Tough Economic Times Shouldn’t Sfaze Sfuzzi’s

Sfuzzi was born in recessionary Dallas five years ago, so tough economic times in Orange County shouldn’t faze it. The chain opened its 16th restaurant on Dec. 21, at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa.

Sfuzzi calls itself an Italian bistro and offers moderate prices: $8.75 for vegetarian pizza, $10.95 for linguine with clams, $15.95 for grilled swordfish. It’s open for dinner only, at least until mid-March when, according to Patrick Colombo, senior vice president of Sfuzzi Inc., several attractive retailers--including Nike Town--will be coming to the two-story Triangle Square mall.

Some retailers have been there for several months already, along with a movie theater and an Alpha Beta grocery store. Colombo said he’s “a little bothered” by the way the mall is filling up bit by bit, but he thinks that by March there will be enough daytime foot traffic for Sfuzzi to start serving lunch.

It’s pronounced FOO-zee, by the way, with a silent “s.” Don’t try to find it in an Italian dictionary; it doesn’t exist, and it means nothing. Colombo said he and the chain’s three co-founders came up with it because it sounded like fun. 1870A Harbor Blvd. (714) 548-9500.

BJ’s Chicago Pizzeria has extended its Christmas Spirit contest through Jan. 25. If you’re interested, write a one-page description of someone who personifies the holiday spirit throughout the year. Prizes include a trip to Chicago and pizza parties for 10. Entries should be mailed to Christmas Spirit Search, c/o Frank Groff Public Relations, 249 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1010, Long Beach 90802, or faxed to (310) 491-0211. Entrants should specify which BJ’s is closest--La Jolla, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Newport Beach or Belmont Shore.

Nearly 200 pajama-clad diners raised $750 for charity with a recent breakfast at the Newport Dunes Resort. The money went to the Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter in Costa Mesa, which assists homeless people. And Newport Dunes reaped some early excitement for what it hopes will be a weekly event, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Back Bay Cafe. Slippers, robes and nighties preferred (and from now on the breakfasts won’t be benefits, but just for fun). 1131 Back Bay Drive, inside Newport Dunes, Newport Beach. (714) 729-1141.

Emporio Armani Express in the South Coast Plaza mall has introduced a to-go menu. A condensed version of the regular menu, it features pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. And this month the restaurant is planning to add delivery service and the capacity to accept faxed orders, according to Enzo De Muro, one the owners. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 754-0300.

Speaking of South Coast Plaza, Antonello Espresso Bar opened there last month (it’s owned by the same man who owns Antonello Ristorante in South Coast Plaza Village across the street). The Espresso Bar, which is on the second floor of the mall, offers a variety of coffee drinks including cappuccino, and a light menu featuring Italian sandwiches and desserts. (714) 557-5232.