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OC Fashion Week 2013 in Costa Mesa

Posted on March 19, 2013 | 1:00pm

Orange County Fashion Week 2013 kicked-off this morning with a showcase of jewelry from up and coming designers, Spring clothing trends and Brazilian-designed bikinis by Grivera Beachwear.

Grivera Beachwear Model

Bloggers, fashionistas, members of the press and more packed AnQi by Crustacean at South Coast Plaza to catch a glimpse of the season’s trends, swap trade secrets and meet local designers.  The opening included displays from KD Luxe Jewelry, Senhoa, Studio Suzan and Gayle Gaston. Read More

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Posted in Events, Locals, Misc, Play, Shopping

Going Green: St. Patrick’s Day in Costa Mesa

Posted on March 15, 2013 | 11:03am

Each year the feast of St. Patrick, or St. Patrick’s Day, is celebrated on March 17.  Although the day celebrates Irish culture and history, the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration did not occur in Ireland, but rather in Boston in 1737.  The color green is was not always associated with St. Patrick’s Day, originally blue was the color of the holiday, but was replaced with green in the 19th century.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day has become synonymous with the color green, images of shamrocks, leprechauns, corned beef and hash, whiskey and of course – beer.  If a visit to the Emerald Island isn’t in your travel plans this weekend, there are many great places and events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Costa Mesa.

St. Patrick's Day Green Beer

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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Misc, Music & Art, Play

The Best Sandwiches in Costa Mesa part one

Posted on March 12, 2013 | 9:34am

The creation of the sandwich is widely credited to John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich.  The story behind the sandwich is that Montagu was an avid gambler who created the hand-held meal so he could keep one hand free and continue to gamble while he ate.

The sandwich has evolved since Montagu’s stubborn, yet brilliant idea to put meat between two slices of bread.  It comes at no surprise given the versatility and variety of the sandwich that it has become one of the most popular food items in the United States.  It has even inspired its own day (and month).

The variety of amazing sandwiches in the City of the Arts, Costa Mesa, is no exception.  Travel Costa Mesa has compiled a two-part list of the top restaurants to enjoy the art of an amazing sandwich.  Be sure to try these sandwiches before we share the second half of our list.  Each sandwich tastes so good that even Montagu would take a break from gambling to enjoy one!

Monte Cristo from Le Chateau Garden Bistro

The Monte Cristo from Le Chateau at the Ayres Hotel and Suites Costa Mesa has received numerous accolades and has been hailed as the best Monte Cristo in Orange County.  The deep-fried, double-decker of bliss is turkey, ham, Swiss cheese and powdered sugar dipped in egg batter and served with raspberry Chambord jelly.  Although Monte Cristos  are not a common menu item, it is hard to find one that can compare to Le Chateau’s.

Monte Cristo

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Posted in Food, Locals, Play

Costa Mesa Culinary Destinations: South Coast Plaza

Posted on March 6, 2013 | 11:09am

With over 250 world-class boutiques and the highest concentration of luxury retailers in the United States, South Coast Plaza certainly lives up to its moniker of an “international shopping destination.”  People may flock to South Coast Plaza for designer names and an unparalleled shopping experience, but an equally impressive dining experience awaits too.

The culinary destinations range as greatly as the shops with restaurants specializing in cuisine from Italian to Asian and new American to fusion.  Although there are dozens of great restaurants to choose from, we’ve narrowed the list down to five must-go eateries. Read More

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Posted in Food, Misc, Play

Portola Coffee Lab Prepares for Barista Competition at Theorem

Posted on March 1, 2013 | 12:25pm

To prepare for the upcoming 2013 Southwest Regional Barista Competition & Brewers Cup, Portola Coffee Lab is using Theorem as a training ground.  Portola is sending two talented representatives, Ryan Redden and Truman Severson, to compete for the title of best barista in the West and the opportunity to advance to the national competition.

Judges Sheet at Theorem

Baristas are expected to execute the preparation and service of 3 different beverages for 4 judges for a total of 12 beverages in 15 minutes.  Judges grade the baristas on presentation, crema, balance (sweet vs. acidic and complex vs. simple flavors), mouth-feel, body-feel, latte art, creativity and explanation. Read More

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Posted in Events, Locals, Misc, Play