Events
Battleship Tour
Ongoing. Consider safe family-friendly learning in the fresh ocean air with a tour of the Battleship Iowa. Choose a self-guided outdoor experience using the venue’s award-winning mobile app or a socially distanced private guided tour. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. $11.95-$19.95. 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, 877.446.9261. pacificbattleship.com
Virtual 5K Walk
June 13. Lace up your sneakers for Destination Independence, the Blind Children’s Learning Center’s 16th annual 5K walk. Prior to the livestream on Saturday and to adhere to Covid-19 protocols, form a team with family or friends and walk or run a socially distanced 5K at your own pace. During the Facebook Live broadcast, viewers are introduced to children BCLC has helped and hear from BCLC’s president, board members and alumni families. Follow BCLC on Instagram (@BlindChildrenLC); use the hashtag #DIWalk2020 on social media. Sa 4-5:30 p.m. Register at bclcwalk.funraise.org
Whale Watching
Ongoing. Join Dana Point Sportfishing & Whale Watching—Dana Point’s first and local-favorite whale watching company—for a two-hour ocean tour. Attendees can see fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales and even sharks year-round. Trips may be aboard the large Dana Pride, the Lot’ A Fun or the Ocean Adventure. See website for schedule and prices. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603. danawharf.com
Food + Drink
Dine in the Gardens
Reopened. Owner and executive chef of Farmhouse Rich Mead at Roger’s Gardens reopened his 4,000-square-foot restaurant for outdoor service. He continues to offer a robust menu of takeout offerings as well as a curbside market featuring local ingredients and pantry staples, family meals and weekly farmers-market produce boxes. To celebrate the reopening, “chef de swigs” Anthony Laborin and his team launch a new cocktail menu available for dine-in or curbside pickup. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, 949.640.1415. farmhouserg.com
Recess Room in Session
Reopened. The Recess Room in Fountain Valley has reopened for dine-in service. Menu highlights include salt and vinegar tots, Mediterranean salmon belly, green goddess salad, bone marrow burger and duck udon. Tu-Th 5-10 p.m., F-Sa 5 p.m.-midnight, Su 4-9 p.m. 18380 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, 714.377.0398. therecessroom.com
Pasta is Served!
Reopens June 11. Fast-casual Italian concept Casa Barilla now offers dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup and delivery. Dine-in service is in accordance with local regulations; takeout and delivery orders can be made through UberEats, Postmates, DoorDash and Grubhub. All emergency responders receive a 25% discount. M-F 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sa-Su noon-7 p.m. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 657.205.1025. casabarilla.com
Picnic in the Garden
Begins June 11. Provenance opens its beautiful patio and raised-bed garden for “picnic” service. Order at the bar and take a seat; food is served on/in disposable tableware and containers. Other highlights include 50% off bottled wines ($10 corkage fee to drink them on the patio). Limited seating; first come, first serve. Th-Su Noon-6 p.m. 2531 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0477. provenanceoc.com
Arts + Culture
Sculptura Botanica
On View. Head to Sherman Library & Gardens to explore the newest outdoor exhibit created by local landscape designer and ceramic artist Dustin Gimbel. The exhibit features original botanically themed ceramic sculpture pieces—on view through September 15. Free with garden admission ($5 non-member, free for members). 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. thesherman.org
Style + Beauty
Buffalo Exchange
Reopened. Looking to shop in-store but in a safe environment? Buffalo Exchange reopens its Costa Mesa, Fullerton and Long Beach locations with reduced hours and new social distancing protocols. A limited amount of masked customers can enter; dressing rooms remained closed; contactless payments such as ApplePay are encouraged. To sell your own clothes, drop-offs are made by appointment only. Open daily noon-6 p.m. See website for locations. buffaloexchange.com
Tommy Bahama at Pacific City
Reopens June 14. The island-inspired sportswear brand welcomes shoppers back to its Huntington Beach location. In accordance with the state’s capacity limit and other health and safety regulations, Tommy Bahama will limit store capacity for shopping. 21028 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite E110, Huntington Beach, 714.536.0734. tommybahama.com
Pride + BLM Music Spotlight
Frank Ocean
Grammy award-winning Long Beach singer-songwriter Frank Ocean offers an unconventional collection of introspective R&B. The proud LGBT+ community member isn’t afraid to open up about his personal hardships and vulnerability through his art. Ocean’s collaborations include household names such as Calvin Harris and Travis Scott. He’s currently scheduled to perform at Coachella this fall. Follow on Instagram @blonded | Listen on Spotify
Kevin Abstract
The founding member of the alternative hip-hop group Brockhampton raps freely about his sexuality and the trials and tribulations that go along with it, including the lack of gay representation within the rap community. Whether you explore his solo albums or his work with his “boy band,” you’ll be in for raw lyrics and an inventive sound. Follow on Instagram @kevinabstract and @brckhmptn | Listen to Kevin and Brockhampton on Spotify
Shea Diamond
Contemporary R&B-meets-soul artist and transgender rights activist Shea Diamond empowers the LGBT+ community with anthems like “I am Her” and “Don’t Shoot.” Add her to any of your confidence-boosting music playlists. Follow on Instagram @iamsheadiamond | Listen on Spotify
Photos from top: Battleship IOWA, Chuck Bennett. Courtesy Blind Children’s Learning Center, Dana Wharf Sportfishing, Farmhouse and Recess Room. Courtesy Casa Barilla. Provenance courtesy Moxxe PR. Courtesy Sherman Library & Gardens, @BuffaloExchange/Instagram, Tommy Bahama, @blonded/Instagram, @kevinabstract/Instagram and @iamsheadiamond/Instagram.
