FIFI’s BEST

Restaurant 162′ (in Ritz-Carlton Hotel)

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;One Ritz-Carlton Drive

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Dana Point

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 240-2000

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The views are merely a fine adornment atop the grace of Restaurant 162′, which is led by executive chef Rob Wilson and chef de cuisine John Garcia. In addition to the hoopla over the regular menu, the Friday night seafood buffet, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., is always a popular offering. It is the best spread of seafood and shellfish in Orange County and includes both raw and cooked items, many kinds of sushi, plenty of savory entrees and elaborate displays of appetizers, salads and desserts.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;This also is one of the prettiest places for a drink in the bar. Order some of the addictive truffle fries served with garlic aioli or tempura green beans.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;As an aside, or with a meal, you might consider a new adventure for your palate by sipping a $12 glass of Albari & #324;o, Don Olegario, Rias Baixas from Spain that is complex and very elegant. Suggestions for interesting wines by the bottle: Yarden Oden Vineyard Chardonnay from Israel at $59 (Kosher and organic) is a complex wine with fruit and floral aromas and a nice oak and butter finish.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;I’m dreaming of the manchego salad with arugula, dates, glazed walnuts and apple; the roasted Kurobuto pork loin; the savory tenderness of Kona kompachi; and even a lovely filet of troll-caught fish. From all the pristine meats and veggies that make their way into this contemporary cuisine, it’s the way they put them together and the unique sauce accompaniments that make them sing.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Ambrosia (and OC Pavilion)

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;801 N. Main Street

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Santa Ana

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(714) 550-0880

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;There are several ways to dine affordably in this very beautiful place, appropriately named Ambrosia. On Tuesdays, it’s 50% off your total lunch bill and 25% off of your dinner tab. Thursday, there’s a three-course “farm to table” tasting menu for $30. Fridays offer 25% off weekly prime cut steaks. There’s even 50% off featured wines on Wednesdays. And happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Mega investor Michael Harrah renovated an old bank building at the corner of Main and 8th Street and turned it into a beautiful glass high-rise that houses a gorgeous theater for live art, a superb wine cellar/lounge and an uber impressive dining room upstairs. Romantic booths, dimmed lighting and live jazz music set the tone for the innovative contemporary food wrought from pristine ingredients by chef Michael Rossi.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The food is so interesting and delicious. You will find artisan foie gras with a magical Morello cherry sauce, Muscovy duck with Granny Smith apple ravioli, Colorado lamb shank with rosemary pappardelle, Iowa pork chop with California pistachios and osso buco of monkfish,all tantalizing. I didn’t even get to the quail, scampi and scallop items on the current winter menus that you should try.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Amelia’s

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;311 Marine Ave.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Balboa Island

(949) 673-6580

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;While it doesn’t have prix-fixe deals at lunch or dinner, Amelia’s affordable menu and consistency have created a hometown love affair on Balboa Island,where it’s been ensconced for 48 years. For those who can dine a little early, they do have a sunset dinner Sunday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for $12.50. Lunch is served only on Fri-day, Saturday and Sunday. But during the week, Amelia’s does private party lunches, designed to customer needs at $20 to $40 per person.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Amelia’s was founded by owner Hetty Robinson’s parents and for several years, Hetty and her husband, John, have owned the restaurant, taking personal care that their customers have happy experiences. The same chef, Jose Oliveros, has been cooking up the family’s Italian specialties and the fresh seafood and steaks for more than 20 years.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Nostalgia reigns via the family photos and hand-painted murals and the friendly attitude that permeates the whole place. Here’s a seating hint for warmer weather times: There’s only one outside table in a charming little corner tucked behind the see-through divider at the sidewalk’s edge.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Have a glass of Honig Sauvignon Blanc at $8 or the very tasty Ferrari Carano Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.50. A couple of bottle bargains are the Chateau St. Michelle Gewurztraminer ($19) that I find a good match for the zestier pasta sauces and the Caymus Conundrum ($38 and another wine I like it a lot). Then, you must make that difficult decision about what to order. Consider eggplant marinara to start and for entrees: tender sand dabs or sole, fresh salmon, a steak or classic Italian preparations of scampi, cannelloni and manicotti.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Bad to the Bone BBQ

