Osteria Drago
Celebrated Chef Celestino Drago, of Drago Ristorante and other popular L.A. eateries, is coming to Fashion Island in the spring with his newest restaurant and first venture outside of Los Angeles, Osteria Drago. Diners will enjoy specialties inspired by Drago’s Sicilian upbringing – Naples-style pizza from a wood-burning oven and a menu of dishes served family-style, for the whole table to enjoy. The 3,700-square-foot restaurant also will house a wine bar with seating for 25 that will offer an extensive selection of rare wines, a charcuterie and small plates. Drago has gained much acclaim in his 25-year culinary career in Los Angeles. Bon Appetit, the L.A. Times and Food & Wine magazine have named him among their picks for the best chefs in the U.S. celestinodrago.com


Andrea Ristorante
The Resort at Pelican Hill recently welcomed Stefano Chiaruga to the kitchen at its signature restaurant, Andrea, where he will serve as chef de cuisine. Chiaruga was raised on a farm in the Tuscany region of Italy and spent his childhood tending cows, buffalo and chickens. He began his culinary training when he was only 14, enrolling at the Instituto Profesionale di State F. Martini. A Chiaruga signature: He uses no more than five ingredients in his dishes, so as not to distract from the purity of flavor. pelicanhill.com


House of An at South Coast Plaza
The House of An, which is behind the popular Crustacean restaurants in Beverly Hills and San Francisco, brings its brand of Vietnamese-fusion cuisine to Orange County with the opening of AnQi this winter. And keeping in step with the fashionable locale (it’s across from Bloomingdale’s at South Coast Plaza), the restaurant features a runway in the dining room. And, of course, a collection of culinary masterpieces by Executive Chef Helene An will grace the menu, offering foodies her signature healthful but oh-so-delicious creations. houseofan.com


Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
It’s not too late to sample Fleming’s fabulous fall three-course prix fixe menu. You have until Jan. 4 to enjoy specialties such as Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Crackling Pork Osso Bucco (a twist on the traditional preparation, it’s served in a barbecue glaze and cilantro oil) and Filet Mignon Brochette (this features a lineup of shallots, mushrooms and sweet peppers in a Madeira sauce). And for dessert? Fleming’s own decadent Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake is on the menu, complete with almond brittle and malted crème anglais. The cost: a mere $39.95 per person. flemingsteakhouse.com


Memphis at the Santora
The popular soulful restaurant in the heart of Santa Ana’s Artists Village recently introduced a slew of new items to its dinner menu of favorites. You’ll find a choice of shared-plate options, in-house smoked specialties and creatively prepared Southern comfort foods such as green chile grits, popcorn shrimp and fried okra. A number of lunchtime favorites, including the Memphis Po’ Boy and the Bison Burger with cranberry mayo and Gorgonzola, are now served at dinner, too. memphiscafe.com


Panera Bread
The popular bakery and café will continue with its holiday menu of specialties, including its hearty Macaroni & Cheese and its Gingerbread Latté, through Jan. 5. Among the limited-time offerings: Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake, Molasses Gingerbread Man Cookie and Cranberry Walnut Panettone Bread. But the star of the show is arguably the Macaroni & Cheese, which the café spent three years developing. Panera’s chefs tried at least 30 recipes using more than 20 various cheese blends before deciding on a final preparation, which features natural Vermont White Cheddar and other cheeses to achieve the perfect balance between sharp and creamy. panerabread.com


Taco Rosa
Calamari lovers will have much to swoon over at Taco Rosa. You’ll find it in tacos, tostadas, burritos and fajitas. The items had been on the menu previously and are back by popular demand, along with a number of new entrées, including a fried Taco de Pollo, Ceviche Salad (made with ahi, avocado, jicama, cantaloupe and a mango-serrano infusion). If you like heat, try the Jalapeños Rellanos – four chilies, two of which are stuffed with shrimp and wrapped in bacon. And to wash it all down: special tequila flights or a selection of new margarita recipes. And don’t forget dessert! (Try the Churros and Flan.) You’ll find Taco Rosa in the Newport Hills Shopping Center in Newport Beach and at The Market Place in Irvine. tacorosa.com