Rice and Crullers, Anyone?

Two weeks ago, we told you about the blend of Italian and Asian cuisines at Ciao Mein in Irvine. Well, the trend toward mixing two widely diverging menus under one roof might have reached its extreme with Donut Star, an eatery in Santa Ana that offers doughnuts and Chinese food.

Actually, the 63-shop Donut Star chain sticks to doughnuts at each location except Santa Ana, which opened Nov. 23 and is run by Andy Chow, owner of three other Donut Stars in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The 24-hour Santa Ana location’s Chinese food is prepared by chef Chien Taing, formerly with the Plum Tree in Los Angeles. Customers can make up their own combination plates from such entrees as pork chops, spicy chicken, chicken with mushrooms and lemon chicken, each priced at $1. Side dishes, such as fried rice, are $1 as well.

The restaurant will include a drive-through window, and orders will be taken over the phone ((714) 957-3944) and by fax ((714) 957-8324). 2509 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana.

A trip for two to Chicago awaits the winner of a contest being sponsored by BJ’s Chicago Pizzerias. BJ’s is asking people to write one-page descriptions of individuals who personify the Christmas spirit year-round. The winner gets airfare and hotel accommodations in Chicago and two tickets to “Taste of Chicago,” a culinary show in June. Five finalists also get pizza parties for themselves and 10 guests. Entries should be mailed by Dec. 18 to Christmas Spirit Search, Frank Groff Public Relations, 249 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1010, Long Beach 90802. Entrants should specify which BJ’s -- Santa Ana, Laguna, Capistrano, La Jolla, Balboa Pier and Belmont Shore -- is closest to his or her home.

Anne Michaud is a staff writer for The Times Orange County Edition. Newsbites 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.