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;31738 Rancho Viejo Road

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;San Juan Capistrano

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 218-0227

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Bad to Bone BBQ is at home in San Juan Capistrano with old-time memorabilia adorning the walls and no-nonsense tables. It’s the kind of place where sometimes you just leave the fancy manners behind and get down to business with your fingers, such as when you’re digging in to really good ribs.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;This unpretentious place has become a gathering spot for true barbecue aficionados. For a pittance of what a fancy restaurant would cost,prices here start at $6.95,you can chow down on distinctive barbecue and the full array of side dishes to complement the meats.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The ‘cue is all slow-cooked via wood-burning pits and goes directly to your plate from the pit, thus keeping meats moist. The combo plate lets diners compare different styles of barbecue,some fantastically tender baby back ribs packing luscious tomato-based barbecue flavor or Carolina-style pulled pork meat dancing with its vinegar-based sauce.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Have some nachos topped with pulled pork to start, then on to great prime rib (on weekends they sell out), tri-tip or brisket, steak, fresh fish (they have at least three kinds), ranch beans and okra as sides. For lunch, there’s nothing better than one of their hefty burgers or the pulled pork sandwich.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;One of their signature in-house brews or a glass of wine also will complement the meal.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Cat & the Custard Cup

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;800 E. Whittier Blvd.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;La Habra

(562) 694-3812

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;I love the absolute charisma of this manor house and the food of chef/owner Creed Salisbury that is never jolting but always inventive in the best California tradition. No silly stuff, no over-the-top ideas, just great products at Cat & the Custard Cup. Imagine persimmon soup and brie cheese panini for $12, which was one of the recent specials. Or stroganoff made with filet mignon, grilled rib pork chop, roasted Canadian salmon, medallions of deer with port wine-cassis sauce, maple leaf duck breast with Swedish lingonberry sauce and lamb tenderloin with blueberry-merlot sauce,all part of the winter menu. The accompaniments on the plates, such as wide pappardelle noodles, sweet potato polenta, creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, do their own dance of flavors. These full dinner entrees top out at $29.50.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;They have what’s called “uncork the possibilities,” which features different wine specials throughout the week. If you want a couple of suggestions for wines, how about these? Spottswoode Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007, $13 a glass but worth every penny (this stuff is like gold!). Try a bottle of Rosenblum Cellars’ 2006 Heritage Clones Petite Syrah for $39 or Holly’s Hill 2005 El Dorado Roussanne at $30 per bottle. On Thursdays, all wines are 25% off.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Caf & #233; Maiz

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;27567 Puerta Real

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Mission Viejo

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 367-0777

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Caf & #233; Maiz is the eighth restaurant in the El Cholo family. This one combines old-world Mexican charm with the outstanding reputation of El Cholo,but in a fast casual approach to Mexican food.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;This place is colorful and happy with a lot of watery turquoise accents. You can’t help but relax.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;It took only that first lunch to hook us. We tried a few of the taqueria dishes, which you order at the counter and they deliver to your table. Guacamole is made to order with the customer deciding how much onion or cilantro and such go into it.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The kitchen crew is busy in the open kitchen, grilling and tossing meats and vegetables, herbs and salad ingredients into the upcoming Latin dishes. Among the specialties are dishes under the “fonda de cocina” heading,all simple and innovative.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Prices range from $2.95 to $9.95, and the latter is for a hefty shrimp-stuffed burrito.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Canaletto Veneto

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;545 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 640-0900

