Michael Merrigan recently opened OC Tavern in San Clemente.  OC Tavern's slogan is "We're Neighborly."  The tavern offers something for everyone: full bar with 20 plasma screens, live music and dancing, pool tables and video arcade games, two patios and a fire pit. Beginning in June, lunch and dinner will be served daily and breakfast on weekends...

Celebrating its 10th year, The Bungalow is an award-winning steakhouse nestled in the heart of Corona del Mar. Bungalow proprietor Jim Walker continues to lead the Orange County dining scene by unveiling an innovative new menu featuring four culinary delights for under $20 to complement many favorite signature dishes. The legend continues as the dining community is cordially invited to experience "Savory Sundays" at the Bungalow.  In addition to the regular menu, the new "Savory Sunday" menu offers a unique, three-course inclusive dining experience on Sundays from 5-9 p.m...

Tabu Grill, located in Laguna Beach, celebrated its three-year anniversary in March. Recently promoted to head chef, Kevin Jerrold-Jones has developed a new spring/summer menu, inspired by tropical cuisine...

The Island Hotel, Newport Beach's fine dining restaurant, pavilion, and Gardens Lounge, recently closed to undergo a comprehensive renovation and name change.  According to Raymond Jacobi, managing director of  The Island Hotel, the new restaurant and lounge will be called "The Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge" - a moniker reflecting its new tropical oasis-like motif - and will remain under the direction of acclaimed executive chef Bill Bracken...

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort (BBC&R) announced its summer nightly entertainment event and delectable dining for every taste bud at its award-winning venue. On June 24, BBC&R will launch Summer BBQ Fun on Duke's Deck. At 5 p.m., diners can relax and enjoy refreshing summer cocktails from the bar while indulging in a barbeque dinner on the patio. BBC&R chefs will have many favorite dishes, including delectable baby back ribs, carved-mesquite grilled beef tri tips, fresh grilled free-range chicken, a selection of salads, delicious desserts and more. For listening pleasure, the island sounds of steel drum Calypso and reggae music will be performed live by one of Southern California's hottest musicians, Frank Fakinos. 21 Oceanfront recently announced its Summer Surf N Turf Mondays, beginning Memorial Day. The menu includes traditional caesar salad, Australian lobster tail and prime filet mignon served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables and homemade chocolate cake...

Mimi's Café, the restaurant chain known for upscale family dining, will award 60,000 achievement certificates redeemable for a free kid's meal to commendable Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino county students who complete the Kid Healthy Steps for Healthy Living campaign. NEXT@thebarclay, a nonprofit group of young affluent men and women who support Orange County arts and culture, and Aire Global Cuisine joined forces on April 16 at Aire Global Cuisine in Costa Mesa for an annual fundraiser, benefiting The Newport Beach Film Festival and Irvine Barclay Theater. Approximately 110 guests attended the event, which included a private screening by documentary filmmaker William Kirkley, followed by a buffet dinner. Aire Global Cuisine donated all of the food for the event, which raised $5,500 in ticket sales for the evening...

On May 24, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa invites guests to spring into summer with another intimate culinary celebration. The Californian is hosting the second installment of a highly successful quarterly wine dinner series. Having previously featured wines from Caymus, Jordan, Santa Barbara and most recently, Stags' Leap wineries, Chef Adam Navidi has created yet another extraordinary bill of fare that promises to both complement and reveal the most intricate flavors of the ever-popular Far Niente. In addition to basking in the ambient atmosphere of Surf City USA's only AAA Four Diamond restaurant, wine and culinary aficionados will indulge in Chef Adam's eclectic twist on the traditional while provoking pleasure in the unusual...

Restaurateurs Mary and Maureen Harrigan have pledged that funds generated by the sale of their "Incredible Carrot Cake" at all Stonefire Grill locations will be used to assist abused women who are committed to starting their lives over...

Lavender Lounge Tea Co. recently opened a second location in Dana Point.  Owner Desiree Nelson opened her first location in San Clemente. Both locations offer more than 85 loose tea blends, tea infusions, lattes, boosts, textured iced teas, tea tastings, custom-tea creations and micro tea blends...

Laugh every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. at  Tentation's Laugh Lounge in Newport Beach.  Free tickets are offered with dinner on Wednesdays. Check out the weekly lineup at tenrestaurantgroup.com. The Dinner A'fare is a gourmet studio kitchen with meal prep stations complete with recipes, fresh ingredients, spices, measuring cups and spoons.  During your two-hour session, you'll assemble 12 family-sized, healthy and delicious entrees to take home and place in your freezer.  Two new locations are opening in Ladera Ranch and at the Woodbury Town Center in Irvine.