Events
Derby Day Watch Party at Topside
May 1. It’s off to the races—and all things bourbon—at Topside’s first-ever Derby Day watch party. During this socially distanced event, enjoy traditional Kentucky bourbon cocktails—courtesy of Maker’s Mark—and classic barbecue items with a Topside twist. Menu offerings include Maker’s Mark smoked brisket with homemade biscuits and maple butter; spicy chicken sliders with bourbon maple aioli and cabbage slaw; housemade wedge salad; and bourbon pulled pork sliders. Noon-4 p.m. See website for ticket prices. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.524.8500. Tickets
Flowers by Lovely Lily Pop-Up Cart
May 1-2. Stop by and smell the roses (and other flora!) at Flowers by Lovely Lily’s pop-up shop in Pacific City. This Huntington Beach-based florist is rolling in with a blooming cart full of beautiful, fresh flowers and will be located on level one between Tommy Bahama and Urban Outfitters on the Paver Patio. You’re also welcome to bring your pup and snap some pics with them! 11 a.m.-6 p.m. gopacificcity.com
Flamenco Dinner Shows at Cafe Sevilla​
Every Saturday. The weekends just got better with the return of Cafe Sevilla’s lively “The Art of Flamenco” dinner shows! During the shows, guests can marvel at the passion, beauty, and athleticism of this traditional art form while enjoying a three-course dinner: shaved jamón serrano ensalada sevillana, Cafe Sevilla’s award-winning paella valenciana and lemon tart. Additional offerings available a la carte are a tapas menu, full bar, wine list and other menu upgrades. Advance ticket purchase required. 6:30 p.m. $89.50+. Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.688.1555. cafesevilla.com
Food + Drink
Mutt’s in Newport Beach
Opens April 29. Come hungry to Newport Beach’s newest eatery Mutt’s, the family-friendly sister concept of Mutt Lynch’s, at Eastbluff Village Center. Owned by husband-and-wife locals Alex and Meghan Murray, Mutt’s offers approachable American eclectic dishes, made-to-order pizzas, authentic Mexican cuisine and even a few favorites from Mutt Lynch’s. The new concept also has a beverage program focusing on a craft cocktail menu, highlighting spirits from artisan distilleries across the country. Open daily 8 a.m.-midnight; delivery available 8 a.m.-9 p.m. 2531 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.719.0635. mutts-usa.com
Brunch Social
Begins May 1. Calling brunch goers! The Orange County Restaurant Association announced that the inaugural Brunch Social is taking over O.C. for the month of May. During every weekend of the month-long event, diners can explore the best local brunch menus from many restaurants and get to sip on unique cocktail creations specifically for this tasty event. Visit the website to search the list of participating restaurants, menus, cocktails and more. brunch.social
“Get Lei’d at Billy’s”
May 1-2. In celebration of the traditional Hawaiian holiday Lei Day, say aloha to Billy’s at the Beach’s first “Get Lei’d at Billy’s” dining experience. The iconic eatery on Mariner’s Mile is transporting guests to the islands of Hawaii with a special that includes the signature mai tai, Billy’s Beach Burger and fresh Hawaiian floral leis. Leis are also available a la carte for $10. Reservations recommended. Sa 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Su 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. $35 per person. 2751 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.722.1100. billysatthebeach.net
Arts + Culture
The Story of My Life
Begins April 30. Chance Theater presents the Orange County virtual premiere—and first show in the theater’s 23rd anniversary season—of Neil Bertram and Brian Hill’s musical The Story of My Life. Profoundly funny and deeply moving, this musical is a tribute to the power of friendship and the people who change our lives forever. The show will have scheduled virtual performances every weekend from April 30 through June 6. F-Sa 7 p.m., Su 2 p.m. $25-$49. 888.455.4212. chancetheater.com
Food and Culture: An Italian Perspective
May 1. Join Musco Center for the Arts for a thought-provoking celebration of Italian food culture featuring talks by influencers, scholars and chefs. The livestream program lineup includes owner and chef Sir Bruno Serato of Anaheim White House (pictured); chef Dario Cecchini from Panzano, Italy (featured in the Netflix series “Chef’s Table”); consul general Silvia Chiave of Italy in Los Angeles; and Chapman University president Daniele Struppa—among others. 11 a.m. Free with RSVP. muscocenter.org
Free General Admission Offers at Bowers Museum
Now Available. Bowers Museum welcomes visitors to take advantage of its new and upcoming free admission offers. Current offerings include free Sunday general admission and reduced $10 tickets to Inside the Walt Disney Archives for Santa Ana residents (with proof of residency), and free admission for all frontline healthcare and emergency services workers. Upcoming offerings include free general admission and reduced $10 tickets to the Walt Disney exhibit for moms and grandmothers on Mother’s Day. See website for more info. Tu-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
Cinco de Mayo
Gracias Madre’s Party Kit For Four
Upcoming | May 5. Bring the fiesta home with Gracias Madre’s special Cinco de Mayo party kit for four! Priced at $100, this kit includes four canned margaritas, guacamole, salsa, chips, a deconstructed jackfruit taco kit, esquites (Mexican street corn salad) and a mini bottle of mezcal. Pre-orders now available for takeout and delivery on the website. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.386.8100. graciasmadre.co
Sol Mexican Cocina
Upcoming | May 5. Celebrate this festive holiday with live music and good eats at the popular Baja-inspired restaurant in Newport Beach! Available for dine-in only, the exclusive Cinco de Mayo menu includes Naked Guacamole; taco vampiro asada; taco plates with the choice of two sides; and Sol’s specialty margaritas with fresh citrus juices along with bottled Mexican beer and tequila shots. 3 p.m.-close. 251 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800. solcocina.com
Photo credits: Topside at Lido House courtesy J Public Relations. Flowers by Lovely Lily by NaesFotos. Mutt’s courtesy Outshine PR. Brunch Social courtesy Moxxe PR. Chef Bruno Serato courtesy Chef Bruno Serato. Bowers Museum by Melanie Gable. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
