THE CROWD:

Carol and Kent Wilken of Newport Beach, co-chairs of the upcoming 2007 O.C. Barons’ Ball, welcomed 60 generous patrons in support of a world without cancer to a late-afternoon garden reception at Five Crowns restaurant in Corona del Mar.

The Wilkens joined Donna Bianchi, president of the O.C. Barons’ League, a support wing of the American Cancer Society, in welcoming the crowd. The crowd included Harbor Island’s Debbie Simon; Debbie and Gary Douglas, former co-chairs of the Barons’ Ball and residents of Newport Coast; Kerry Reynolds, also of Newport Coast; David Williams of Laguna Beach; Sharon Esterley;Ron Rubino; Daniel Avidan; the philanthropic Barbara and Jim Glabman, and Jim and Kay Burra.

Five Crowns set up a charming buffet on their garden patio while wine was poured and music was provided by the talented guitarist and singer Ray Jordan, who donated his services.

Richard R. Frank, president and CEO of Lawry’s restaurants and the owner of Five Crowns, joined general manager Chris Szechenyl and executive chef Dennis Brask in greeting the arriving underwriting guests for the American Cancer Society gala.

They also supervised Five Crowns staff as waiters passed hors d’oeuvres — including Five Crowns’ signature prime beef with organic horseradish prepared in mini-Yorkshire puffs.

This year’s Barons’ Ball is set for Oct. 20 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

The massive undertaking, which expects to attract 1,000 guests and raise up to or possibly surpass $500,000 for the fight against cancer in Orange County, will have the theme “World Cruise—Passport to Life.”

Tickets are still available, please contact Monica McDade at the American Cancer Society at (949) 261-9446, extension 622, or go to www.ocbarons.org.

The Art Institute of California was the setting for a spectacular luncheon prepared and served by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar.

Executive chef Russell Skall, who represents Fleming’s on a national basis, was invited to be the guest chef in the state-of-the-art kitchen in the restaurant known as 50 Forks.

Skall joined Art Institute students to conduct a prime beef cooking and tasting demonstration for invited local guests and dignitaries.

As a bit of back story, 50 Forks is a California bistro within the Art Institute that is a culinary school and experimental training ground that is designed to educate students in the world of cuisine and dining service.

It is a small and relatively unknown gem that is open to the public by reservation for luncheon and dinner while school is in session.

On this particular occasion, chef Skall joined Fleming’s wine manager Russ Bendel to create what was surely the luncheon to beat all luncheons on the California Riviera.

It all began with a tour of the 50 Forks kitchen, followed by an in-depth lesson on various cuts of prime beef and the proper method of preparation.

The crowd was then seated in the dining room and served a luncheon that began with a garden salad that was created with unusual vegetables, followed by an entrée of three different cuts of prime beef, accompanied by potato gratin, fresh asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms.

Celebrated chef Jamie Gwen of the Newport Coast was in the crowd, along with gastronomes and food critics from all over the region.

The event was a wonderful showcase for Fleming’s, as well as for the impressive work of the Art Institute and its students who handled the luncheon service and details.

The Orangewood PALS are preparing for a fall evening at the Crevier Classic Car Event Lounge in Costa Mesa, set for Nov. 2. PALS is calling its party “Cruising South Beach 2007.”

This year’s event chair is Keri Dugan,who will work with a committee that will create a scene reminiscent of celebrated Miami beachfront night life complete with the obligatory mojito bar and Cohiba cigar cabana.

The evening will raise funds for the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, which funds scholarships and mentors former foster youth in pursuit of college careers.

Tickets are $135 per person, and underwriting sponsorships are available. Please call (714) 619-0237 or go online at www.orangewoodpals.org.

THE CROWD runs on Thursday and Saturdays.