Events
Magic of Lights at Angel Stadium
Opens Nov. 19. This holiday season will be brighter, bolder and more colorful as the Angel Stadium parking lot is transformed into a vibrant drive-through, holiday-themed light display starting Friday through Dec. 26. Produced by FunGuys Events, Magic of Lights will make its SoCal debut at the home of the Los Angeles Angels, featuring dozens of displays, illuminated canopies and digital animation—all constructed with thousands of individual LED lights. See website for schedule and ticket prices. 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim. magicoflights.com
SPONSORED
Vocal Phenom Veronica Swift at Segerstrom Center
Nov. 20. One of today’s brightest young stars, Veronica Swift has taken the jazz world by storm with her incredible voice, musical technique and sense of swing! Having collaborated with greats like Wynton Marsalis and Chris Botti, she makes her debut in the intimate 350-seat Samueli Theater. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting at The Ritz-Carlton
Nov. 21. The resort is kicking off the most wonderful time of the year with the annual holiday open house and tree lighting on Sunday. Festivities include live holiday music performed by The Jeeps; a special appearance from Santa; and the official lighting of the over 40-foot decorated tree. Holiday cookies and hot chocolate are complimentary with additional beverages available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring a new toy for donation to Miracles for Kids; canned goods and non-perishable food items to benefit the Orange County Rescue Mission; as well as pet toys and treats for local pet shelters. 4-6 p.m. Free. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com
Food + Drink
Free Katsu Chicken Sandwiches at Shootz
Nov. 20. In celebration of a successful year of business, the fast-casual Hawaiian-inspired restaurant Shootz is hosting its first “Shootzgiving” and will be giving away free katsu chicken sandwiches all day. Each guest will receive one free Hot Kimchi Butter Katsu Chicken Sandwich, which is the #1 selling item on the menu. Shootz will also debut a new children’s book in collaboration with Rad is Rad Books called, Can I Cook It? Yes You Can. All proceeds from the book sales and 25% of all food sales on Saturday will benefit Ronald McDonald House Orange County. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 12885 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.379.7077. shootzhawaiian.com
Puesto’s New Winter Menu
Now Available. Get a taste of Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar’s new winter menu at any of its four Orange County locations. New menu features two brand-new tacos—yellowfin tuna and lamb barbacoa—and a Fiesta Guacamole which is Puesto’s Classic Guac with the addition of roasted peppers, tahini and chile oil to give it that extra kick. Sip on one (or more) of the four tequila-based cocktails, including Passion Fruit Margarita, Bergamot Sour, That Good Good Cadillac, and Strawberry Margarita—all made with freshly squeezed juices and fresh fruit. See website for the Anaheim, Irvine and Huntington Beach locations and hours. eatpuesto.com
Descanso Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary with New Menu Items
Now Available. Cheers to the modern taqueria’s third anniversary! In celebration, Descanso’s executive chef Fonzy de Zuniga crafted new dinner and brunch dishes featuring fresh seafood, such as shrimp, red snapper and salmon. Try the Eggs Benito, which is Zuniga’s take on a “Mexican-style” eggs Benedict, for brunch; or order the Paraiso Huachinango (chili-seasoned, deep-fried whole red snapper). Pair your dish with one of the new cocktails, such as Mango 43 Margarita (pictured) and the Desperado. See website for hours. 1555 Adams Ave., Suite 103, Costa Mesa, 714.486.3798. descansorestaurant.com
Arts + Culture
Sam Hyde Harris, Seeing the Unusual Opening Reception
Nov. 19. Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens presents a rare and comprehensive look at the career of Sam Hyde Harris, a noted 20th-century California artist. Curated by Maurine St. Gaudens and Joseph Morsman, this exhibit showcases his bold, exciting and relatively unknown commercial advertising work through his fine art paintings that captured the scenic beauty of California. Pictured is The New Sunset Limited, Commercial Advertising for the Southern Pacific Railroad. 6-8 p.m. Free with RSVP. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Trio Barclay
Nov. 21. Calling all classical music fans! Don’t miss a special live performance by Trio Barclay at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Comprised of violinist Dennis Kim (pictured), cellist Jonah Kim and pianist Sean Kennard, Trio Barclay is an ensemble of big musical personalities who have joined together to create a dynamic and exciting musical experience for themselves and for audiences. 5 p.m. $15-$75. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org thebarclay.org
Photo credits: Magic of Lights courtesy Jennifer Petro Becker. Shootz courtesy FWD PR. Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar courtesy Moxxe PR. “The New Sunset Limited, Commercial Advertising for the Southern Pacific Railroad,” c. 1950, by Sam Hyde Harris/courtesy Casa Romantica. Trio Barclay courtesy Irvine Barclay Theater/Steven Georges. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
