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Visionary developer and general contractor Michael Harrah spent millions of dollars turning this one time Bank of America’s Western Regional Headquarters, circa 1962, into this icon landmark, Orange County’s Jewel box, that now houses the OC Pavilion, Ambrosia Restaurant and The Vault VIP Lounge.
Famed for the design and construction of the soon to be tallest commercial high–rise in the county (the thirty seven story One Broadway Plaza); Harrah has created a one of a kind performance facility. Offering seating for only 528, the theater is comprised of custom leather seats, extra wide aisles, a seven million dollar state of the art lighting and sound system, a myriad of high resolution video screens, a unique 18' x 22' center stage elevator lift connecting to the prop storage area below, and live remote broadcast studios. Performers are treated like royalty in the four private VIP Star Suites, each of which has plush leather sofas, plasma televisions, DirecTV, and chandeliers.
Main stage performances have included musical acts such as Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, LeAnn Rimes, Bill Medley, Wayman Tisdale and Jose Feliciano. The theatre has also been host to performances that include comedians ranging from Brad Garrett to Henry Cho, Dance, Opera, Plays, Musicals, Infomercials, and TV & DVD tapings, including Comedy Central's "Axis of Evil Comedy Tour", Jeff Dunham's "Arguing with Myself," and Daniel Tosh's "Completely Serious." The intimate OC Pavilion theatre is also home to a number of awards ceremonies, pageants, cultural events, and film screenings. "It's like playing in my own living room...I love it!" says country music star, LeAnn Rimes.
On the second floor, Harrah has created an oasis where one may experience the glamour and pleasure of fine dining the way it used to be. Ambrosia, a world class restaurant, is an Orange County legend and one of the first five-star dining establishments in the area. The main restaurant is adorned with custom leather booths, dim lighting and décor that invoke the feeling of Parisian romance.
Executive Chef Michael Rossi has created a timeless menu featuring a rendition of haute cuisine classics using only the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. Each dish is executed with an old school flair and presented with a passion and poise for service that is reminiscent of yester year. Take for example Ambrosia’s renowned ‘Signature Shrimp Scampi’, flambeed table-side in Cognac and served with Cherry Tomatoes. Another highlight includes our delectable ‘Chateaubriand for Two’ cut with precision at the table and served with Asparagus, Lyonnaise Potatoes and both Béarnaise and Bordelaise sauces.
The dining experience does not stop at the restaurant and with advanced reservations guests can reserve one of five private dining rooms for groups ranging from eight to twenty two. The Boardroom, featuring a hand-painted ceiling, 1877 Steinway piano and large comfortable seats offers room for a party of up to twelve guests. The Wine Cellar, with a faux brick ceiling, temperature controlled air, and room to store more than 3400 bottles of wine, offers the experience of elegant European dining and fits parties up to twenty. The Lodge offers nine humidors, mirrors, dark, natural wood, often found in mountain lodges, and a rumored secret door, leading to a Birds-eye view of the OC Pavilion main stage. The Lodge seats parties up to fourteen. El Presidente is a celebration of the finest tequilas, featuring a tribute art piece to Pancho Villa with a dark tequila-hued painted ceiling and highball shot glasses at each seat. El Presidente is available for parties up to eight or the doors can be opened adjoining it with the Dome of Sea for parties up to twenty two. Dome of the Sea, offers the world's finest champagnes and is highlighted with an imported chandelier with 3400 crystals, champagne flutes, and soothing art reflecting the beauty of the sea. Once the bank’s basement vault, the Vault VIP Lounge is a plush nightclub with high top tables, leather sofas, intricate art pieces, and romantic lighting. It offers acclaimed jazz musicians.
The OC Pavilion box office is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and on every show night. Ambrosia is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday 11:30am to 3pm and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and every show night 5pm – 10pm. |