Show 464, March 5, 2022: Restaurateur Russ Bendel and Executive Chef Jared Cook with a Preview of OC Restaurant Week Part Two

Chef Jared Cook

Orange County Restaurant Week, an entire week dedicated to celebrating local restaurants, returns Sunday, March 6 through Saturday, March 12. This year’s event will highlight more than 120 restaurants that have thoughtfully crafted menus and cocktails designed to showcase Orange County’s diverse dining options. Diners will have an opportunity to partake in a variety of Prix-Fixe Menus and Luxe Menus; as well as focused experiences, including Family Night, Date Night, Vegetarian Dining, and a Dessert Spotlight. In addition, the beloved Cocktails of Restaurant Week will showcase unique creations.”

Restaurateur Russ Bendel and Executive Chef and Partner Jared Cook will be participating with all their restaurants. The collection includes Vine, San Clemente: Ironwood, Laguna Hills; Olea, Newport Beach: and Sapphire & The Pantry, Laguna Beach.

In the late Fall Russ and Chef Jared will be debuting Bloom Restaurant & Bar located in a registered historic site building from 1930 in San Juan Capistrano.

Russ and Chef Jared continue with us previewing their OC Restaurant Week menus.

Show 62, February 22, 2013: Jim Colombo, General Manager, Five Crowns and SideDoor, Corona del Mar

Orange County Restaurant WeekThe OC’s most anticipated, and delicious, dining event, Orange County Restaurant Week, returns from February 23rd to March 1st. Diners will have the opportunity to enjoy the wide spectrum of dining options in the County at special prices for prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. Over 100 restaurants are part of Orange County Restaurant Week.

The iconic Five Crowns, a Corona del Mar landmark, is one of the participating restaurants. General Manager Jim Colombo (also a chef by background and training) joins us to preview his special menu. The prime rib is still incredible but there are a lot more worthy choices, too.

Also on their OC Restaurant Week menu are pan-roasted barramundi and house-made pappardelle.

Show 15, February 2, 2013: Ti Adelaide Martin, New Orleans restaurateur, co-owner of Commander’s Palace, Café Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar, and SoBou

Ti Adelaide MartinTi is a member of the legendary Brennan Family who represent true restaurant royalty in New Orleans. They know genuine hospitality!

With the Super Bowl coming tomorrow Ti commented on the craziness of the season. They are calling it Super Gras because after the big game it’s the continuation of Mardi Gras season leading up to Fat Tuesday, February 12th

Commander’s Palace is especially popular with powerful, well-connected  locals but all are welcome. Their popular Sunday Jazz Brunch is now also done on Saturdays. The owner of the New Orleans Saints is a regular at Commander’s

Ti’s newest project is SoBou (South of Bourbon Street) in the French Quarter adjacent to the W French Quarter.

It’s a casual spot for inspired small plates and signature cocktails. Juan Carlos Gonzalez is the executive chef but Commander’s exec, Tory McPhail, collaborated on the initial menu.

One of the most original features is the four-seat “bar chef’s table” at one end of the bar. Here prix-fixe menus are expertly matched with exotic cocktails with the chef and master bartender working right in front of you. That’s an evening’s entertainment!