FOOD + DRINK
Laguna Beach A La Carte
March 8-11. Laguna Beach a La Carte is a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors to experience the city’s world-class cuisine. Local restaurateurs offer prix-fixe menus, food and wine pairings, daily events and even chef demonstrations at different restaurants throughout the city. As part of this special event, the Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau is hosting a signature event, Laguna Beach Uncorked!, an international wine festival on Sat., March 10 on the grounds of the Festival of Arts. Enjoy tastings from 22 Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 wineries from around the world as well as live entertainment and chef demonstrations. Festival of the Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, Various Laguna Beach restaurants, 949.715.4405. lagunabeachinfo.com
Frank Family Vineyards Wine Dinner
March 10. French 75 invites guests to savor a delicious 4-course menu specifically designed by Chef Gregory Moro to pair with Frank Family Vineyard’s award-winning, handcrafted wines. Special guest Ed Skupien of Frank Family Vineyards shares the story behind the winery’s vineyard, vintage and varietal while attendees dine on classic French Fare including braised rabbit Dijonnaise with fingerling potatoes and brussel sprouts and roasted venison filet with brown butter celery root puree and sage bordelaise. 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8444. french75.net
Ultimate Wine Festival
March 10. Laguna Beach seafood staple, Rock’N Fish makes its foray into the world of wine with its Ultimate Wine Festival. Meet the winemakers, owners and winery reps of 25 wineries including La Sirena, Bridlewood and Pisoni. Tickets are $100. 422 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.3113. rocknfishLB.com
Royal Khyber 30th Anniversary
Through March. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Royal Khyber with a three-course prix-fixe dinner and a glass of wine for $30. The award-winning restaurant, known for its refined interpretation of Indian classics, has long been a staple in the Orange County dining scene. The 30th anniversary special dinner includes selections such as spicy tandoori kebabs, chicken tikka masala, paneer tikka masala, salmon Malabar and carrot pudding with coconut ice cream. 1621 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, 714.436.1010. royalkhyber.com
MUSIC
The Muck Roots Music Series
March 8. Beloved north county cultural center, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, kicks off its Roots Music Series with a performance by Jessica Fichot. The talented brunette takes inspiration from her multi-ethnic French, Chinese and American upbringing to form her unique sound. Listeners can expect multi-lingual vocals supported by a clarinet, sax, flute, upright bass, guitar and drums. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595. themuck.org
Flogging Molly
March 9. Irish punk rockers Flogging Molly bring their energetic Green 17 tour to the stage at the City National Grove of Anaheim. The Green 17 Tour began in 2004 as a celebratory countdown to St. Patrick’s Day, perhaps the most beloved Irish holiday. Flogging Molly recently launched an independent label, Borstal Beat Records, as well as its fifth album Speed of Darkness, inspired by the US economic crisis. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700. citynationalgroveofanaheim
THEATER
Sight Unseen
March 11. This OBIE award-winning play follows Jonathan Waxman, the art scene’s new golden boy, who has a waiting list to buy paintings he has yet to paint. As the pressure mounts upon Waxman, he realizes something is missing and flees the country to find the woman who first held his heart, inspired his work and made him an artist in the first place. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5500. scr.org
CINEMA
Films In The Tree House
March 8. The CAMP, an environmentally conscious retail center in Costa Mesa, launches Films In The Tree House, a series of eco-awareness documentaries. Showing this week is Play Again, a humorous documentary that shadows six teenagers who, like the “average American child” spend five to fifteen hours a day behind computer screens or plugged into video game systems. The group goes on its first wilderness adventure—no electricity, no cell phones, no video games, no social networks—to help explore the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds. Films begin at 7 pm in the Tree House above Ecco Restaurant. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714966.6661. thecampsite.org
COMEDY
Joel McHale
March 11. Joel McHale, the hilarious host of the E! channel’s The Soup and the star of NBC’s Community, performs his stand up material at the Irvine Improv. McHale has starred in several movies and TV shows including The Big Year, The Informant! and Pushing Daisies. 71 Fortune Drive, #841, Irvine, 949.854.5455. improv.com
EVENTS
Santa Ana Zoo’s 60th Birthday
March 10-12. Santa Ana Zoo, home of the famed 50 monkeys, invites guests to celebrate its 60th birthday with fun activities all weekend long. Featured events include birthday themed crafts, animal presentations, puppet shows and spectacular train displays by Del Oro Pacific Railroad Club. Live entertainment will be supplied by Images Dance Company, the Guardettes, Sunshine Generation and DJ Steve McGuigan. 1801 E. Chetnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.647.6575. santaanazoo.org
FESTIVALS
Mason Park Arts Festival
March 10. Join OC Parks and Mason Regional Park in celebration of the first-ever community art festival at the expansive park. Shop for artwork and handmade goods from local artisans, craft makers and independent artists while live music from Chasing Vertigo plays in the background. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, 949.923.2220. ocparks.com
Festival of Whales
March 10-11. Dana Point celebrates the annual migration of the majestic California gray whale with the 41st Festival of Whales. Festivities include an opening day parade, Whale of a Block Party, art exhibits, paddling events, sand sculpting, concerts on land and on water, crafts and activities for kids and of course, whale watching excursions. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.440.4309. festivalofwhales.org
SPONSORED
Orange County Tidepool Tours
March 9-11. Negative tides and beautiful weather makes this weekend perfect for tidepooling! Book a wildlife and beach ecotour with OC Wildlife & Beach Tour and explore local tidepools and nature preserves. These tours are wonderful opportunities to learn about Orange County’s local marine life and even spot a sea lion or two! Please call 949.500.6981 for reservations. ocwildlifebeachtour.com