Get Ready for Some Big Top Cuisine--the Cirque’s Coming to Town

The latest edition of Cirque du Soleil is about to tumble into our area, and into our restaurants.

Chefs at 11 local eateries have created special appetizers in a collective toast to the company, which brings its “Alegria” show to the South Coast Plaza parking lot Jan. 24 through March 12. During the engagement, Bangkok Four at Crystal Court offers a Supreme Cirque Sampler (grilled Thai skewers, Mom’s shrimp dumplings, barbecued prawns, star Bangkok petite cup and spring rolls, $8) and Antonello Ristorante in Santa Ana a Salmone Cirque Antipasti ($12). For information on these and other Cirque specials, phone (714) 435-2000.

Bistro 201 in Newport Beach and Diva in Costa Mesa have been named “host restaurants” for the company--which means they’ll meet all its catering needs and host the cast party on opening night--and both restaurants are offering show and dinner packages. At $125 per person (with tax but not tips), they include prime seating and VIP parking at the performance, and a three-course dinner at either restaurant including free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Call (714) 631-2487.

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As usual, wine lovers have no shortage of dinner dates upcoming. Some highlights:

Mon Chateau hosts its first winemaker dinner of the year on Sunday, five courses featuring the wines of San Luis Obispo-based Cottonwood Canyon and including lotte (monkfish) with leeks and beurre blanc. Winery proprietor Norman Beko will attend. The event begins at 6 p.m.; the $65 cost includes tax and tip.

Re’nato presents “Kistler Dreaming--Once in a Life Time” on Tuesday, featuring three different bottlings of Sonoma-based Kistler’s 1992 Chardonnay. Following salmon, prawn and swordfish courses are grilled veal medallions sauteed with mushrooms, mustard and white wine and topped with milk-steamed crab. Reception at 6:45 p.m.; $99 per person, not including tax or tip.

On Wednesday, John Dominis presents a five-course “Sommelier’s Selection” wine dinner at 7:30 p.m. Sommelier Mario Acedo has paired such wines as 1992 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay with crusted oyster baked in foie gras . It’s $60, all inclusive.

John Dominis, 2901 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (714) 650-5112.

Mon Chateau, 23642 El Toro Road, Lake Forest. (714) 830-3812.

Re’nato, 2304 W. Ocean Front, Newport Beach. (714) 673-8058.