Fun things for a father
News flash: Father’s Day is Sunday. If you’ve been asleep at the wheel, here are several ways to show the dad in your life that you love him — and none of them involve a tie in a cardboard box, a new pair of socks or a honey-do list.
*
For the Family Man
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is pulling out all the stops for its inaugural Father’s Day on the Back Bay on Saturday, which will include a barbecue lunch; beach activities; an amateur barbecuing contest; live music by a surf band; and a cardboard boat regatta. The price is $25 per person, or $15 for kids 12 and younger. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy volleyball and horseshoe tournaments before the regatta at 3 p.m.; to compete, there’s a $50 entry fee per family, which includes all materials. First prize will yield $500. Register for the day and/or the barbecue contest or get more information at (949) 729-1144 or newportdunes.com.
*
For the Would-Be Handyman
Show Dad you love him with a shopping spree at Home Depot on Saturday morning, and while he’s trekking the cavernous aisles, take the tots to a free how-to workshop where they’ll make a free toolbox for Dad or themselves. The workshop is from 9 a.m. to noon at all locations, and is designed for kids ages 5 to 12. The workshops help kids learn to use tools safely and build their self-esteem. Dad might even want to help out himself. Each child also receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. The local store is at 2300 S. Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; for information, call (949) 646-4220.
*
For the Griller
Stop by, or take Dad to, the Savory Spice Shop at Corona del Mar Plaza, Newport Beach. More than 400 spices are available, in quantities as small as a half ounce, and patrons also can find more than 140 original blends. Smell or taste before purchasing, and enjoy other sauces, extracts and more. Call (949) 717-7776.
*
For the Hipster
Buffalo Exchange at the Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, will offer dads a $5 coupon and Sugar Daddy candies when they stop by to shop on Sunday. Call (714) 825-0619.
*
For the Gourmand
The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, has planned a three-course brunch at the First Cabin Restaurant from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $49 for adults and $24.50 for kids ages 4 to 12. Entrees include petite rack of lamb; a shrimp and scallop omelet; a trio of poached egg Benedict, cheese blintz and chicken apple sausage; Ultimate French Toast; crab crusted Atlantic salmon or local sea bass; or seared petite filet mignon. The BBC Classic Car Show will be onsite from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with more than 75 cars on display. For more information and reservations, call (949) 630-4145 or visit balboabayclub.com.
Hornblower Newport Beach is planning the ultimate booze cruise: A Dad’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise, boarding at 11:30 a.m. and cruising from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. $75 per adult includes a brunch buffet; free-flowing beer, champagne, cider, soda, juice, coffee and tea; scenic coastal views; and live entertainment. Discounts are available for seniors and children, and kids younger than 3 cruise free. There’s also a 2 ½-hour dinner cruise. For more information and reservations, call (888) 467.6256 or visit hornblower.com.
The gorgeous Italianate Pelican Hill Resort, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, will have a Bubbly Barbeque from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The poolside event include a choice of beer or bubbly beverage and grill food favorites for $60 and $30 for children younger than 12; children also can opt for a kids meal with endless pizza, pasta and gelato for $10. Nearby Camp Pelican will host bubble activities from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information and reservations, call (949) 467-6800 or visit pelicanhill.com.
Brasserie Pascal, 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, will offer a three-course prix-fixe meal for $38 per person, add $7 for a wine pairing, from 11:30 a.m. to close Sunday. Entrees include a bone-in ribeye, double-cut pork chop or cabernet braised short ribs. For more information and reservations, call (949) 640-2700.
The Cannery, 3010 Lafayette Road, Newport Beach, will hold a family-style clam bake from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Enjoy fresh market oysters, crab Benedict, crème brulee French toast, fish and chips, rack of lamb and more. The Clam Bake Platter includes Maine lobster, steamed clams and black mussels. For more information and reservations, call (949) 566-0060.
The lakeside Silver Trumpet restaurant at the Wyndham Orange County, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, will hold a brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, including made-to-order omelets, a barbecue station, a bottomless Bloody Mary bar, live jazz and more. The price is $45 for adults, $13 for kids ages 12 and younger, and free for kids younger than 4. After lunch, participants who shoot a hole-in-one at a putting green contest will win a free brunch. For more information and reservations, call (714) 442-8593.
Roy’s will offer a $20 dining card to every dad who dines there Sunday; the cards will be valid through July 31. Lucille’s will give dads a $10 bonus card valid from June 21 to Aug. 19 for its finger-lickin’ barbecue.