Whether it is an elegant afternoon tea, a relaxed coastal brunch, or a comforting Southern meal, Orange County restaurants are planning thoughtful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10.

In Anaheim and Irvine, Puesto is offering a complimentary Pistachio Tres Leches Cake for moms dining in. The dessert highlights pistachio in multiple forms, finished with passionfruit whipped cream. Pair it with a Puesto Perfect Margarita made with tequila reposado, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Menus, locations, and reservations are available at eatpuesto.com.

In Costa Mesa, Knife Pleat at South Coast Plaza is hosting a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Michelin-starred Chef Tony Esnault’s service includes premium LaMill tea, tea sandwiches, and a selection of pastries, with optional caviar and champagne upgrades. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Book at exploretock.com/knifepleat or call 714-266-3388.

Also in Costa Mesa, Naisho Omakase offers an intimate 14-seat experience with 12- or 16-course tastings curated by Chef Shimpei Shinohara. The restaurant will be open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with the last seating at 9:30 p.m. Reservations can be made at naishoomakase.com.

In Huntington Beach, The Waterfront Beach Resort is hosting an oceanfront brunch buffet in the Breakwater Ballroom and Vista Lawns. The menu includes seafood, carving, omelet, and dessert stations. Seating runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details and reservations are available at waterfrontresort.com.

In Irvine, Georgia’s Restaurant is serving a Soulful Sunday Brunch with favorites such as fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and cinnamon-apple waffles. Each mom receives a complimentary mimosa. More information is available at georgias-restaurant.com.

In Laguna Beach, Driftwood Kitchen is offering a waterfront brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with carving stations, seafood, made-to-order omelets, and desserts. Reservations can be made at opentable.com/driftwood-kitchen or by calling 949-715-7700.

In Newport Beach, Sushi Roku at Fashion Island is featuring special dishes including Chilean seabass, tiramisu, and a Sakura Pear Martini. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended at sushiroku.com/menus/newport-beach or by calling 949-706-3622.

In Orange, Bruxie will open its Old Towne location early at 7 a.m., serving its signature waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders, and custard shakes. Details are available at bruxie.com. Haven Craft Kitchen+Bar will offer brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by dinner service, with seasonal additions and classic favorites. Reservations can be made at havencraftkitchen.com or by calling 714-221-0680.

In San Clemente, ILYA is hosting a Coastal Mediterranean brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a menu that ranges from mezze and seafood to dry-aged ribeye and classic desserts. Reservations are available at ILYArestaurant.com. Zov’s, recently opened in San Clemente, will also be serving its signature California Mediterranean cuisine. More information can be found at ZOVS.com.

In Tustin and Newport Beach, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar will offer brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to close, featuring Chef Yvon Goetz’s Wine Country-inspired dishes. Reservations and menus are available at thewineryrestaurants.com or by calling 714-258-7600 for Tustin and 949-999-6622 for Newport Beach.

La La Land Kind Cafe is opening a new location at Irvine Spectrum Center with a full day of grand opening specials on Saturday, May 2. From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy 50 percent off drinks and toast, along with gifts for the first 300 people in line while supplies last.

For those who want an early visit, the soft opening runs through May 1 with 50 percent off all drinks when the La La Land app is downloaded and scanned at checkout.

The menu leans into the café’s signature cloud-style drinks, including the Banana Cloud Latte, Strawberry Cloud Latte, La La Latte with vanilla and cloud foam, and the Matcha Squared Latte. These iced, layered drinks topped with a light, fluffy foam have become the brand’s signature. Other favorites include the Upside Down Latte with vanilla and caramel drizzle, the Lavender Bloom with lavender and vanilla, the French Toast Latte with maple and cinnamon, and The Perfect Latte made with the café’s house blend.

Matcha is a major focus, with ceremonial-grade offerings featured in drinks like Strawberry Fields, along with classic matcha lattes in flavors such as vanilla, honey, and lavender, plus seasonal specials. Refreshers include options like strawberry and mango passionfruit coolers.

The food menu keeps things simple with avocado toast, sweet and savory toast options, and grab-and-go items.

Grand opening offers are valid on May 2 only at the Irvine Spectrum Center location. Soft opening pricing is available through May 1 with app redemption.

La La Land is at 756 Spectrum Drive in Irvine, near Old Navy. 

J Ruby opened in February, marking the first retail space for designer Jessica Ruby, who has been creating and refining her work for years. The Laguna Beach studio, set in the historic St. Clair building, serves as both a boutique and the home of the South Laguna Art Project, where workshops and classes are offered regularly.

