Archive for June, 2009

Sabatino’s of Newport Beach

Monday, June 29th, 2009

 If you want to try a restaurant that is entirely unique to Newport Beach – something only the locals know about – head to Sabatino’s.  Tucked away in the Lido Peninsula Marine Center at 251 Shipyard Way is this tiny little restaurant with Italy oozing from its building. They are famous for their sausage started by the Sabatino Family in Sicily in 1864. The sausage is blended with a special goats milk cheese from Sicily which makes the meat juicy and flavorful. The menu has every kind of sausage dish you can imagine including Sizzling Sausage Platters, sausage pate, Rigatoni and Sausage, and Italian Sausage Sicilian Sandwiches.

My guests had the sausage sizzling platter which they raved about for days. They even took home fresh sausage! Since I am not necessarily a “meat” eater, I went for the Eggplant Parmesan which was wonderful!!!

I love the quote from Sabatino Ognibene, 1864 which is printed on their menu “Knowing you can’t believe what you hear, read and sometimes even see, you can believe what you taste.” Ahhhh how true!

Celebrate Dad in Newport Beach

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Treat dad to a day at the Spa with Man on Mission at Spa Gregorie’s. Dad’s can get a haircut and a free 15-minute scalp and shoulder massage. He will enjoy a relaxing massage complete with peppermint oil and hot towel treatment.

Location: Spa Gregorie’s, 200 Newport Center Dr., Suite 100, Newport Beach (949) 644-6672 For more information click here

Take Dad out to eat, don’t miss these Father’s Day specials!

Five Crowns’ signature dishes will be offered in a special brunch menu prepared by Executive Chef Dennis Brask on Father’s Day. This charming replica of an English country inn offers a menu designed with something to please everyone. Fathers will be offered a chocolate cigar in celebration of the occasion, and one lucky dad will win the drawing to receive a certificate for a “Prime Rib Dinner Party to Go.” The dinner prize, a $350 value, serves 12-15 and includes a whole Prime Rib Roast, Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables and all of Lawry’s famous “fixings.”

Brunch entrées include the restaurant’s renowned Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef, Steak and Mushroom Pie, Medallions of Beef, Seafood Crepes, Chutney Chicken, Eggs Benedict and Sesame Crusted Halibut. The dinner menu will feature late spring seasonal specialties. Alaskan Halibut, Colorado Lamb, Maple Leaf Farms Duckling, and Salmon are among the many popular entrées for which the Five Crowns has long been known.

Times: Brunch served from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Dinner served from 4:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Five Crowns Restaurant, 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 760-0331 For pricing and reservation information please click here.

At Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, families can enjoy a prix-fixe three course Father’s Day Brunch. Entree selections include Filet Mignon Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, Applewood Smoked Pork Chop or Smoked Salmon Quiche. All entrees include family style loaded mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, plus choice of starter and dessert. In addition, each reservation will receive a $25 Fleming’s gift card. The regular menu will also be available.

Location: Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 455 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach (949) 720-9633 For more information click here

Enjoy Dinner with a view at 21 Oceanfront. Celebrate Dad with the Father’s Day Surf & Turf Special. Start off your meal with a salad or soup. You get an entree choice of Prime Filet Mignon, Two Australian Lobster Tails, or Combination Australian Lobster Tail and Petite Filet Mignon. All choices are served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables. And for the finale you choice of Homemade Chocolate Cake or New York Cheesecake.

Location: 21 Oceanfront, 2100 W. Oceanfront , Newport Beach (949) 673-2100 For reservations please call (949) 720-9633. For more information click here

Bayside Restaurant invites you to celebrate Father’s Day in style with an exquisite three-course brunch, featuring items such as Griddle Crab Cake, Lobster Salad Sandwich and Venison Loin Medallions. Free-flowing Champagne is included in the set menu price. Choose to dine within an elegant ambience inside or enjoy the outdoor terrace that overlooks Newport Harbor.

TIME: Brunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Bayside Restaurant, 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949-721-1222 For more information click here

BALBOA ISLAND PARADE -ONE-OF-A-KIND

Friday, June 5th, 2009

And you thought Disneyland had the best parade on the planet – not even close!  Every 1st Sunday of June, Balboa Island launches the single, greatest “epic” parade on the planet!  Generations of Island residents are either in the parade, or watching from the sidelines.  Locals compete with float entries from the various gemstone streets – everyone gets in the act!

Led off by the Marine Corps Band, followed by just about every child riding some form of wheels, other highlights include the fantastically choreographed Patio Chair Drill Marching Team, some of the original surf bands such as Surfing Safaris, and The Nomad; and of course,
Bessie B. Jeweled, who is currently getting her parade costume painted on!  One year they  started with the “Running of the Labs” across the Island Bridge – to say that total canine chaos ensued is an understatement!

For a parade route that is technically only 2 blocks long, it can hold its own against Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade anytime! Launched 16 years ago to commemorate the opening of the new Firehouse, it is the perfect Kick-Off for summer.  Come early, bring chairs or grab a curb side seat. 

The Parade runs from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and goes down Marine Ave.
The Island Bridge will be closed from 11:00 – 12:30 pm.
Float Viewing and Live Music will continue to entertain through the afternoon.