Food Drives Feed Need to Help Others

Whether it’s toys for toppings or toys for tamales--or even cans for crema al caramello --Christmas season charity drives are underway at a number of area restaurants.

Amici Trattoria makes sure you get your just desserts when you donate even one canned good, which will entitle you to the complimentary dessert of your choice. ( Crema al caramello is vanilla flan.) Packaged produce and unwrapped children’s toys are also welcome. The drive continues through Dec. 23 and benefits FISH, a group dedicated to preventing homelessness in Irvine, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.

Speaking of which, anchovies are but one choice of topping that the donation of a new, unwrapped toy can get you at BJ’s Chicago Pizzerias, where more than a dozen topping possibilities range from homemade meatballs to fresh garlic. Toys will be picked up Dec. 16 as part of the Toys for Tots program.

At El Torito Grills, a new, unwrapped toy means $10 off any check of $25 or more. That drive runs through Dec. 20, and certificates are valid through Jan. 15. Toys go to Share Our Selves (S.O.S.) of Costa Mesa, which provides emergency food, funds and shelter for those in immediate need.

Take a couple of toys: Start at the Costa Mesa El Torito Grill, then have dessert at Amici next door.

Amici Trattoria, 655 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, (714) 850-9399.

BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria, 2430 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana (714) 557-5950.

BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria, 106 Main St., Balboa, (714) 675-7560.

BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria, 280 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (714) 494-3802.

BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria, 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, (714) 489-9771.

BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria, 209 Main St., Seal Beach, (310) 594-9310.

BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria, 200 Main St., Huntington Beach, (714) 374-2224.

El Torito Grill, 633 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, (714) 622-2672.

El Torito Grill, 1910 Main St., Irvine, (714) 975-1220.

El Torito Grill, 951 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, (714) 640-2875.

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‘Tis the season to be bubbly, and Monday, Pascal salutes Perrier Jouet Champagne, known for the pretty Belle Epoque-style bottle with enamel flowers. A four-course dinner and as many cuvees of Jouet will feature roasted duck breast with saffron and cranberry couscous. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.; $80 includes Christmas caroling but not tax or gratuity; The same meal sans champagne will be served throughout December for $49.50.

The staff at Sfuzzi was pleasantly surprised recently by the overwhelming response to the penultimate event of this year’s Veni Vidi Vici Vino wine dinner series. Previous events had attracted an average of 50 tasters; 130 turned out for Northern California-based Silver Oak Cellars, and a second night was offered.

On Monday at 7 p.m., Jordan Winery brings the series to a close with a four-course meal, including fire-grilled quail and rosemary-roasted lamb saddle. Wines to be served include a Chardonnay, two Cabernet sauvignons and “J” sparkling wine. It’s $45 per person, not including tax or tip.

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

Sfuzzi, 1870A Harbor Blvd., Suite 200, Costa Mesa (714) 548-9500.