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Fashion Island has another restaurant star. Italian specialties are on tap at this brand new Venetian-inspired concept by the Il Fornaio Corp., a restaurant and bakery group. We visited the first Canaletto Veneto in the fall of 2007 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Now, it’s right here at our doorstep.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The restaurant group gutted the old Tutto Mare building and started anew with a friendly exhibition kitchen, soaring ceilings, hardwood floors and custom amenities everywhere. Executive chef Maurizio Mazzon has gained much personal acclaim and he’s taking this Canaletto under his wing with a watchful eye.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Meals begin with addictive, freshly baked breads. Continue into the foray of food via lots of fresh seafood, rotisserie and grill specialties and a variety of creamy risotto preparations and pastas that are made by hand each day.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The carefully selected wine list features a special section devoted to Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine enjoyed throughout the Veneto region. The list also offers some of the most interesting Italian wines to perfectly complement the food. You’re going to love the value wine pricing too. Open a bottle of the Garganega from Ronca Cami in Veneto, a lovely dry white wine for $36. On the reds, the Bardolino Valpolicella is bursting with violets and cherry, is very light on the palate and is only $39. Favorites by the glass include Prosecco from Isabella ($9) and a Corvina (red) from Ronca Corv for $9.95.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Chaparosa Grill

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Marina Hills

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;30271 Golden Lantern

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Laguna Niguel

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 363-9888

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The District at Tustin Legacy location:

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;2449 Park Avenue (in front of AMC Theater)

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Tustin

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(714) 259-9888

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Chaparosa Grill is blending California cuisine with touches of Caribbean flair and tropical flavors, almost like going to an island getaway without the travel cost. Attention to comfort is all around with a very cheerful ambiance.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Once a month Chaparosa Grill presents a culinary demonstration dinner, which is a three-course dinner demonstrated by Chef Tony Corke. The cost is $44 per person including wine, tax, gratuity and recipes, which go home with you. Most wines are sold by the glass as well as the bottle and all house wines are $28 per bottle.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;From the menu, I’m inclined to have Tahitian mussels in a sublime coconut sauce, peach and prosciutto salad, strawberry and gorgonzola salad, the terrific West Indian chicken curry, pasta with jerk chicken, beef strips with sweet ginger-chili sauce, and fresh fish with the chef’s always great salsa or sauce of the day.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Customers can sign up for the online specials and coupons on its Web site. Try happy hour that’s on seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 6.30 pm. with domestic beer at $2.75, wines at $4.50 and martinis at $6. Happy hour food is comprised of several plates, one being a fine chicken jambalaya for only $6.50.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Charlie Palmer

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;3333 Bristol St.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Costa Mesa, CA. 92626

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(714) 352-2525

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Charlie Palmer opened a few months ago with much anticipation due to the high profile name of super chef Charlie Palmer, who already had 11 restaurants across the nation under his umbrella. It’s our New York style restaurant with contemporary food and wines to match all the glory. In fact, all wines served in the restaurant are priced at only $25 more than their retail price, more proof that they deliver quality and great adventure without gouging.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Some real bargains emerge at happy hour, one of the most pleasant gathering times and places around, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to midnight in the lounge every day. Think about Kobe beef sliders with truffled mayo and pickled cucumbers, artisan salumi Santana with rustic p & #226;t & #233; and country bread and the always welcome (at my table) ahi tuna sashimi with green tea soba noodles. You don’t find this kind of happy hour gourmet else-where and, at the same time, enjoy all wines by the glass, cocktails and beer at half price.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;At lunch, have three courses for only $26 per person,choices within courses allowed. A three-course pre-theater dinner for $45 is available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The sommelier shared his recommendations for intriguing wines by the glass: 2006 Schloss Gobelsburg Kamptal Gr & #252;ner Veltliner for $11 or, at $12, 2006 Garnacha, Las Rocas de San Alejandro Calatayud.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Join wine tastings every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at $35 per person. They’re popular, so reservations must be made.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;455 Newport Center Drive

