Daily Dose

SoCo is OC’s One-Stop Shop for Memorial Day Barbecues!

2013-05-22T02:29:41+00:00

The three-day Memorial Day holiday weekend is almost here - which means sun, fun, and of course, at-home barbecues with friends and family. OC’s finest chefs at SoCo and purveyors of all things handcrafted at The OC Mix, shared with us the perfect grilling tips and one-of-kind products that will make your Memorial Day BBQ really sizzle! Read on to learn about smoking your own meat, creating organic sauces from scratch, and purchasing only the finest USDA-grade meats - all at SoCo!

SoCo, OC's growing culinary destination, is a one-stop shop for all things BBQ this Memorial Day weekend. Come to Local Fare, located inside The OC Mix, for gourmet California-made sauces, marinades, mustards and more. Try the Bautista Creek Local Produce Blackberry Barbecue Sauce – made from fresh blackberries and tomatoes - a fan favorite on chicken! Another great tip from Local Fare is using Earth & Vine Pineapple Sake Teriyaki Marinade (you might have seen the products on ABC’s “Shark Tank”) - perfect on beef, veggies, and even salads.

Savory Spice Shop at the OC Mix offers 25 different rubs that can be applied dry or wet to any protein, and the shop even carries many salt-free and organic varieties. The most popular is the Red Rocks Rub, which easily creates a marinade with the simple addition of ketchup and beer! Savory Spice Shop owner Laura Shute’s tip: when grilling steak, rub the meat with a little Red Rocks marinade before cooking, as well as during the cooking process, so that slight charring will develop on the outer layer of the steak, sealing in moisture and flavor.

ARC, SoCal’s most buzzed-about American Roast House, is equipped with an oven you will be hard-pressed to find in any home. But, if you want to try to replicate some of their dishes on the grill, Chef Noah Blom shares his tips on bringing a little bit of the ARC flavor to your next BBQ. Chef recommends starting with quality meats (more about this in the Surfas tip below) and ingredients. Make sure you select a cut of meat with enough fat on the bone – grilling is a dry way to cook, so the fat will help the meat retain moisture.

Also, keep it hot – the grill that is - if you’re using wood to grill, use butter, duck fat and other things with low smoke points. And, don’t forget to take your meat off the grill when it's a temperature lower than desired and let it rest for 5-10 minutes so the temperature is right for serving - then flash-cook it in the oven before serving to finish it off. This way, the juices will remain in the meat when you serve it. Chef Noah enjoys finishing the meats with garlic butters, maple/lemon, honey/lime and other great combinations to really bring out great flavors in your meat and add a dynamic layer of flavor, post-grilling.

Now that you’ve read all about the marinades, spices, and grill tips for your BBQ – you need to buy the best possible protein to grill! Surfas Culinary District at SoCo is “Paradise Found” for serious food enthusiasts, professional chefs and at-home cooks. You might know Surfas Culinary District for their amazing cheese selection, baking goods, cooking supplies and cooking equipment, but did you know Surfas is home to a huge selection of Certified Sustainable Seafood and an impressive selection of USDA Prime meat?

At Surfas Culinary District, you also can order meat online from renowned Newport Meat - the leading provider of restaurant quality fresh, never frozen, natural and sustainable meats of the highest quality and trim standards.

Before you leave SoCo for all your BBQ needs, make sure you stop by SoCo Farmers' Market this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the freshest, locally grown produce and fruit to round out your Memorial Day meals!

SoCo and The OC Mix is at 3313 Hyland Ave. in Costa Mesa.

Grown-Up Style HopScotch

2013-05-21T17:12:45+00:00

HopScotch, a watering hole specializing in craft beer, small batch whiskey and chef driven food in Fullerton’s original Pacific Electric Railway Station just launched a new “Social Hour” menu. Now you can stop by the tavern housed in a California landmark from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and enjoy $2 off all draft craft beers from a rotating collection of 23 taps, $4 well cocktails, and $2 off their choice of seasonal crafted cocktails.

