Celebrity Chef Marc Cummings
at TANNINS Restaurant & Wine Bar
By Veronica Badzey
For over ten years, Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar has been bringing the art of Southern Italian cuisine to diners throughout South Orange County. A beloved favorite with locals, Tannins is known for its delectable Mediterranean menu, meticulously curated California wines, and friendly, old world ambience. Now, there’s even more reason to visit Tannins with the addition of Celebrity Chef Marc Cummings.
Guests of the restaurant might recognize Chef Marc from his hit Food Network TV shows: Simply Sumptuous with Chef Marc and The Very Best of Everything with Marc Cummings, where he was instrumental in introducing the network to the food and travel concept. Chef Marc received his training in the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, then spent 18 years as Executive Chef on world-class cruise ships such as Crystal Cruise Lines, Oceana, and Seaborne. In 2006 and 2007, he was invited by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to orchestrate 42,000 Thanksgiving dinners for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as part of Operation Season’s Greetings.
“What drew me to Tannins,” Chef Marc shares, “was the exceptional menu. I’ve traveled all over Europe and I’ve seen the best of Italian cuisine, and in my opinion, Tannins is the top Mediterranean restaurant in all of Orange County.”
In his new role at Tannins, Chef Marc has elevated the menu with handcrafted appetizers, entrées and dessert specials that are updated every two weeks. His creations showcase the freshest possible ingredients, high quality pastas, and tempting flavors based on authentic European dishes.
According to Chef Marc, he typically prepares his specials where most of the dishes separate certain culinary dynamics which help to pair the vast collection of fine red and white wines at Tannins. Just ask your server or the restaurant’s sommelier for a recommendation on the perfect bottle to complement your meal.
When it comes to the main event, be sure to try the traditional Venetian Pancetta Carbonara, made with premium pancetta, linguini, olive oil, parmesan cheese and egg. Another one of Chef Marc’s most popular entrée specials is his Seafood Posillipo, a delicious combination of fresh shrimp, clams, scallops, and salmon sautéed in a red wine marinara broth over linguini. For dessert, don’t miss the crowd-pleasing “Big Apple” — a homemade apple cobbler topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Equally sinful, the mouthwatering Strawberry Cherva dessert special, featuring strawberries sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and reduced balsamic vinegar, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and served over a roasted vanilla bean cake — the perfect ending to any meal.
Tannins also features handcrafted, brick-oven fired pizzas, a full bar, and a unique array of premiere California wines. The property also offers two private dining rooms that can accommodate intimate occasions and larger gatherings. The Wine Cellar and Levendi Wine Cave offer charming and cozy spaces that are perfect for hosting birthdays, corporate luncheons, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties and book clubs. Look for new and exciting events coming soon, including a monthly Special Rib Night featuring Chef Marc’s famous Lollipop Candy Roasted Baby Back Ribs, Wine Tasting Nights and Wine Dinners.
Guests also appreciate Tannins well-deserved reputation for delivering friendly, impeccable service. It’s waitstaff makes a special effort to greet customers by name, and the open kitchen allows diners the opportunity to watch their food being made while they wait. Chef Marc goes out of his way to greet customers at their tables, contributing to the family atmosphere often found at neighborhood establishments in the old country.
“Eating here,” says Chef Marc, “is as authentic and real as dining in Europe. The flavors are so robust, and the plate presentation and attention to detail is like I’ve never seen anywhere in the world, on the finest cruise ships, or at the most luxurious resorts. Tannins brings it to you.”
Tannins also offers off-site catering for events of all types and sizes. For a truly exclusive dining experience, Chef Marc is available for private dinner parties in your home. For groups of 10 to 12, consider having him prepare a meal to remember at your next special occasion.
Get a behind the scenes look at the Tannins cover photo shoot on YouTube.
Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar
27211 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano
949.661.8466
TanninsRestaurant.com