We’ve got a buffet of options to indulge in this week. Phone apps, fast food and even Fernet made the cut. And yeah, we didn’t forget about Super Bowl Sunday. Check back next week for our lovely, Valentine’s-esque Grub Guide.
Furiwa Lunar New Year Dim Sum Pop Up – Irvine
We recently reported on the closure of Furiwa Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Garden Grove. Well, when one door closes, apparently a pop-up is right around the corner. If you are missing your weekend cart service, look no further than TWENTY EIGHT Restaurant this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Book your reservation now for a table between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Expect all your favorites and dim sum (Pun intended!), including hibiscus mimosas, cream cheese wontons, pickled cucumber and your choice of matcha or red bean “piggy” buns. 19530 Jamboree Rd., (949) 852-2828; www.furiwa.com.
Save the Date: Michael’s on Naples Bartender Competition – Long Beach
Fernet drinkers will want to pay close attention, as this is specially themed for you! Swing by the upstairs bar on Monday the 11th from 6-10 p.m. for some Amore Amaro. Some of the area’s best bartenders will be competing with Branca and Branca Menta-focused cocktails. Bonus: Uber codes will be provided for transportation to the event’s after party at Blind Donkey. See you there! 5620 E. 2nd St., (562) 439-7080; www.michaelsonnaples.com.
Good Grief! It’s Knott’s Peanuts Celebration – Buena Park
Occurring every weekend through March 10 (plus February 11, 15, and President’s Day, February 18), Knott’s guests will be able to immerse themselves in all things Peanuts gang. From a Woodstock-themed Sky Cabin called Bird’s Eye View to photo ops with Joe Cool-approved backdrops. Of course, we’re all about the tasty delights, like a Jelly Bean Funnel Cake and Charlie Brownies! Get your happy dance on and make a day of it. 8039 Beach Blvd., (714) 220-5200; www.knotts.com.
Del Taco Will Knock Your Socks Off (and Replace Them, Too!) – All locations
We all know an avid Del Taco fanatic, right? Feed their obsession with this special social media offer. The next time they dine at Del, make sure they order off the Mix2 Menu, which is a combination of nine different items. Take a photo, making sure to tag @DelTaco, and you become eligible to receive a pair of limited edition socks that match your order! It’s that simple. Of course, this is while supplies last. So set your Instagram account to Public and snap away! We’re more of a Cheddar Quesadilla and Classic Grilled Chicken Burrito kind of eater. www.deltaco.com.
Puesto Welcomes New Pastry Chef – Both Irvine locations
Chef Erik Aronow is ready to make a splash with Puesto’s next round of desserts. Launching next month, diners can indulge on a yummy Coconut Trifle (Don’t be fooled by its “dirty” presentation.), playful Mangoloco you gotta work for to enjoy, and a pretty Mexican Key Lime that incorporates liquid shortbread. To balance all the sweets, their Taco of the Month will get you tongue-tied with tomatillo and lengua. Did we mention the Tres Leches de Cafe? Oh, yeah! 3311 Michelson Dr., (949) 608-7272; www.eatpuesto.com.
BTW: There’s a Football Game Going On
If you’re looking for a spot to catch the Super Bowl, here are a couple of different options for you. Bayside Restaurant in Newport is serving draft beer at $3 off, plus your choice of New England-style Lobster Roll with green salad and fries, or Los Angeles-style Avocado Toast with Peppered Tuna Tataki. 900 Bayside Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 721-1222; www.baysiderestaurant.com. Over at the Slater’s 50/50 brand, both Huntington Beach and Anaheim Hills are having the same deal: $5 wings with any beer purchase. Served with veggies and bleu cheese, a few baskets of these and you’re good to go. The catch: You must use the Slater’s app on your phone to redeem. Time to start downloading. www.slaters5050.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.