A Chili Factor That Will Warm MainPlace

New in Orange, across from the MainPlace mall, is Mexicali Grill, in the old El Cholo/South of Santa Fe location. It’s not part of a chain, points out manager Matt Pistel, who describes the fare as authentic Mexican, with chilies that are hand-dried, hand-peeled and hand-roasted, and corn tortillas that are hand-patted. The signature dishes are chili verde, chili rellenos, fresh fish tacos seasoned with achiote and topped with cilantro, cabbage and lime sauce, and seafood chimichangas with crab, shrimp and prawns. All tacos are prepared on a grill, rather than deep-fried, and no lard, MSG or preservatives are used. Lunches range from $5.95 to $7.95; dinners average $8.95 to $9.95. There’s a full bar that offers a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. daily, with $2 margaritas and a choice of three hot buffet items. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., until 11 p.m. on weekends, and there’s a children’s menu. Located at 777 S. Main St. in the Town & Country Center. (714) 541-2900.

Tapas, the new Spanish restaurant in Newport Beach’s MacArthur Square, specializes in--what else?--the Spanish appetizer plates called tapas. Owner Janet Ingham has employed executive chef John Kulla (who is from Seville) to offer up some 20 different items at the tapas bar, among them such cold tapas as the traditional Spanish omelet, Serrano ham with manchego cheese and a platter of salmon, shrimp, mussels and Serrano; and hot selections like lamb meat balls in rosemary sherry sauce, shrimp in raincoats (similar to tempura) with chutney orange sauce, and vegetable crepes. Prices: $2.95 to $4.95, with sampler platters $6.95 for one person, $9.95 for two. There is also table seating and full dinners, such as paella ($16.95 for one; $25.95 for two), lamb casserole and pork Valencia (braised chops with chorizo herbs and garlic orange glaze sauce). Tapas is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Friday till 11 p.m. and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. A flamenco guitar player entertains on Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant is next to Chez Dante at 4251 Martingale Way. (714) 756-8194.

On Sunday Shanghai Inn in South Coast Plaza Village will debut an all-you-can-eat brunch priced at $9.95 (half price for children under 12). The buffet will offer such appetizers as pan-fried dumplings, paper-wrapped chicken, and Chinese chicken and Mandarin salads. A selection of main courses, which will change weekly, will include Mandarin orange beef, sweet and pungent chicken, royal seafood, and shrimp with cashew nuts. Desserts vary from fresh fruits to sweet cake, and complimentary champagne or orange juice will be served. All this month, when you purchase three brunches, the fourth will be free. Brunch hours are from 11 a.m and 2:30 p.m. (714) 754-4344.

Cuvaison wines will be served with five courses at a wine-tasting dinner on Monday at Trees restaurant in Corona del Mar. Chef Russell Armstrong’s menu includes medallions of pork tenderloin with green apples and Madagascar peppercorns; marinated grilled boneless squab on pasta with plum sauce; and roast loin of lamb en croute with garlic spinach, carrot puree and Madeira sauce. Among the wines will be several Cuvaison Chardonnays from the Carneros district and the winery’s current Merlot and Cabernet releases. The cost is $50; a Chardonnay aperitif will be served at 7 p.m.; dinner will begin at 7:30. Reservations: (714) 673- 0910. The restaurant is at 440 Heliotrope Ave.

The Wine Cellar, that intimate spot for multi-course French dining in the Hyatt Newporter, is now open only for private parties of 15 or more. Chef Hubert Lurenz retains some of the past favorite menu items but will also create new courses for specific events. The hotel is at 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach. Information: (714) 644-1700.

Ben Brown’s restaurant, still open despite flood damage to the Ben Brown’s Aliso Creek Resort, recently introduced six “healthy choice” entrees to its dinner menu. Each dish is reduced in calories, cholesterol, sodium and fat levels. Some examples: broiled seafood kebab with rice pilaf; linguine aglio (tossed with sauteed tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and olive oil); chicken breast oregano with lemon juice and olive oil, served with rice pilaf; and broiled swordfish with fresh herbs, lemon and caper sauce, with nouvelle potatoes. Prices range from $9.75 to $16.25. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant is at 31106 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. (714) 499-2663.