GREER’S BEST BUYS: Provocative lingerie comes to O.C.

London’s premiere source for glamorous and sexy lingerie, Agent Provocateur, just arrived in Orange County. Its first shop opened at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza. Agent Provocateur’s co-founder and designer, Serena Rees of London, hosts the store’s kick-off event — a sexy fashion show featuring the fall collection — today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

In 1994, Joseph Corre and Rees opened the first Agent Provocateur boutique in London. A media frenzy ensued after the release of their controversial “sexually stimulating” collections and advertisements. Despite the uptight nature of the British, Agent Provocateur became a phenomenal success and now boasts nearly 40 stores worldwide. It creates high-quality designer lingerie with style that’s arousing for men and women.

The new boutique emulates a boudoir feel with seductive and luxurious furnishings that complement lingerie. Shop from collections that include bras, corsets, knickers, garters, gloves, pasties, hosiery and more. Open 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday on the upper level, in intimates at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza. (714) 824-4600; www.agentprovocateur.com.

 RECEPTION, AWARDS

Newport Harbor’s Nautical Museum hosts an artists’ reception and awards presentation for the Southern California Plein Air Painters Assn. today from 6 to 9 p.m. This event kicks off the art sale Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the museum. SOCALPAPA donates 30% of the proceeds to the museum for adult and children’s art education programs. The museum preserves and promotes the nautical heritage of Newport Harbor, and the surrounding coastal regions, offering exhibitions and education programs relating to nautical arts, artifacts and customs. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m; closed Tuesdays, at 600 E. Bay Ave. in Newport Beach, (949) 673-7863; www.nhnm.org.

 PHOTOGRAPHY ON DISPLAY

Avanti Café in Costa Mesa displays local photographer Nathan Gerdes’ art through Oct. 11. His striking photos focus on exploring, adventure and capturing the beauty of outdoors. Gerdes was raised backpacking, traveling and climbing, and his love for nature grew as he did, and is now a big part of his life. He captures 25 breathtaking images for others who might not have the chance to see such scenes firsthand. “As an organic, vegetarian restaurant, Avanti Café is a natural fit for my outdoor scenes,” Gerdes said. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Avanti Café is at 259 E. 17th St., (949) 548-2224; www.avantinatural.com and www.nathangerdes.com.

 YARD HOUSE ARRIVES

Fashion Island just added another great dining option, the Yard House, known for its extensive American fusion menu, classic rock and the world’s largest selection of beer. The glass-enclosed keg room can house 400 kegs and more than 1,000 gallons of beer, along with the impressive construction of more than 3 miles of steel lines transporting beer to the bar. You can watch sports or news from any of the two-dozen plasma screens. And a state-of-the-art sound system can play more than 5,000 hand-picked classic rock tunes with an eclectic mix of disco and ’80s hits.

Music, great food and beer are keys to the Yard House’s success. The custom sound system is so sophisticated Platt can change music instantly to best suit the age and preference of guests. The menu created by award-winning executive chef and partner Carlito Jocson features more than 100 items, including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, rice and pasta dishes, as well as steak and seafood. And just for kids, a prix fixe menu, printed on a 12-page activity book, features regular menu items served in age-appropriate portions with a choice of side dishes, a Kustom Kooler and fresh-fruit dessert bar.

Open daily from 11 a.m. for lunch, dinner, a weekday happy hour, and late-night dining. Yard House at Fashion Island near Bloomingdale’s, indoor and outdoor dining available; (949) 640-9273.

 DON’T MISS THE FOOD

Newport’s premiere food and entertainment festival, the Taste of Newport, celebrates 19 years at Fashion Island today through Sunday. Live bands perform on stage throughout the event. This year’s main acts include multi-platinum artist Huey Lewis and the News and Devo. Sunday, Kevin Costner and Modern West perform original material and some written by Costner’s famous musical friends. Sunday will also feature Al Mckay, one of the original founders of Earth, Wind & Fire. Sample cuisines range from casual to fine dining choices. Puchase tickets at the gate today and Saturday $25. A special offer exclusively for Sunday admission is just $18. 6 to 11 p.m. today; 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Newport Center Drive at Fashion Island, (949) 729-4400; www.tasteofnewport.com.