Feast to Aid Laguna Kids

Schoolchildren emotionally affected by the Laguna Beach fires will receive an assist Sunday from six area restaurants. The restaurants have organized a wine-tasting reception and dinner to raise money for counseling services for children in the Laguna Beach Unified School District.

The site is Five Feet Restaurant and the neighboring Engman International Gallery. Bette Midler and Dustin Hoffman are honorary chairpersons of the event, but Midler will not attend and Hoffman is uncertain, according to the event spokeswoman.

Still, those attending the benefit will find a notable cast of chefs preparing the meal: Paul Squicciarini of Sorrento Grille; Ignazio Vincenzo and Antonio Romeo of Romeo Cucina; Rick Sedler of Partner’s Bistro; Todd Clore of Claes’ Seafood at the Hotel Laguna, and Bruce Klier of Cedar Creek Inn.

The reception begins at 4:30 p.m., with seating for dinner at 6. Tickets are $150 per person, and all proceeds will be donated toward the creation of a counseling center.

On the menu are appetizers and desserts prepared by each restaurant. Chefs are teaming up to prepare other dishes, which include salad and lamb sirloin.

For reservations, call (714) 494-6811 or (714) 497-7700, Ext. 208.

328 Glenneyre St.

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Pascal Olhats will open his Epicerie on Friday. The retail store is adjacent to the French restaurant Pascal and will offer take-out dishes from the restaurant’s menu, along with wine, imported cheese, gourmet coffee, pastries and catering services. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach. (714) 752-0107.

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John Dominis and Sterling Vineyards are pairing up to offer a winemaker dinner on Thursday, Jan. 20. Winery representative John Katopodis will attend. The five-course dinner will include smoked Norwegian salmon in a cream sauce over pasta with a 1990 Chardonnay and roasted Colorado rack of lamb with a 1991 pinot noir.

2901 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (714) 650-5112.