OCWeekly.com reports, “On Saturday afternoon, Joe Bastianich (business partner to Mario Batali and many, many restaurants) made an appearance at Hi-Time Wine Cellars to promote the soon-to-open Pizzeria Mozza. In addition, the shop held a special tasting featuring the family wineries of La Mozza and Bastianich.”

“Between signing bottles, posing for photographs and exploring Hi-Time’s inventory (we caught him snapping a photo of an ornate wine opener), the Master Chef judge was asked about the status of their Orange County venture. When will it be ready? His response was brief, but definitely music to our ears. Aptly said, Bastianich told our source that he expects Pizzeria Mozza to open, ‘Next week. ’ Now whether he means a soft opening before the weekend or a media circus for Saturday supper is still up in the air. ”