Locals gather for hip opening night

Mastro’s Steakhouse is one of the most popular social gathering spots

in L.A.’s hip Westside.

Last week, the upscale dining room debuted on the Orange Coast at

a new Crystal Cove location. It’s called Mastro’s Ocean Club, and

some 500 curious coasters poured in for a little opening night

celebration.

Executive chef Mark Lupino prepared a feast for the opening night

crowd, serving an entire menu of selections, including steak and

chops, and fresh seafood and shellfish. Among the specialties were

lobster salad, escargot, and a gourmet macaroni and cheese using

fresh Gorgonzola.

Cristal Champagne flowed as the social and business crowd mixed

and mingled in the ocean view dining room, designed by Janet Henrich

of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Irvine Co. execs, owners and managers of the Crystal Cove

Promenade joined Mastro brass in welcoming the local crush and

ensuring the new dining room was launched with style.

The Center Stage Chapter of the Guilds of the Orange County

Performing Arts Center produced another rousing “Hot Blues on a Cool

Summer Night” as August 2005 came to a close.

Some 300 jazz lovers and supporters of the performing arts center

converged on South Coast Plaza Village to enjoy an evening of cool

jazz fronted by Steve Copeland and Raging Sun. Local restaurants

provided dinner for the gathering under a full August moon.

Co-chaired by Bob and Judy Loser, the event raised an estimated

$20,000 to support the performing arts center’s community outreach

and music education programs. Corporate sponsorship for the event

came from generous business donors, including South Coast Plaza,

Fremont Investment & Loan, Advance Business Graphics, South Coast

Helicopter and many more.

The Newport Beach 100 celebration committee has announced an event

it is calling Let’s Do Launch. The big event takes place Oct. 2 at

the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort as NB100 presents a beach party

starring the Beach Boys.

Tickets are $16 and are available now at

o7www.newportbeach100.com /beachboysticketsf7. Now that’s one long

Internet address. If you prefer, call (949) 718-1856.

Organizers are planning a day of beach fun for the entire family,

including sand volleyball, boat rides, dancing, all kinds of food

and, of course, the legendary Beach Boys.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.