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Main Course

“There has never been anything quite like this in Orange County before,” critic Brad A. Johnson writes of Sushi Ii, the swanky new sushi restaurant that opened recently in Newport Beach. “When it reopens, you’ll want to dress up.”

The restaurant, which is focused on takeout as its dining room is closed, is owned by chef Susumu Ii. He formerly operated the now-shuttered Kasen in Fountain Valley, but more recently has spent time in Japan re-immersing himself in Osaka’s sushi scene. Read more. 

Eat of the Moment

Coronavirus closures 

More OC restaurants have temporarily closed recently for sanitizing due to coronavirus concerns. Anne Valdespino has more. Read more. 

A Restaurant reopens

After briefly closing following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order that restaurants close their indoor dining operations, A Restaurant reopened Thursday with seating located beneath an outdoor tent. Read more. 

Adios, Quesarito 

If you’re a fan of Quesaritos, Beefy Fritos Burritos or any item that has potatoes in it, you may want to rush to get those things while you still can at Taco Bell. The fast food giant has confirmed it’s getting rid of those offerings as it pares down its menu to streamline operations. Read more. 

I can’t believe it’s not chicken

While Taco Bell is looking to make its menu smaller, Kentucky Fried Chicken has broadened its offerings. Its new meat-free nuggets became available at nearly three dozen SoCal locations starting Monday. Read more. 

This Week’s Recipe

We’re right in the middle of summer, which means it’s the time of the season for stone fruits and berries. If you’re looking for some ideas, Cathy Thomas has a list of desserts that includes nectarine upside-down cake, blackberry and mascarpone crepe cake, and peach and mixed berry cobbler. Let’s Cook!