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Newport Beach

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 720-9633

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Fleming’s is one of my favorite places to have red meat and great wine. It has begun a seasonal prix-fixe dinner: three courses,that will change with the seasons,for $35.95. A real deal also is offered in the memorable meals dinner for two for $89, an upscale surf and turf complete dinner through the end of this month. For Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, a $25 gift card will be given to each party at the conclusion of your meal. And Fleming’s is hosting a vintage rock wine dinner featuring the surprisingly good wines of Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac) and Doobie Red (Doobie Brothers) at $55 per person on March 10.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;It’s hard to make wine suggestions since the restaurant has the upper hand on wine intellect and choices, so I let its wine director, Marian Jansen Op de Haar, do the honors. By the glass: 2007 Henschke Tilly’s Vineyard Barossa (Australia) $12 or 2006 Palacios-Remondo, Rioja La Vendimia (Spain) at $11. These also are available by the bottle. Marian shows how value-oriented Fleming’s wines can really be with her suggestions for the bottle wines with top notch 2006 Qupe Central Coast Syrah for $46 and perchance the utterly refreshing 2007 Zilliken, Riesling Butterfly (Germany), priced at $42.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;I will leave you with thoughts of chunks of lobster with a soy-chili sauce, a tuna steak strewn with peppercorns and poppy seeds, prime rib (on Sundays), Tuscan veal chop, lamb chops (decadent) and steaks of all sorts.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Gemmell’s

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;34471 Golden Lantern

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 234-0063

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;I’ve known chef/owner Byron Gemmell for almost 30 years and have never stopped loving his food, which is driven by French techniques blended with California spirit and his passion for the best products. He and his wife, Barbara, and their partner, Matthew Timmes, are managing to keep things affordable at Gemmell’s.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;It has a two-course business lunch (including a choice of soup or mixed organic baby greens) that has about 15 entree items to select from. They also offer a three-course early bird dinner for $20.95 Sunday through Thursday. Byron makes a special dessert every day for it and the response is always infused with a bit of amazement as customers and I wonder how he comes up with such luscious endings. One of their most popular promotions is the $20 savings deal: order two starters (choose from appetizers, soup or salad), two entrees and two beverages (or a bottle of wine) and get the discount.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Bargain wines to consider: by the glass, Spellbound Petite Sirah at $9 and Macon Vinzelles biodynamic-grown white burgundy at $9. By the bottle: Fetish “the Watcher” Shiraz, an awesome deal at $38, and the Anglim Roussanne, also $38.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;At Gemmell’s, I am in love with his fresh green pea soup in season, roasted duck with rum-banana sauce, rack of lamb with a thyme-tinged sauce, New York steak with his signature brandy-peppercorn sauce, Gulf shrimp pasta with Dijon-sauvignon blanc sauce and whatever fresh fish he has at the moment.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;While I haven’t been to their brand new Vintage Steakhouse at 26701Verdugo St. (at Camino Capistrano) in San Juan Capistrano, one of my foodies tells me that it’s beautiful and that the steaks and seafood are in step with Byron’s food passion. At Vintage, they have the same lunch and dinner specials as at Gemmell’s and Vintage offers drink deals and half-price appetizers for happy hour.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Lazy Dog Caf & #233;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;16310 Beach Blvd.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Westminster

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(714) 500-1140

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;1623 West Katella Ave.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Orange

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(714) 769-7020

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;At Lazy Dog Caf & #233;s, a positive attitude is everything. They focus on being friendly and open and they treat guests as though they’re family.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Tom Simms is the founder of Mimi’s Caf & #233; and he and his son, Chris, opened the first Lazy Dog in 2003. They had no trouble getting lots of immediate raves for the food, hospitality and pricing. Tuna poke with sesame vinaigrette ($8.95), loaded gringo nachos, a sweet and sour wok platter of meats and veggies, campfire pot roast, pizzas, pastas, good steaks, seafood, chicken dishes, a luxuriously stuffed burrito and one mean chicken pesto-hummus salad all are worthy contenders. Sashay through some fine sandwiches, of which the walnut chicken salad should be noted. Prices from $6.95 to $23 make it all the more impressive.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;For some extra savings while having fun, try the happy hour specials: $1 off all specialty martinis, draft beer and well drinks; $2 off all appetizers and pizzas and $3.95 house wine selections.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Lucca

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;6507 Quail Hill Parkway

Irvine

(949) 725-1773

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Because Lucca is an independent restaurant, it’s just made up of Elliott and Cathy Pavlos (she’s the very talented chef) and a small crew of dedicated people. Everyone falls in love with Lucca from first glance with its gracious wine bar, chic decor and food presentation. Who can beat an 8-ounce certified Angus beef sirloin steak with a port wine reduction, caramelized onions, shoestring fries, gorgonzola butter and wild mushrooms for $17.50 (served on weekends)?

