Events
Improv Live Comedy Drive-In: Cool Nights, Hot Comics
Jan. 30. Experience live comedy like never before at Irvine Improv’s drive-in event. Head to the top of Regal Parking Deck (5 Freeway side) at Irvine Spectrum Center to watch some of the biggest names in comedy from the comfort of your own vehicle. This week’s lineup includes Pete Lee, Chris Fairbanks, Greg Behrendt and Lara Beitz. All attendees must be 18+ years old. Venue opens 5 p.m., show starts 7 p.m. $80-$140 per vehicle. 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvinespectrumcenter.com
“Let Go, Live Blissed” Virtual Event
Jan. 30. Join the Seed Peoples Market team and Live Blissed for a virtual meditation to kick start the year. Hosted live from Seed Peoples Market, the event will guide at-home participants through mindful breathwork and light movement to strengthen the heart, body and mind. The event package includes access to the Zoom event, a sage bundle, event guide and $50 credit towards a Live Blissed Retreat. Pick-up for the package is available at The Camp. 9-10 a.m. $8 per package. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.708.3377. seedpeoplesmarket.com
Pinot’s Palette Outdoor Class at Bella Terra
Jan. 30. Want to level up your painting skills? Pinot’s Palette in Bella Terra is hosting an outdoor class to guide you through the steps on how to create this “Japanese Crimson Moon” painting (pictured)—a surreal contemporary piece featuring a deep crimson moon and delicate flowers. Tickets to this event does not include beverages of any type, and no beverages are permitted into the venue. Face masks are required for entry into the event. 6-8:30 p.m. $39 per guest. 7811 Edinger Ave., Suite 110, Huntington Beach, 657.227.9499. pinotspalette.com
Chocolate Week
Through Jan. 31. Sweeten your weekend with Bowers Museum’s first annual Chocolate Week, in partnership with UCLA professor Dr. Lee Theisen (also known as “L.A.’s Chocolate Guru”). This event features premiere chocolate-makers from around the world, daily virtual programs offered through the week and a chocolate-themed virtual family festival on Sunday. Programs include lectures, discussions, behind-the-scenes facility walkthroughs and at-home tastings of some of the finest chocolate available today. See website for more info. bowers.org
Food + Drink
Market Fish Fridays at Old Vine Kitchen & Bar
Jan. 29. Take the guesswork out of your weekly date night with a fresh fish feast from Old Vine Kitchen & Bar in Costa Mesa. Available for curbside pick-up, this high-end, two-course dinner for two features a new market pick each week (check Old Vine’s Instagram for this Friday’s dinner, TBA), cooked to your dietary preferences. Pre-orders are highly recommended; call to place an order. The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Suite A103, Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinekitchenbar.com
Weekend Brunch and Mimosa Kit
Jan. 30-31. Elevate your at-home weekend brunch with Cha Cha Latin Kitchen’s signature brunch specials and its new $22 mimosa kit that features a bottle of Spanish sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. Specials you can order for pick-up include the Pozole Verde, a homemade tomatillo-chile broth prepared with chicken, hominy, cabbage, radish, and lime; followed by the fan-favorite Carne Asada con Huevo (pictured). Brunch specials are available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 110 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1040; 13126 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714. 408.7819. chachaslatinkitchen.com
LA Times Dinner Series with Knife Pleat
Jan. 31. Calling all foodies! Don’t miss out on this LA Times Dinner Series virtual luncheon with French restaurant Knife Pleat in support of Project Angel Food. This four-course one-of-a-kind dining experience, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault, offers an optional caviar and Champagne add on to enhance your meal. Pick up your meal from Knife Pleat on Jan. 31 before noon and then dine at your location of choice while tuning in to a fun conversation with actors Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal). 1:30 p.m. $95. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.266.3388. Tickets
Arts + Culture
Julia Friedman on Wayne Thiebaud
Jan. 28. Tune in to Laguna Art Museum’s online program with art historian Julia Friedman who will discuss the great California artist’s work. Best known for his still lifes of pies, cakes, desserts, candies and other objects. Thiebaud’s latest series of paintings of clowns, Wayne Thiebaud: Clowns, is currently on view at Laguna Art Museum. 6 p.m. Free. lagunaartmuseum.org
Centered on the Center 2021 Virtual Exhibition
Begins Jan. 30. Dive into the world of art at Centered on the Center, an annual open call, non-juried, salon-style exhibition featuring approximately 127 artists and 216 works of art. On view through March 20, Centered on the Center promotes Huntington Beach Art Center’s mission of providing opportunity for the community and artists to share in a climate of education, experimentation and experience. Attend the free virtual reception on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. huntingtonbeachartcenter.org
Miao: Masters of Silver Virtual Tour
Jan. 31. Be immersed in a virtual jewel box during Bower Museum’s virtual tour of one of its most recent exhibitions Miao: Masters of Silver. Learn about the art of adornment in China’s Guizhou Province, where the largest population of Miao people reside. The intricate silver jewelry and textiles are remarkable works of art that symbolize light, the moon, fertility and protection against evil. Ticketholders will receive a private link to view the online presentation prior to the tour. 2 p.m. $5 members, $10 general. bowers.org
Photo credits: Irvine Improv Comedy drive-in courtesy Irvine Improv. Knife Pleat courtesy South Coast Plaza. “Clown and Circle” (2015) artwork by Wayne Thiebaud. All other images are courtesy of the venues.
