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Chef/Restaurateur Mark McDonald

Chef Mark McDonald

Chef Mark McDonald is an internationally recognized chef, restaurant owner, and restaurant consultant.
Chef Mark’s passion for introducing unique foods and wines to customers is built on collaborating with winemakers, sommeliers, and culinary professionals from around the world. Chef Mark is frequently asked to judge or participate in international culinary competitions, and has been an invited presenter at gastronomy events and festivals in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Additionally, Mark developed and continues to lead the annual Splendors of South Italy tour, a culinary-driven trip through Calabria and Sicily that treats travelers to hands-on cooking lessons from master chefs, winery and agriturismo visits, and multi-course meals of regional cuisine.
In 2007 Chef Mark opened the award-winning restaurant, Old Vine Cafe, in Costa Mesa, CA. His menu offerings reflect a commitment to regionalism and the use of local seasonal ingredients, a hallmark of Chef Mark’s culinary training in southern Italy. Chef Mark studied at Laguna Culinary Arts before moving to Calabria, Italy to study under Master Chef John Nocita at the Italian Culinary Institute. Chef Mark also supports his local community, teaching cooking classes to both young “aspiring chefs” at local elementary schools, and adult students pursing professional culinary education.

Video Courtesy of Travel Costa Mesa

Travel Costa Mesa Chef Spotlight: Mark McDonald of Old Vine Cafe from Travel Costa Mesa on Vimeo.

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714.545.1411
Click for brunch
Since opening 10 years ago, Old Vine Café remains a favorite contemporary dining destination in Orange County. Guests of the European-inspired, wine-driven concept will find a seasonally driven menu in an elegantly casual atmosphere. Pair a mimosa, prepared with freshly-squeezed OJ, with one of Old Vine Cafe's stellar breakfast/brunch items which include a Goat Omelet (Slow Roasted Pulled Goat Shoulder, Pepper Jack Cheese & Green Onions), Caramel Apple French Toast (Caramel Apple French Toast Freshly Baked & garnished with a Caramel and Chocolate Swirl), and a Vegetarian Omelete (Zucchini, Spinach, Red Peppers, Gouda, Queso Fresco, and Tomatillo Salsa). Old Vine Kitchen & Bar Brunch
Click for Happy Hour
Old Vine is taking full advantage of their new bar! Happy Hour is available Tuesday-Friday and Sunday from 3-6pm. Happy hour deals include half-off bar bites like Borlotti Bean Dip, House-Baked Focaccia, and Queso Fundido made with gouda, queso fresco, pork sausage, pickled serrano chile, and house-fried tortilla chips. From shaken and refreshing drinks, such as an Aviation and a French 75, to stirred and spirit-forward libations including an Old Fashioned and a Negroni, guests can score $3 off Old Vine’s classic cocktails Additionally, there is also a Late Night Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday and Sunday from 10pm-12pm with $5 draft Hefeweizen Weihenstephaner and $9 Old Vine classic cocktails. The Aviation cocktail is a fan favorite, made with New Amsterdam Gin, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Tempest Fugit Creme de Violette, and fresh lemon. Pair your beverage with one of Chef Mark McDonald’s new Bar Bites (available until 11 pm).  
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