GREER WYLDER -- Best Buys

Ralphs new Fresh Fare store has opened at Westcliff Plaza in Newport

Beach. The new store offers expanded produce and meat departments, as

well as floral designers and in-store chefs. It’s grand reopening

celebration will take place today and Sunday, complete with a harpist,

food samples and a sweepstakes to win free groceries for a year (a $5,200

value). The upscale Ralphs Fresh Fare also sells USDA Premier Choice and

Angus Beef, as well as the finest organic produce and artisan baked

goods. There’s also a big selection of imported liquors, world-class

microbrews and an extensive selection of premium wines, with more than

300 varieties of chardonnay, merlot, cabernet and sparkling wine. A

Natural Choices Nutrition Center inside the store offers the latest in

vitamins, homeopathic, natural foods and supplements. It’s Orange

County’s third Fresh Fare store. Other locations are in Mission Viejo and

Villa Park.

Guest podiatrist Dr. Ivar E. Roth will be at Mephisto of Newport Beach

from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to talk about his patented foot fixer and

answering foot- and footwear-related questions. The store carries the

entire collection of Mephisto footwear for men and women, including

dress, casual, comfort walking, sandals, outdoor hiking/trekking and

golf. Mephisto is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday

and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. It’s at 1727 Westcliff Court, Newport

Beach. (949) 642-3338.

Villa Nova Restaurant is accepting dinner reservations for the

upcoming Christmas Boat Parade, which runs Dec. 17-23. The boat parade

dinners are $60 per person ($30 for children younger than 10). The dinner

is a four-course meal, including appetizers, soup or salad, entree and

dessert. “This is a really fun time of year for all of us at Villa Nova,

particularly the week of the boat parade,” said Susan Emmet, general

manage at Villa Nova. “The view is just perfect, and the restaurant is so

beautifully decorated you can’t help but get in the holiday spirit.”

Reservations are taken at 6:30 p.m., and the parade passes by the

restaurant at 7:15 p.m. Also featured at the dinner are Dickens Christmas

carolers who will perform traditional holiday favorites. Reservations are

necessary, and seating is limited. Call Susan Emmett at (949) 642-7880

for reservations. Villa Nova is at 3131 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

The Body Shop is opening a new type of store in early December at

Fashion Island. The company’s new store will feature The Body Coulorings

cosmetic brand and a free-standing sink for customer to sample products.

As with all of its products, the cosmetics are packaged in recyclable

materials. There will also be naturally based skin, hair and body care

products. The store will be adjacent to Robinsons-May.

Spa Gregories is having a monthlong celebration of wellness and

relaxation with special promotions. Every day, Spa Gregories guests will

receive a free Decleor fragrance with a minimum $50 service and a free

paraffin dip with every manicure or pedicure. Also, this weekend only,

guests will receive a free Decleor Toner with $75 Decleor product

purchases. Sunday is Bring a Friend Day. Two friends coming in together

on this day will each receive a 15% discount on their services. Tuesday

will be a “surprise day,” and one lucky guest will be chosen to have his

or her services paid compliments of Spa Gregories. On Nov. 25 ,it’s

Mother-Daughter Day. A mother and daughter will receive free

inspirational books and handwriting analysis. Spa Gergories is a

full-service day spa featuring complete nail care, facial and body

treatments, and massage. It’s at 200 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100.

It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday

through Sunday. (949) 644-6672.

Top-of-the-line Tumi luggage is reduced at the Tumi collector’s event

going on at Tumi South Coast Plaza. When you buy a Tumi piece at full

price, you’ll get all other pieces of equal or lesser value at 25% off.

Tumi carries travel bags, business cases and accessories. It’s at the

second level, above the Carousel Court at South Coast Plaza. (714)

668-9585.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays and Saturdays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, or via fax at (949)

646-4170.