Turkish Eatery Will Take the Istanbul by the Horns

Turkish-born chef Murat Dayioglu will orchestrate a special “Istanbul Night” at Ben Brown’s in South Laguna on May 19, complete with lion’s milk and a belly-dancer. The evening begins with eight Turkish appetizers, served with a taste of raki, the national Turkish drink, also called lion’s milk because it turns milky when poured over ice. The entree will be spring lamb and vegetables baked in foil, served with a shepherd’s salad. The event is from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and dancer Asmara will perform at 6:45 and 8:30 p.m. Paid reservations are $30 a person (not including drinks, gratuities and taxes) and should be made by Tuesday. Ben Brown’s is at 31106 Coast Highway. (714) 499-2663.

The Royal Khyber recently inaugurated a new luncheon menu and a three-course early-bird feast. At noon, in addition to the weekday luncheon buffet ($7.95), owner Arun Puri has added a Caesar salad, Indian style, with tandoori chicken and garlic naan, plus open-faced sandwiches (vegetarian, chicken, lamb, served on garlic naan bread) and masala pasta with a choice of chicken, shrimp or mixed seafood. New luncheon items range from $4.50 to $6.75 and are part of Puri’s “Express Lunch”--served within 10 minutes or it’s free. The early dinner includes mulligatawny soup, tandoori appetizers and a combination of chicken, lamb and vegetarian entrees. It’s $10.95, served between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. The Royal Khyber is at 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach. (714) 752-5200.

This Monday, Rex, in Newport’s Fashion Island, will inaugurate a winemaker dinner series to continue on the first Monday of each month. The first dinner will feature St. Francis winery’s varietals, with a special menu created by Rex chefs Eugenio Martignago and Keith Otter. Reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7; it’s $50, including wines, tax and tip. Reservations: (714) 644-4400.

Meanwhile, at Rex’s sister restaurant, 21 Ocean Front, winemaker Doug Davis of Sebastiani Winery will host a winemaker dinner May 16. A five-course menu will complement the wines. The cost is $50, including tax and tip, and the dinner begins at 7 p.m. The restaurant is across from the Newport Pier at 2100 W. Ocean Front. Reservations: (714) 675-2566.

“Murder in the Morning” is the latest production of the six-month-old Mystery Cafe. A four-course, sit-down brunch combines with a five-act performance of the ‘40s Bogart-style comical murder mystery, Murder at Cafe Noir. The price: $38.50, including sales tax. Sundays at 11:30 a.m. in Hubert’s Restaurant, 2 Hutton Centre Drive, Santa Ana. (714) 955-2583.