A Cafe With a View

Cafe on the Lakes in Costa Mesa, which has been open weekdays (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) since January, Saturday begins serving on weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This cafe/bakery serves breakfast pastries, European-style desserts, cappuccinos and espressos, as well as lunch/supper fare. The Cafe, with a pink-gray decor and tables with views of the lakes, is the project of John Flake, who also owns Le Creme de la Creme in Manhattan Beach. Prices are all under $6. The restaurant is on the northeast corner of Anton Boulevard and Avenue of the Arts. (714) 751-9027.

Visiting chef Patrick Jeffroy brings a taste of Brittany to Antoine in Le Meridien, Newport Beach, today and Friday. Jeffroy received a “Trois Toques” designation in France’s Gault Millau guide and was elected one of the Great Chefs of France by a panel of his peers. Le Meridien is at 4500 MacArthur Blvd.; reservations, (714) 476-2001 or (800) 543-4300.

If you have ever dreamed of having your own personal chef for an evening, you might want to consider filling out an entry blank next time you are dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. The restaurant is giving away a four-course meal for six, prepared in the winner’s home by Five Crowns’ new executive chef Brian Roth (formerly of Ocean Avenue Seafood in Long Beach). Entry forms are available to diners at the restaurant from Feb. 15 through March 22. Five Crowns is open nightly from 5 p.m. and from 10:30 a.m. for Sunday brunch at 3801 E. Coast Highway. (714) 760-0331.

The opening of David Wilhelm’s Zuni Grill, previously scheduled for Feb. 15, is now slated for Monday in Irvine. The restaurant is at 3966 Barranca Parkway (at Culver Drive). (714) 262-0864.