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;For those who want to stick closer to home, Lucca2Go offers one of the great take-out bargains in OC via gourmet meals ($9.95 to $15.95) packaged for pick-up between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. nightly. Family orders for four or more get a 20% discount and free cookies for everyone. You can’t buy the ingredients and cook at home for these prices.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Different specials appear for lunch, with items priced between $9.95 and $14.95, each with a choice of soup, salad or seasonal fruit. Bistro dinner specials can be had for $30 for three courses and guests choose among a number of options.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Get to the wine stuff and you find they have “reverse” corkage. It’s $10 if you bring in your own or $10 off any bottle you take home from their wonderful inventory. For a glass with your in-house meal, the 2005 Chateau Virecourt Bordeaux Superieur at $10 is a steal. Or, the 2006 Allegrini Soave from 25-year-old vines at $8.25 a glass delivers lush Italian flavors.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Mama D’s

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;3012 Newport Blvd.

(949) 675-6262

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Every once in a while a restaurant comes along that gets a lot of buzz going. Mama D’s is just one that keeps racking up raves for its service and food. I suggest that we give it the award for friendly and helpful service. The food will hold its own as well.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The extensive menu meanders through Italian specialties, all prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients. They give us crusty pizzas, several veal dishes, pastas galore, oven-baked regional Italian casseroles, homemade raviolis, and plenty of meat and fresh seafood dishes.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Consider ordering a Hope wine. The Hope Co. is about two years old and the owners all are local young men and women. The basic idea of Hope Wine is that it donates half the profits to charity, with the proceeds from each variety going to a different cause.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Palm Terrace (in Island Hotel)

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;690 Newport Center Drive

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 760-4920

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;This restaurant has earned the four diamond designation from AAA two years in a row, un-der the guidance of executive chef Bill Bracken, executive pastry chef Michael Owens and chef de cuisine David Man. Signature food items, presented with great artistry, always convey surprisingly re-fined meaning by way of sauces that reach a palate plateau totally unexpected by the diner. They are continuously developing new dining experiences. Some dishes are presented with the main ingredient done in a duet or trio of ways. Ah, to have the Colorado lamb right now or fresh fish of the day with one of

the chef’s sublime sauces. Both would make me happy, but there’s so much more to

consider.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Peruse the menu leisurely with a glass of wine. The 2007 Etude Pinot Gris from the Carneros region would be a good beginning and go well with many of the first courses. There are eight small plates on the dinner menu that are temptresses on their own to get you started or to share with others. Also, the 2004 North Star Stella Maris (Columbia Valley of Washington State) would be good as you settle in. This blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot is great by itself, or would be paired well with lamb or wild game birds.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;A good incentive happens on Wednesdays, when you can sip your choice from the wine list at half the usual price for each bottle while dining on this innovative American cuisine in the relaxed, convivial ambiance that is Palm Terrace.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Pescadou

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;3325 Newport Blvd.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Newport Beach

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 675-6990

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;You can tell Pescadou is an authentic French restaurant when its customer chatter is punctuated by French phrases. The noticeable French provenance of the owners, Olga and Jacques DeQuillien (he’s the chef, she’s

the convivial hostess), is infused into this unpretentious and inexpensive fine dining experience.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Not open for lunch except for private occasions, customers are drawn to dinner, where the bargains have always been in place. Prix-fixe deals include $28 for three courses including the soup du jour or a green salad, the main course (selection of two to four entrees, fish or meat) and choice of cheese plate or dessert.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;You will find wines that are from boutique wineries or vineyards that polish off the French experience with much panache. Try a glass of 2004 Domaine Patient Cottat Sauvignon Blanc at $8 or, at the same price, the red wine, 2004 Domaine le Paradou.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The menu is also chock full of dreamy entrees for foodies from $20 to $30. Among the palate pleasers are foie gras, classic onion soup, cassoulet, braised lamb shank, shrimp Proven & #231;al, calamari and crayfish combo, duck confit, steamed mussels, grilled lamb chops, steak, rabbit in mustard sauce (often my choice) and a jumble of other come-hither items.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Royal Thai Cuisine

