Great Taste Magazine

www.mimiscafe.com/

CuisineType : French, French Bistro

(Posted Feb. 2012) Mimi’s Cafe Goes Red. Starting in February, American Heart Month, Mimi’s Cafe is giving a piece of its heart to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement. The neighborhood Bistro inspired by France is the first-ever restaurant to nationally support the effort. Go Red For Women is dedicated to fighting heart disease, the number one killer of women, and harnessing the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out the disease.Mimi’s is activating its heartfelt campaign on National Wear Red Day, February 3.

Guests who show their support by wearing red will receive a FREE cup of soup with any purchase to warm their heart. And throughout the month, guests will be invited to join in the fight against heart disease in women. For every $1 donation, guests can post a red heart-shaped tribute card on the giant in-restaurant red dress display. With a $5 donation, guests will also receive a commemorative red dress lapel pin. As a thank you for these donations, Mimi’s will provide each guest with up to $35 in savings.

Seacliff Country Club
6501 Palm Ave,
CA-92648
(562) 985-4493
https://cf.papubs.csulb.edu/hfhm/

CuisineType : American

10th Annual Cal State University Long Beach, Hospitality Food Service & Hotel Management Golf Tournament!

Event includes:

-Golf

-Banquet

-Mixer & Silent Auction

Come take part in a tournament with a cause. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for deserving students.

Tournament & Banquet: $195.00

($42 Tax Deductible)

Banquet Only: $50.00

($25 Tax Deductible)

*Deadline for entries is April 5th.

For more information visit: http://csulb.edu/hfhmgolftournament

ElderHelp
910 Broadway Circle,
CA-92101

CuisineType : Winery, Other

Take a trip back in time to the roaring 1920s at Prohibition: Wine & Dine.

Join guys and dolls at San Diego’s hottest new joint for the year’s most talked about event.

to the sounds of the 20s on the non-stop dance floor, indulge in tastings from premium wine and food purveyors and bid on items at the exciting silent auction.

Learn the secret “password” and gain access into the local speakeasy, where you can enjoy specially handcrafted prohibition era cocktails and try out your luck on the casino game floor.

Tickets are currently on sale and pricing goes as follows:

$150 in advance, $200 at the door

Proceeds from the event enables ElderHelp, a San Diego-based non-profit, to provide support services to San Diego’s growing population of seniors to help them remain independent in their own homes.

Beef Palace
18381 Goldenwest St (So. of Ellis),
CA-92648
714-328-8661
www.waggintrails.org

CuisineType : BBQ

Waggin' Trails – a non profit rescue transit bus operated by "A Leg Up" Pet Rescue is saving the lives of hundreds of shelter animals each month by delivering them to areas with less impacted shelters who have adorptive families waiting to provide forever homes for these pets. In an effort to continue this operation, partner vineyards, wineries, restaurantrs, supermarkets, retailers and hotels have generously assisted the group in presenting fabulous annual events in So. Cal as well as the Bay area. The Annual Pups N Pinot (www.pupsnpinot.com ) and the new www.waggintrails.org fund these efforts. Rescue Roundup is the more family friendly event featuring pony rides, outdoor BBQ, wine tasting from the areas finest vintners, VIP Reception Area, crafts, Laker Girls, fabulous silent auction, live band, line dancing lessons and free souvenirs. Family package plans start at $60 & tickets are only $25 per adult in advance and for this all – inclusive price you can't find a better value.

Shades @ Hilton Waterfront
21100 Pacific Coast Highway,
CA-92648
714-845-8494

CuisineType : American

Soroptimists of Huntington Beach, (a worldwide service organization) will co-host with renowned Chef Jeff Littlefield's Sommolier and culinary team to present a casual evening featuring 4 flights of wines, specifically chosen for this informal, relaxing experience. Wines are paired with tasty bites. Other fare is available and guests can arrive at their leisure, sit in their own groups any time from 530-830pm and for on $25 enjoy it all and receive complimentary valet parking. Reservations for this event are not required bt are suggested. All proceeds are raising funds for the Project Self Sufficiency Foundation of Huntington Beach – a program that assists single parent families to successful independence.

For more information on the events or organizations call 714-488-7800.

