http://www.greersoc.com/ Fashion, Dining and Trends en-us Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Now through Aug. 3, you can dine on special prix-fixe dinners created by chefs at South Coast Plaza's finest eateries. And two new acclaimed chefs restaurants just joined the list: Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza and Hamamori Restaurant-Lounge.

Whether you're in the mood for modern French at Marche Moderné, the best in Northern Indian cuisine at Royal Khyber, or tasting plates of contemporary fine Japanese cuisine at Hamamori, you can treat yourself to fabulous dining. The dinners begin with an appetizer or amuse bouche, followed by an imaginative second course, entrée and dessert.

A sampling of menus offered:

Antonello: Homemade miniature veal ravioli in a light Bolognese sauce; grilled filet of sole with bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings, with seasonal vegetables and fresh lemon

Charlie Palmer: Tasmanian salmon tartare, passion fruit-lavender, watermelon radish; roasted yellow corn soup, chanterelle mushroom ravioli; prosciutto crusted pork tenderloin salsify, black mission figs; pan roasted sea scallops, sunchokes, sugar snap peas, and herb jus.

Hamamori: Kobe carpaccio with steak soy and kanzuri miso sauce; appetizer trio–-asparagus okaki, crabmeat harumaki, kobe rissole with foie gras; black cod--tamari marinated; Chef’s choice of sushi

Marché Moderne: Kona kampachi crudo, glace Mangue-yuzu, vinaigrette verjus-mango; heirloom tomato salad, beaucoup de persil, agridulce vinaigrette; pork belly /braised pork cheeks, roasted Regier peaches, apricot gastrique, Yukon potato chips; blueberry and limoncello financier, crème fraîche ice cream.

Quattro Caffé: Carpaccio di Manzo--thinly sliced filet mignon tartare topped with arugula, shaved Parmesan and lemon vinaigrette; Meyer natural Angus New York steak; dessert trio of tiramisu, crostata bianca, mango sorbet

Pinot Provence: Yellowfin tuna “cru”, cucumbers, avocado, micro cilantro coconut-lime dressing, crispy wonton chips; braised beef short ribs, creamy chive risotto, wild mushrooms, petit greens with white truffle oil; roasted Australian barramundi, potato gnocchi, vadouvan spiced baby carrots, Manila clam espuma; warm chocolate lava cake, French vanilla chantilly, chocolate fudge gelato

Royal Khyber: Calamari salad with spicy greens and tamarind–ginger-basil-honey dressing; tandori delights of chicken, fish and lamb with onion basil naan; salmon Malabar with basmati rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables. Includes complimentary glass of house wine or champagne.

Savannah Supper Club & Lounge: Spinach and endive with Point Reyes blue cheese, apples, red onions, bacon vinaigrette; Maine lobster and crayfish bisque; halibut picholine, zinfandel braised short ribs with horseradish cream; hot Scharffenberger chocolate soufflé.

Scott's Seafood: Imported hamachi with shishito peppers; quartet of oysters with spicy melon mignonette; Asian pear salad, lavender vinaigrette, toasted almonds; seared scallops, sweet corn and leek risotto, guajillo essence; steamed lemon soufflé, fresh raspberry jam, and butter cookies.

The $40 menus include food only. Dinner service starts at 5 or 5:30 p.m.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/525/ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
It's a great time to find deals at Lanis. Its spring/summer inventory is reduced 20 to 50%. And just for Greer's OC subscribers, print out this page and receive an additional 10% off through July.

Owner Stephanie Hsu chooses understated classic shoes like Cole Haan, Stuart Weitzman and Delman's, and she also likes to punch it up with current imported hard-to-find styles from Modern Vintage from Canada, Gracienne from Brazil, Anthousa, Badgley Mischka, Catherine Rapetti, Jill Stuart and many more.

And Hsu is extremely careful to buy stylish shoes that are also extremely comfortable.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and by appointment Sunday. 270 E.17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.515.3888.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/524/ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The nonprofit ENC offers an indoor-outdoor educational habitat where you can learn about sustainable living and building, natural resources, wild animal and plant life.

Enjoy the Discovery Room where you can touch and investigate nature, sign up your kids for the fabulous Nature Camp, wander through its outdoor environs, or watch butterflies flutter at the Butterfly House.

The ENC hosts a series of free monthly lectures. Today at 7 p.m. join Rachel Hulan of Path Design, a full service design and consulting firm in Santa Ana. Rachel will give a presentation on beautiful eco-friendly interiors.

