Carolers to Serenade at Five Crowns

Adding to its English roadhouse ambience, Five Crowns has signed on costumed carolers to sing during dinner hours, through Christmas Eve. The carolers plan to dress in traditional old English outfits. The restaurant, which specializes in prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, offers a Continental menu. 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. (714) 760-0331.

Speaking of places that turn diners’ imaginations back to simpler times, the McCharles House has produced its own blend of teas for the holidays. The Victorian-style teahouse, which is run by mother and daughter Audrey and Vivian Heredia, is now serving McCharles House Tea and St. Nicholas Tea. The teas may also be purchased to take home, and Vivian said she is considering selling them at places other than the restaurant after the holidays. 335 South C St., Old Town in Tustin. (714) 731-4063.

Caterers Kimberlie Carroll and Barbra Colucci are going one step better than making and serving holiday meals: They are teaching classes in how it should be done. Carroll, the chef half of the Culinary Dreams team, will offer instruction in preparing and presenting a dessert holiday buffet on Tuesday at Robinson’s department store in Fashion Island, Newport Beach. Menu items include Grand Marnier ricotta cheesecake and creme brulee . The class is $20, and reservations are required. (714) 644-2800, Ext. 698.

Baltimore Bagel Co., a 12-year-old San Diego chain, has opened its second shop in Orange County. The Laguna Niguel bakery, in the Plaza de la Paz shopping center, opened Nov. 21 and is the company’s 11th shop. Baltimore Bagel, which is named for the home city of co-owner Rachel Brau, opened its first Orange County location in April in Irvine. She runs the operation with partner and husband Michael E. Brau. 27261 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel. (714) 362-2494.

As is its annual tradition, John Dominis restaurant will be open for weekday lunches all month. Beginning Monday, lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2901 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (714) 650-5112.

Le Meridien hotel’s Restaurant Antoine has scheduled its next winemaker’s dinner for Dec. 11. The dinner, which is $85 plus tax and tip, features the wines of Domaine Chandon, a Napa Valley vineyard that specializes in sparkling wines. Reservations are required. 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. (714) 476-2001.

Anne Michaud is a staff writer for The Times Orange County Edition. Information for the Newsbites column can be Faxed to (714) 966-5663, or addressed to: Newsbites/OC Live!, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., CA 92626. Or call (714) 966-7898.