Old Ranch Country Club
3901 Lampson Ave,
CA-90740
9496773404
www.ocfwc.com

CuisineType : Continental, Winery, Other

On Saturday afternoon, April 21st, Guests will spend a Saturday afternoon sampling premium wine and delicious hors d’ouvres. Purchase wine tasted at special prices. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the fabulous grounds of Old Ranch Country Club. Sunday evening, April 22nd, a dining extravaganza takes place, with 15 leading Orange County Chefs & Restaurants. Guests will savor a sumptuous five-course gourmet meal paired with fine wines, prepared tableside by one of our premier chefs. The event also includes musical entertainment (Sam Curo and Inferno) and an extensive upscale live and silent auction, showcasing rare & exotic wines and featuring adventures throughout the world.

www.ihoppancakeday.com

CuisineType : Breakfast, Pancakes/Waffles

IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, will once again invite guests to enjoy free pancakes while supporting a worthy cause as part of the company’s philanthropic National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Setting its most ambitious fundraising objective yet at $2.7 million, the family-friendly restaurant chain hopes that this seventh year will be lucky for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

On National Pancake Day, more than 1,500 IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will serve each guest a free short stack of IHOP’s signature buttermilk pancakes all day long, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In return, guests are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to support the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital or another local charity. Guest donations have helped Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals purchase equipment and fund a variety of life-saving procedures and treatments for seriously ill or injured children.

Participating IHOP restaurants will also raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during the month of February through the sale of “Miracle Balloons” for $1 and $5 each. Personalized and displayed in the restaurants, Miracle Balloons offer guests an additional way to show their support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and contribute to the IHOP National Pancake Day fundraising effort. Guests who purchase a $5 Miracle Balloon will receive a coupon good for $5 off their next visit with a $20 purchase.

2087 Broadway,
CO-81507
970-628-8003
www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org

CuisineType : Fine Dining, Winery, Other

Indulge in a journey of eight cleverly crafted SAVORY appetizers created with the Girl Scout's world famous cookies prepared by the Grand Valley's most talented chefs. Each custom creation will be expertly paired with a Colorado wine or specialty cocktail courtesy of Crossroads Wine & Spirits' Sommelier, Monty Haltiner.

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts and this signature event raises the necessary funds to provide Girl Scouting to girls in Western Colorado, building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.Enjoy great food, great wine for a great cause. What a fabulous experience for adults to enjoy Girl Scout cookies in a whole new way. Tickets are only $35. You can obtain them by calling 970-242-4461 or email cindi.graves@gscolorado.org.

Erbe Matte
340 North Canon Drive,
CA-90210
(310) 273-6500
www.erbematte.com

CuisineType : Italian, Korean

Celebrate the Arrival of Erbe Matte in Beverly Hills

Savor the Modern and Traditional Italian Cuisine

and

Support the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research

*RSVP by January 16th:

events@jlivingmag.com

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Highway,
CA-92648
714-842-6600
www.cspinc.org

CuisineType : Other

(Jan. 2011) Support CSP's Huntington Beach Youth Shelter as we celebrate our second annual "Love Grows by Giving" wine tasting fundraiser. Our guests will be offered a unique selection of wines, wine education, beer sampling from Karl Strauss, food & wine pairings from local fine dining restaurants, live music, and a silent auction. Enjoy a wonderful evening while making a difference in our community. Call or email to purchase tickets.

$40 per individual & $75 per couple.

JOIN MCKENNA'S IN CELEBRATING ST. NICHOLAS DAY, TUESDAY DEC. 6TH

Continuing the Tradition Initiated By Legends & Mums of Giving to the Children

St. Nick, known as the Patron Saint of Children & Giving of Gifts, was born of wealthy Parents. Upon their passing, St. Nick devoted all his inheritance and life to assisting children, the needy & sick & suffering.

COMPLIMENTARY BUFFET

LUNCH NOON-3PM

HAPPY HOUR COCKTAIL PRICES ALL DAY!

Please Bring a New Unwrapped Toy or A Monetary Contribution for St. Nick to Purchase a Gift on Your Behalf.

LIVING THE DREAM FOUNDATION TOY DRIVE

Accepting Toys for Children Spending their Christmas at Long Beach Memorial Hospital & Children's Hospital of OC

*Donations Accepted Through December 19th, Ages Infant-18yrs

To Learn More about the Living the Dream Foundation visit: www.livingthedreamfoundation.org

McKenna's on the Bay
190 N. Marina Drive,
CA-90803
(562) 342-9411
www.mckennasonthebay.com/

CuisineType : Cal Coast

CASINO ROYALE THEMED NEW YEAR’S EVE BOND BASH

PLANNED AT SHADE HOTEL MANHATTAN BEACH

Event Tickets And Room Packages Available

A Percentage Of Proceeds Will Benefit The Roundhouse Aquarium

Get out your Bond-chic attire for New Year’s Eve! The Condé Nast Hot List-rated Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach will host a festive James Bond-inspired Casino Royale-themed New Year’s Eve bash December 31, 2011. The event will feature an extensive selection of expertly prepared hors d’oeuvres by the hotel’s noted Executive Chef Greg Hozinsky, casino-style gaming tables, a VIP poker lounge, a live DJ, dancing and a champagne toast countdown to 2012. The party starts at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $75 per person. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Roundhouse Aquarium located on the Manhattan Beach Pier.

