Restaurants Celebrate South Coast Plaza’s 50th Anniversary

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of South Coast Plaza, the internationally renowned shopping and dining destination founded by the late retail magnate Henry Segerstrom, leisurely diners and shoppers-on-the-go can indulge in culinary treats as varied as carnitas tacos to commemorative cocktails, desserts and cookies, expressly created for the milestone and available this month.

Picture above, in the hands of Orange County’s favorite Bravo Top Chef Amar Santana, is Vaca restaurant’s commemorative cocktail, Chaparral, a gin and tonic artisanal cocktail made with Cutwater Spirits Old Grove Gin, Escubac liqueur, East Imperial yuzu tonic, sage and orange has been created expressly for the anniversary by bar manager Michael Rooney.

And, that’s just the beginning! From lima bean soup to prix fixe menus, South Coast Plaza’s fine dining and fast-casual restaurants are offering a tempting array of special menu items in March to mark the 50^th anniversary of the world-renowned retail center.

Restaurateur/chef Antonio Cagnolo honors Segerstrom’s legacy by serving his favorite meal throughout March. Gamberi alla Henry, large prawns cooked in a light San Marzano tomato sauce with Sicilian olive oil and oregano, is prepared table side for guests who want to taste the very dish that brought the two men together 40 years ago. Served with toasted rustic bread, the entrée is available through March at Antonello Ristorante at South Coast Plaza Village during lunch and dinner for $28.

South Coast Plaza diners will find a variety of anniversary offerings throughout the month of March: