10/17/2012 7:29 am
Nothing hits the spot better than an ultimate barbecue dinner. Famous Dave’s BBQ Shack in Orange has become our #1 destination for a delicious barbecue dinner in a relaxed environment. When making their ribs, Famous Dave’s uses a hand-rubbed blend of Dave’s secret spices, and then pit-smokes their ribs for 3-4 hours over a sweet hickory fire. They finish off their award winning St. Louis-Style ribs with a caramelized sauce making them both crisp and juicy.
When the family first arrived at the restaurant, the children immediately felt at home with the festive atmosphere. The restaurant was very family-friendly with a nice staff. We did not have to be concerned about the kids making too much noise or ruining anyone’s dinner if one of the kiddos started to act up.
Before the food arrived a waiter explained all the different sauces and gave the children chips to use for sample the various sauces. They were able to pick-out the perfect sauce to add to their barbecue just before dinner arrived at the table.
I ordered the Ultimate BBQ Burger. This mouthwatering burger was one of the best burgers I have ever had in Orange County. It was a juicy ground beef patty beneath a pile of Georgia chopped pork, with two strips of jalapeño bacon topped with melted cheddar cheese and their signature Beam and Cola BBQ sauce. I was craving the flavor of this burger for weeks after dining at Famous Dave’s.
The rest of the family enjoyed eating their famous ribs. The kids gobbled up an entire slab of ribs within just seconds, not leaving a single crumb behind.
What makes Famous Dave’s unique?
*Guests will get the choicest, leanest part of the spareribs.
*Only Hickory wood is used in their barbecue pits giving a legendary, real pit flavor. They smoke their ribs, beef brisket and pork for as much as 12 hours making them mouth-watering, juicy and tender.
*They season their meats with their own freshly-ground blend of rib, chicken or beef rubs (made with only the finest exotic spices from around the world) that produce an intense, full-flavored meat.
*All Famous Dave’s BBQ sauces are highly guarded secret recipes, using an array of fresh ingredients, such as sweet molasses, honey and fruit juices. These sauces have been judged ‘The Best BBQ Sauce” at the American Royal Contest in Kansas City.
“May you always be surrounded by good friends and great barbecue.” Famous Dave
Famous Dave’s is located at 2214 North Tustin Street, Suite B, Orange, CA 92865.
10/16/2012 1:18 pm
Flemings is supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during the month of October with their latest Cocktail for a Cause. 100% of the sales from the “Sweet Charity” cocktail will be donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The cocktail will be featured on the “5 for $6 ’til 7″ bar menu, and after 7pm will be available for $9.95.
The elegant cocktail combines Lillet Rose infused win, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and soda water, served over ice in a wine glass with a raspberry garnish.
“Each year, Flemings is proud to donate to a cause we feel passionately about, and this year is no exception. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is near and dear to many of our guests. Last year’s Cocktail for a Cause benefited breast cancer research and raised over $60,000. This year we hope to top that.” says Pesquera, Fleming’s director of wine.
Fleming’s has three locations in Los Angeles. Reservations at Fleming’s in L.A. LIVE, 800 West Olympic Blvd., can be made by calling 213-745-9911. Reservations for the El Segundo location, 2301 Rosecrans Ave., can be made by calling 310-643-6911. Reservations at Fleming’s in Woodland Hills, 6373 Topanga Canyon Blvd., can be made by calling 818-346-1005. To find the nearest Fleming’s location or to make reservations, please visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com.
10/15/2012 4:54 pm
How would you like to win free yogurt for three months, six months or even a year? Yogurtland (our favorite frozen yogurt spot) is sponsoring a “My Masterpiece Contest.” Yogurt lovers will have a chance to transform their favorite cup of yogurt into a work of art for a chance to win free yogurt for a year!
Guests are invited to photograph and name their favorite, most imaginative yogurt creation and submit it through the Yogurtland Facebook page before October 28th. At the end of the submission time frame, each entrant will receive a link to their Masterpiece submission and can invite their friends to vote for their favorite creations.
Voting for the top masterpiece creations will take place from October 29th through November 2nd. The top 100 entries will be judged by a panel of Yogurtland judges based on taste, name and recipe of the Masterpiece.
Ready for the best part?? All entrants will receive a coupon to receive their first 3-ounces of yogurt for free!!
