Drinking In the Joys of Cognac

Gustaf Anders, declaring a resurgence of the custom of after-dinner drinks, will host an evening of cognac tasting (and dinner) on Tuesday, beginning at 6:30.

The cognacs are from the Hine vineyards: an “antique” variety, which is 20 to 25 years old, and a “triomphe” cognac, which has aged 40 to 45 years. Madeline De Jean of Hine Cognac will attend to answer any questions.

Dinner includes appetizers and a Tom Thomas cocktail, made with ginger ale, cognac and a sprig of mint. Hine Cognac Rare, a 10-year-old blend, will also be served. Crepe Willander, a rolled souffle filled with onions, parsley, herring and cheese, will be served next, atop a parsley salad. Braised veal shanks and lemon tart follow. Each dish is accompanied by a different wine.

The cost is $75, plus tax and tip.

1651 Sunflower Ave., South Coast Plaza Village, Santa Ana. (714) 668-1737.

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The National Sports Grill will open a fourth location in late June, this one in Orange, at the former site of a Red Onion restaurant. True to the offerings of its other restaurants in Buena Park and Fullerton, and later this month, in Torrance, this one will serve burgers, sandwiches, pizza and other “classic American” food, along with 35 brands of beer, including 15 on tap.

More than 40 television monitors will make sure sports fans never miss a moment; 12 tournament-size pool tables are also planned.

450 State College Blvd., Orange.

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The Los Angeles Conservancy has honored El Pollo Loco for its sensitive adaptation of a historic building in East Los Angeles. The Irvine-based chain moved a restaurant into the former Federal Bank Building. The restaurant owners renovated the 84-year-old building to its original Italian Renaissance style.

2201 North Broadway. (213) 227-9991.

Anne Michaud is a staff writer for The Times Orange County Edition. Information for this column can be Faxed to (714) 966-5663, or addressed to: Newsbites/OC Live!, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Or call (714) 966-7898.