For those who wish to “take an elevator home” and celebrate all night long, Shade Hotel is offering a special Casino Royale New Year’s Eve guestroom package for the night of December 31, which includes a Deluxe Spa Room a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, New Year’s Eve party favors and two tickets to the Casino Royale New Year’s Eve event. Guests will also receive a complimentary beach breakfast buffet, use of beach cruiser bicycles, Wifi and access to the nearby Equinox Gym. The package is based on availability and is $599 for double occupancy.

Shade Hotel
1221 North Valley Drive,
Ca-90266
(310) 698-5560
www.shadehotel.com

CuisineType : American

The 2012 Taste of Huntington Beach

When: Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 12 Noon to 4 PM

Where: HB Sports Complex; 18100 Goldenwest (at Talbert) across the parking lot from the HB Public Library

Why: Proceeds benefit the Children's Department of the HB Public Library

Questions? Email info@TasteHB.com
 
What to do : For one all-inclusive ticket price, you can:
Feast on unlimited tastes of food from your favorite local eateries
Sip on samples of wine and beer from premium California wineries and craft breweries
Meet new people and catch-up with fun-loving old friends!
Bid on silent auction baskets filled with goods and services from local businesses
Listen and dance to our top-notch live entertainment all afternoon
Buy tickets to win one of our great raffle prizes
Stop by the sponsor and vendor booths and talk to our Taste supporters
 
Since 2002, The Friends of the Children's Library and the HB Restaurant Association have helped the Taste raise over $300,000 for the HB Children's Library!

Taste of Huntington Beach
18100 Goldenwest,
CA-92646
www.tastehb.com/index.html

Let your kids show off their culinary creativity.

Keiki Gingerbread Event

Sunday, December 11th, 11:30 am

Here's a chance to let your Keiki show off his or her Gingerbread house-making creativity. Enjoy a festive lunch as the little ones build and decorate their own Gingerbread masterpiece. And, if you donate a new, unwrapped toy, you'll receive $5 off* your child's meal. It promises to be a fun, family event full of Holiday Spirit and Aloha attitude.

Please call (949) 640-7697 for reservations.

*One $5 discount per Keiki. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
453 Newport Center Drive,
CA-92660
(949) 640-7697
www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/CA/newport_beach.asp

CuisineType : Hawaiian

Fast becoming a yearly tradition, the 3rd Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl is set for Saturday, December 17, 2011. The Holiday Spirit prevailed last year with over 3,000 participants raising enough food for 21,000 meals. Throughout the night, over 20 bars and restaurants will come together to raise money for those in need during the holidays through a partnership with the Westside Food Bank. Participating locations will offer drink and food specials as part of the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl festivities. To sign up, crawlers can go to www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

This year, crawlers are asked to pay a $10 donation/entrance fee for a special wristband, which allows them access to the drink and food specials at each official location, entrance to the Official After Party (to be announced) and enters them into a massive raffle to win dozens of amazing prizes. They are also encouraged to drop off canned food items throughout the month of December at the Westside Food Bank where they can collect their wristbands in advance (1710 22nd St. Santa Monica, CA 90404) to avoid delays the night of the event. SANTA Monica Pub Crawl participants must dress in Santa/Holiday attire so the streets of Santa Monica will be filled with merry cheer.

The Pub Crawl will include bars on Wilshire, 4th St., Broadway, Main St, the Pier and the Third Street Promenade. This year, there will be a SANTA Monica Pub Crawl Mobile App that people can download to get a complete list of bars, routes, specials, pub crawl updates and more. The Big Blue Bus will also be selling unlimited bus passes for $4.00 on the pub crawl Web site.