Inside, the space is filled with upcycled fashion, custom embroidery, and original artwork by Jessica. The racks feature 100 percent yarn-dyed cotton shirting made in California, including her signature Boyfriend Shirt with classic or sport cuffs. A Patch Bar invites customers to personalize pieces with nautical letters, anchors, sharks, and more, all sewn on in-house.

Jessica works alongside her daughter Paige, who hand-embroiders many of the designs and helps run the studio. Together, they have created a welcoming, community-driven space that blends fashion, art, and hands-on creativity. Even Poppi, the studio pup, makes the occasional appearance.

The shop also carries scarf hats, bandana shirts, accessories, and small-batch items made from repurposed materials.

J Ruby is open Friday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with parking available behind the building.

J Ruby is located at 31711 Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. 

After nearly four decades shaping Orange County’s dining scene, Zov’s opens its newest location today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in San Clemente, bringing its signature blend of Mediterranean and California flavors to the coast. 

Founded by chef and restaurateur Zov Karamardian, the brand has built a loyal following over the years for its vibrant flavors and warm hospitality. That same spirit carries into the San Clemente space, which feels relaxed, welcoming, and right at home in the heart of downtown.

The menu stays true to what longtime guests love, with seasonal dishes built around fresh ingredients and bold, bright flavors. Think grilled meats, house-made mezze, fresh seafood, and pastas, all rooted in Mediterranean tradition with a California point of view. The bar program follows suit, with cocktails made with fresh herbs and citrus, along with a strong wine list that highlights both California and Mediterranean producers.

At its core, Zov’s remains a family story. Three generations continue to shape the brand, something that comes through in both the food and the experience. Zov opened the first restaurant in 1987 alongside her husband, Gary, building it from her passion for Mediterranean cooking. Today, her son Armen serves as CEO, guiding the company’s growth, while her daughter Taleene leads creative and operational direction. Her granddaughter Morgan oversees branding and marketing across locations, keeping everything connected while moving the brand forward.

“Our story began 40 years ago with my original recipes,” says Zov. “Our menu’s appeal and longevity rely on balancing premium, seasonal ingredients with the comforts of a home-cooked meal.”

The San Clemente location leans into its surroundings in all the right ways. There is a natural ease to the space, with indoor and alfresco dining that makes the most of the coastal setting. The main dining room is warm and light filled, with comfortable booths and tables that work just as well for a quiet dinner as they do for a group gathering. Outside, the patio brings in the energy of downtown San Clemente, an easy spot for a long lunch or dinner with the ocean breeze coming through.

The bar area has its own rhythm, whether it is a quick drink, a celebratory toast, or an unplanned evening that turns into dinner. It all feels polished but never overdone, with the same sense of hospitality that has defined Zov’s for years.

Upstairs, a private dining room offers something a little more elevated. It has its own entrance, along with full audiovisual capabilities and a private deck overlooking downtown. It is well suited for everything from birthday celebrations and rehearsal dinners to corporate gatherings and holiday events.

Now open daily, Zov’s San Clemente adds another chapter to a restaurant that has become part of the fabric of Orange County dining.

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Zov’s San Clemente is at 155 Avenida del Mar in downtown San Clemente.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach has partnered with OSEA to debut an exclusive OSEA Spa Suite at Aquaterra Spa, marking the first spa collaboration of its kind following the resort’s recent transformation.

The experience is available as a limited three-month residency, introducing a fully branded treatment suite designed around OSEA’s core elements of Ocean, Sun, Earth and Atmosphere. At the center is the Dream Firming Massage, a restorative treatment focused on circulation, skin firming and deep relaxation using the brand’s seaweed-based formulations.

The partnership feels like a natural fit. Both brands are rooted in the California coast, and Aquaterra Spa has incorporated OSEA products into treatments for years. This new suite builds on that relationship, creating a more immersive, ocean-inspired wellness experience.

Guests can expect OSEA’s signature products woven throughout each treatment, along with thoughtful sensory details that reflect the brand’s coastal origins. The timing aligns with a growing interest in wellness experiences that feel intentional, immersive and rooted in clean, plant-based skincare.

The launch also comes as Surf & Sand Laguna Beach continues its refreshed chapter, with new Spa Director Avigale LaGrass bringing more than 15 years of luxury resort experience and a focus on elevated treatments and meaningful wellness programming inspired by Laguna Beach.

1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. 

The Lido Theater is opening its doors to a lineup of comedy and live music this summer and early fall, bringing a mix of stand-up and tribute performances to Newport Beach.

David Spade headlines the season with his I Got a Feel For It Tour on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Known for his time on Saturday Night Live and his Emmy-nominated role on Just Shoot Me!, Spade has built a career across film, television, and stand-up, with credits including Tommy Boy, Joe Dirt, and Grown Ups.

Two tribute performances follow. Imagine Benatar — The Pat Benatar Experience takes the stage on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with doors at 7 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. The performance features hits made famous by Pat Benatar, including “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” and “Heartbreaker.” Presale password is IMABEN.

Natural Science — The Rush Tribute Band performs Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with doors at 7 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. The band pays tribute to Rush with songs such as “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight,” and “Spirit of Radio.” Presale password is RUSH26.

Additional performances at the theater include Which One’s Pink? — A Tribute to Pink Floyd on May 16, The Long Run — Tribute to Eagles on June 20, Hot August Nights — A Tribute to Neil Diamond on June 27, Prince Again — A Tribute to Prince on August 7, and Dog 'N' Butterfly — The Heart Experience honoring Heart on August 8.

Tickets are available at Lido+Theater

THE LIDO THEATER is at 3459 Via Lido in Newport Beach. 
 

Whether you're heading to a dinner reservation in Corona del Mar, a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, or a full day of shopping at South Coast Plaza, there's one thing Orange County's most discerning residents have in common — they've discovered a smarter, safer, and far more elegant way to get there.

Your Car Our Driver has been quietly serving OC's finest clientele for 20 years, and their concept is refreshingly simple: they provide a professionally vetted, insured, and bonded driver — to drive your vehicle.

That's right. No unfamiliar cars. No rideshare strangers. Just a trusted, background-checked professional behind the wheel of the car you already love, getting you safely and comfortably to wherever the evening — or the day — takes you.

Two Services OC Residents Rely On Most:

Day Drivers — Need to get across town for appointments, errands, or a long lunch without the parking headache? Your Car Our Driver's day driver service keeps your schedule moving while you stay focused on what matters.

Evenings Out — Dinners, galas, concerts, charity events — this is where the service truly shines. Enjoy your favorite Laguna Beach restaurant, a night at Segerstrom, or a Ducks game without a single thought about who's driving home.

Why Not Just Call a Car Service?

Because your luxury vehicle is your space — your comfort, your style. Why surrender that for a stranger's car when you can simply relax in the back of your own, with a trusted professional at the wheel?

Your Car Our Driver's drivers are employee drivers — not contractors, not gig workers — professionally vetted, insured, and bonded. It's the standard of care you'd expect, and the peace of mind you deserve.

Our clients don't drink and drive. And neither should you.

Ready to Become a Client?

Visit YourCarOurDriver.com or call 949.283.0863

Proudly serving Orange County and Los Angeles for 20 years.

Candace Bushnell, the voice behind Sex and the City, is headed to South Coast Repertory for a special one-weekend engagement of her one-woman show, Candace Bushnell: True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City. 

The benefit production runs Saturday, May 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 31 at 2 p.m., with a host committee that includes Stephanie Argyros, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Jane Yada, Wendy Hales and Paula Tomei.

The show shares how Bushnell created Sex and the City, along with the highs and lows of her life as a single woman in New York, and how the story evolved into a television series that became a global phenomenon.

Each performance includes a pre-show shopping experience with South Coast Plaza brand partners on-site, along with themed cocktails and photo moments.

Ticket options include several VIP packages. A limited VIP Meet and Greet package, priced at $425, includes premiere seating, a pre-show reception with drinks and an onstage champagne meet and greet with Bushnell. Additional ticket levels include preferred seating with a drink ticket and general reserved seating, all with access to the pre-show shopping experience.

Bushnell began her career writing a column for the New York Observer, which became the best-selling Sex and the City anthology. The HBO series, inspired by her work, ran for six seasons and helped shape conversations around fashion, relationships and female independence.

Tickets are now on sale at scr.org, or by calling the SCR Box Office at (714) 708-5555

South Coast Repertory is located at 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.

Image by Fadil Berisha 

The California Wine Festival returns to the Orange County coast April 24 and 25, 2026, launching its season with a weekend of tastings, chef-driven bites and live entertainment. Set against sweeping Pacific views at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the palm-lined lawns of Sea Terrace Park, the two-day event blends an elevated experience with a relaxed coastal setting.

Festival Details

Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, April 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Del Mar Lawn

The weekend begins with an intimate evening overlooking the Pacific. Guests are welcomed with a sparkling wine reception before sampling a curated selection of limited-production wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles and beyond.

Designed for collectors and wine enthusiasts, the event offers opportunities to meet winemakers and proprietors while enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres in a refined setting. A silent auction featuring rare bottles and exclusive tasting experiences will benefit Sandy Feet Initiative, which provides beach-based programs including yoga, surfing and ocean play. Live music adds to the relaxed coastal atmosphere. With limited tickets and rare wines, the event typically sells out in advance.

Beachside Wine Festival
Saturday, April 25, 1 to 4 p.m.
Sea Terrace Park

The festival continues at Sea Terrace Park, a grassy bluff above Dana Point Harbor. Beneath white tasting tents, guests can sample hundreds of wines, regional craft brews and a wide selection of artisan foods.

Participating chefs and specialty purveyors will serve bites ranging from cheeses and fresh breads to olive oils, chocolates and globally inspired small plates. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at noon with access to reserve wines and priority tastings.

Live music by Upstream, a Caribbean steel drum band, brings an upbeat energy to the afternoon, creating a celebration of wine, food and ocean views.

Festival Sponsors and Highlights

Sponsors include DreamFinder Travel and Virgin Voyages, Sommsation, Hyatt Vacation Club, Piper Sonoma, Leaf Filter, Lifestyle Remodeling, High Flyer, Priest Ranch, Renewal by Andersen, Lloyd Cellars and Hilton Garden Inn Doheny Beach Dana Point.

Participating restaurants and food purveyors include All Things Fabulous Catering, Brio Tuscany Grille, BeachFire Bar and Grill, Bluewater Grill, Gino Angelini Authentic Italian Sauces, Glasspar Restaurant, Krave Asian Fusion, Trevor’s at the Track, Seven Barrels Olive Oils and Aged Italian Balsamics, Sundried Tomato Bistro and Catering and other regional favorites.

Notable wineries include Akash Winery & Vineyards, Alma Rosa Winery, Aperture Cellars, Ascension Cellars, Barlow Vineyards, Bellante Family Winery, Bernardus Winery, Bezel from the Cakebread Family, Bouchaine Vineyards, Burtech Family Vineyard, Candoni De Zan Family Wines, Carol Shelton Wines, Cuvaison, Double Bond Wines, Familia Hicks Wines, Frisby Winery & Brewing, GC Lurton Family Vineyards, Goldschmidt Vineyards, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, Highflyer Wines, Kubani Wines, Lyons Vineyard, MCV Wines, Mizel Estate Wines, Navarro Vineyards, Pasmosa Sangria, Piper Sonoma, Priest Ranch, PRP Wine International, Rombauer Vineyards, Ramona Valley Vineyards, The Vinho, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Ysidro Sake Spritz and more.

California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Tickets include all wine and food samples, live entertainment and a keepsake wine glass. For full event details, ticket information and lodging options, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com. 

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine will host an Icons of Napa Valley Wine Dinner on Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m., bringing together acclaimed guest chefs for a multi-course evening in support of Bracken’s Kitchen.

Set on the oceanfront patio at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine, the dinner highlights seasonal ingredients, thoughtful technique, and expertly paired Napa Valley wines, all tied to a meaningful cause. Tickets are $249 per guest, inclusive of service charge and parking, with $75 from each seat benefiting Bracken’s Kitchen and its mission to combat hunger and reduce food waste.

The evening begins with an oceanfront Champagne reception featuring Chef Bill Bracken, followed by a five-course menu paired with premier Napa wines:

Amuse
Kaluga caviar, roasted onion purée, society garlic flowers
Louis de Sacy Brut Original Champagne

First course by Benoit LaFleche
Summer squash and zucchini roll with poached lobster farce, creamy white wine and vadouvan reduction, citrus oil and fennel flowers
Double Diamond 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

Second course by Lewis Butler
Pan roasted Hokkaido scallops with lemon Yukon mousse, grilled baby gem, shellfish reduction and split buttermilk sauce
Robert Mondavi The Reserve Fumé Blanc 2023

Third course by Kris Kirk
Duck confit with blue corn polenta, spring vegetables and cabernet duck jus
Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Main course by Michael Wilson
Dry-aged New York strip with butter-roasted morel mushrooms, vanilla bean infused mushroom purée, parmesan sunchoke dauphine, brown butter mulberry compote and port Béarnaise
To Kalon 2023 Highest Beauty

Dessert
Chocolate mousse tian with caramel, lime biscuit and Grand Marnier ice cream
Robert Mondavi Moscato D’Oro

This one-night experience celebrates culinary talent while supporting the ongoing work of Bracken’s Kitchen. Founded in 2013 by Chef Bill Bracken, the nonprofit transforms surplus food into nutritious meals, provides culinary training, and serves communities across Orange County, delivering more than 2.2 million meals to date.

Henry's Coastal Cuisine is at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel at 21100 CA-1, Huntington Beach. (714) 845-8000