“Our fans are inspired by our variety of flavors and toppings and see our cups as blank canvases to create their ideal treat. Our My Masterpiece contest is a chance for our guests to be rewarded for their creativity and great taste. We can’t wait to see the entries,” said Charlotte Lucich, director of marketing at Yogurtland.
10/09/2012 7:03 am
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their life. Personally I have lost too many people in my life to breast cancer, and I am passionate about encouraging women to have yearly examinations. Early detection is key to surviving and beating this deadly disease. Mimi’s Cafe is raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation during the entire month of October with their Power of Pink Campaign.
“The breast cancer statistics out there are startling and scary, but the good news is there is hope. When breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98.6%. That is why it is important to do our part and support the National Breast Cancer Foundation and their mission to inform women about breast cancer and early detection,” explains Mark Mears, President and Chief Concept Officer of Mimi’s Cafe. “Together, Mimi’s Cafe, our guests and our teammates, have the power to help women NOW within our local communities!”
Mimi’s Cafe in Irvine hosted a special pink ribbon tying ceremony and honorary toast with special guest Janelle Hail, Founder and CEO of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During this ceremony, Mimi’s launched their month long campaign to help raise funds for this special foundation.
How you can help:
*During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds sold from each Sparkling Pink Passion Mimosa and Pink Passion Sparkler drink will be donated to National Breast Cancer Foundation.
*Guest can donate $1 and receive a leaf to hang on the “Giving Tree” display. With a $5 donation, guests can receive a limited-edition pink ribbon lapel pin. (100% of the proceeds to directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation) Mimi’s will provide up to $30 in coupon savings for every in-restaurant donation.
*Guests can help support the Power of Pink online with eGift card donations, and donations on the digital “Giving Tree.”
*By using the Mimi’s Pink It Up web app, guests can customized an uploaded photo with pink accessories to show support for breast cancer awareness.
We are happy to be able to offer (2) $25 eGift cards to two OC Family readers.
Enter to win by leaving a comment below of how breast cancer has affected your life, or what you are doing to help raise awareness this month.
10/04/2012 4:55 pm
Come enjoy a live streaming of the broadcast, “The Rumble In The Air Conditioned Auditorium,” at Antonello Ristorante. The debate will feature Comedy Central’s Daily Show host Jon Stewart and Fox News political commentator Bill O’Reilly. A massive screen will feature all the political action while guest enjoy a delicious 4-course prix-fixe dinner.
The excitement will be taking place on Saturday, October 6th starting at 5pm at Antonello Ristorante. The cost is $28 per person (plus tax). Reservations are available by calling 714-751-7152.
The special menu will include:
Insalata
Giardino
Mixed Greens + Italian Herb Dressing + Parmigiano Reggiano
Pasta
Penne Arrabbiata
Slanted Tubes of Pasta + Red Peperoncino + San Marzano Tomatoes
Primo
Involtino Di Pollo
Stuffed Chicken Breast + Asparagus + Prosciutto Cotto + Fontina Cheese White Wine
Sogliola Alla Calabrese
Filet of Sole + Fresh Tomatoes + Sweet Basil + Liguiran Extra Virgin Olive Oil Vegetarian option available on request
Dolce
Tartufo
Homemade Chocolate Gelato + Dark Chocolate + Raspberries
“Some people say politics and business don’t mix,” said Antonello owner Antonio Cagnolo, “but when you mix comedy and politics, everyone can come together for a great time.”
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10/03/2012 9:59 am
My family just saw a prescreening of the upcoming Tim Burton film “Frankenweenie”. Before going to see the movie, we got the kids into the “Frankenweenie” spirit by testing the new Frank & Weenie hotdogs at Disney California Adventure Park.
We first tasted the bacon wrapped hot dog topped with barbecue sauce and grilled onions. It was spookily delicious with the bacon perfectly crisped. The grilled onions looked just like stitching on top of the juicy hot dog. The Frank & Weenie is available at Award Wieners for $7.19 (plus tax) until November 5th.
Next we ordered the Franken-Fusion lemonade. This berry flavored lemonade was the perfect drink to cool down after enjoying a warm day in the park. It is available at Award Wieners for $4.49 (plus tax) until November 5th.
After enjoying the new Frankenweenie inspired lunch at Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure Park, we learned more about the movie at the special Frankenweenie exhibit located in the Animation building. There my children were able to learn about the making of the movie, see models from the movie and watch a short preview.
The movie Frankenweenie is opening in theaters on October 5, 2012, just in time for Halloween.
