Have You Herd the One About GG’s Buffalo Bits Benefit?

When it comes to the problem of child abuse, Benjamin Bennani has decided to take the buffalo by the horns.

Bennani, owner of GG’s House of Pizza and Buffalo, will host a “buffalo chuck wagon” barbecue at his restaurant Saturday from high noon until the food runs out. The cost is $5, and all proceeds benefit Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children. Buffalo pizza and buffalo burgers are always on the menu at GG’s, but at the chuck wagon he’ll serve up buffalo ribs, buffalo hot dogs, corn on the cob and live country music. A silent auction is also planned.

According to Bennani, 44, he was physically abused as a boy, and his tarnished childhood continues to shape, and sabotage, his life. “That’s what motivated me to help the other children,” he said.

1125 Victoria St., Costa Mesa. (714) 722-7585.

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Franco’s Cal-Ital Restaurant, which celebrated its grand opening over the weekend, touts “fusion food for the ‘90s.”

Jumping out from the menu are such appetizers as jump-fried mushrooms (mixed mushrooms pan-fried in lemon Bordelaise sauce served with garlic crostini , $4.95), and Italian sandwiches such as sizzled citrus shrimp panino ($7.95). Pastas include stir-fried coconut-curry chicken linguine ($7.95). Flourless chocolate torte with espresso-chocolate glaze and roasted pignolia nuts is $3.95.

Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m.

4237 Campus Drive, Irvine. (714) 854-5599.

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Louise’s Trattoria presents a beer maker’s dinner on Monday, a four-course affair featuring the beers of Samuel Adams.

Honey Porter will accompany top round rolled and stuffed with ricotta cheese, prosciutto, roasted red pepper and spinach with a black pepper, rosemary and Honey Porter demi-glaze; Triple Bock will be served with tiramisu, garnished with berries marinated in Triple Bock.

It’s $29 plus tax and gratuity, and dinner is served at 7 p.m.

300 Pacific Coast Highway, 202, Huntington Beach. (714) 960-0996.