She'll share ways of implementing sustainable design principles at home and at the office. And she'll bring samples of the latest and greatest in green design materials.

You can also get a tour of the ENC building Saturday at 7 p.m. and learn tips and techniques on how to make your home or business more energy efficient.

And on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. there's a lecture on eco-friendly kitchens by Delilah Snell, owner of the Road Less Traveled Store in Santa Ana. Delilah will share eco-friendly tips on kitchen items and tools.

1601 16th Street, Newport Beach. 949.645.8489.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/523/ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The hip restaurant in the Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach specializes in Spanish/Italian cuisine with the freshest produce, seafood, and meats available, even homemade ice cream and ricotta cheese.

Its executive chef Nick Weber (formerly with the Patina Group) has exceptional culinary talent, as first revealed in the off-the-wall passion fruit amuse bouche, which had us wondering how this raw-egg-yolk-looking bubble burst in our mouth, tasted like passion fruit, and even had Pop Rocks sprinkled on top.

Now we know the secret: it's a combination of passion fruit juice added with gelatin and dropped in a mix of algin that magically forms a skin. Sheer genius.

There's much more to enjoy at Blanca. A hand-prepared Crudo, raw fish sliced with garnishes including exotic salts and oils, and delicious entrées including a roasted premium Scottish salmon with ricotta gnudi, zucchini blossoms, basil vinaigrette and Cinzano, a New York steak with taleggio cheese potatoes, wild mushrooms, and red wine reduction; or the wild mushroom paella with fiddle head ferns, olive oil aioli and black garlic.

Save room for the irresistible Manjari "Grand Cru" chocolate decadence with homemade salted caramel ice cream and Marcona almonds, and the olive oil cake with peaches, Moscato wine ice cream and peach chips.

Enjoy a wine list of predominantly Spanish, Italian and French wines, unique Sangrias and light-liquor drinks with sliced and blended fresh fruits comprise.

Specials include happy hour Tuesday through Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. (half-off the Lounge menu which includes the crudo and select appetizers); no corkage Tuesdays, and Sunday's four courses for $44.44.

Open for Champagne brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m; open for dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday; 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

3420 Via Oporto in Newport Beach. 949.673.0414.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/522/ Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Ever since Irvine resident Jane Hodgdon founded Itty Bitty Bra, smaller women have found relief from what was a hugely frustrating shopping experience. No more gapping, puckering, or slipping -- just perfect fitting AA, A's and B's.

The Itty Bitty Bra line includes its signature, simple-yet-stylish, everyday bras; couture styles in light mesh print fabrics with cute trim and a rhinestones; and debuting soon, camisoles and panties.

At one of our favorite boutiques, Hannah Bean in Santa Ana, co-owner Nicole Dale is having a tough time keeping the bras in stock.

"I can't believe how many we have sold," Dale says. "It is crazy. Between the store and our website, I sell an average of 10 a day! I had no idea that there was a market for this. When the girls try them on, they are excited and almost relieved!"

Itty Bitty Bra can also be found at Sydney Michelle, 307 Marine Avenue on Balboa Island. 949.673.2150.

Hanna Bean is at 111 City Place Drive in Santa Ana. 714.835.7371.
]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/521/ Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
At the swanky Villa Covo residence in Monarch Beach, Orange Coast Magazine will celebrate the people who define Orange County's signature style (yours truly was one of the judges).

And best of all the stylish event benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which is nearest and dearest to our hearts. JDRF's mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

Highlights of the evening include Beauty Bars, a brow bar, polish changes and chair massages provided by Spa Nordstrom; hair bars courtesy of Salon Gregories; make-up artistry by M·A·C Cosmetics; and a fabulous fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island.

Party-goers can get in the mix with DJ teaching station by Scratch DJ Academy, and there's a photo studio where you can learn to work you inner model (advice: look fierce!).

Enter an opportunity drawing with nearly $20,000 worth of prizes, including Lasik Eye Surgery from Dr. Gregg Feinerman, an $11,000 pearl necklace from Winston Jewelers,
a wine dinner for four at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza, a one-night stay in an Ocean View Guestroom at the Montage Laguna Beach and much more.

Enjoy signature cocktails by St-Germain, a decadent Chocolate Bar by Downey's Artisan Chocolate Studio & Café, and tantalizing culinary tastes from celebrity caterer Wade Williams of Picnic.

