While we are thankful for family and friends, we are also thankful for places to dine and events to look forward to. There's no shortage of specials and events coming up, so eat to your heart's content! Just keep a bottle of Fernet nearby; it makes all those heavy meals go away.
Thanksgiving at The Recess Room – Fountain Valley
The spirit of giving thanks is present on Thanksgiving, as recently opened The Recess Room plans to serve complimentary meals from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on turkey day to everyone. Stop by 18380 Brookhurst Street for a “Recess Plate” consisting of chicken sliders with IPA gravy, Turketta (ask them) and a slew of side eats while supplies last. There's no strings attached— it's simply their way of showing appreciation for being welcomed by the community. Be sure to say “Thanks!”, okay?
Weekend at Surfas Culinary District – Costa Mesa
Take a break from the holiday bustle and visit SoCo for some Surfas shopping this weekend. Saturday's their Holiday Vendor Fair (think Costco, but with fancier samples). From French wines to premium bacon, taste til you drop between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Or educate yourself over their Sunday “Holiday Festive Bites” class with Chef Rolon at 12:30 p.m. Book this course, and they'll even throw in a glass of bubbly if you're of legal drinking age. Learn more on their online reservation website.
La Habra Tamale Festival
A churro eating contest, dance performances and a tree lighting ceremony are all part of the festivities this Sunday. The partying begins at 11 a.m. over off Euclid Street, between La Habra Boulevard and Lambert Road. Awards will be given out for best tamale, best dessert tamale, best salsa and judge's choice. Presented by Northgate Market, this is a free event. To enter the competition or for more information, please visit their website.
UberEATS deal – Throughout OC
Can't step away from work (or home) long enough for a meal? That sucks. Fortunately, UberEATS wants to help. With expanded options in Garden Grove, Westminster, Irvine, Santa Ana and Anaheim, choose from over 100 eateries. Delivery is only 99-cents and save on your very first order. Use code UBEATS1122 to receive a $15 discount through Sunday the 27th. And yeah, there are restrictions.
Mendocino Farms “Chef Charity Sandwich” – Tustin
Located within the revamped Whole Foods Market at The District, Mendo has teamed up with The Winery's Chef Yvon Geotz to sell a Zinfandel-braised short rib sandwich filled with pickled red onions, truffle mustard aioli, a duo of cheeses, watercress and Applewood smoked bacon (whew!). Available through December 4, all proceeds from the sale of this creation will go to Tustin Public Schools Foundation. Go ahead, chomp on it while you explore Market Bar across the way. Then brace yourself for a power nap soon after.
Coming Soon: Sushi Art Show 2016 – Santa Ana
Pre-sale is currently going on for this December 4 evening event. Purchase tickets for beer, sake and unlimited sushi for $75. But hurry— the price jumps to $100 after November 30. Nyotaimori (a.k.a. “Body Sushi”) will once again be featured. Donate a new, unwrapped toy for a chance to win either an intimate sushi dinner for two or Sushi 101 lessons. Dress code is cocktail attire, and questions can be directed to in**@su*************.com or (714) 794-8211.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.