Retail Therapy: See our sailors off to sea
Set sail for Newport: Visitors are welcome to view the 65th Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race starting at 11 a.m. April 25 off the Balboa Pier. The last boat is expected to pass by at 1:30 p.m. More than 130 boats enter the competition, which involves a world-famous, 125-mile overnight race. Information: (949) 644-1023 or newporttoensenada.com.
Wine with a view: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar opened a second location this week, at 3131 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. The sophisticated décor and contemporary California cuisine have been a strong draw at the concept’s first location, in the District at Tustin Legacy. The new location will boast ocean views, a dining patio, a cigar patio and a stone-and-wood interior. Eight certified sommeliers will be on staff. The restaurant will be open for dinner only, seven days a week. Information: (949) 999-6622 or visit thewineryrestaurant.net.
A recipe for celebration: Antonello Ristorante, 3800 Plaza Drive, in South Coast Plaza Village, will offer a special Passover menu through April 22. The three-course, prix fixe menu includes a choice of salad or matzo ball soup; lamb chops, lamb osso buco or duck ravioli; and ricotta chocolate tart for dessert at $39 per person. For reservations, call (714) 751-7153 or visit antonello.com.
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Enjoy an eggcellent Easter with any of these options:
Affordable
Easter hunt for grown-ups: Blackmarket Bakery will hide five eggs throughout The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, each day through Saturday this week. The eggs may contain coupons for free pastries, shirts, Keán Coffee and more. Information: blackmarketbakery.com.
Easter with spice: Join Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill at South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, for brunch starting at 11 a.m. Brunch fare will include a breakfast quesadilla, breakfast enchilada, spinach and wild mushroom omelet, pork verde and eggs, and migas, all priced under $15. Try the make-your-own-drink bar, where for $4 you can craft the perfect Bloody Mary, Bloody Maria, mimosa or screwdriver. Information: (714) 979-7469 or ztejas.com.
Easter on the beach: The Deck on Laguna Beach, 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, will offer an extensive brunch menu, with baked goods on each table, appetizers ranging from oysters on the half shell to lobster bisque and cake desserts. Entrees include blueberry pancakes and Laguna cioppino. Reservations: (949) 494-6700. Information: thedeckonlaguna.com.
Mid-range
Easter with good taste: Fig & Olive will host a three-course prix-fixe brunch for $40 per person, including appetizer choices like lobster bisque, vegetable quiche or a fig and gorgonzola tartlet; a main course from options that include crab cake Benedict and roasted rack of lamb; and a chocolate cake for dessert. Reservations: (212) 924-1200. Information: figandolive.com.
Easter on the green: Pop by the Oak Creek Café in the Oak Creek Golf Club, 1 Golf Club Drive, Irvine, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an al fresco brunch, which will include made-to-order omelets, waffles, pancakes and a carving station. Each family will have a complimentary photo taken. The meal is $47 per adult or $20 per child ages 5 to 11. Kids 4 and under are free. Included are bottomless mimosas, champagne, coffee, juice and sodas.
Luxe
Easter around the globe: Join Sapphire Laguna, 1200 S. Coast Hwy., for a gourmet three-course brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning with a trio of pre-selected tapas. Many entrée options are available, including traditional choices like eggs Benedict, plus crispy Thai snapper salad, Dungeness crab-filled Lock Evite salmon and braised lamb shank osso bucco. Dessert will be the diner’s choice. The meal ranges from $48 to $68 per person; kids’ half portions will be half price. Information and reservations: (949) 715-9888 or sapphirelaguna.com.
Easter by the bay: Back Bay Bistro, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, will offer a decadent champagne-included brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring carving stations, an omelette bar and a seafood buffet. The Easter Bunny will take photos with kids. The meal is $75 for adults and $35 for youngsters ages 12 and under. Reservations are required. Call (949) 729-1144 or visit backbaybistronewportbeach.com for more information.
Easter and all that jazz: The Island Hotel will host a brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring live jazz music and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Dining options include a build-your-own-pancake bar, a carving station, made-to-order eggs and a chilled seafood bar. The meal is $85 per adult, $29 per child ages 5 to 12, and complimentary for children 4 and under. Information and reservations: (949) 760-4920.
Easter with all the trimmings: The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, will offer a traditional brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Mar Vista grand ballroom. Included for children will be an Easter egg hunt, face-painting, balloon-shaping and a visit with the Easter Bunny on the rotunda lawn. The meal and activities are $115 per adult, $55 per child ages 5 to 12, and complimentary for kids under 5. Andrea, Pelican Grill and the Coliseum Pool & Grill will offer meals. Reservations and information: (855) 467-6800 or pelicanhill.com.