There are many ways to support a cause, but our favorite involves food. Here’s a quick rundown of some local events and specials, including a few ways to put your hard-earned cashola to good use.
MaxLove Project App-Off – Irvine
Although this Saturday’s Farm to Fork dinner at Tanaka Farms is all but sold out, their pre-dinner festivities aren’t. Nicknamed the App-Off, folks can sample, mingle and vote for their favorite small bite of the night. Participating chefs include Zov Karamardian of Zov’s Restaurants, Michael Puglisi of Electric City Butcher, Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub and Cathy McKnight of Eilo. Our interview with Audra of MaxLove Project is found here, and your ticket link is on this page. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. 5380 3/4 University Dr, (949) 653-2100; www.tanakafarms.com.
Re-opening of Farmstand 59 – Long Beach
Our friends at Farm Lot 59 are back with their fresh produce starting this Saturday. Get in your board shorts and muumuu dress (not required) and head on over for some Hawaiian bbq, island dancing, chill vibes and seasonal farm shopping. Stock up on free range eggs, freshly baked baguettes and more from local farms and vendors. They’ll be open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 2714 California Ave; www.farmlot59.org.
Bracken’s Kitchen & Slapfish September Fundraiser – Huntington Beach
There’s still time to participate in a special promotion by Chefs Bill Bracken and Andrew Gruel. The end goal is to raise upwards of $10,000 for Bracken’s Kitchen to purchase an additional luxe lonchera to help with compassionate feeding and “Catering for a Cause”. To quote Bill from our On the Line interview with him a year ago,
“Having worked in luxury hotels for the past 30 years, I wanted to cook and serve the same quality of food for those people who are struggling and in need. At the end of the day, we are running a catering kitchen that is no different than the hotel kitchens that I have led over the years. The only difference is our guests do not have the means to pay for their food.”
Diners have two ways to support the cause. Option one is to donate $10 towards Bracken’s Kitchen via their website before the 30th. As a thank you, you’ll receive a notoriously tasty, signature Lobster Roll when you bring your receipt to the flagship Slapfish location in Huntington Beach. As for the second option, take a gander at the photo above. This is the Sweet Pow Shrimp & Lobster Bowl. Have one of these before the end of the month, and Slapfish will donate half of all sales of this particular menu item to Bracken’s Kitchen. Everyone benefits, so what are you waiting for? Oh, the address! 19696 Beach Blvd, (714) 963-3900; www.slapfishrestaurant.com.
Pulutan Hour at Irenia – Santa Ana
Did you know the bar is the place to be at Irenia these days? They recently launched Pulutan Hour Tuesday through Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday from 10-11 p.m.). De-stress and decompress after a long day with dollar discounts on cocktails and beer. We’re ready to order their specially-priced crispy Dilis, addictive Lumpia and Spicy Banana Ketchup Wings— all for $5. See you after work. 400 N Broadway, (657) 245-3466; www.ireniarestaurant.com.
North Italia Community Dinner – Irvine
Explore different regions of Italy via North Italia’s recurring dinners.Their final one for 2017 pertains to the area of Marche. Chef Adam Brown’s four-course feast includes filled pasta with taleggio cheese, prosciutto and braised greens. We also spotted a veal course, plus an elaborate cheese platter to finish.Tickets are going for $65, and your dinner includes wine pairings. Mangia! 2957 Michelson Dr, (949) 629-7060; www.northitaliarestaurant.com.
Andrei’s New Brunch and Fundraiser – Irvine
We found two reasons to stop by Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine this Saturday. First, they just began serving brunch. Pork Belly Frittata, Salmon Breakfast Toast, Chilaquiles and Pigs ‘N A (Lemon Ricotta) Blanket are a few highlights. Excuse us while we do a happy dance. Secondly, 100% of their bottomless mimosa option and 25% of all brunch and dinner sales that day will go to The American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with dinner from 5-9 p.m. that day. Text a friend and get your brunch/dinner on. 2607 Main St, (949) 387-8887; www.andreisrestaurant.com.
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.