Also, select appetizers are available at special prices, including sweet potato fritters, hop salads, brisket tacos, and spicy cheese and chips for $4, and HopSpicy wings for $6. It’s also a great time to sample the chef’s tasty new dishes that will debut on the Social Hour menu first.

HopScotch is known for slow-cooked, southern-inspired dishes complemented by more than 23 beers on draft and more in the bottle, specialty handcrafted cocktails and the most extensive offering of whiskey in the county.

Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and offers lunch and dinner daily. Open for brunch 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

136 E. Commonwealth Ave., in Fullerton. 714.871.2222.

Ducks Celebrate Bruxie RSM Turning 1

Anaheim Ducks fans can meet the Ducks Power Players at Bruxie’s one-year anniversary celebration of its Rancho Santa Margarita location from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

And all day you can enjoy Bruxie’s menu of savory and sweet gourmet waffle sandwich offerings and know that 20% of the sales will benefit the Anaheim Ducks Foundation making a positive impact for kids and families in Southern California through education, health and hockey and the Santa Margarita High School Hockey Team.

Bruxie and Ducks co-branded t-shirts will be on sale for $10 each with 100% of proceeds of the shirts benefiting the Anaheim Ducks Foundation and Santa Margarita High School Hockey Team. The Anaheim Ducks Street Team will coordinate fun games and activities, and hand out giveaway prizes.

During the event, the Santa Margarita High School Hockey Team will be honored for their achievement of winning USA Hockey Varsity High School Championship this season.

Bruxie Rancho Santa Margarita is at 22205 El Paseo, at El Portal.

For more information on Bruxie, including menus, locations, directions, hours for each restaurant, visit bruxie.com.

Micro But Mighty Bar

2013-05-20T19:10:13+00:00

Orange County’s newest martini and small plates eatery Microbar, just opened at Mercantile West shopping center in Ladera Ranch. Microbar, from the same owner of the popular Pizza e Vino in Rancho Santa Margarita, offers seasonal small plates with influences from Spain and Italy and all seafood is wild, and beef is grass fed and hormone free.

Microbar's Chef Brad Robison’s specialties include proscuitto wrapped dates, burrata with roasted tomatoes with balsamic reduction, olive oil and basil; shrimp wontons; bone marrow with crostini, maldon salt and roasted garlic; and pan-fried oysters with Asian greens and Cajun remoulade.

Heartier plates includes filet mignon; New Zealand green mussels with garlic and wine reduction; pork belly sliders braised and served on Hawaiian bread; and a berry salad, with chicken breast, seasonal berries, gorgonzola, candied walnuts and a berry walnut dressing, among other offerings. Microbar’s cocktails made with fresh, house-made mixes include a refreshing Solerno spritz (Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, fresh lemon juice and sparkling wine), reviver (Hendricks Gin, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau and Absinthe Rinse), and beat the heat (Milagro Silver Tequila, St. Germain Liqueur, fresh lime juice, cucumber, jalapeno and Agave syrup.)

The bar opens at 4 p.m. and the dining room opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and remains open through dinner Saturday and Sunday.

Microbar is in Mercantile West, across from Pavilions, at 25612 Crown Valley Parkway in Ladera Ranch. 949.429.3380.

Sustainable Sounds

Can a compilation of music help preserve endangered rainforests? Newport Beach based Cuipo, a lifestyle brand on a mission to save the world’s rainforests, one meter at a time, and Costa Mesa based Ubiquity Records, just collaborated on “Sustainable Sounds” that’s set out to do just that. For every album sold one square meter of rainforest will be preserved.

The two brands assembled a shared “musical vision” of a sustainable planet. “Sustainable Sounds” features Radio Citizen, Shawn Lee, Monophonics, The Echocentrics, The Lions, NOMO, Ohmega Watts and many more. To make a purchase visit, Bandcamp: or iTunes.

Cuipo’s stops deforestation by purchasing rainforest land through revenue from product lines and partnerships and preserving it. For more information, visit Cuipo.org.