Tickets are just $25, which includes a subscription to Orange Coast Magazine. To purchase tickets just call JDRF at 949.553.0363. Villa Covo is at 99 Ritz Cove, Dana Point.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/520/ Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
At the Wine Stop Brea on Friday and at From the Vine Wine Boutique in Laguna Niguel on Saturday, you can meet the owners or winemakers who will pour their wines and personally tell you the stories behind the vintages.

The fun event is organized by wine guru Jimmy Kawalek, founder and sommelier of Divino Wine Broker. It's a rare opportunity to taste these elegant small production wines.

At The Wine Stop Brea on Friday, there will be two tastings: from 5 to 7 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost will be $45 per person – by reservation only! At the door will be $65!

The Wine Stop Brea, 200 W. Imperial Hwy. in Brea. 714.990.9463

At From the Vine Wine Boutique in Laguna Niguel on Saturday, the tasting times are from 4 to 6 p.m.; or 6 to 8 p.m. Pre-sale tickets cost $40, at the door tickets cost $45.

23874 Aliso Creek Road in Laguna Niguel. 949.448.8814.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/519/ Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Newport Beach residents and co-owners Debbie and Bryan Davimes owned a popular shop in Australia, and now at Sienna Brown they offer their talents to the OC with clothing lines not available at most boutiques.

And just for Greer's OC readers, print out this page and receive 10% off purchases through July.

Sienna Brown carries a selection of chic handbags, shoes, gifts, and it's the only shop outside of Paris to carry Gas Bijoux jewelry featured in Vogue and Elle magazines.

Collections include Orla Kiely, Handwritten, Bella Jones from Paris, Metalicus, Avant Garde, local designer Lauren Conrad's line, as well as denim by Serfontaine and J Brand.

"We are very excited to launch our store and pride ourselves in offering something for everyone," Debbie says. "We offer a wide range of fashions and accessories, and carry sizes from extra small to extra large."

Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 936 Avocado (at MacArthur and PCH) in Newport Beach. 949.644.5045.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/518/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Morando, a native of England who lives in Los Angeles, refers to the White Series as "timeless photographs [that] capture a series of moments and allow the viewer to explore the emotions that ebb and flow with them. Like memories, these images have the seemingly counter-intuitive qualities of being highly defined, yet at the same time, being impossible to get close to, no matter how much the viewer tries."

The contemporary beach scenes look more like paintings than photographs. And they perfectly reflect the new edgie Michael Zschoche Gallery.

In its former life, the gallery featured traditional original plein aire, still life and figurative paintings. Now with a fresh paint job inside and out, the once dark, navy blue interior is now bright white, a perfect backdrop for modern art.

Michael Zschoche has a penchant for transforming his Balboa Island stores into contemporary destinations for art lovers, and chic home shoppers. He and his wife Allison also own Zschoche, the hip, eclectic home and lifestyle store a few doors down.

"The art gallery and home store go hand in hand," Michael says. "Long-time clients of the gallery are now freshening up their homes with accessories from the store."

209 Marine Avenue on Balboa Island. 949.673.4255.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/517/ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The "$19.78 Make-A-Wish Prime Sirloin Burger" is available every Sunday night through September. The $19.78 price commemorates Morton's first year in business: 1978.

This isn't just any hamburger -- it's the burger that started it all at Morton's. When Morton's co-founders Klaus Fritsch and Arnie Morton first worked together at the Playboy Club, Fritsch made his signature hamburger and sent it to Morton to taste. Morton proclaimed it the best hamburger he'd ever tasted. From that day, they started the business partnership that that become Morton's The Steakhouse.

Now you can order the gourmet hamburger for dinner, which is usually only available for lunch at the Santa Ana location and isn't even on the menu at Morton's in Anaheim.

The burger can be topped with cheese (cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese or horseradish cheddar), sautéed mushrooms or onions and comes with delicious French fries!

Morton's is at 1641 W. Sunflower Ave.,
Santa Ana. 714.444.4834. And it's at 1895 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. 714.621.0101.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/516/ Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Sandy, who recently moved to a new studio on Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach, has an amazing talent for capturing contemporary images of babies, children and families.

We love her non-traditional approach to photography -- no forced smiles, just natural expressions that allow personalities to shine through. Sandy prefers black and white images, but also offers images in vibrant colors.

But don't take our word for her talent; see for yourself; her beautiful images are displayed on her website. (Warning: you'll likely spend a lot of time there, marveling at the photos.)

