RESTAURANT ROUNDUP:

Coming on the heels of the 20th annual Taste of Newport, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is looking for local restaurants to submit their grant applications by Oct. 17 to be considered for next year’s event.

The Taste of Newport was established as a way to promote local restaurants in the community, as well as to promote the local economy by attracting visitors to Newport Beach.

All proposals should include a completed Taste of Newport Grant Application Form, available at www.tasteofnewport.com.

For information, call the Chamber of Commerce at (949) 729-4400.

Don’t hit freeway to try out great chef

The Cannery Newport Beach, a seafood restaurant, is holding a “Meet the Chef” 2008 event at 5 p.m. Oct. 21 at the eatery.

Creed Salisbury, a chef from The Cat and the Custard Cup, a restaurant in La Habra, will be the featured chef.

“Meet the Chef” gives customers the opportunity to enjoy the cuisine of Southern California’s most popular chefs without having to hop on the freeway.

A spokeswoman from The Cannery said the event usually features three appetizers, three signature entrees and three desserts.

The restaurant is at 3010 Lafayette Road in Newport Beach.

For reservations, call (949) 566-0060.

— Matt Brown