GREER’S BEST BUYS:

Foodies unite, and make your reservations early. The third annual Newport Beach Restaurant Week will kick off Sunday through Thursday, giving you an opportunity to dine at top Newport restaurants for five days at a great price.

Nearly 75 of Newport’s finest eateries will participate in this citywide culinary celebration. At participating restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy a special three-course prix-fixe gourmet menu. Lunch is $15 or $20, and dinner is $20 or $35. Most restaurants will offer a minimum of three offerings per course.

Reservations are recommended. For a list of this year’s participating restaurants with menus or to make reservations visit: NewportBeachDining.com.

That time of year

Michael Nusskern boutiques will feature up to 80% off on select items, including Barbara Bui boots, Isabel Marrant, Inhabit, Gary Graham, Rozae Nichols, Iodice and more. Both locations are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The sale ends Wednesday.

Michael Nusskern is at 1036 Irvine Ave. (Westcliff Plaza), Newport Beach. You can call that store at (949) 631-9902. The other shop is at 1630 San Miguel Drive (Harbor View Hills Shopping Center), Newport Beach. For details, call (949) 759-5500, or go to www.michaelnusskern.com.

Cooking for a cause

Three local celebrated chefs, Chris Hutten of Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits, Pascal Olhats of Tradition By Pascal, and Paul Squicciarini of the Orange County Wine & Food Center start the first “Cooking for a Cause” cooking class series for charity at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Orange County Wine & Food Center in Costa Mesa.

Join local chefs to celebrate food, wine and the spirit of dining. The reception features a cheese presentation and demonstrations of the preparation of several cocktails including the chef’s favorites. At the demonstration classes guests can sample all the courses along with excellently paired wines.

The theme of Wednesday’s class is Superbowl with Style. Upcoming classes include 6:30 p.m. May 6, “Q” Up for Summer; 6:30 p.m. July 22, Fresh & International; 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Comfort Food for Fall. Tickets start at $65. Orange County Wine & Food Center is at 1570 Scenic. To order tickets, go to great-taste.net and click on “classes.”

For details, call (714) 960-0534.

Find your workout

Body Design in Newport Beach is a well-run women’s athletic and wellness center that specializes in personal training and creating the right workout routine for each individual. Although it does have male clients, its focus is on women’s health and exercise needs. Body Design also offers group classes to complement personal workouts. Classes are often cardio-focused, incorporating free weights, or Pilates-focused, using low- impact exercise.

Body Design’s private Pilates room features ocean views, a peaceful environment and personalized attention. Workout sessions are available in private, semi-private or group sessions.

Other services include spa treatments, physical therapy, weight-training and the Gyrotonic system that simultaneously stretches and strengthens with minimal effort, while increasing range of motion and developing coordination.

Body Design, 210 Newport Center Drive, Suite 3, Newport Beach, is open 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to noon Saturday; and closed Sunday. For more, call (949) 719-2600 or go to www.bodydesign online.com.

GREER WYLDER writes Best Buys, which runs Fridays. She’s the founder and president of www.greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends.