Retail Therapy: So many choices for Easter fare
Worried about the Sunday scramble? Plenty of restaurants will be open on Easter for special brunch events. Here is a selection to suit a range of budgets.
BUDGET
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 455 Newport Center Drive at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, will host its annual three-course brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The prix-fixe menu is $39.95 for adults and $18.95 for children under 12. Start with lobster bisque or a modern Caesar followed by an entrée. Options include prime rib with a trio of sauces, a blue crab omelet, signature eggs Benedict, porcini-crusted filet mignon and baked brioche French toast, with sides. Tempting dessert choices include walnut turtle pie, white chocolate bread pudding and cheesecake. Add a featured cocktail for $8.95. Reservations: (949) 720-9633 or flemingssteakhouse.com.
MIDRANGE
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar, 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, has planned a three-course Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The $55-per-person charge includes unlimited mimosas. The price for kids is $12. You also can order a custom Bloody Mary from a rolling bar cart for $9. For the meal, diners will have their choice of eight appetizers, including a Skillet Baked Sticky Bun and Cured Gravlax Bruschetta. Mains include a Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Louie, Pulled Pork Pancake, Half Main Lobster Tail and more. Four desserts round off the options. Information: scottsrestaurantandbar.com.
DECADENT
For a full-on extravaganza, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., is the place to be. Served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Easter brunch is $85 per person or $75 for seniors, $28 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for kids ages 5 and under. It includes unlimited Champagne, coffee, tea and juice. Here is a tiny selection of the dozens and dozens of delicacies: charcuterie, artisan cheeses, fresh shucked oysters, seasoned jumbo shrimp, freshly griddled crab cakes, made-to-order omelets, roasted asparagus, carved meats, sushi, gluten free pastries and a full roundup of desserts. Enjoy a live jazz trio, three Easter egg hunts and strolling balloon artists. Reservations: (714) 845-4627.
Foodie fiesta continues: Avila’s El Ranchito is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month with weekly Throwback Thursday menu deals at its Balboa Peninsula location, 2800 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. On April 9, enjoy original prices on Mama Avila’s chicken broth, rice and avocado soup ($5.45); carnitas served with guacamole, rice, beans and tortillas ($7.45); and the Oaxaca combination plate (chile relleno served with rice and beans) ($5.25). Information: avilaselranchito.com.
Grub hub: The Ecology Center of San Juan Capistrano will present a discussion on seasonal edible gardening from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Center for Living Peace, 4139 Campus Drive, Irvine. Learn how to grow your own food year-round. Admission is $12; all funds raised support The Ecology Center. Information: goodhappens.org.
Luxe launch: I’m excited about the opening of the new Marlowe boutique this month at Fashion Island. Marlowe, founded by the owners of local faves like the Sienna Brown boutique in Corona del Mar and Coastal Cool in Newport Coast, will feature brands James Purse and Current/Elliott in a space that also will include giftware and more. The shop will open in Atrium Court. Information: shopfashionisland.com.
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at candicebaker@gmail.com.