For Greer's OC readers, Sandy is offering a complimentary 8x10 picture (a $55 value) with a session.

2043 Westcliff Drive #203, Newport Beach. 949.515.3905.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/515/ Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
You'll want to check out Chantal & Vicki Shoppe in Costa Mesa. And just for Greer's OC subscribers, print out this Daily Dose and receive 10% off purchases through August!

Owner and designer Vicki Peterson seeks out different brands that appeal to her; she's not loyal to any particular designer. (Vicki says all too many times the more popular a designer becomes, the less she likes it.)

Chantel & Vicki Shoppe has developed a loyal following among hip moms. Vicki says she buys for women who actually like to eat -- you'll find no zeros or twos here.

Choose from dresses, hip tees, Go Jeans, Solids by Great Wall of China, Love Heals, a hippie jewelry line out of Ojai, and Vicki's own line: Lovelorn printed embroidered tees with unique sayings, jewels, hoodies and sweats.

And Vicki carries designer handmade reading glasses by Eye Bobs. The line of fun and funky reading glasses are available in an array of colors.

Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 432 East 17th Street in Costa Mesa. 949.646.7506.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/514/ Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
And one lucky wine lover will have the opportunity to win a 100 bottle collection of wine!

Fleming's wine team chooses an international selection of the best vintages, "green" wines, and hard-to-find selections from small and celebrated wineries.

More than 70% of the new wines featured on this year's Fleming’s 100 come from green wineries that practice sustainable farming, and/or organic and biodynamic farming.

Here's how you can enter to win 100 wines from nationally acclaimed Fleming’s wine list: Just register here and follow the instructions to complete the online entry form. Winners will be announced on July 31.

One winner will receive 70 bottles from the national selections of the highly regarded Fleming’s 100, including vintages from around the world and 30 bottles hand-selected by Fleming’s director of wine Marian Jansen op de Haar to suit the winner's palate; and a wine refrigerator in which to store the winner's newly acquired one-hundred bottle collection.

One-hundred runners-up will receive a bottle from the Fleming’s 100.

455 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. 949.720.9633.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/513/ Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
This is a sale you shouldn't let pass by.

Brighton's team of in-house designers make limited edition necklaces, bracelets and earrings from the handmade beads by women in Kenya.

Purchases of the Kazuri Jewelry Collection will help improve the lives of women and their families in Kenya.

Kazuri employs more than 250 local, disadvantaged women, offering them fair wages in an area of high unemployment. And a portion of the proceeds will also go to organizations that provide clean water and basic sanitation to impoverished communities in Kenya.

Brighton is also partnering with nonprofit organizations to build freshwater wells for 10 hospitals in Kenyan villages where they are most needed.

"charity:water" is one of the extraordinary non-profits. In just under two years since its inception, charity:water has funded more than 600 projects, building wells, rainwater catchments and bio sand filters in 11 nations. Those projects will help more than 250,000 people gain access to clean drinking water.

To raise awareness and funds for this important cause, all Brighton Collectibles stores will sell water bottles for $20 and water awareness wristbands for $5. All proceeds for the sale go to support charity:water's efforts to build freshwater wells in Kenyan villages where they are most needed. A $20 donation can provide one person with access to clean water for 20 years.

To learn more about charity:water, visit www.charitywater.org/brighton

Brighton Collectibles is at 890 Avocado Ave in Newport Beach. 949.467.0473; 85 Fortune Dr #317 in the Irvine Spectrum Center. 949.754.0485; 2800 N. Main St in Santa Ana. 714.542.9561; 182 Shops at Mission in Mission Viejo. 949.364.3593;
1015 Brea Mall in Brea. 714.671.3981.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/512/ Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
And now is the perfect time to shop and save at Williams-Sonoma's annual summer sale. You can find exceptional discounts on dinnerware, electrics, cookware, bake ware, and books. And if you mention Greer's OC in the store you will receive one-time free shipping through Sept. 30.

We love its new cook tools that make summer party preparations even easier. One of the new additions includes the easy to use Professional Multi-Chopper, (pictured above) perfect for chopping large russet potatoes for French fries, apples for pies, and onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemons for salads ($49.95).

Cooking classes cost $55 per class. Kids classes cost $30 per class or two classes for $50. A professional chef teaches all classes. For more information, stop by the store or call 714.751.1166.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Williams-Sonoma is on Level 2 in Saks Fifth Avenue wing at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. 714.751.1166.]]> http://www.greersoc.com/daily-dose/511/