Bayside Celebrating First Anniversary; California Caf & #233; Debuts
Oh, those Italians. They can instill a bit of mystery and romance into almost any situation. And, Vessia in Irvine is doing its part by offering L’ora Felice (Happy Hour to us) Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s an after-work mini-extravaganza, Italian style. Believe me, it’s really, really Italianesque and a bargain: Martinis, beers, wines and more at discount happy hour prices. Lots of luscious appetizers to accompany your drinks and a good dash of fun, as well. Franco Vessia, the owner, has a legion of fans,I admit, me included,who already frequent the place for the delicious and totally authentic Italian fare. (As an aside, there’s a monthly Wine and Dine dinner, four courses with wine for $55.) Seldom do I end up there for a meal or the happy hour that I don’t run into some friend. So we might see each other at the bar or in the dining room.
Specials at Bayside, Bistango
One more reason to lament that time flies by too quickly: Bayside in Newport Beach is celebrating its first anniversary already, this month. In honor of the occasion, and to give customers a gift in return, the chef is offering a four-course anniversary dinner at $29.75. And couples who order the special prix-fixe menu will receive a gift certificate, which can be redeemed for a three-course lunch.
Also, both Bayside and its sister restaurant, Bistango, have started a new pre-theater menu that allows a choice of any three courses from the daily four-course menu for $29.75. This menu must be ordered before 6:30 p.m. any day. Keep in mind that though the restaurants have the same owner, they have vastly different menus. And Thanksgiving dinner at both restaurants will be $27.75 for three courses.
Food and Wine Fest Set
The 15th Annual World of Food and Wine takes place this week at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. There will be a series of grand tastings and meals, and 40 top chefs from America and France will participate in the extravagant weekend. French chef extra-ordinaire Roger Verg & #233; will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The festivities begin Friday, Nov. 17, with The French Chefs of America event at 7 p.m. Set in a lively buffet style, fine foods and wines will be paired. The French chefs will honor Verg & #233; with their best dishes. On Saturday, there will be a Cigars at Sunset event overlooking the ocean. It will include a seminar on fine cigars, Madeiras and ports. Following that, the Great American Tasting at 7 p.m. will feature a dozen American chefs and more than 50 California wineries honoring Verg & #233; with a spectacular culinary display. The grande finale will be the T & #281;te de Cuv & #233;e brunch on Sunday at 11 a.m. when Verg & #233; will be honored with speeches and awards. It will be a grand French feast accompanied by very fine Champagnes.
A silent auction for world trips, state-of-the-art wine cabinets and more will be held throughout the weekend. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the United Nations Children’s Fund, which works to promote the protection and development of children throughout the world. As always, you may attend any events separately, or choose the weekend package that includes special room rates.
California Caf & #233; Debuts
There’s a brand new restaurant, California Caf & #233; Bar and Grill, at The Shops at Mission Viejo. It’s a production of the Corte Madera-based Constellation Concepts Inc., which includes 16 California Caf & #233;s, a half-dozen Napa Valley Grills, the Alcatraz Brewing Co. at The Block at Orange, and one of my favorite Southland restaurants, Caf & #233; del Rey in Marina del Rey.
The executive chef is Kurt Schaeffer, whose menu is described as “innovative seasonal cuisine.” All of the restaurants under the Constellation banner have very good wine lists, and that holds true here. This restaurant has a singular distinction among the California Caf & #233;s: It’s the first to have a sushi bar as an integral part of the 210-seat scenario. I have eaten at several of the other California Caf & #233;s and mentioned in this column that I thought they were committed to serving very good quality and interestingly prepared food. They are also very attractive restaurants with a good price point. So, this is very good for Orange County and extremely good news for South County. Some of you may know the general manager. He’s Troy Hashimoto, formerly one of the managers at Roy’s of Newport Beach. I have known him a long time and admire his work ethic. Stop in and say hello to Troy. He’ll be delighted to know you.
