Actor-turned-restaurateur Mark Wahlberg appeared at the grand opening of Flecha, his nearly 10,000-square-foot Mexican-American restaurant in Huntington Beach, on Saturday, June 8.
Guests were treated to a gratis selection of menu items, cocktails, cigars and music. Wahlberg worked behind to bar to mix cocktails for thirsty guests and talk about his new culinary venture. A birthday cake was also given to the big boss to celebrate his June 5 birthday.
The grand opening celebration included a blessing of the restaurant by Diocese of Orange Christ Cathedral Bishop Kevin W. Vann, which was a request from Wahlberg, who is open about his Catholic faith.
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But Bishop Vann wasn’t the only divine name in attendance: A celestial gathering of “Real Housewives of Orange County,” both past and present, graced Flecha with their presence on Saturday, including Vicki Gunvalson, Shannon Storms Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, Taylor Armstrong, Alexis Bellino, Gretchen Rossi, Jennifer Pedranti and Katie Ginella. “Housewives” husband Shane Simpson also made an appearance.
“Thank you for babysitting Shane while I’m gone,” replied Emily Simpson, Shane’s other half, to fellow castmate Kirschenheiter’s Instagram post of Saturday’s fete.
Dr. Paul Nassif, co-star of “Botched” and an alum of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” was also at the event. The plastic surgeon, who is part owner of Flecha, wrote on Instagram, “My new restaurant with my brother [Wahlberg] in Huntington Beach has been a passion project for all of us involved and we couldn’t be happier with how incredible everything has turned out!”
“Saved By the Bell” actor and entertainment reporter Mario Lopez was also there.
Flecha, the Spanish word for “arrow” and the name of Wahlberg’s tequila brand, offers guests such Mexican-American staples as ceviche, chicken taquitos, queso, enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos, braised short ribs and more.
The restaurant, located in the Bella Terra shopping center, has a bar program boasting nearly 100 brands of mezcal, beers and wine.
Wahlberg, along with his brothers, co-owns the namesake burger chain Wahlburger.
Find it: 7821 Edinger Ave, #110, Huntington Beach