09/26/2012 7:38 am
A new Edible Arrangements has recently opened at the Northpark Plaza in Irvine with fresh fruit baskets, chocolate covered strawberries and more. The location has just announced that they will be offering their customers more than just beautiful fruit arrangements, but a new “on-the-go” concept.
Edibile Arrangements “Edible To Go,” will feature a special section in the store that will offer fresh cut fruit salads, fruit and yogurt parfaits, smoothies made of fresh fruit and other delicious treats.
The store is located at 3995 Irvine Blvd., in Irvine. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm, Saturday from 8am to 5pm and Sunday 8am to 2pm. For special orders or questions, they can be reached at 714-368-3386.
09/19/2012 8:38 am
What better way to beat the heat, than enjoying a dollar smoothie at Jamba Juice? During the hours of 5pm to 7pm customers can enjoy a $1 sixteen size smoothie at participating Jamba Juice stores. There is a limit of one offer per person, with no coupon required.
Dollar days will be happening until September 21st and then again September 24th through September 28th.
09/18/2012 9:18 am
Amanda and Giovoni recently completed the Village of Hope transitional living program, receiving a new chance at a self-sufficient life off the streets.
As a young mother living on the streets, Amanda was destined to repeat the cycle of drug abuse and homelessness that had plagued her family for generations. Hopeless, and with nowhere to turn, Amanda learned about a program that ultimately changed her life and future, as well as the future of her young son.
“There are more than 27,000 children who are homeless or at risk of being homeless living in Orange County,” explained Jim Palmer. “The parents of these children are often repeating the mistakes of their own parents and grandparents, stuck in a cycle of homelessness and abuse. Without help, these children are destined to repeat the mistakes of their parents, simply because they lack the skills to pull themselves out of poverty and abuse.”
The Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope transitional living program gave young mother, Amanda Molinari, a chance at a new, self-sufficient life. At the same time, the program saved the future of her son, three-year-old Giovoni, who was an innocent victim of homelessness.
“When Amanda came to us, she was a lost soul who, after a childhood of abuse and homelessness, had spent her teenage and young adult years caught in this dangerous cycle,” explained Jim Palmer, President of the Rescue Missions. “Today, Amanda has the foundation needed for life off the streets, and she possesses the skills she lacked to help her lead a self-sufficient life and support her son. Giovoni now has a bright future and the support from his mother that every child deserves.”
The Village of Hope transitional living program is offered for up to two years, depending on the individual needs of each resident. The program provides food and shelter, as well as counseling, life skills, career guidance, legal counseling and spiritual guidance. The residents, called “students,” are taught the skills necessary to live independently.
Amanda and Giovoni will join 15 other students celebrating their “graduation” from the program at the Village of Hope in Tustin, Calif. on September 23, 2012. The graduation ceremony will mark the beginning of these students’ new lives, and fresh start.
09/14/2012 8:48 am
The highly anticipated opening of Whole Foods Newport Beach is just around the corner. Scheduled to open on September 19th, I was honored with an opportunity to preview some of the food that will be served at the restaurant last night.
Located right inside of Fashion Island, the food and ambiance transported me to a different place. I had a chance to speak with some of the local farmers that will be providing food to this new Whole Foods location, and customers will be overwhelmed with the quality of food that will be sold at this Whole Foods Market.
“Every Whole Foods Market location is unique to its community and this Newport Beach store will have something for everyone. Whether you work in the area and want to stop in for a natural and delicious lunch in our Back Bay Tavern, drop in to grab a refreshing tea drink after yoga class or just want to enjoy a glass of wine after shopping – this will be a great destination,” said Patrick Bradley, Regional President for Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region.
One of the most exciting features of the new store, is going to be the “valet service.” There will be a valet who will take your car when upon arrive at Whole Foods Market. After you are done checking out your groceries, they will load up your car with groceries, and then page you with a provided pager when your car is ready out front. There will also be go-carts available to take customers (and their groceries) to anywhere within the Fashion Island parking lot.
Whole Foods Market is going to be inviting the community to come to their official community “Bread Breaking Ceremony” to celebrate the Grand Opening on September 19th at 9am. The first 300 customers in line for the 9am ceremony will receive a complimentary demi-baguette. There will also be delicious food & wine tastings throughout the day, local vendor demonstrations, and more!
Whole Foods Newport Beach will be located at 415 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.
