Ellis Island Will Serve Foods From All Over the World

“Everyone says I’m crazy to open a new place when the restaurant business is down 30%,” says Lucy Luhan, who is forging ahead with plans to open Ellis Island next month at the former site of Bobby McGee’s on Coast Highway in Newport Beach. She’s chosen the name because, she says, the restaurant will be a “melting pot” of foods from all over the world.

She envisions the restaurant as a spot “where all may gather” to dine. Tapas-- those little dishes so popular in Spain--will be served from 4:30 p.m. till 3 a.m., and they will include sandwiches, pastas, soup and appetizers to enjoy either as first courses or in combination to make a meal. The tapas will range from $4.50 to $9.50. In the dining room, entrees will vary from venison to paella, with complete dinners priced at $25 to $40. Luhan, who also owns What’s Cooking in Newport Beach and Luciano’s in Dana Point, promises the menu will be “huge” because “dining is out, eating is in.” Ellis Island will be at 353 E. Coast Highway. (714) 673-7800.

Oktoberfest will come to Monique’s Monday in the form of braised sauerkraut, bratwurst and roast potato, sauerbraten with spatzle, red cabbage and apples. Executive chef Guy Sockrider will create the special four-course dinner, which will include beer and wine and culminate with Berliner pfannkuchen (a raspberry jellyroll fritter with vanilla ice cream). Cost is $25 per person plus tax and tip. The evening will begins with a champagne reception at 6:30. Reservations: (714) 499-5359. The restaurant is at 31727 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

And speaking of Oktoberfest, the Anaheim Hilton and Towers’ Taste of Oktoberfest continues until the end of the month at Cafe Oasis and in its three lounges--the Lobby Bar, the Avenue Bar and Pulse. In addition to a selection of German white wines and beers, the restaurant features a menu of Oktoberfest specialties that includes marinated herring with sour cream, onions and apples; zigeuner schnitzel (scallop of pork with bell peppers, pickles, potatoes, onions and tomato demiglace); sauerbraten with bread dumplings and red cabbage; and gebratene kalbshaxe (roasted veal shank with spatzle and caraway sauerkraut). Entree prices range from $7.50 to $9. The hotel is at 777 Convention Way. (714) 740-4268.

London, New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles and . . . Newport Beach? The Hard Rock Cafe, with numerous locations worldwide, is reportedly interested in opening a franchise somewhere in Orange County. In fact, one Fashion Island spokesperson says that representatives of the restaurant chain are looking at property, including the former Amen Wardy structure. No deal signed, however.

If you’re wondering what’s happened to Gianni, late of the Crystal Court at South Coast Plaxa, new Gianni will open the first of the year at Fashion Island. It’s planned as both a sit-down restaurant and a part of the food court.

Tortilla Flats on Campus Drive in Irvine near UCI has closed, but the Laguna Tortilla Flats at 1740 S. Coast Highway remains open.

Rex Restaurant in Fashion Island has closed for lunch, although it will be open for lunch Dec. 9 through 24 for the Christmas holidays. The restaurant plans to open a new area called the Side Door at the Rex, which will offer casual dining.