Events
Summer Soul Glow Retreat
Aug. 27. Embark on a day retreat filled with yoga, meditation, sound healing, a cacao ceremony, reiki healing, plant-based fare from local artisans and chai. Wide Awakenings and Chai Mommas have curated an enlightening Summer Soul Glow retreat at the magical MacDonald Farm in Orange County. This mini-retreat promises to leave guests with glowing souls and full hearts. Space is limited so purchase tickets here as soon as possible.
City of Hope Blood Drive
Aug. 26. The Rounaghi Family and Laguna Presbyterian Church are hosting a community blood drive to support City of Hope patients. Appointments are necessary and can be made by going to iDonateBlood4Hope.org and entering sponsor code LPC, or by calling 626.218.7171. Bring a valid I.D. and be in good health at the time of your appointment. Vaccination against COVID-19 is not required to donate. Friday, 11 a.m – 4 p.m. 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. lagunapreschurch.org
Sip In Style
Aug. 27. Spend your afternoon with delicious coffee and unique fashion finds at Freelance Coffee Project. Choose rare picks from vintage curator and stylist, Johanna of Styling by Jo, as she displays her pieces at the first Freelance Vintage Market. Guests can sip single-origin coffees from Freelance as they sift through vintage and one-of-a-kind finds. Saturday, 10 a.m – 3 p.m. 882 Production Place, Newport Beach, CA 92663 freelancecoffeeproject.com
Food + Drink
701 Restaurant Opens
Now Open. More than just a Mexican restaurant – this is a place that will transport you into the very heart of Mexican culture and cuisine. With elevated dishes inspired by North Western cuisine and flavors of Mexico, 701 Restaurant and Bar promises to enthrall you with sights, sounds, and more in this very exciting new addition to the local culinary landscape. 100 S Main St, Santa Ana, 714.816.4219. 701restaurantbar.com
Paragon Launches Dinner Service
Now Available. Known as a phenomenal new haunt for a suave jazz brunch and more, Paragon Cafe is finally launching its coveted dinner menu. The menu consists classics of chicken and waffles and filet mignon. Dinner service will only be served weekly through Fridays until 8 p.m., and reservations are recommended. 3321 Hyland Avenue, Suite E, Costa Mesa. 657.247.0101. paragoncafeoc.com
Boil and Bake Launches Booze
Now Available. As the team at the recently opened bagel destination prepare to launch their lunch service in the coming weeks, they are proud to announce that guests can now imbibe to their hearts’ content. With a boutique and excellent selection of craft beers and carefully curated wines, the team at Boil & Bake shows no signs of slowing down with new ways to delight guests anytime soon. 270 Bristol St Suite 114, Costa Mesa. boilbake.com
Prix Fixe Returns to Taco Mario
Now Available. One of Orange County’s very best restaurants – Taco Maria – is bringing back its beloved prix fixe tasting menu. Serving authentic Mexican dishes such as coctel campechano, chilled scallop & shrimp, avocado, jalapeño, momotaro tomato. Guests can reserve a spot to experience this fantastic cuisine. Tuesday through Saturday, from 5-9 p.m. 3313 Hyland Ave Ste C21, Costa Mesa, 714.538.8444. TacoMaria.com
Arts + Culture
The Spirit Returns Home
Aug. 28. Now that she is nearing the completion of the entire restoration process, the Ocean Institute team is proud to invite the community to join in as they host a presentation on The Spirit restoration journey and have a coin ceremony. Captain John Kraus will speak about tools used, artifacts collected throughout the process, and the restoration project in its entirety. Free to attend. 4 – 8 p.m. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org
World Premier of “Brackish”
Aug. 26-28. The Wayward Artist’s Wayward Voices presents thenworld premiere production of BRACKISH, a haunting and heartwarming play about family, race, and generational divides by Hope Villanueva. “BRACKISH is a poignant, heartfelt play about a Vietnamese American family on the gulf recovering from an act of anti-Asian vandalism,” said Reed Flores, Director. Tickets available here. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway #E, Santa Ana, 657.205.6273. thewaywardartist.org
Jazz at The Mess Hall
Aug. 27. Come listen to live music from local Orange County musician Michael Choi and his jazz band. Guests can enjoy the live music at the world-class food hall while dining on a wide assortment of food and beverage options from some of Orange County’s best chefs. Indulge in a gourmet burger from Vaka Burger or high-quality seafood dishes from Slapfish. Then, order up a handcrafted cocktail from The Drink Bar. Times vary. 1705 Flight Wy, Tustin. messhalltustin.com
Photo credits: Taco Maria courtesy of Anne Watson Photography. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
