Our Laguna: Weekend events include wine and a ball

Tastes were served on "green" palm leaf bowls and plates by staffs from 230 Forest Avenue, The Beach House, Broadway by Amar Santana, Claes Ovation, Dizz's As Is, Eva's Caribbean Kitchen, French 75, Katsuya, Laguna Culinary Arts, Las Brisas, Mosaic Bar & Grille, Mozambique Steakhouse, Starfish, Sundried Tomato, Tabu Grill, Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink and Watermarc.

Other participating eateries also held special events, starting March 8 at the K'ya Bistro at the Rooftop Lounge of La Casa Del Camino, with tasting stations created by Chef Craig Connole.

On Saturday, Surf & Sand served up Executive Chef Jeff Armstrong's savory bites, specialty cocktails and sweets concocted by mixologist/pastry chef Ryan Velilla and samples of select beers and Chateau Ste. Michelle wines.

Sunday's events began with a Gospel Music and Champagne Brunch, presented by Laguna Beach Live! and featuring music by Yve Evans & Co. and wine by Domaine Ste. Michelle.

Nirvana Grill presented a chef's demonstration and cooking class from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and The Deck at Pacific Edge Hotel hosted a "mixologist" completion and noshes while guests watched a paddleboarding relay race.

The day wound up at the Studio at Montage Resort & Spa, starting with a champagne reception and Executive Chef Craig Strong's garden-inspired hors d'oeuvres, followed by a four-course tasting menu paired with wines from a local California winery.

The Coastline Pilot was among the sponsors of the event.

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Legacy Ball

Laguna's seniors kicked up their heels March 9 at the sixth annual Legacy Ball, held at the Pelican Hill Resort on the Newport Coast.

"We had a fun evening, and we raised a lot of money," said Chris Quilter, president of Laguna Beach Seniors Inc. and a member of the event committee.

Preliminary figures show a net of $82,000, after subtracting $25,000 in expenses. The ratio of expense to gross meets the standard set by Al Roberts, founder of the AIDS Services Foundation, whom Quilter said taught him everything he knows about putting on an event.

Proceeds will benefit programs and services for Laguna's seniors and their families.