Deliveries From Tony’s: A Place for Gulf Greetings

So that our armed forces in the Persian Gulf will know we remember them during the holidays, Tony Roma’s, A Place for Ribs, is collecting holiday cards through Monday to send to Saudi Arabia. Diners can bring their signed Christmas or Hanukkah greeting cards in unsealed, unstamped, unaddressed envelopes to any Tony Roma’s. Orange County locations: 1640 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim; 1300 S. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton; 7862 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach; 3642 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos; 28381 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo; 2530 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, and 17245 17th St., Tustin.

McCharles House in Tustin introduced nine teas for the ‘90s last week, with a choice of menus from a Champagne Tea of Edwardian potted cheese, fresh fruits, sconettes and a split of French champagne, to Chocolatea: scones with chocolate chunks, chocolate-dipped dried apricots and walnuts and a chocolate dessert. There’s even an Animal Crackers Tea for children of all ages. All come with a pot of tea--or coffee or iced tea. Prices are $10.50 to $18.95, with tea service from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. McCharles House also serves dinner Thursday through Saturday at 335 S. C St.; (714) 731-4063. Look, too, for its new Back Porch Bake Shoppe, offering scones, cakes, tea breads and antique gift items for the holidays.

Thee White House in Anaheim will launch the holiday season with its annual tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 25, with cocktails at 6 p.m. and a five-course dinner at 6:30. The cost is $50 per person and will benefit the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Little Red Wagon Guild. Reservations: (714) 772-1381. Thee White House is at 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim.

The Bouzy Rouge in Newport Beach marks its ninth anniversary Sunday with a garage sale. Incurable collector and owner Tony Hermann says it’s time to get rid of fondue sets, top hat plastic wine buckets, artwork, bar stools, chairs, etc. Come between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to the parking lot at 3110 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. (714) 673-3440.

Musical chefs: Salvatore Troia departed Ben Brown’s in Laguna to become a chef at the Ritz in Newport Beach. . . . Murat Dayioglu, formerly of the departed Swallow’s Cove in San Clemente and Chez Cary in Orange, replaces Troia as chef at Ben Brown’s. . . . Osman Elimsa, who was chef at the late Courthouse Restaurant in Santa Ana and at Chez Dante, Newport Beach, is now chef at the Shipyard Inn in the Disneyland Hotel.

“Warning: You must fast for at least 12 hours before you arrive in order to enjoy this gastronomic experience.” That’s the word from Ciao Bella to those planning to attend the next “Fiesta Calabrese,” scheduled for Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. The fiesta begins with an antipasto buffet, and dinner is a leisurely sit-down meal of four more courses. The tab is $25, including wine at each table, musical entertainment by Enzo Salvaggi and dancing. Ciao Bella is at Los Caballeros Sports Village, 17272 Newhope St., Fountain Valley. (714) 546-7426.

Tonight, Napoleon French restaurant in Dana Point presents a French wine tasting with a gourmet dinner menu. The four courses include breast of pheasant Souvaroff and lamb noissette with sauce chasseur. The $65 tab includes tax and tips and the evening begins at 7. The restaurant is at 24501 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point; (714) 240-7944.

And, in case you hadn’t noticed, Chez Moi in Costa Mesa has closed.