January 11, 2010
 

LAZY DOG CAFÉ TO MARK NEWEST SPOT IN IRVINE
(“Hottest Concept In Nation” To Open At MarketPlace In Former French 75 Location)

In a time when many restaurants are folding, one concept continues its rapid ascent.  Lazy Dog Café, which was recently named one of the “hottest” restaurants in the United States by Nation’s Restaurant News (the “bible of the industry”), is opening its newest location at the MarketPlace in Irvine in the site formerly occupied by French 75.  The 275 seat establishment set in 7,500-square feet of interior space with an additional 1,000-square-foot patio is scheduled to open on March 4th, said owner Chris Simms, who hails from an illustrious family of restaurateurs.  

This newest establishment, which will join sister locations in Huntington Beach, Orange, South Bay, Valencia and Thousand Oaks, will feature a whimsical decor with a familiar dog theme.  The eclectic menu of American fare contains Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean and South American influences.  The bar will offer more than 21 draft beers including several locally hand-crafted micro brews, a number of carefully selected, price-conscious wines served by the glass or bottle and a host of Lazy Dog Café’s signature cocktails made by the trained “bar chefs” who use only the “finest, freshest” ingredients.

Favorite menu items include a classic American Campfire Pot Roast, “Inside-out” Quesadilla, “Not Your Mom’s” Meatloaf, Trio of Hummus sampler, fresh baked flat breads and pizzas, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Ginger Soy Salmon, Bahama Jerk Chicken and a Hawaiian inspired Ahi Poke.  Rounding out the menu are a number of our desserts are more of a creative spin on childhood favorites including Homemade Apple Cobbler, Warm Skillet Brownie, Cinnamon-Sugar “Pizza” and a Banana Split Sundae served in a “doggie bowl.” Special items are available for children as well like steamed edamame and homemade hand-breaded chicken tenders. Children can also decorate their very own sundae for dessert.

Award-winning Hatch Design in tandem with Architects Design Consortium are overseeing the creative rustic design that has been described as “Frank Lloyd Wright meets Ralph Lauren.”  The décor will include such accents as a massive chandelier crafted from Aspen logs, generous use of real ledge stone, and fabric and leather lined booths and chairs featuring rich hues of chocolate and rust (many bearing dog-print fabrics).  Playful touches include a fire hydrant-styled beer tap in the bar area and in keeping with the canine theme, regulars are encouraged to submit 5” x 7” photographs of their dogs for the Lazy Dog Café Hall of Fame which is displayed in a designated area of the restaurant.  

If the other locations are any indication, the new Lazy Dog Cafe will prove to be a popular hot spot especially during Happy Hour. The large bar area will offer six high-definition flat-screens for watching sporting events and for those seeking to enjoy their cocktails outdoors, an adjoining heated patio complete with lush landscaping, Adirondack patio chairs and two outdoor fire pits will be available.

“We’re working hard to make sure that our newest Irvine location has something for everyone and hope the local community welcomes us with open arms,” said Simms.

Hours will be 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week and Brunch will be served Saturdays and Sundays.  For more information, visit www.lazydogcafe.com <http://www.lazydogcafe.com>  <http://www.lazydogcafe.com <http://www.lazydogcafe.com/> > .

CONTACT: FRANK GROFF INC. (562) 491-1000