Throw Columbus a Line and Get a Free Cookbook From Carmelo’s

“In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue . . . “ and what’s the next line? The first 200 people this month who can think of “any line that fits” and who bring or mail it to Carmelo’s at 3520 Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar (ZIP Code: 92625) will receive a free copy of “Columbus Menu,” a cookbook featuring early Italian recipes. Carmelo’s will further celebrate Columbus Day on Monday with a special dinner menu--including polenta with mascarpone cheese; penne with marinara sauce and apples, and a seafood medley with scallops and zucchini--and a flamenco performance at 9 p.m. Entree prices will average $15. Reservations: (714) 675-1922.

Pasta with lightly spiced alligator? Sun-dried plum gnocchi with sliced elk, chestnut, mushroom and bacon? Both can be found among the dinner entrees that chef-owner Leo Holczer has introduced at Aurora, 1341 S. Euclid St. in Fullerton. New lunches include Swiss salad with beef marinated in rosemary vinaigrette, and Caesar salad with grilled tuna. Dinners range from $9.95 to $25; lunches are $5.95 to $15.95. (714) 738-0272.

Antonio Cagnolo, who owns Antonello in Santa Ana’s South Coast Plaza Village, has opened his own private dining room there to the public. It’s available to groups of four to 12 for multicourse family-style meals that include dishes you won’t find on the regular Antonello menu (Cagnolo says they are made from recipes provided by his mother; he’s calling the room “Mama Pina”).

Costs, which include tax and gratuity, range from $30 to $50 depending on the wines. Reservations: (714) 751-7153.

Across Sunflower Avenue in the Crystal Court mall, Trattoria Spiga is serving complimentary pastas during Happy Hour (3 to 6 p.m.) every Monday through Friday.

Selections vary from butterfly pasta with fresh tomato, basil and olive oil to fettuccine al pesto. (714) 540-3365.