Laguna, Living and Loving Juice

2013-05-17T19:00:07+00:00

Laguna’s new destination for health minded advocates is the Living Juice store that just opened specializing in raw, organic, cold-pressed, and unpasteurized juice. If you’re unsure about which juice you want to try, they offer tasting flights so you can sample them before you buy! Living Juice has over 18 juice recipes and 4 cleanses with seasonal juices such as, “Heart of Gold” which is great for reducing heart disease and has ingredients like tomato, spinach and cayenne. The tasty “Island Nectar” combines cashews, coconut and vanilla for a delicious and healthy treat. If you like the traditional green juice, “The Green Genie” is the perfect drink with all the essential green, leafy vegetables.

Living Juice was founded by Jamie Jensen after embarking on a 10-day juice cleanse and realizing she had never felt better in her life. All cravings, bloat, agitation and lethargy were all gone. The mental clarity, nights of restful sleep, unbounded energy and confidence that there was nothing she could not accomplish spawned Jamie to create Living Juice. Living Juice does not compromise on anything. All of the juice is 100% organic, raw and cold-pressed.

Look forward to quarterly seminars from medical professionals and holistic healers at Living Juice who will educate customers about the benefits of drinking specific types of juice, among other topics.

Living Juice is also available at the Farmers Market in Laguna Beach every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, and Haute Cakes Caffé in Newport Beach, or online.

Open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
384 Forest Ave. in Laguna Beach.

Balboa Island Artwalk Sunday

This Sunday the Balboa Island Artwalk features more than a mile of art and live music outdoors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Bayfront Promenade of Balboa Island. The show will include artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography.

Performing musicians include The Retros, Don Ross Duo, Rick Sherman and Alan Remington, Jim Roberts, Grant Peacock, and Gary Gould. Limited-edition Artwalk posters and t-shirts will be available for purchase at Diamond and South Bayfront.

Planet Beauty’s Grand Opening Weekend Affair in CDM

2013-05-16T19:36:34+00:00

Orange County’s loved beauty boutique, Planet Beauty is celebrating its grand opening in Corona del Mar this Friday to Sunday with giveaways, savings and pampering treatments. Nestled next to neighborhood hot spots on the Pacific Coast Highway, Starbucks and Nekter Juice, this au petit Planet Beauty boutique provides the first-class customer service that loyal fans have experienced for over two decades. The store carries a prized selection of Orange County’s most must-have beauty products, including: Rodial, Pureology, Dr. Perricone, Clarisonic, GHD, dermalogica and Jane Iredale.

Stop by the boutique for product demos including mini manicures, mini facials, mini makeovers and more. ALL guests will receive a luxury gift bag and can enjoy sips and sweets.

Make a purchase and spin the wheel of beauty and win a variety of prizes! On Saturday only receive 25% off purchases. *Some exclusions apply including Moroccanoil, Tata harper and Tria. Offer cannot be combined with other offers. Valid only and CDM location.

Mention Greer's to receive a FREE Nioxin Regular Hold Finishing Spray ($17 value) while supplies last, one per person.

Planet Beauty Corona Del Mar is at 2801 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite D, in Corona Del Mar. 949.734.4433.

Katin Meets Club Monaco in Costa Mesa

2013-05-15T17:44:50+00:00

New York centric Club Monaco just launched a new partnership with the legendary California surf-wear company Katin. The Club Monaco x Katin USA limited edition collection of surf trunks, shorts, hats and tee's is available for summer at Club Monaco South Coast Plaza.

Katin, was born in the 1950s, after Nancy and Walter Katin, owners of a canvas boat cover shop in Surfside, made a pair of trunks of canvas for a surfer. Word spread quickly throughout the surf community about how awesome the sturdy trunks were and the Katins' new business grew Ever since Katin USA has maintained a reputation for quality, durable, and stylish surf trunks made in California.

Club Monaco x Katin’s collection includes swim trunks ($95) and beach shorts ($100) to hats ($45) to t-shirts ($40). The line is carried exclusively in a dozen special Club Monaco men’s shops and on the company’s online store and each piece was made with .

(Pictured above, Jason Rodriguez, the Creative Director at Katin USA.)

