RESTAURANT ROUNDUP:

December ranks among the most hectic times for the Five Crowns restaurant in Corona del Mar — and not just in the restaurant itself. During the holidays, the English-style establishment provides prime rib of beef for diners who would rather stay at home than wait for a reservation.

The Five Crowns at 3801 E. Coast Hwy. offers a full prime rib rack, weighing 17 pounds and serving approximately 15 people, for $350 with all the trimmings, as well as a half-order for $195. Customers can order the ribs 48 hours in advance by calling Executive Chef Dennis Brask at (949) 760-0555.

The restaurant also offers fresh-baked bread at $6 a loaf, bowls of trifle serving up to 14 people for $50 and a number of other desserts. General Manager Chris Szechenyi said customers could pick up their orders any day other than Dec. 25.

For those who want to celebrate Christmas Eve in the warm, dark confines of the Five Crowns, the restaurant still has a few available spots left for its Dec. 24 dinner. Szechenyi said 1,145 people had made reservations as of Wednesday. Christmas Eve, he said, was one of the Five Crowns’ busiest days of the year, and might be the busiest if only it started earlier.

“Mothers Day is the most, then Thanksgiving, only by virtue that their day starts at 11 o’clock,” he said. “This day starts at 3 o’clock.”

Santa to stop for breakfast in Costa Mesa

Pinot Provence, which neighbors South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa’s most family-friendly area, hopes to start an annual tradition next month when Santa Claus stops by the restaurant for breakfast.

The “Breakfast with Santa” event is scheduled for Dec. 15, 16 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids and adults can meet Santa and partake of an extensive menu including fresh fruit, homemade granola, eggs, and French toast. Admission is $35 for adults and $18 for children younger than 12.

Call (714) 444-5900 for more information.

— Michael Miller