Biz News: Local chefs show their stuff at cooking demo

Chefs Michael Schepers of Irvine’s Mick’s Karma Bar and Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery in Costa Mesa joined Martin Diedrich, master roaster for Newport Beach-based Kean Coffee, on May 19 at the second of five monthly Golden Chef Series cooking workshops.

During the sold-out demonstration at the Sub-Zero and Wolf showroom in Costa Mesa, Schepers prepared a Golden Foodie Burger, Klemek prepared a Caramel Rosewater Pistachio Tart and Diedrich showed guests how to prepare a “perfect” cup of coffee.

The Golden Chef Series will continue June 30 with Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Zov Karamardian of Zov’s Bistro and Food Network personality Simon Majumdar.

The events are from 6 to 8 p.m. at the showroom, 655 Anton Blvd. Tickets cost $35 to $60 and are available at GoldenChefSeries.com.

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Fashion Island to host style event Saturday

Fashion Island in Newport Beach will present some of the trends in resort and swim wear during a Saturday Style event this weekend. Roving pop-up-style closets will feature looks on models from Rebecca Taylor, Seafolly and Trina Turk, in addition to in-store sales, promotions and other festivities.

The event will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The pop-up closets and models will be roving around the Atrium Lawn and the Nordstrom and Macy’s courtyards.

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Costa Mesa wireless firm makes deal with 7-Eleven

Ultra Mobile, a Costa Mesa-based mobile-services operator that specializes in international talk and text connections, has reached a distribution agreement for 7-Eleven Inc. to offer the company’s prepaid service plans at more than 6,000 convenience stores nationwide, starting this month.

The agreement is part of Ultra Mobile’s plan to double the number of its distribution outlets. Its services already are available at almost 15,000 U.S. retail outlets.

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Newport Beach & Co. leader given tourism award

The Orange County Visitors Association honored Newport Beach & Co. President and Chief Executive Gary Sherwin with the Legacy Award at this month’s annual Orange County Tourism Conference. The award recognizes contributions to the awareness, reputation and growth of tourism in Orange County.

Since 2006, Sherwin has led the organization that promotes Newport Beach as a luxury conference and leisure destination. He also served as president of the Orange County Visitors Association board for three years.

“Gary’s dynamic leadership and innovation have been instrumental to Orange County tourism and produced remarkable results,” Ed Fuller, the association’s president and chief executive, said in a statement. “He is an invaluable asset to the region.”

Sherwin was instrumental in the creation of Newport Beach’s first Tourism Business Improvement District, as well as a variety of business units, including Visit Newport Beach, Dine Newport Beach, Enterprise Newport Beach and Newport Beach TV.