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FEBRUARY 14, 2008

DINING NEWS

CULINARY HONORS
By Susan Belknapp

Happy anniversary
Tommy Martin, Five Crowns’ popular wine captain, celebrated 40 years of service in January. A native of Liverpool, Martin felt at home in the English country-inn styling of the landmark restaurant when he first saw it in 1967 and has made it his professional domain ever since.

He began his serving career at the age of 15 at London’s 5-star Grosvenor House hotel, then segued into stewarding on trans-Atlantic voyages. After his travels, he went in search of warmer climates in OC.

He started at Five Crowns as a bartender and quickly rose to wine captain. He now oversees 50 to 60 people Wednesdays through Sundays.

“The secret of life is loving what you do,” says Martin. “I feel blessed to have been at Five Crowns. It’s the best company you could possibly work for. The co-workers here are like family.”

One friendship he formed was with legendary cartoonist Chuck Jones, of Warner Bros. fame, who referred to Martin as a “sort of son.” To this day, Martin wears pins given to him by the late Jones that commemorate his famous characters.

A prestigious promotion
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, named John Garcia chef de cuisine of Restaurant 162’. “Chef Garcia brings a wealth of culinary experience and creative flair to the oceanfront restaurant,” says Rob Wilson, executive chef.

Garcia began his culinary career as an apprentice at the Hotel del Coronado. After extensive training, he went to Chicago to cook at David Burke’s Park Avenue Café. He eventually returned to balmy San Diego and took the position of sous chef at the Prince of Whales restaurant at “The Del.”

In 1996, he competed in the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest. He has held chef positions at high-end Las Vegas resorts and has even cooked for the PGA Tour.

Restaurant 162’, named for its location 162 feet above sea level, features California cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood.


DINING NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you still don’t have Valentine’s Day plans, Fleming’s Steakhouse is running its Sharing Menu through Feb. 17. Choose from a 40 oz. Porter-house or Puffed Pastry Filled With Naked Lobster. Fondue au deux is the perfect romantic dessert. (flemingssteak-house.com)…

The Melting Pot also is extending its Valentine’s Day menu through the weekend. This romantic feast includes a choice of fondue, salad and a variety of seafood and meat cooked tableside. Try Bananas Foster or one of the chocolate fondues for dessert. Groups of 5 or more will receive 15% off dinner. (meltingpot.com)…

In French circles, Mardi Gras merriment ends on Ash Wed-nesday, but at TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea and Corona, it’s just the beginning. The hurricanes are flowing and the beads are flying every Tuesday in February because TAPS is celebrating Mardi Gras all month in the bar. Cajun specialty appetizers are $5 each. In Corona, the fun starts at 2 p.m. and in Brea, at 5 p.m. Live blues and jazz will have the joints jumping, starting at 7 p.m. in Corona and 6:30 p.m. in Brea. (tapsbrea.com)...

An OC favorite has expanded to Irvine – Peppino’s Italian Restaurant opened at Woodbury Town Center at Irvine Boulevard and Sand Canyon Drive. Cherished for its authentic Italian cuisine, Peppino’s, revered since 1984, is known for its appetizers and homemade pasta delicacies. The Irvine location is sure to become a regional favorite. This location has a full bar and patio for al fresco dining. (peppinosonline.com)