered dishes hung thick in the air.
The freshness of the ingredients and the results that greeted everyone as the lids came off the casseroles,the sweet and freshly churned butter melting into the thick slices of warm bread, the pies with intense wild berry and shimmery custard fillings,were interlocked in each loving meal.
Now, while waxing nostalgic and giving up another of my family secrets, I can indulge my craving for just such a meal, without cooking. And so can you, thanks to the $19.95 Sunday Evening Suppers at some of the Culinary Adventures restaurants,French 75 Brasserie in Irvine, Rouge in Newport Beach and French 75 Bistro and Champagne Bar in Laguna Beach.
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Rouge: one of three Culinary restaurants offering Sunday Suppers |
Of course, since time does not stand still, the recipes at the restaurants now are authentic in taste but up to date in style.
Chunks of lamb from grandmother’s braised stew now are petit lamb shanks. Beef bourguignon is simmered in a much better red wine than my ancestors had, as is coq au vin, which we recently had and adored with friends at Irvine’s French 75 Brasserie.
This classic coq (chicken braised in red wine with bacon and fresh herbs) is a drama of tastes and textures in a casserole presentation.
A choice of deep dish cassolettes, perfect for winter, are offered. And you’re sure to dote on side dishes such as the updated macaroni and cheese now graced with chevre and the creamy mashed potatoes studded with minced chives.
Each meal comes with fresh seasonal vegetables and a choice of soup or salad.
They’ve done their part in giving us an affordable Sunday evening dining adventure. Your part is to make a reservation (hint: they do honor walk-ins, though). The full dinner menu is available, just in case there are other things that pique your curiosity.
French 75 Brasserie at Irvine Market Place, (714) 573-7600; Rouge in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, (949) 640-2700; French 75 Bistro and Champagne Bar in Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8444.
There’s also a new French 75 Bistro in Burbank, (818) 955-5100.
Wine and Chocolates
I just hate to have my readers miss anything that seems like lots of tasty fun. So I am reminding you that Morton’s, The Steakhouse, is going to have a Wine and Chocolates Tasting on March 7.
As you breathe in the luxurious atmosphere of all the spaces of this sophisticated restaurant, you can savor a variety of decadent chocolates including an assortment of chocolate truffles. There’s also a mini version of Morton’s signature Legendary Hot Chocolate Cakes and Velvet Petit Fours paired with noted wines such as Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto and Mariah Zinfandel.
It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends after a long day in the office. The event, which takes place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., is $40 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.
Morton’s: 1641 West Sunflower Ave., in South Coast Plaza Village, Santa Ana. (714) 444-4834.
Fine Dining for Charity
March 12 brings a chance to fully enjoy one of Orange County’s best known restaurants, Zov’s Bistro in Tustin, with a duo of worthy causes getting 100% of the proceeds from the festivities.
The restaurant recently completed a three-year expansion and renovation that includes a private banquet facility, the Z Glass Lounge with an extended menu of cocktails and appetizers and live entertainment near a massive stone fireplace.
Plus, there’s a covered patio complete with a waterfall, adding yet another interesting facet to owner Zov Karamardian’s all-encompassing facility, which she’s been growing in Enderle Center since 1987.
On this particular Sunday, the grand reopening party at Zov’s will showcase the complex with a theme centering on the health and well-being of women and children.
Benefiting from the gala will be The Joyful Child, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse and abduction through community programs, and Hoag Women’s Health Services, which offers medical and wellness programs for women. You will get to meet Zov’s family members who serve as her side-by-side partners.
The gala, including dancing and other entertainment festivities, along with lots of fabulous food and wine, is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 each and can be bought by calling (562) 491-1000.
Zov’s is at 17440 E. 17th St. in Tustin, one block from the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway. Reservations should be made by calling (714) 838-8855.
