Trend Watch: Stein Mart celebrating anniversary
Get in on the fun of Stein Mart’s one-year anniversary Saturday at The Market Place in Irvine. The store is giving away eight $50 gift cards throughout the day and a free pair of spa socks to the first 250 customers who make a purchase, according to a news release.
Special trunk shows and a “Boutique Showcase Fashion Show” will also be held from 1 to 2 p.m. with an appearance by Miss Tustin 2012, Keila Halil. Stein Mart has been celebrating the big event all week. Can’t make the fun Saturday? On Friday, representatives from some of the shop’s top clothing lines will be on hand to show off their new spring looks and offer more giveaways from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the store.
Stein Mart is in The Market Place at 13742 Jamboree Road, Irvine; (714) 832-0012.
*
Game on at Microsoft shop
Calling all gamers.
On Monday, Microsoft at South Coast Plaza will host a midnight launch party for its newest game, “Gears of War: Judgment,” starting at 10 p.m.
Those who attend will be able to compete against each other for bragging rights and fun, according to a news release. Attendees also will enjoy food, drinks and prizes, with the first 50 people in line receiving a special giveaway.
Microsoft is located near Macy’s on the first floor of South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa.
More information about the game is at gearsofwar.com.
*
Luck of the Irish at Muldoon’s
At Muldoon’s, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just a one-day celebration — it’s a whole weekend.
Starting on Friday, traditional Irish fare will be offered at special prices, including the restaurant’s homemade corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and famous Irish stew, according to a news release.
The festivities kick into high gear at 9 a.m. Sunday with Muldoon’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Party, which will feature festive decorations, live Celtic bands, dancing, singing and stouts and lagers on tap, but no green beer.
Celtic band Van Deeman will perform from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday while The Droppers will perform later into the night.
Of course, traditional Irish fare will continue to be offered. The Bulldog Cafe also will have a full carving station with warm corned beef sandwiches, handmade pub chips and Muldoon’s own bulldogs — grilled bangers (sausages) on a bun — on Sunday.
There is no cover charge for the event, and those who forget to wear green will be able to buy tees for $24.
More information is at muldoonspub.com. The restaurant is at 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; (949) 640-4110.
*
Open Mic at Au Lac in F.V.
Local artists will gather again to share their talents when the Purple Mountains Majesties and Amber Marraudino host Open Mic at the vegan restaurant Au Lac the first and third Wednesday of the month. The next one will take place Wednesday, followed by April 20.
Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis and start at 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic is from 8 to 11:33 p.m. with the featured act at 10 p.m. Au Lac is at 16562 Brookhurst St. in Fountain Valley. All are welcome. More information is at aulac.com.
*
The Habit now offering shrimp sandwich
Anybody who has been to The Habit knows why it bears that name.
Now the Irvine-based chain is offering a grilled shrimp sandwich, which will be available through spring. The sandwich is made of a seasoned shrimp patty that is char-grilled, glazed with barbecue sauce and topped with caramelized onions, tomato and lettuce on a wheat bun.
“Based on the success of our fresh albacore tuna sandwich, we decided the timing was good to provide another seafood option,” said Russ Bendel, chief executive of The Habit, in a statement. “It’s a unique and tasty offering and the right season to provide something lighter for guests, particularly in Southern California, to enjoy.”
The Habit has several locations in the county, including in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Irvine.
More information is at habitburger.com.
*
Bruxie unveils new kid’s menu
Bruxie, which is opening in Huntington Beach next month, now offers Bruxie Kid’s Meals for $4.95 for children 8 and younger, according to a news release.
Choices include the Cheesy Bruxie, peanut butter and jelly, and s’mores, all of which come with a small serving of waffle fries; for sweet tooths, there’s a Brussels Waffle with whipped cream and berries. Meals include a soda, lemonade or milk.
“Bruxie appeals to a wide range of diners, and there’s no denying that we’ve become a hot spot for families,” Dean Simon, managing partner, said in a statement. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the Bruxie experience, so we’ve added options for our youngest fans. Our kid’s menu highlights a selection of our most popular Bruxie sandwiches among children.”
More information is at bruxie.com.
*
More Irish fun at Lazy Dog
Also in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is offering a James and Ginger Cocktail: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Gosling Ginger Beer and fresh squeezed limes ($7.50); the Original Half & Half: Harp Lager topped with Guinness ($5.95 for 16-ounce or $7.50 for 22-ounce); and Irish Nachos: fried potatoes covered in Lazy Dog Chili topped with Jack and cheddar cheeses, sour cream, onions, tomatoes and housemade pickled jalapenos ($7.95).
Through March, the chain is also offering a Thin Mint Milkshake ($4.95), with $1 of every sale going toward a local Girl Scouts chapter, according to a news release.
Lazy Dog restaurants can be found across the county, with local locations in Irvine and Huntington Beach-Westminster. For more information, go to lazydogrestaurants.com.
ALISHA GOMEZ is managing editor of the Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent. She can be reached at [email protected] or (714) 966-4618.