RESTAURANT ROUNDUP:

Wine Lab Newport, which spotlights an eclectic mix of wines, plans to host a tasting tonight with Ted Plemons of Cass Vineyards.

Plemons, whose vineyard resides east of Paso Robles on the Central Coast, will offer an array of wines with 100%-estate-grown grapes. On the menu are a 2006 Grenache, 2006 Mourvèdre, 2005 Syrah, 2006 Rockin’ One Blend and 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, and other surprise selections.

The tasting is scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and admission is $20, which includes five 2-ounce pours and a selection of cheeses. Wine Lab Newport is at 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Suite 100, Newport Beach. Call (949) 515-8466 for more information.

New England comes to Five Crowns

Five Crowns, an English-style restaurant in Corona del Mar, will shift its style this side of the Atlantic for a New England clam bake at 7 p.m. Oct. 2.

The menu for the one-night-only special features New England clam chowder in a bread bowl, with entrees including whole Maine lobster and steamed clam sachet with drawn butter and lemon, plus barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, parsley red potatoes, Boston baked beans, cornbread and crusty French rolls, with Maine peanut butter pie for dessert.

The dinner costs $79, including tax and tip. Five Crowns is at 3801 E. Coast Hwy. Call (949) 760-0331 for more information.

— Michael Miller