If there was ever a week to get stuff done, it's now. We consider this the calm before the holiday storm. So before your calendar is booked with holiday commitments and parking is near impossible everywhere, follow our lead. Spread the word about an early Thanksgiving feast for those less fortunate. Pick up a ramen pass and bottle of wine. Get your Grub Guide on, people!
Beaujolais wine tasting at Moulin – Newport Beach/Laguna Beach
Tonight's the night when Beaujolais Nouveau is adored and popped open at both Moulin locations. Made from 100% Gamay grapes in France, they are celebrating the wine's release by enjoying it at its prime— sooner rather than later. Stop by Newport between 5:30-9 p.m., and for $39 savor all-you-can-drink (we kid you not) Beaujolais with your steak frites. While steak frites aren't on the Laguna menu, you can still snag a bottle of your own and party along.
Thanksgiving Harvest Feast – Santa Ana
Our friend Jason Mercado of Sweet Mission Cookie Company/4th Street Market has joined forces with Kristi's Hope and other worthy causes to host an early turkey feast this Saturday. Individuals and families who could benefit from a hot meal are welcome to stop by Newsong Church at 1010 17th Street in Santa Ana between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. for eats, music, a bounce house for kidlets, crafts and more. Spread the word to those less fortunate, and help make someone's Saturday a little brighter.
Chef Anne Burrell at The Walking Company – Costa Mesa
Come celebrate the grand re-opening of this store at its new location on the second level of South Coast Plaza's Macy*s Home Store Wing, right by the escalator. What does this have to do with food? Well, Anne Burrell, co-host of Worst Cooks in America will be present this Saturday from 1-3 p.m. signing cookbooks to give away. Munch on her “Taylor Swift-approved” chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies after you sign up for the raffle to win ABEO footwear for a year (Anne's the brand ambassador).
Turkey giveaway by Chef Bruno Serato – Anaheim
Tis the season for giving, as Anaheim White House's own Chef Bruno visits the Anaheim Boys and Girls Club tonight at 5 p.m. to spread some holiday cheer. If families cannot make Saturday at Newsong (see second listing), then do encourage them to stop by 1260 North Riviera Street in Anaheim this evening. Underprivileged kids and their families will be treated to their very own Thanksgiving turkey, as chef will have 100 birds to hand out.
Yogurtland two-fer: Participating locations
Select Yogurtland locations throughout Orange County and beyond are taking part in their inaugural Customer Appreciation Weekend. Outlets at UC Irvine, Seal Beach (The Shops at Rossmoor), Fullerton and Huntington Beach (Edinger Plaza) will sell $5 “Unlimited” cups this Saturday. Then on Sunday, it's all about the BOGO: Buy One, Get One FREE! If you can't hit any of those locations, you can still treat yourself to their new Trolls-themed flavors through December 21. Tastes include Biggie's Frosted Cookie, DJ Suki's Cranberry Raspberry Tart and Branch's Peanut Butter Caramel.
Dine50 Ramen Pass – Stanton and Tustin
What exactly is a Ramen Pass? Well, purchase one for $3, and from now through November 30 indulge on cheap noodles. While almost all locations are in LA county, we did spot a few local joints. For instance, hit up Gomen in Stanton for a tonkotsu style with salt and green onion made extra spicy for $4.38. And how about some chicken miso ramen for $3.90 at Kaminaria Yakitori in Tustin? Of course, there are detailed hours to follow, but if you die for ramen . . .
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.