We’ve got a buffet of subjects for you this week. Pork instructional, beer sipping, movie screenings, fry munching and coffee all made the cut. Be on the lookout for our holiday roundups in upcoming weeks. You’ll be thanking us later.
Save the Dates: Newport Beach Film Festival
You can examine the list of hundreds of entries playing from April 26 to May 3, or narrow it down like we did by those that revolved around culinary pursuits. For example, Constructing Albert follows the life of one of the brothers who opened elBulli and his efforts to be known beyond it. Scotch – A Golden Dream documents the popularity of this potent spirit through travel and interviews. Cuban Food Stories explores one man’s search for culinary traditions. We’re also curious about the cultish popularity of the savory food of Ramen Heads. Search for ideas on films to watch by heading to their website early and scoring tickets. Bonus: We learned The CUT’s Chef Andres Dangond will be at the opening night after-party cooking up his upcoming project, Tacos by Dres, on a fancy 36″ Lynx All Trident Flametrak Grill. www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.
Masala Fries at ADYA – Irvine (only)
New to the UCI outpost of ADYA: Indian flavors extend to crisp, golden potatoes. Masala Fries can be ordered a trio of ways: CTM-style (Chicken Tikka Masala), Lamb Keema Fries and simply seasoned with Chefs Sandeep and Shachi’s blend of roasted cumin and other spices. We are partial to the deliciousness of lamb, but have no qualms about noshing on all of them. Pair it with ADYA’s Iced Masala Chai, and savor your 45-minute parking spot a little longer. 4213 Campus Dr., #P-166D, (949) 679-2299; www.adyaoc.com.
Pork 101 by Electric City Butcher – Santa Ana
If you are as serious about the pig as we are, this is a splurge well worth making. Their most popular class, Pork 101 is where you’ll learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about where your bacon comes from. Sourcing, identifying, breaking the piggy down and preparing popular cuts with the team at Electric City, including former On the Line subject Michael Puglisi. After attending a beef workshop, we can tell you firsthand it’ll be a memorable evening. Here’s the link to sign up for Thursday, April 26. 201 E. 4th St., (714) 474-9096; www.electriccitybutcher.com.
Earth Day Straws Screening – Long Beach
To celebrate this Sunday’s environmentally aware holiday, The Art Theatre will have a special screening of the documentary short, Straws. Promoting a sea of change, it’s estimated that over 500,000,000 plastic straws are consumed on a daily basis. Non-recyclable, they add to 8.5 metric tons of plastic debris found in the ocean annually. Immediately following the 10:30 a.m. screening, a question and answer panel with local Chef Paul Buchanan, Gladstone’s John Sangmeister and LBC resident Steve Rice (who removes thousands of straws from Long Beach beaches monthly) will commence. Be sure to join the cause and purchase a stainless steel, reusable straw from the Dine LBC website. 2025 E. 4th St., (562) 438-5435; www.arttheatrelongbeach.com.
Sessions Breakfast Club – all locations
When we visited the newest outpost of Sessions West Coast Deli in Irvine’s Woodbridge neighborhood, we were reminded that they’ve got a little something called The Breakfast Club going on. There isn’t a princess or nerd involved, but it does involve COFFEE. Purchase one of their reusable tumblers, and refuel at any Sessions location for the remainder of 2018 for $1. Yes, a buck. Hot cup of joe or cold brew? Try both. Now that’s a good deal. www.sessionswcd.com.
Kona Brewing Spotting – Costa Mesa/Carson?
In the past month, we spotted this particular brand in two places we never noticed before. And while it might not be our usual Orange County craft brew, we are open to trying most beers. The first random spot was during our visit to the reopening of Costa Mesa’s Orange County Market Place. We found a whole selection of Kona on tap (Not brand new, but we simply never realized it). If that’s not a little unusual, then coming across one at StubHub Center was even more random. Called the Kona Lanai, it’s available during LA Galaxy season, plus all public ticketed events. So if you or someone you know enjoys Liquid Aloha, look no further. 88 Fair Dr., (714) 557-0420; www.ocmarketplace.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.