Can you believe we’re nearly half-way through the year? Neither can we. While we have a love for all things wine and cocktails, we’re even more excited about helping a local cause. Pick what suits your taste and have at it. We’ll be in the corner eating cheese.
Eating With the Seasons at Farm Lot 59 – Long Beach
Shopping for fresh produce is great; it’s the part where we have to prep and cook something cool that gets us good. Our friends over at LBC’s Farm Lot 59 are offering a $10 course on shopping for produce that includes two demo recipes for you to try at home. Presented by Aliye Aydin of A Good Carrot, she’ll be ready for you. 2714 California Ave., www.farmlot59.org.
The Dub Celebrates World Cup – Tustin
Dubbing themselves as Orange County’s World Cup Headquarters, pull up a barstool for some football action. The Auld Dubliner is airing ALL the games (often with food and/or drink specials). Also, bring a soccer ball to add to the ginormous pint glass outside, and you’ll receive a coupon good for a $5 pint, as well as be entered into a raffle for some surprises. All balls will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Tustin. 2497 Park Ave., (714) 259-1562; www.tustin.thedubpubs.com.
Five Crowns Celebrates Summer with Rodney Strong – Corona del Mar
Dine al fresco on June 28, as Chef Alejandra creates a lovely five-course pairing meal to benefit the CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees) charity. Think Grilled Octopus Salad, Short Rib and Chocolate Blackout Cake! Clear your calendar and find tickets over here. $65 never sounded so good. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., (949) 258-7288; www.thefivecrowns.com
Lobsterfest Tix Now On Sale – Newport Beach
This is one of those “picture speaks a thousand words” moments. Save August 5th, because that’s when the feeding frenzy goes down at Newport Dunes! Maine lobsters are flown in the day of, and it’s a sunny afternoon of live music and good eats. General admission tix are $75; All-you-can-eat ones are $150. So if you can polish off more than two shellfish, we say go balls out. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Orange County and Inland Empire, as well as Leadership Tomorrow – Orange County. Come celebrate this 10th annual fundraiser (and be sure to pack a hat or sunscreen). 1131 Back Bay Dr., (949) 729-3863; www.lobsterfestatnewportbeach.com.
You Didn’t Purchase Tickets To Yesterday’s OC Weekly Event?
The sold out event at Irvine Spectrum Marriott that benefited Children’s Hospital of Orange County? Where for $10, you received a lovely beverage from Hive & Honey, appetizers and the possibility of excellent raffle prizes? Well, that sucks to be you. But we’ve got another opportunity for you to be charitable. Mark July 25, because that’s when the next Cocktails for a Cause is popping up. The where is Trevor’s at the Tracks in San Juan Capistrano. We’re coming for you, South County! Stay tuned. . .
Travel Issue Bonus – Valley Craft Gelato & Cailloux Cheese Shop – Santa Ynez Valley
Our Travel issue is in stands and online now, and we had the opportunity to roadtrip around Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, Los Alamos and Santa Ynez. However, we saved a couple of gems just for the blog. First up, killer gelato from Valley Craft. The places we stayed at offered delicious chilled treats, but we chose this particular brand because they’re not only produced locally, but they will deliver to you. Think flavors can be as unique as loquat and limoncello to classics like gelato al cioccolato. Follow owner and gelato maker Allesio Carnevale on Instagram @valleycraftgelato.
For a treat that hits the savory spot, we loved our care package from Callioux. Complete with utensils, nuts and even honey, this crate of goodness is Janelle McAtamney’s specialty. Offering Cheese of the Month club memberships and courses to understand pairings with beer and wine, their storefront will be opening this summer at 486 First Street in Solvang. www.caillouxcheeseshop.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.