Sherri... Your comment could not have been more timely. A large group of us, including four little one's were dining at North Woods Inn in Pasadena. At the end of the meal our waiter invited the kids over to choose a toy from the treasure chest for being so well-behaved.

I'd never seen such a thing, but was thinking what a wonderful idea!! Of course my kids will remember to be well-behaved next time with that kind of incentive.

Are you referring to At Home on the Range starring the late John Crean and Barbara Venezia?? Fits your description:)

What about Moreno's Restaurant in Orange? I think it's on Chapman.

Also Maggiano's near South Coast Plaza... In fact, they share the same parking lot.

I like this idea. I can even purchase the pre-marinated/assembled kebabs from Whole Foods and pick up some fruit and pasta salad to go along with it. Thanks so much:)

I am having some friends over for dinner and to see my two-week old baby girl (In addition, I have two boys ages 5 and 3.) I was going to go the easy route and do pizza, salad and wine, but one of the wives does not eat cheese. Does anyone have any easy dinner suggestions for a group of 6 adults and 6 kids under the age of 6? Thanks for your suggestions!!

Stuffed Mushrooms that are so addictive;

Softened cream cheese
Chopped bacon or real bacon bits
Shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese
Hollowed mushroom caps

Combine first three ingredients, fill mushroom caps, bake for 30 minutes at 350. People go nuts for these things:)

Love Ina Garten's recipe for Mustard Roasted Fish... It's divine!!!

Magic bars or lemon bars are always a hit!

Ronnie and his crew have always come through for us. He did ask for a deposit the first couple times (no contract) and it was never a problem. They are always on time and very reliable. Last time we had Taco Chop was at my son's birthday party in August. They did a gourmet burger bar and everyone loved it. Love their tacos too. Hope that helps:)

How about Roma D' Italia in Tustin or Mama D's in Newport. Orange has some good options with Haven Gastropub, Gabbi's and Johnny Rebs. Those are our "go to" places when we include the kids for family dinner. Good luck!

I haven't lived there for a few years, but we used to love Loca Luna for a fun "girls night out." Great tapas, fun music and a very lively/unique atmosphere:)

We had our rehearsal dinner at the Rococo Room. It's part of Cafe Santorini, but it's completely seperate and unique. It's quite large and has it's own bar so it might be just what you're looking for. Granted it's been almost eight years, but the food was really good and reasonable. Good luck and congrats!

Our new favorite... Pepperoni, pineapple and jalapeño. Really yummy!

Today was a Christmas cookie bonanza at my house. Snickerdoodles, molasses, peanut butter cup and sugar cookies. All turned out beautifully... Packaged them in clear cello bags tied with ribbon. Will be delivering to neighbors and friends in the morning:)

Could this be it? I've made this cake several times. It is delicious and fits your description.
I found it on the allrecipes.com website.

Coconut Poke Cake
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (8 ounce) package flaked coconut
Directions
Prepare and bake white cake mix according to package directions. Remove cake from oven. While still hot, using a utility fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Mix cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk together. Pour over the top of the still hot cake. Let cake cool completely then frost with the whipped topping and top with the flaked coconut. Keep cake refrigerated.

We went to Five Crowns in CDM last year for Thanksgiving and it was wonderful. Traditional turkey dinner with all the sides and dessert for a reasonable price. Highly recommend it.

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Five Crowns
3801 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

Del Taco!!! So much better than Taco Bell and they even let you order some of the old Naugles menu items.

Thanks kattyeyes! I will definitely put those pumpkin cookies on my baking schedule. I just checked out your blog too... Lots of great recipes to try:)

Just made banana caramel cupcakes and they were divine. I've been gathering lots of pumpkin recipes this weekend in preparation for Fall... I love this time of year!

Not a hotel brunch, but the brunch at Court of Two Sisters is beautiful, delicious and quintessential New Orleans... Not to mention live Jazz music!! Definitely a highlight during our trip.

I believe your referring to Mr. Beef that was located in Venice, but it has already closed down.

Houston's is a solid choice and not too far from the Marriott. If you willing to head south toward the beach (10 min) then there's Sol Cocina for upscale Mexican or Crow Bar for great burgers and beer selection. Good luck!!

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Sol Cocina
251 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663

I highly recommend Taco Chop. We have used them numerous times and they never disappoint. They are by far, the most reasonably priced, always on time, clean, and a big hit with our guests. You get carne asada, chicken and al pastor tacos (grilled fresh), salsa, onions, cilantro, peppers; plus rice and beans. Tons of leftovers and always delicious.

You can reach them at 626-465-6958. Ask for Ronnie.

I remember Giada doing a goat cheese and sundried tomato stuffing before. Probably can find the recipe on foodnetwork.com.

Maggiano's next to South Coast Plaza serves family style for a group of that size.

Ronnie at Taco Chop came through an did a fabulous job. He was out of town, hence why I could not reach him at the beginning of the week.

He was professional, showed up on time, made fabulous tacos (carne asada, chicken and al pastor,) and was so hospitable to all our guests. Would recommend him to anyone looking for a great taco caterer. Taco Chop delivers on every level.

Hey annapurna... I have Taco Chop booked for a party this Saturday and have not been able to reach Ronnie via phone. Did you ever get in touch with them or receive a call back? I'm getting a little concerned since we already gave them $100 deposit and it's three days away:(

We had a sheet cake from Susie Cakes (Newport Beach) last week for my nieces Christening. The vanilla celebration cake looked cute, but was horribly dense and very dry. The cake was so heavy... it must have weighed 30 pounds. Very disappointing for the price.

I have had other desserts from there that were much better, but I will be getting my cakes elsewhere.

I've purchased them from Bristol Farms... In the cookie aisle on the bottom shelf.