Oktoberfest is another excuse to get drinking, and we have absolutely no problem with that! It's celebrated throughout OC, so we get you started with a few choice suggestions. And if beer ain't your thing, may we suggest The Red Barn?
Bistango Celebrates Oktoberfest – Irvine
Executive Chef Timothy Doolittle eases folks into all things we pronounce poorly with bratwurst, sauerbraten and schweineschnitzel tonight starting at 5 p.m. Drink bottles from Hangar 24, Avery Brewing and Goose Island. And when you're done, get validation for the structure or tip the comped valet.
Anaheim Brewery Celebrates Oktoberfest
Happening over two Saturday nights, Anaheim's mayor will kick off the festivities this weekend with the tapping of a keg at 4 p.m. Listen to an Alpenhorn (who recalls Ricola commercials?) and check out folk dancers. Oh, and drink copious amounts of beer. Continue your chicken dancing the following weekend, when the German-American Brass Band of Southern California rocks out until 10 p.m.
SoCal Brews Cruise – Long Beach
Going on in both San Diego and LBC, check out the booze cruise featuring sips from Stone Brewing Company among others. Enjoy unlimited samples to drink, plus a selection of snacks and bites ranging between $5-$10. Make it a date or meet new friends for this evening boat ride. 21 and over only.
The Red Barn Presents Chef Greg Daniels – Costa Mesa
The chef series continues with Greg Daniels of Haven Collective. In conjunction with the Orange County Wine Society, the kitchen will pair selections with a multi-course feast. We suggest arriving a little early for their cocktail hour, since the price is all-inclusive (even parking!). His second selection, savory pumpkin gratin, is featured at the beginning of this post. For tickets and more info on this Saturday's event, follow the link.
Euro Caffe Grand Opening – Huntington Beach
Celebrate Bella Terra's newest restaurant with the mayor, as he does some mandatory ribbon cutting next Wednesday at 4 p.m. The party starts an hour earlier with free beverages and bites, plus live entertainment until 7 p.m. Wrap up your hump day with crepes and coffee. Euro Caffe is located at 7631 Edinger Avenue, Suite 1520 (next to Sol).
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.