Greer's OC: Get a cut, help Japan

March 30, 2011|By Greer Wylder

In response to the recent tsunami and earthquake in Japan, Marinello Schools of Beauty is holding a Japan Relief Cut-A-Thon in Huntington Beach through Saturday. The school will offer $5 haircuts; all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan.

Since 1905, Marinello Schools of Beauty has offered beauty education and affordable spa and salon services performed by student stylists under the supervision of licensed instructors.

Marinello is at 19022 Brookhurst St. in Huntington Beach. For more information, call (714) 962-8831.

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Italian cuisine in coastal O.C.

Ever since Cucina Alessa brought its Italian cuisine goodness to Laguna Beach when it opened its third location in November, we feel that the coast has been well fed thanks to Chef Alessandro Pirozzi, who owns the original Cucina Alessa in west Newport Beach and in Huntington Beach.

The Laguna Beach restaurant boasts a prosciutto-and-mozzarella bar (like its Newport Beach location) and serves nearly the same menu — minus a few dishes and no breakfast.

Expect the same delicious homemade pastas that Alessa is famous for (even whole wheat upon request), reasonable prices and big helpings.

Pirozzi divides his time between the three restaurants, but while he's in he always takes the time to greet each table.

The calamari here is perfectly crisp and light with a zesty arrabbiata sauce ($9.75); and we adore the antipasti, three meatballs in ragú topped with burrata served with focacetta ($15.99); and the simple, yet perfect pappardelle Bolognese with homemade ribbon-shaped pasta is wonderful ($12).

The pizza here is also worth noting — the crusts are thin and crisp all the way through. And you won't be disappointed by the main dishes. Salmon capperi and poloo al limone are two favorites, but unless you have an Italian grandmother at home making fresh pasta, you'd be foolish to pass up on Alessa's pasta.

Happy hour is offered at Alessa's Huntington Beach location only, which Edwin Goei at OC Weekly says is one of the best happy hours in the county.

The Laguna Beach restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and located at 234 Forest Ave. For more information, call (949) 497-8222.

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