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Club Monaco South Coast Plaza is at Level 1, near Bloomingdale’s. 714.957.3080.

CASA's Black & White Gala

Join the “Celebration of Children” at CASA’s annual Black & White Ball on Saturday, May 18 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will honor some of its leading supporters and volunteers at the gala to celebrate 28 years of serving child abuse victims. The evening will feature a gourmet dinner, dancing and an exciting live and silent auction. Proceeds will help support CASA to train mentor-advocates to work with severely abused and neglected children in Orange County.

The cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. The cost is $375 per person. For tickets and more information about the event and sponsorships visit here, or call Katie Manzani, 714.619.5140.

(Pictured abovem Celebration of Children's Black & White Ball chairs: Cathy Frandsen, Lourdes Nark, and Jeanina Esparza.)

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is at 21500 Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach.

Old World Charm in Los Cabos

2013-05-14T19:18:25+00:00

On a recent trip to Cabo, after only a 2 hour and 25 min. flight from Orange County, via AirTrans Airways non-stop flights, we were in Cabo heaven: secluded beaches, glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling excursions and deep-sea fishing trips, and of course seeing the El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the famous rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Not to mention dining on fresh seafood from one of the world’s premiere fishing areas: camarones en aguachile, fresh red snapper, fried squid and lobster.

Now if you want to experience a breathtaking oceanfront resort in Cabo, consider the old world charm of the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa encompassing 28 acres on the Sea of Cortez.

You'll never have to leave the gorgeous setting with cobblestone walkways, twisting paths, courtyards and fountains, shops, as well as five restaurants and five bars, four infinity and cascading swimming pools, and the private Tortuga Beach where you can enjoy volleyball, beach bonfires and dinners. Carve out some “me” time, and reserve a pampering service at the Cactus Spa, like its unforgettable “on the beach massage” or a calorie free chocolate body wrap.

Make sure to reserve a special night for dinner at De Cortez Grill and Restaurant, a romantic spot with waves crashing just steps away, where you can enjoy chef Salvador Campuzano’s famed crab cake cookies, lobster and mango bisque, fried cheese dumpling dusted with a pumpkin seed crust, and a feast of fresh seafood, fresh shrimp, lobster, or crawfish, as well as mesquite grilled Angus beef specialties.

At the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar, golf enthusiasts will be wowed by nearby Cabo del Sol that offers two renowned golf courses—the Ocean Course and Desert Course. The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus designed 72-par course stretches for more than a mile along the coastline Nicklaus has said it has "the three finest finishing holes in all of golf.” And, the Desert Course, features 18 holes of stunning ocean views, arroyo, and colorful landscapes designed by Tom Weiskop.

For planning a trip to Cabo and a stay at the Sheraton, you can look into specials that include the all inclusive package here. With one daily price you’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at Tomates, Sirenas Bar, Sports Bar, Tequila Bar, Delfines Bar, de Cortez Restaurant; 24 hour in room dining, international and domestic well brand alcoholic beverages, juices and soft drinks at selected bars; swim up pool bar and beach watered service; minibar with sodas, bottled water and beer; and health club access. Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos is at Corredor Turistico KM 10 Lote D Cabo del Sol, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Toll Free. 1.888.672.7137.

Hollywood Arrives at New Port Theater in CDM!

2013-05-13T20:40:41+00:00

Join a one time only event and screening of director James Redford’s (son of Robert Redford) “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia” a Sundance Film Fest and HBO documentary Thursday at 6 p.m. at the New Port Theater in Corona del Mar. Hollywood notables like James Redford and writer/director Todd Robinson of "White Squall" starring Jeff Bridges and "Phantom" are coming down to meet and talk with guests and celebrate the achievements children with dyslexia are making to benefit The Prentice School in Santa Ana.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception where you can enjoy premium wines and bites from An Catering serving delicious signature dishes from AnQi and Crustacean.

