RESTAURANT ROUNDUP:Cosi lights up the grill for free s’mores

Cosi, a chain restaurant that recently opened at Metro Pointe at South Coast, plans to offer free s’mores — the campfire classics made from graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows — from July 22 to 26.

Customers can enter the restaurant any time during open hours and request a free s’more, one treat per person. Staff members will bring out a wooden tray with a tiny hibachi grill in the center, then let diners skewer and roast their own s’mores. The restaurant’s online store — www.getcosi.com — offers a s’mores kit for $40.

Restaurant Row kicks off on 17th Street

Eight restaurants on 17th Street in Costa Mesa plan to begin their second Restaurant Row event on Friday, offering free food and special discounts through July 29.

The event, spearheaded by Avanti Café, first took place in January. Avanti co-owner Tanya Fuqua said she conceived the event to spotlight the variety of dining opportunities along her street.

“We really think 17th Street has a lot to offer, not just in terms of retail, but in terms of food,” she said. “There’s something for everybody. We don’t really view it as a competition between restaurants. There’s room for everybody here.”

The following restaurants will offer special deals over the next week:

Bottled wines will also sell for 10% off.

Customers who purchase a dozen dinner rolls will get a half-dozen free.

All white wine purchases will go for 10% off on Wednesday.

— Compiled by Michael Miller