OC RESTAURANT WEEK: SEPT 26 – OCT 2 and HAPPY HOUR WEEK: OCT 24 – OCT 30

The OC Restaurant Association has announced the dates for the region’s fastest growing and most anticipated culinary event, Orange County Restaurant Week, featuring the flavors of fall from September 26 through October 2, 2010. During the week-long event, participating restaurants will offer special three-course menus, many with a cocktail or signature item at no additional charge. Each restaurant will have the freedom and flexibility to showcase its best offerings by talented chefs who will, no doubt, personalize each menu to reflect their culinary style. Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus within three price categories: lunch for $10, $15 or $20, and dinner for $20, $30 or $40. Guests will have the opportunity to search restaurants by cuisine, location and price point, as well as make reservations online at www.OrangeCountyRestaurantWeek.com.

On the heels of Orange County Restaurant Week will be the second annual Happy Hour Week to be held October 24 through October 30. Once again, restaurants, bars, pubs and breweries throughout Orange County will promote its best drinks and appetizers with many restaurants offering “Happy Hour, All Day...All Week.” The official Happy Hour Week website, www.HappyHourWeek.com, will list participating establishments and their special bar menus for both food and beverages, many of which will include specialty “mocktails” (non-alcoholic options).

“Now in our second year with our fourth event, we welcome new additions to our vast dining landscape with Canyon Restaurant, Raya at The Ritz Carlton, The Lido Deck, Seasons 52, The Catch, and many more. Of course, we are excited to see the return of OC favorites such as The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Palm Terrace, SOL Cocina, Catal, LUCCA and Splashes, as well as hundreds of others,” commented Pamela Waitt, president of the OC Restaurant Association. “With more than 100 restaurants participating in the past, we know that the selections will be varied for every taste and budget so that those interested may take advantage of amazing deals at the best restaurants in OC and maybe even try new restaurants.”