The SANTA Monica Pub Crawl is a community event and encourages responsible drinking by participants. When taking part in any events that involve drinking, always keep safety first. Don't DRINK and DRIVE and assign a designated driver at the beginning of the night, call a taxi, or use public transportation. For a complete list of bars, pub crawl maps, routes, bus stops, updates, or to download the mobile app, please visit the official SMPC Web site at www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

2011 BARS: Rusty's Surf Ranch, Big Dean's, Old Kings Head, Pourtal Wine Bar, Brittania, Harvelle's, W. 4th Jane, Wokcano, Main on Main, Yankee Doodles, Cabo Cantina, Renee's, V Lounge, Angel's Piano Bar, Sonny McCleans, SOUTH, O'Briens Irish Pub on Main, Circle Bar, O'Briens on Wilshire, Joe's Pizza

2011 SPONSORS: Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Buy Local, Jack FM, Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Big Blue Bus, Yellow Cab, Yelp.com, MenusGoMobile, Skuuzi, VivaLAFoodies.com

Celebrating 10 Years of Jazz

The Ocean Institute's popular Jazz Event fundraiser combines renowned jazz artists with an elegant evening of dinner, cocktails and auctions. This year's event will showcase Rick Braun and friends featuring Mindi Abair and David Benoit.

Wine Reception 6:30 – 7:30PM

Concert 7:30PM

Friday is opening night and features a concert performance for 290 guests who will enjoy a variety of complimentary wines from Pear Valley Vineyards, appetizers from Il Fornaio and desserts from Balboa Dessert Company.

For more information such as menu, price and entertainment visit: www.ocean-institute.org or call Natasha Berendzen, Director of Development, at 949-496-2274 x412

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr,
Ca-92629
(949) 496-2274 x412
www.ocean-institute.org

CuisineType : American, French

West Los Angeles VA Campus
11301 Wilshire Blvd,
Ca-90073
(866) 955-8387
vchevent.org

CuisineType : American

19th Annual Veterans' Holiday Celebration

Join VCH Veterans as they honor and thank our Veterans and active duty personnel.

Event Includes:

Great Fun, Delicious food, and Live Entertainment.

Entertainment provided by: Jim Belushi & The Sacred Heart Band

For more information please contact:

(866) 955-8387 or

Info@vchevent.org

Chapter One: the modern local
227 North Broadway,
CA-92701
714.352.2225
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199747416768841

CuisineType : American

BLEND Wine & Beer Mixer at Chapter One: the modern local Nov. 16th

Join us on Wednesday, November 16th to bring in the fall season with BLEND and enjoy some great drinks and appetizers!

The event will take place at Chapter One: the modern local, in the Downtown Historic Santa Ana Artists Village.

Enjoy your pick of two wine or beer tastings & three appetizers for $30, as well as a chance to win one of many great raffle prizes during the night. Socialize, network, and have fun at OC Weekly’s “Best New Restaurant” of 2011 with lots of laughs and great conversation!

Proceeds support the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana, and Chapter One: the modern local will be donating a large portion of the proceeds to the club as well. Space is limited.

To RSVP, go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199747416768841 AND be sure to email blend@boysandgirlsclub.com with your name/guests. Don’t wait- now is the time to “give back one glass at a time!”

Cheers, we will see you there!

P.S.If you’d like to extend your time after the mixer at Chapter one: the modern local, you will be welcomed to:-a waived corkage fee if you bring in your own bottle-specials on glasses of various wines-1/2 off the purchase of a bottle of wine.

The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau will host its second annual culinary event, ‘Laguna Beach a la Carte – A Food & Wine Experience,’ Thursday–Sunday, March 8-11, 2012. Guests will experience world-class cuisine, prix-fixe menus, chefs tables, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations, food & wine pairings and special offers by local restaurateurs … taking place at various locations over four special days.

"Laguna Beach has recently welcomed several new restaurants to town, which will add to our already impressive culinary offerings,” said Judith Bijlani,President & CEO of the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau.This event is a culmination of food and wine experiences throughout town, and is anchored by the signature event on Saturday, March 10: a three-hour celebration on the Festival of Arts grounds, benefitting CHOC Children’s Hospital. Wine tastings presented by Laguna Culinary Arts and vintners from regions throughout California, culinary samplings from many Laguna Beach restaurants, live entertainment, and an art exhibitare all part of the festivities planned. This event is expected to draw 1,000+ people.

“We will showcase the best-of-the-best with a four-day celebration, by bringing people together to enjoy inventive cuisine paired with superb wine offerings," saidKaryn Philippsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Laguna Beach Visitors &Conference Bureau.

Detailed information to come at www.lagunabeachfoodies.com.

Come help kick off the launch of author and award-winning illustrator Dave Stolte's new book "Home Bar Basics (and Not-So-Basics)," a concise, pocket-sized, 112-page guidebook to setting up a home cocktail bar with an emphasis on history, quality, and craft at 320 Main in Seal Beach on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 7:00 pm.

$10 at the door.

