O.C. Bargainista: Learn professional cooking tips

Freebie of the Week: Restore equilibrium in your life with a free two-hour seminar and cooking demonstration by Food University and Family Circle Magazine at 2 p.m. Sunday at IKEA, 1475 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa. Learn the basics to cooking like a pro, from kitchen organization to prep techniques to entertaining with style. Call (714) 444-4532.

Get energy for less

Peet’s Costa Mesa, 424 E. 17th St., is offering several special promotions. Partake in Wednesday Night Happy Hour between 5 and 6 p.m. weekly, where you can get $1 off espresso drinks or buy a pound of coffee and get a free medium beverage. Nightly after 6 p.m. get $1 off a baked good with purchase of an espresso beverage, or get 15% off with a valid student ID. Patrons also receive a free hour of WiFi with any purchase. Call (949) 335-0670.

Rejoice in Lent food choices

For those taking part in Lent who are sick of Filet O’Fish sandwiches, Coco’s Bakery Restaurant is offering three fish entrees for $9.99 each every Friday through April 22. The restaurant also has a tax day freebie: Those who “Like” Coco’s on Facebook will receive a free slice of pie April 18. Local locations include 1507 S. Coast Drive, Costa Mesa, and 3446 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar. For more information, call (949) 752-2801 or visit cocosbakery.com.

Try a salad

Like Chipotle’s assembly-line style of serving food, but not the calories? Visit the new Saladworks restaurant location this weekend at 488 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, to try one of their salads at a grand opening price of $5 through Sunday. The salads normally cost up to $8.50; the chain is popular elsewhere in the nation. Visit saladworks.com.

Chipotle adds children’s items

Speaking of Chipotle, the fresh-Mex chain is launching a new children’s menu this weekend, and parents who buy a standard entrée meal will receive a free kids meal every Saturday and Sunday in April. Options include quesadilla or taco choices, served with chips and organic milk, apple juice or soda; meals are $2.95 to $3.95. Local locations include 2300 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 1322 Bison, Newport Beach, 16241 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach and 18951 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. Visit chipotle.com.

Clothe your children with better hand-me-downs

Got kids? The OC Kids Consignment Sale returns this weekend, with savings of up to 85% on quality new and gently used and children’s clothing, accessories, toys, furniture, strollers, and much more, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 21130 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach. Information: Visit ockidsconsignment.com.

More than books available

This is the final weekend to score deals at the many Borders Books & Music stores that are closing; prices are now 60% to 80% off retail. Borders Rewards Plus members will score an additional 10% off their purchase. Fixtures and store equipment also will be up for sale. Closing locations include 20 City Boulevard, Orange; 2493 Park Ave., Tustin; 22401 Old Canal Road, Yorba Linda; and 12741 Towne Center Drive, Cerritos. Visit borders.com.

Have a hot sale tip, or know about a great local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact the O.C. Bargainista at [email protected]. And remember — never pay retail!