Two cooks are better than one

It was a difficult decision. Dish Cooking School has closed its

cafe to focus entirely on catering events and its excellent cooking

classes. The cafe area at dish will be available for private parties.

Brian Dobbin, an in-demand caterer, and Tom Curran, an experienced

chef and cooking school instructor, are combining their talents to

offer one of the best catering companies and cooking schools in

Orange County. 435 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. (949) 574-2433.

www.dishcookingschool.com.

THERE’S NO DENYING THE TUG OF THIS RUG SALE

Don’t miss the huge rug tent sale, as big as a football field, in

the parking lot adjacent to Bloomingdale’s Fashion Island. The tent

has more than 8,000 rugs, shipped from all around the world -- more

than $20 million worth of rugs in stock. Rugs are priced from 65% to

76% below regular market price, and rug experts will be there to help

with selections. The sale lasts through Jan. 20.

CLOTHING SALE IS TAILOR-MADE FOR MEN

Atkinson’s Men’s Clothing is having a storewide sale on all

clothing, shoes and accessories. Included are Burberry and Reyn

Spooner shirts and Corbin and Southwick apparel. Atkinson’s offers

high-quality traditional clothing and accessories. Open from 9:30

a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 3430 Via Lido in Newport

Beach (949) 673-0653.

A JEWEL OF A SHOP, RIGHT ON TIME

Blackman Ltd. Jewelers is a traditional jewelry store. It also

specializes in custom jewelry and repairs all watches and clocks on

the premises. Mr. Blackman makes house calls for repairs on

grandfather clocks. It services Rolexes -- from a simple battery to a

complete overhaul. 3406-1 Via Oporto, Lido Marina Village, Newport

Beach. (949) 673-9334.

NEIMAN MARCUS HAS FACE-SAVING OFFER

Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island is hosting two great facial

events. On Sunday and Monday, there’s a Guerlain facial event.

Guerlain unique skin care formulations have been around since the

mid-1800s. Today, it offers a full range of treatments specifically

designed to complement busy lifestyles. For appointments, call (949)

759-1900, ext. 2244. Cosmetics, Level One. On Thursday through

Saturday, there’s a Sisley Paris facial event. You can enjoy a

private facial using the luxurious skincare line from Sisley Paris.

For appointments, call (949) 759-1900, ext. 2241. Cosmetics, Level

One.

THOSE FOOTBALL FOOD PROBLEMS ARE OVER

Bristol Farms has created a football party take-out menu. The

catering department makes great mini pastrami Reubens, $35 for two

dozen; smoked salmon pizzettes, $50 for two dozen; Southwestern duck

quesadilla, $55 for two dozen; tequila roasted shrimp, market price;

seven-layer dip for 20 to 30 people, $50; meat and cheese platter,

small serves 10 at $65, medium serves 14 at $85, and large serves 20

at $95; and a Touchdown platter comes with garlic chicken wings, baby

back ribs, Cajun chicken and sausage skewers and mini pork

chimichangas with chipotle ranch dressing, serves 10 to 15 at $75.

Corona del Mar Plaza at 810 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach. (949)

760-6514.

AN QUICK, CANCER-FREE ALTERNATIVE TO THE SUN

SunMist is a new state-of-the-art; UV-free tanning salon that has

opened in Corona del Mar. SunMist is a safe alternative to

traditional UV-ray tanning. No premature aging or skin cancer to

worry about. Other benefits are streak-free coverage and total

privacy. It’s the same concept as self-tanner lotions and sprays, but

this salon offers a fine mist of a tanning solution applied all of

your body in less than a minute. Busy people especially appreciate

SunMist; it dries immediately so that you can be dressed and out the

door in just a few minutes. The tanning results are achieved in four

to six hours and usually last four to six days. A SunMist tan is $30,

or you buy four tans for $25 each, or 10 tans at $20 each. 2744 E.

Coast Highway, No. 7 (second floor), Corona del Mar. (949) 719-2896.

PICTURE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT

John L. Blom is now offering intimate portraits photographed by

Chloe that are ideal for Valentine’s Day gifts. 3732 E. Pacific Coast

Highway in Corona del Mar. (949) 675-3130.

A SALE TO FEEL AT EASE WITH

At-Ease of Newport Beach is having its annual winter sale.

Collections are reduced up to 70%. High-quality brands included in

the sale are: Jack Victor, Tallia Hartz, Zanella, Ike Behar, Bobby

Jones, Cutter & Buck, Corbin, H.S. Trask, Reyn Spooner, Barry

Bricken, Axis, Riscatto, Mezlan, Sperry Topsider, Aquascutum and

Robert Comstock. At-Ease is at Fashion Island. (949) 759-7979.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

Greer Wylder at [email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa,

CA 92627; or by fax at (949) 646-4170.