‘Beastly Buffet’ to a Monster Mash

Treats are in store at several Orange County spots this Halloween weekend.

A “haunted happy hour” Friday at the Irvine Marriott in Champions, the American Sports Bar, will feature a $2 “beastly buffet” of hors d’oeuvres. The time: 4:30 to 7 p.m. No cover charge. Then on Saturday, Champions rolls out the Monster Mash Bash. The costume contest offers a $100 first prize, as well as gift certificates for Champions and stays at Mariott hotels. Other contests include the mummy wrap, pumpkin-carving, and grave-diggers delight. Dance to a live band and munch individual pizzas for $2. “Witches’ brew” is $2.50, Miller “boo” brews, $2; and “slime shooters” (made with gelatin), $1. Come between 7 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. No cover charge. 18000 Von Karman Ave. (714) 724-3640.

Or join the sleuths at a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Friday or Saturday at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. Chef Brian Roth’s menu includes hors d’oeuvres, appetizer, a choice of prime ribs of beef, beefsteak Neptune, roast duckling or fresh fish, plus dessert. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., and the cost is $65 for the murder mystery entertainment, food, tax and gratuity. 3801 E. Coast Highway. Reservations are required: (714) 760-0331.

At BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria’s six Southern California locations, there has always been enough dough around for deep-dish pizzas. But the San Juan Capistrano BJ’s is looking to raise some extra dough--the kind that serves as legal tender--to help the Capistrano Valley School District. BJ’s will print ID cards for all students and faculty from the 30 schools in the district. When they visit BJ’s, they’ll receive certificates amounting to 10% of their bill. After Christmas break begins, BJ’s will spend the amount represented by these certificates to purchase needed equipment for the schools, or issue cash for each school to spend as needed. The restaurant is located at 31781 Camino Capistrano. (714) 489-9771.

Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel, chefs of the celebrated Campanile restaurant in Los Angeles, will join Hotel Laguna executive chef Todd Clore to prepare a five-course hors d’oeuvres menu tonight at the Hotel Laguna. The occasion: the sixth annual Wine Auction of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, Laguna Niguel Chapter, held in conjunction with the Chaine’s “Wine and Dine for the March of Dimes” campaign. Members will bring wines from their private cellars and many wineries will donate futures and premium wines. The cost is $50, and all proceeds after expenses go to the March of Dimes. For reservations, call Pat Cunningham at (714) 494-1151.

JW’s in the Anaheim Marriott will pair German beers with five courses at its fourth annual Oktoberfest “Biergarten Party” on Friday. Chef John McLaughlin will prepare such specialties as lobster sausage, roast goose with red cabbage chips, and a special chocolate dessert to match with beers by Spaten. The tab is $60 per person, including gratuity. Reservations may be made from 6 to 10 p.m. 700 W. Convention Way. (714) 750-0900.

Michael and Toni Leech, who owned and operated the Quiet Woman in Corona del Mar before opening and selling Lagoon in Dana Point, now manage the Red Car in Newport Beach, where they’ve changed the menu from mainly sandwiches to grill food. They’re emphasizing charcoal-broiled fare, fresh seafood (including oysters, clams and mussels) and such down-home dishes as liver and onions and meat loaf with mashed potatoes. The Red Car is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. Everything’s a la carte; nothing’s more than $9.95, and there’s a full bar. 2106 W. Ocean Front. (714) 673-1000.

The Cafe Restaurant at the Anaheim Plaza Hotel, 1700 S. Harbor Blvd., is offering a new “early bird” special: two eggs, two pancakes, bacon, toast and hash browns for $2.34 between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays.