Red Cross Chapter Will Celebrate the Joy of Rex

Restaurateur Rex Chandler will receive the Orange County Spirit Award from the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross on Sept. 12 at a black-tie dinner at 7:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach. The award is given each year to a person who has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life in Orange County. Chandler, owner of Rex Restaurant and 21 Oceanfront, both in Newport Beach, has served on the Red Cross board of directors since 1983.

The image of a juggler with several plates in the air comes to mind amid the current buzz that David Wilhelm will open another restaurant, his sixth (others are Kachina and Cancun Cafe in Laguna Beach, Bistro 201 and Barbacoa in Newport Beach, and Zuni Grill in Irvine), in the new stainless steel IBM building in the South Coast Plaza area. With the lease due to be signed next week, one might figure he’d have in mind a tres moderne concept to echo the architecture, but Wilhelm says he’s favoring a “rustic” contrast, with California-influenced Italian fare.

Just in time for Grandparents’ Day on Sunday, several Orange County Marriott hotels are offering a “Senior Sunday” package. For discounted rates starting at $49, guests 55 and older get overnight accommodations and an early-bird dinner for two. Each hotel has its own version of the dinners, which are served from 5 to 7 p.m. “Senior Sunday” packages are available now through the end of the year at the Marriott Suites Costa Mesa, Fullerton Marriott, Irvine Marriott and Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Tennis Club. Reservations: (800) 228-9290.

There’s a new back-to-basics Sunday breakfast at Muldoon’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Entrees, served with potatoes and a choice of toast or warm homemade Irish soda bread, include eggs O’Malley (scrambled with corned beef, diced potatoes, onions and sweet peppers) and a healthy three-to-one omelet (three egg whites to one yolk), filled with fresh vegetables, served with mild fresh tomato and chili salsa. A la carte items include freshly prepared scones and seasonal fruits. When you select from the special coffees (such as a blend of espresso and hot cocoa with whipped cream), your second is on the house. And there’s always Muldoon’s award-winning Irish coffee. Sunday breakfast is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 202 Newport Center Drive on Fashion Island’s outer circle. (714) 640-4110.