$5 cocktails from the book will be served alongside free small bites from 320 Main's acclaimed menu. Raffle prizes include a basic bar kit from Hi-Time Wine Cellars, wine from the boutique Miramonte Winery, a one-on-one homebrew session with Topanga Brewing Company, Moscow Mule mugs filled with 320 Main drink tokens, framed cocktail art by Dave Stolte, and more.

All profits from sales of the book at this event and your $10 door entry will benefit CureDuchenne to help raise research funds for and build awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Spirits at the event will be sponsored by Bulleit Whiskey.

320 Main
320 Main St,
CA-90740
562.799.6246
www.320mainsealbeach.com

CuisineType : American, Sandwiches, Seafood, Steak

THE LONGEST RUNNING PRE-THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE & PRE-TURKEY DAY BASH, TURKEY SOUP RETURNS TO THE WESTSIDE SATURDAY, NOV. 19TH AT WOKCANO

Raising Money for Westside Food Bank in the Most Fun Way Possible!

Complimentary Hors D'Oeuvres 9-10:30 and Music by DJ Hapa

What: The longest running pre-Thanksgiving food drive returns to the Westside for the TURKEY SOUP 2011. This pre-turkey day charity bash is put on to raise money for Westside Food Bank & help feed the less fortunate over the holidays. Festivities include complimentary hors d'oeuvres 9:00PM-10:30PM, music by DJ Hapa 9:00PM-2:00AM and more at the Wokcano, the hottest multi-level, outdoor nightclub and restaurant on the Westside. Tickets are $5.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door or a minimum donation of five canned food items. Tickets are available at http://turkeysoup2011.eventbrite.com/.

Where: Wokcano, 1413 5th Street Santa Monica, CA 90401

When: Saturday, November 19, 2011 9:00PM-2:00AM 9:00PM-10:30PM Complimentary hor d'oeuvres 9:00PM-2:00AM DJ Hapa on the decks

Who: Spin PR, Three Day Rule, Mix It Up LA, Pacq Productions and Wokcano

Admission: $5.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door or a minimum donation of five canned food items.

Tickets are available at http://turkeysoup2011.eventbrite.com/. Dinner reservations available by calling 310.458.3080. Bottle Service and Tables are available by calling 310.497.6324.

Wokano
1413 5th street,
CA-90401
(310) 458-3080
turkeysoup2011.eventbrite.com/

CuisineType : American

An event for the one percent—with room for the other 99. This is an evening of FIVE c’s: caviar, charity, cuisine, champagne, and classical music, a multi-course repast prepared by one of the world’s top chefs interspersed with live musical performances as well as education. A caviar lover’s paradise, the event benefits The Harold Robinson Foundation. It also features exotic foods guest will simply NOT be able to find ANYWHERE else, including: a smoked alligator, an actual sturgeon from which Osetra caviar is harvested, and a giant Alaskan smoked salmon.

The meal will be helmed by Marcel Vigneron, considered one of the country’s top chefs and among its foremost exponents of “molecular gastronomy.” Vigneron was the second-season runner-up on Top Chef. Vigneron, who’s worked alongside chefs ranging from Joel Robuchon to Michael Mina, got his own show on the SyFy Channel this year called Marcel's Quantum Kitchen.

The Harold Robinson Foundation, based in Los Angeles, is dedicated to enriching the lives of inner city and underprivileged children by providing them the means, free of costs, to attend a safe, nurturing and non-competitive camp environment where they will experience nature and participate in diverse recreational programs designed to strengthen confidence and independence, build character and develop leadership skills.

Address available upon credentialed RSVP
CA-90077
310-285-5321
bit.ly/t1qtmm

CuisineType : Fine Dining, Seafood

This year we will honor five special people:

Curt and Alexis Pringle,
Stan and Teresa Powloski,
and the passing of Mark Minassian.

Tree Lighting & Dedication at 7pm
Dinner to immediately follow.

The evenening is an affair to remember and always sold out, so please sign up as soon as possible – no later than Friday, November 11th.

Please bring an unwrapped toy that will be given to the motel children of Caterina's Club. If you haven't made arrangements for your holiday party yet, call (714) 772-1381 now to check for availability.

Anaheim White House
887 S. Anaheim Blvd.,
CA-92805
(714) 772-1381

Join us for Share Our Selves 21st Annual Celebrity Chef Dinner, "A Celebration of Service." The event features and exquisite five course dinner prepared by a group of outstanding local chefs who are committed to providing for the poor in Orange County. Each delicious course is paired with specialty wines. The evening also includes a silent auction, and a live auction where chefs will offer exciting one of a kind dining packages. Proceeds from the event benefit the SOS Orange Aid Project which collects retrievable food from restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and caterers to distribute to homeless and low income Orange County residents.