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;4001 W. Coast Highway

Newport Beach

(949) 645-8424

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The owner/chef of Royal Thai Cuisine, Sam Tila, probably picked the name after cooking for the royal family of Thailand. The food is exquisite, service is personable and professional and the prices are certainly

right.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Sam and his wife, Chau, watch carefully over their customers,Sam spending time in the dining room with customers between stints at the stove and Chau keeping track of everything going on at the tables and with customers coming and going.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Lunch specials are customized Monday through Friday, starting at $7.95 for four courses. There are also sunset dinner selections Monday through Friday evenings, starting at $15.95 for four courses. A lovely Sunday brunch makes for a pleasant midday affair.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;As for the food from the menu, I think his tom kah soup is the best I’ve found locally. It’s made with your choice of chicken or shrimp and is chock full of protein, tender Laos root and morel mushrooms with a hearty coconut-lemongrass broth as the liquid. The entrees here make ordering so easy. A wide array of quality meats, fish, poultry and fresh daily vegetables are listed, along with many sauces and styles of preparation familiar to this culture. You pick the things you like to eat and style in which to have them cooked and the dishes arrive at your table with superb jasmine rice.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Sapphire Laguna

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;1200 S. Coast Highway

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Laguna Beach

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 715-9888

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;With everyone looking for a bargain, Azmin Ghahreman, Sapphire’s owner/chef, has created a specialized menu of small dishes called “spice plates” that offer diners a chance to experience many unique dishes without straining their budgets. However, from my viewpoint, this restaurant has always kept the food fairly priced, which somewhat accounts for its great popularity. Then, there’s the balanced glamour of new decor meeting the old legendary building in Laguna.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;There is also an intermezzo menu,served from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.,with 15 exciting global offerings. What makes Azmin’s food so likable is his ability to mingle the best flavors of many countries while preparing it with a contemporary California vision.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The fairly priced items on the menu carry over to wines. Two unique wines that you really should try by the glass are Hirsch 2007 Gr & #252;ner Veltliner from Austria for $11 and Vi & #324;a Chocalan 2007 Carmenere from Chile at $8. Segueing to the bottle category: Domaine Weinbach 2006 Sylvaner Reserve from Alsace for $42 and the 2006 Castillo Labastida Tempranillo, Rioja Reserva at the same price.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Scott’s

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;3300 Bristol St.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Costa Mesa

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(714) 979-2400

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Scott’s stimulus menu for lunch is a $20, two-course meal every day. You get a choice of Manhattan clam chowder, roasted beet salad or the restaurant’s signature calamari Proven & #231;al (one of the very best appetizers around) as the first course. The main course has choices of blackened salmon Caesar salad, French dip sandwich with all the accompaniments or roasted mahi-mahi with lemon couscous and arugula salad.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;At dinner, there’s a prix-fixe at $40 for three courses, every day of the week. You’re enticed by a choice of New England clam chowder, that great roasted beet salad, the calamari or the Caesar salad made with hearts of romaine as the starter. Main course selections include skillet-roasted salmon, Petrale sole meuniere (another highlight for me), four-chop lamb rack or cioppino. And they don’t skimp on dessert for this cash saving meal. Their cheesecake-stuffed beignets also are on my Best in OC list, but there’s also the temptation of the dark chocolate brick with roasted banana sauce and vanilla bean creme brulee. And, on Thursday evenings, for $45 you can opt for the three-course food- and sake-matching dinner.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Gotta love the six-til-six happy hour, Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and happier happy hour, Monday to Friday, 8 p.m. to closing with $6 appetizers, $6 premium martinis (order the famed Jamaican martini) and $10 off selected bottles of sparkling wine. I always enjoy visiting with the sommelier, who comes up with some dandy wines for us. You could try the Seven Hills Viognier at $11 per glass or the Bogle Phantom for $10. If you’re ordering by the bottle, Jurtschitsch Steinhaus Gr & #252;ner Veltliner for $45 or The Winner’s Tank Syrah at $40 will get you away from the ordinary and indulge your palate nicely.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Sorrento Grille

