Events
Live Music at Dana Wharf
July 9. Every Thursday for the month of July, head to Dana Wharf for live music performances at the Wharf Courtyard by Frisby Cellars and Jon’s Fish Market. This week’s performer is singer-songwriter Zach Churchill. 4-6 p.m. Free. 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.388.3663. danapointharbor.com
Whale and Marine Life Tour
July 11. Join Ocean Institute in Dana Point for the chance to see whales, dolphins, sea lions and more while sailing across the Pacific. Staff and participants must wear face masks. Check in at the main entrance of the Ocean Institute at 9:30 a.m. Tour 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $40. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org
Food + Drink
Outdoor Dining at Old Vine Kitchen + Bar
Reopened. Returning to the O.C. culinary scene with on-premise dining and an emphasis on staff and guest safety is Old Vine Kitchen + Bar. Guests can dine on Old Vine’s backyard patio or on one of two newly-acquired outdoor dining spaces, The Roof and the Stairway Patio. Additional highlights include a brand new bar and new dinner menus from chef McDonald—including a four-course cocktail pairing tasting menu. Dinner menu Tu-Su 5-10 p.m.; bar menu Su-Th 5-11 p.m. and F-Sa 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Suite A-103, Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinekitchenbar.com
Patio Dining at Knife Pleat
Reopened. Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi reopens Knife Pleat with spacious open-air patio for dine-in service during lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant will be following all guidelines set by local and state health agencies and taking extra precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable dining experience. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite 3001, Costa Mesa, 714.266.3388. knifepleat.com | Reservations
Spice-C
Now Open. Turn up the heat with hot chicken tenders and sliders from the new Spice-C at the District at Tustin Legacy. Enjoy a simple variety of meal combos with Spice-C’s famous “Comeback” dipping sauce in six heat levels. To celebrate its grand opening, diners receive 15% off their order through July 16. Simply mention this promotion when ordering and enjoy the food on the outdoor patio in the AMC Tustin 14 Courtyard or grab your order for takeout. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2566 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.673.6331. thedistricttl.com
Taste of 4th Street Market
July 11. In line with its grand reopening, 4th Street Market presents its fourth annual tasting event where each of its vendors offer exclusive small bites reflective of signature menu items—virtual option available! Look forward to exclusive collaborative offerings courtesy of 4SM’s vendors, including flavors from five brand new eateries. Place orders online and be one of the first to see the fully revamped patio and market space, or pick up your order on the day of the event and feast at home while live-streaming the event. Limited patio seating (to encourage social distancing) as well as live music and other entertainment taking place throughout the downtown area. Face masks required to visit the market day-of and/or enjoy al fresco dining. Noon-8 p.m. 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. 4thstreetmarket.com
Burger Week
Begins July 12. Calling all burger lovers! This foodie event, presented by The Fork Report, is back again—through July 18—for a second year to highlight burgers from local participating restaurants throughout Orange County, Los Angeles and Long Beach. During the week-long event, diners can explore a variety of burgers, ranging from classic to creative, featuring various proteins from beef to plant-based, on menus priced at $10, $15, $20 and $25. Many restaurants also feature takeout packages and a featured cocktail. See website for list of participating restaurants. burgerweek.com
Live Music During Brunch and Dinner at Bayside
Ongoing. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bayside offers brunch on the patio this summer with live music by young local talent Dylan Wager. Can’t make it to brunch? Bayside has extended its weekend dinner hours starting at 4:30 p.m. to include live music featuring guests such as the Irvine Barclay Theater Jazz Band, Tracy and the Blue Makers, and Jo Anne Kurman. See website for more info and hours. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222. baysiderestaurant.com
Summer Jazz Sessions at Bistango
Ongoing. Want to dine out while following state regulations and being socially distant from others? Bistango welcomes diners to its open-air patio where you can listen to live jazz sessions every Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. Don’t want to dine in? Order takeout with online ordering and curbside pickup available for lunch on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner every day except Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. 19100 Von Karman Ave., 949.752.5222. bistango.com
Arts + Culture
Outdoor and Virtual Painting Classes
July 9-12. Learn how to paint with Pinot’s Palette at the District at Tustin Legacy. The studio offers virtual classes and in-person (socially distant!) classes outside on the patio. For a virtual class, you’ll receive a paint-at-home kit and a link to join the live interactive class from home, or if you have your own art supplies, enter the promo code CLASSONLY upon checkout online to discount the class to only $10 for the class link only. Art kits available for pick up curbside Tuesday through Friday the week of your class from 4 to 6 p.m. See website for list of classes and details. $19-$37. 2479 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.400.9016. pinotspalette.com
Photos from top: Courtesy Dana Point Harbor, Ocean Institute, Old Vine Kitchen + Bar. Knife Pleat, Emi Rose Kitawaki. Courtesy Spice-C. Taste of 4th Street courtesy 100inc Agency. SideDoor Burger Week, Anne Watson. Bayside, @Beijosevents. Courtesy Bistango, Pinot’s Palette/Facebook.
