The 2011 Orange County Restaurant Week started with a party last night at the District at Tustin Legacy. Thanks to the sunshine, despite the cold and the threat of rain, the launch party was well attended, the waiting lines long. Kimberly Daskas, marketing director of this event, estimated 2,000 people attended this event between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
This is the third annual Orange County Restaurant Week, a week dedicated to promoting dining out, in particular at Orange County’s Top 100 Restaurants, which the Orange County Restaurant Association selected for the quality of their menus. The association’s goal for the annual week is to heighten awareness of Orange County as a “premier dining destination.” In the process, diners can choose from special prix fixe menus (flat priced complete meals) and other specialty menus from among the best restaurants in Orange County. This year the Orange County Restaurant Week runs from February 27 through March 5th.
This party launched 2011 Orange County Restaurant Week with a variety of alcoholic beverages, coffee, and snacks provided by District restaurants.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes (opening soon – March 31st or April 1st)
- Bowlmor Lanes
- Pablo’s Cantina (opening soon, in time for the Restaurant Week celebrations)
- Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant
- JT Schmid’s Restaurant & Brewery
- Peets Coffee & Tea
- Auld Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant
- The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
- Kona Brewing Company
- Azunia Tequila
- RA Sushi
- Marmalade restaurant
There were also several individuals who performed on the two different stages. They added the extra touch that made it a launch party. Among the performers we heard were the following:
- Matt Shakely
- Mike Vitale
- Big Bad Wolf
- Others we didn’t get the names for
Having eaten at and reviewed five of the Top 100, I encourage you to take advantage of the 2011 Orange County Restaurant Week. I invite you to check out my reviews on Fire & Ice, JT Schmid's Restaurant & Brewery, Simply Fondue, Sorrento Grille dining experience & my review of the food at Sorrento Grill, and Tortilla Jo's. Go to the Orange County Restaurant Week’s website to find a list of the Orange County Restaurant Association’s 100 best restaurants on the Participating Restaurants page.
This past Saturday, a party launched 2011 Orange County Restaurant Week at the District in Tustin. It was well attended with waiting lines for registrants to sample the food and drinks from various District restaurants. Thanks to the committee putting this on, we enjoyed temporary shelters and heaters while we visited and ate. The musicians played the right kind of songs for a mixer type party thus allowing us to visit without having to shout. While we got a nice booklet with the prix fixe lunch and dinner menus for the hosting restaurants, you can go online to find the menus for your favorite restaurants amongst the on OC’s Top 100 Restaurants - or use this as an opportunity to try something new and exciting.
Writing for your dinning pleasure,
John
John R. Aberle
Southern California Restaurant Examiner
Additional information
Orange County Restaurant Week website
Dates:
February 27, 2011 – March 5, 2011
The District Promenade for the Orange County Restaurant Week Launch Party
Northwest corner of Jamboree and Barranca Parkway in Tustin
Menus for Orange County Restaurant Week’s OC’s Top 100 Restaurants
Select your restaurant from the list to see its special menus.
Meals Served:
- Lunch
- Dinner
Cuisine Type:
- Varied
Price Range:
The special prix fixe menus created by each of Orange County’s 2011 Top 100 Restaurants range from $10, $15 and $20 per person for lunch to $20, $30 or $40 per person for dinner depending on the restaurant.
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