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;370 Glenneyre

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 494-8686

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Sorrento Grille has been a mainstay of Laguna dining for 20 years. However, it is now seeing some fresh excitement with a new partnership and working as an independent restaurant, after several years as part of a bigger company.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;David Wilhelm, well known in the upscale dining elements of OC, has become the operating partner and introduced an expanded menu of small plates, “because the smaller plates allow diners to come in on the weekdays and get their Sorrento fix at a lower price point,” he said. A limited number of large plates still are offered.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;David and the chef de cuisine, Ryan Adams, are striving to use products that are organically grown, hormone free, naturally raised, sustainable and renewable. The menu is so varied that I can’t even begin to suggest what you should have. Shellfish, lamb, lovely vegetables done up in unique ways, some enchanting pastas, really attractive salads and several kinds of fresh seafood and steaks are some of the things that waltz through the menu.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;A nightly happy hour is available throughout the restaurant until 7 p.m. and all of their signature martinis are sold at $7 and all wines by the carafe (which holds a glass and a half) are offered by the glass prices. Monday is locals only night with the entire menu discounted 50% and Tuesdays are wine night where a 50% discount is offered on all bottled wines up to the $100 wine list price.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Wine suggestions at lovable prices: 2008 Torrontes Crios from Argentina at $9 per glass and Yangarra 2006 Shiraz from Aus-tralia that provides a great abundance of elegance at $10. The 2007 Tormaresca ‘Neprica’ Red Blend from Italy is $35 for a bottle.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; Tradition by Pascal

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;1000 N. Bristol

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(949) 261-9041

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Pascal Olhats has been working hard at his craft for many years. I know that as chef/owner of Tradition by Pascal, he works almost every day at lunch and dinner to maintain his customer relations. I think he knows that dining is,or certainly should be,therapy for customers. In this lovable enclave, he’s offering a $20 prix fixe of three courses for lunch and $40 for three courses at dinner and free corkage on Sunday.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Tradition by Pascal’s food culls cultural favorites from Normandy, Provence, Burgundy and Bordeaux, not to mention a bit of the Loire Valley and Brittany in his dishes here and there. If you’ve fallen in love with any part of France, you’re likely to find some culinary representation of it in this dining room.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Looking for even more wine suggestions? 2006 Chateau des Matards Blanc, Cote de Blaye for $9 and 2006 Chateau St. Didier Parnac Malbec, Cahors at $12 should satisfy in the by the glass category. A bottle of 2006 Pouilly Fuisse from Domaine de Fussiacus (white Burgundy) for $52 or the 2005 Chateau Coutet, Saint Emilion Grand Cru at $75 are not the least expensive, and they make waves in the savory, lingering-on-the-palate scorecard.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;Belgian endive with Roquefort cheese, foie gras with fig and pear chutney, grilled salmon with fennel salad, steamed bass in saffron-tomato broth (one of my all-time favorites), pork chop with onion marmalade, braised chicken in Burgundy wine, crepes with chicken and mushrooms and any of his “My Mother Therese” home style cooking specials from the current menu make me a very happy diner. The entree items at dinner cost $18 to $30. Lunch is substantially less.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;We should not forget to mention his Epicerie Pascal next door, where some light fare is served. Breads, cheeses and condiments, charcuterie, wine bargains and Pascal’s entrees to prepare at home always are available there.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; The Winery

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;2647 Park Ave.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;(714) 258-7600

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;The Winery is a little more than a year old and this place still is fresh and new and a thoroughly important restaurant. The menu continues to remain cutting edge with items like fresh Hawaiian fish flown in daily, USDA prime beef, Colorado lamb, foie gras, frog legs, wild game and fowl including buffalo, elk, venison, caribou, pheasant, quail and squab, just to name a few.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;An unbeatable three-course prix-fixe lunch special for $20 per person is offered Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with two options for each of the courses. They have crush hours (instead of happy hour) Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and in the evenings again from 9 p.m. for a couple of hours with deals on cocktails and a limited menu. It’s delicious stuff, such as the Alsatian pizza, hot sun-dried tomato and arugula fondue, crispy lobster and red wine risotto lollipops, seared ahi, sliders and such, all at $6.95.

& nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;,Compiled by Fifi Chao