After the screening of Redford’s “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia” that brings a glimpse into uplifting accounts of the dyslexic experience from children, experts and iconic leaders, at 10 p.m. the evening will conclude with hot live auction items such as a six night stay at the spectacular Meyer’s Ranch, a Montana landmark. Guests will enjoy a personal chef for 6 days and five nights, and can spend their time relaxing or fishing, canoeing, exploring on ATV's, horseback riding, and target practice. And there’s also a Sundance Mountain Resort trip for two with two nights, dinners, and lift tickets all day.

The Prentice School proudly serves the full potential of bright, capable students who learn differently” for lifelong learning and the celebration of the individual strengths of each student. If you’d like to be an underwriter or sponsor and gift the gift to learn at this school, there are opportunities to give here. The first four people to donate $7,500 will be treated to a VIP dinner at AnQi by Crustacean hosted by actor Johnathon Schaech with a friend.

Tickets to the event are selling quickly, there are only 30 left. Each costs $100 per person and are available online here.

The New Port Theater is at 2905 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, Parking is limited behind Starbucks at 2801 East Coast Highway near Goldenrod Avenue and Valet will be available off of Heliotrope Avenue.

Six Nights at Meyer Ranch in Montana

You can bid on a once of a lifetime trip to the spectacular Meyer Ranch (above) in Montana for six nights at Thursday's fundraiser at the New Port Theater in Corona del Mar for The Prentice School in Santa Ana.

You'll be treated to a personal chef for 6 days and five nights, and then spend your days enjoying the natural beauty of Montana. You can relax, or go fishing, canoeing, exploring on ATV's, horseback riding, and target practice.

Meyer Ranch is in Helmville, Montana.

Dance Away with Radio Disney for Moms

2013-05-10T03:27:33+00:00

Take the kids and enjoy your Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. when The Radio Disney Crew and DJ celebrate a special Mother's Day event on The District Stage. You and the kids can dance away with the Radio Disney Crew!

And there will be plenty of contests, prizes and giveaways!

The District Stage is at 2437 Park Avenue in Tustin.

'Bloom Beautiful' Book Signing

Meet author Stacey Robbins today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fleur de Lys in Costa Mesa and purchase a signed copy of her book "Bloom Beautiful" to give your Mom for Mother's day!

Her book is full of inspiring quotes from blogs, postings and other writings that make it a perfect gift for your mom. And it costs just $19.95.

Like Robbins, the book is charming, insightful, and full of inspiring wisdom. To find out more information about "Bloom Beautiful" and Robbins visit here.

Fleur de Lys is at 369 E. 17th St., #14 in Costa Mesa.

Reserve a Spot at The Beauty Bar

2013-05-09T19:16:06+00:00

The Beauty Bar event on Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m., thanks to Orange County Plastic Surgery and MD Performance in Newport Beach, will celebrate all aspects of beauty from skin, cosmetic surgery, hair, fashion, fitness, jewelry, therapeutic massage and more.

Tina Bunkis, founder of MD Performance Professional Skin Care envisioned the salon style evening to offer a one-stop beauty shop where there was something for all women. At the free event enjoy beauty treatments such as makeup demos, sunless tanning, Q & A’s with Dr. Juris Bunkis and Dr. Clay Forsberg and everyone who RSVP's and attends with a friend will receive a free IPL Treatment ($250 value).

Simply RSVP by email to paul@ocps.com or call 949.888.9700.

4501 Birch St. (at MacArthur Blvd.) in Newport Beach.

Solutions for Moms

Solutions The Premium Denim Store in Newport Beach has found perfect items for the special Mother in your life, from Hale Bob’s feminine and chic dresses to its new Italian Riviera inspired blouses. Solutions also carries the season’s best linen jeans in soft gray by Hudson, as well as favorite denim brands such as AG jeans, LA based Sinclair, Genetic, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity. Its denim bar is the perfect place to find the perfect fitting designer denim for every mom.

Also, save the date for Solutions Spring Mixer on Saturday, May 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event includes informal modeling, margarita bar, sponsor raffle and with every purchase you’ll receive a ticket.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Solutions is at 1719 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach. 949.650.0479.