Events
Little Seedlings Story Time
May 27. Looking for something fun for the little ones in your life? Explore nature through the wonderful world of books. Join the team at Sherman Library & Gardens every Friday as they share their favorite stories, picture books, and poems. Perfect for preschool children and their caregivers. Drop-in, meet in Central Garden. Free. 10-10:30 a.m. 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. thesherman.org
California Craft Barbecue Invitational
Tickets Now Available. Heritage Barbecue is celebrating their two-year anniversary with a massive barbecue festival. 50 of the top pitmasters in the country will be on hand to feed guests throughout the event. Tickets are expected to sell out very quickly ahead of the August 13th event, so secure yours immediately here. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. heritagecraftbbq.com
Food + Drink
Calaca Mamas Cantina Opens
May 27. Calaca Mamas Cantina will celebrate its grand opening over Memorial Day weekend. The anticipated Mexican eatery has planned three days of festivities for guests including live music from Mariachi bands, free commemorative photos, caricature artists, free swag, and more. 15% of proceeds from the grand opening weekend to benefit CASA OC (The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County). Friday at 4 p.m. 1550 S. Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, 714.215.4226. calacamamas.com
A Crystal Cove Opens
Now Open. Known for stylish community eateries, A Restaurant and A Market in Newport Beach and CdM Restaurant in Corona del Mar, River Jetty Restaurant Group’s latest addition will be their first full-service concept to offer brunch, lunch and dinner. Tailored to the unique community in which it is located, A Crystal Cove’s atmosphere of relaxed coastal sophistication will welcome guests through out the day to experience elevated cuisine in a lively and inviting setting. 7864 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach. arestaurantcc.com
Cajun Boil at Recess Room
May 28-29. Chef Thann Nguyen’s Cajun Boil carries signature classics such as jumbo shrimp and crawfish to chicken and sausage gumbo, cajun fries, hush puppies and more. Dine-in is also an available choice for this special, which has the added bonus of letting you enjoy variety of drinks from the bar program at the Recess Room. Pickup is available after 3 p.m. 5 lb minimum for to-go orders. RSVP is required. 18380 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, 714.377.0398. therecessroom.com
Boil and Bake Pop-up
May 28. While the team at Boil & Bake may not be ready for business at their new brick and mortar just yet, that isn’t stopping them from satiating the public’s cravings for their bagels. This Saturday they will be doing a pop-up event at Neat Coffee and are bringing many of their signature offerings with them including the “New Yorker” with soft scrambled eggs, Nueske “thiccck” cut bacon, sharp cheddar, and Sriracha aioli. 9-1 p.m. (Or until sold out.) The pop-up will be located at Neat Coffee, 1922 Pomona Ave, Costa Mesa.
Arts + Culture
Sponsored
Musical Comedy Heaven at Segerstrom Center
Opening May 31. TOOTSIE, the Tony Award-winning musical, makes its Orange County debut May 31 – June 12. Broadway’s funniest new musical tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Treat yourself to a night of laughs with TOOTSIE! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
A Chorus Line at Laguna Playhouse
May 26. A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre: the chorus dancers– those valiant, over dedicated, underpaid, highly trained performers who back up the main stars and often make them look even more talented than they are. It is also a celebration of the American Musical itself. More information including how to purchase tickets can be found here. 606 Laguna Canyon RoadLaguna Beach, 949.497.2787. Ext. 1. lagunaplayhouse.com
John Beasley’s MONK’estra
Coming Soon. Acclaimed jazz pianist, bandleader and producer John Beasley brings his smashing 15-piece MONK’estra big band to Irvine Barclay Theatre. The Grammy Award winner and nine-time nominated pianist and composer John Beasley has worked with Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard – playing in the bands of both trumpet legends while still in his 20s – as well as with Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, Al Jarreau, Christian McBride, and even James Brown. Tickets are on sale now. 4242 Campus Drive, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org
Photo credits: A Crystal Cove courtesy of Ace Public Relations. Calaca Mamas Cantina courtesy of Ajenda Public Relations. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.