Time to shop at the Ticktocker

Don’t miss the first boutique sale at the Ticktocker Shop put on

by the National Charity League of Newport Beach. You’ll find what I

think is the best selection and prices in designer clothes, household

items, accessories and outer wear. The National Charity League

supports local charities -- Someone Cares Soup Kitchen; SOS; High

Hopes; Human Options; Second Step;and more. Proceeds will go directly

to charity. Cash only, all sales are final. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 540

W. 19th St., Costa Mesa. (949) 646-4024.

THAIFOON’S BEEN FORECAST

Thaifoon: A Taste of Asia is opening its second Orange County

location at Fashion Island. It’s owned by Randy Schoch, who also runs

Roy’s Pacific Rim Cuisine at Fashion Island and Thaifoon at Irvine

Spectrum. The restaurant features lunch, happy hour, dinner and

takeout, and menu items are moderately priced and intended for

sharing. Thaifoon’s appetizers include Black Orchid Ahi Tuna, Shrimp

Explosion and the Thaifoon Tasting Tower. The appetizers are priced

from $4.95 to $8.95. Salads and soups cost between $1.95 to $9.95,

with selections like Coconut Mushroom Soup and Crying Thaiger Beef

Salad. Entree categories are Beef & Pork, Chicken, Seafood, and Rice

and Noodles. Among Thaifoon’s most popular dishes are Mango Chicken

($11.95), Crispy Coconut Shrimp ($12.95) and Sizzling Beef ($12.95).

All guests today will receive a complimentary scoop of mango sorbet

or coconut pineapple ice cream and a freshly baked cookie. Renowned

Asian chefs and restaurateurs Mae Phom and Joyce Jue are consultants

on Thaifoon’s menu. Thaifoon will also offer a full-service bar with

a selection of cocktails, wines, chilled sakes and domestic and

imported beers to complement the cuisine’s bold flavors. Exotic

specialty cocktails include the Thai Mai for four, Thai Sangria and

Tropical Smash pitcher drinks, Banana Tree, Saketumi, Mint

Grasshopper, Mango Tini, and Bangkok Breeze. Thaifoon is between

Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s at Fashion Island. For more information,

call (949) 644-0133.

FIX THAT HAIR

The Fine Line Salon is now offering the “Yuko Miracle System,” an

innovative Japanese permanent hair straightening method that was

featured on “The Regis and Kelly Show” and “Good Morning America.” It

strengthens curly, frizzy and wavy hair and is supposed to repair

damaged hair making it softer and shinier. Complimentary

consultations are offered; for a limited time, receive $25 off the

Yuko System. 2815 Lafayette Ave., Newport Beach. (949) 673-2728.

LIVE, LOVE, EAT

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is hosting a cooking demonstration

and book signing of his new cookbook, “Live, Love, Eat!” at his

namesake restaurant at Fashion Island on Thursday. With 120 of Puck’s

favorite recipes, the book is ideal for holiday gift giving, and it’s

sold at a special purchase price. Wolfgang Puck Cafe at Fashion

Island, Newport Beach, is open from 2 to 5 p.m.

GET SOME BOOKS

You’ll feel like you’re in Tokyo at the new Kinokuniya Bookstore,

a Japanese version of Barnes & Noble, at the Target Greatlands

shopping center in Costa Mesa. The store features a complete

selection of Japanese magazines, newspapers, comics, CDs and books.

There are some English books: Eastern philosophy, art, Japanese

language and Asian novels. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 3030 Harbor Blvd.,

Costa Mesa. (714) 662-2319. www.kinokuniya.com.

ART GALLERY OPENS

Wentworth Gallery, a leading retailer of fine art in the country,

has opened at Fashion Island. It’s well known for its extensive

selection of art, including originals, signed and numbered prints and

sculptures. There are hundreds of collected artists, as well as new

artists represented from around the world whose works are sold

exclusively at Wentworth Gallery. A unique service is offered here

called “Home Show.” The staff will bring up to 20 works of art to

your home or office for a private viewing. This service is available

within 50 miles of the gallery at no charge or obligation. Wentworth

also provides free delivery and installation of all artwork. It’s

between Robinsons-May and the Iris Fountain. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday

to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

(949) 760-9554 or visit www.WentworthGallery.com.

MEET THE AUTHORS

New and Recycled Romances is hosting an author dinner at 6 p.m.

Thursday. Honored guests are Sharon Sala and Meryl Sawyer. Pizza and

salad will be served. 143, 145, 147 Broadway, Costa Mesa. R.S.V.P. at

(949) 645-8513.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com or 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa,

CA 92627, or via fax at (949) 646-4170.