Events
Black Friday at Fashion Island
Nov. 27. Get your holiday shopping done and out of the way during Black Friday at Fashion Island! Participating retailers include Neiman Marcus, Lilly Pulitzer, Gorjana, Rodd & Gunn, Rebecca Taylor, Shinobi Menswear and more. In addition to in-store shopping, many stores offer shopping by appointment or curbside pickup. There’s also great deals from eateries such as Bacio di Latte, Sushi Roku, Great Maple and True Food Kitchen. Check with stores directly on exact hours of operation on Black Friday. In-store hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000. fashionisland.com | Offers
Comedian Louie Anderson
Nov. 27. In need of a good laugh? Grab your tickets to watch three-time Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian Louie Anderson on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. This outdoor event (with two showtimes) kicks off Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ return of live performances, followed by Tony Award nominee Megan Hilty (Dec. 11) and Grammy Award winner Steve Tyrell (Dec. 29-30). 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $240 per pod. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Lighting of the Bay
Begins Nov. 27. Light up your evenings at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort’s 30th annual Lighting of the Bay, beginning at dusk on Friday and continuing through the holiday season. New this year, guests will have the opportunity to celebrate responsibly while dining fireside or hosting private holiday drive-in movies and events with the stunning backdrop of the bay illuminated with festive floating lights. Masks required when physical distancing is not possible; see website for more info. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportdunes.com
Seasonal Adventures’ Christmas Tree Lot
Opens Nov. 27. Haven’t gotten a Christmas tree yet? Starting this Friday, head to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa to pick yourself out a beautiful, fresh tree from Oregon. Choose from a variety of firs—such as Douglas, Noble, Fraser, Grand and Nordmann—and sizes ranging from a 3-foot table top to over 10 feet. Open daily through Dec. 18 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission and parking; tree prices vary. Lot C (at the corner of Fairview and Fair), 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 805.991.7778. seasonaladventures.com
Holiday Drive-In Movie Nights
Nov. 29. While it might be darker and chillier out, drive-in movies are still going strong at the Irvine Spectrum Center! Grab tickets (before they’re gone!) to watch the family-friendly, holiday favorite Home Alone on Sunday, followed by The Nightmare Before Christmas (Dec. 3), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Dec. 4), The Polar Express (Dec. 6) and more to be announced soon. Note: Moviegoers are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times when outside the vehicle. Vehicles may enter venue starting at 4 p.m.; showtime is around 6 p.m. $40-$60 per car. irvinespectrumcenter.com | Tickets
Thanksgiving
Cafe Sevilla
Nov. 26. Gather with family and friends to enjoy Cafe Sevilla’s three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu in Costa Mesa! Enjoy classics with a Spanish twist like butternut squash soup with lemon and chive cream; roasted turkey breast and glazed black forest ham served with delicious fixings; and homemade pumpkin pie for dessert (pictured). There’s also rustic holiday-themed drinks including the Bourbon Peach Pie and the Harvest Passion Caipirinha. Dinner menu will also available. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $49.50 adults, $24.50 kids (two courses). The Triangle, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.688.1555. cafesevilla.com
Shorebird Restaurant
Nov. 26. Known for its coastal, eclectic and hearty fare, new waterfront Shorebird celebrates its first Thanksgiving with a plated three-course dinner and family-style sides. A number of first-course options include avocado fries or crispy cauliflower lettuce cups. Main course brings herb-roasted organic turkey or Harris Ranch prime skirt steak with red chimichurri sauce; among holiday-favorite sides are caramelized-apple-and-sage stuffing. Finish with apple or pumpkin pie. Noon-8 p.m. $75 per person, $29 children ages 5-12, turkey main only. 2220 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.287.6627. shorebirdca.com
Food + Drink
New Menu Items at Descanso
Now Available. Cheers to Costa Mesa’s modern taqueria for celebrating its two-year anniversary last week! To commemorate the occasion, Descanso introduces new specialty entrees and a rotating gourmet taco special, created by newly appointed executive chef Fonzy de Zuniga, such as sopa de zetas, diablitos, borracho lamb shank, volcano taco (pictured) and more. Guests can come for dine-in or order for takeout/delivery. See website for hours. 1555 Adams Ave., Suite 103, Costa Mesa, 714.486.3798. descansorestaurant.com
Seasonal Dishes at Lido Bottle Works
Now Available. Delight in new seasonal dishes from Lido Bottle Works in Newport Beach! Executive chef Amy Lebrun unveils nine new offerings on the menu that celebrate the bounty of fall and winter from some of her favorite local and regional farms. Highlights include Lebrun’s favorite dish of the set, a dry-aged pork chop, plus potato chorizo croquettes, a wagyu short rib, lamb ribeye, a layered S’mores parfait made with winter squash and more. M-Tu 4-10 p.m., W-Su 11 a.m.-close. Lido Marina Village, 3408 Via Oporto, Suite 103, Newport Beach, 949.529.2784. lidobottleworks.com
Surfer’s Special at Grater Grilled Cheese
Now Available. Surf’s up at Grater Grilled Cheese in Huntington Beach! Get a taste of the new Surfer’s Special that diners can order any day of the week. In addition to the new special, enjoy a free side with the purchase of any two sandwiches. With savory grilled cheese creations including the Chicken Pesto, Nashville Hot and the Philly Cheese, there is a menu item for every palate. Choose from side options including tomato basil soup, truffle fries, mac ‘n’ cheese or a house salad. M-Th noon-5 p.m., F-Su noon-7 p.m. 120 5th St., Huntington Beach, 714.536.3162. gratergrilledcheese.com
Arts + Culture
Growing Up Disney Virtual Program
Nov. 28. Bowers Museum presents an exclusive pre-recorded Disney presentation with Laurie Algar, daughter of Disney legend James Algar (pictured). This highly entertaining talk is filled with vintage photos, original animation model sheets, memos from Walt, Disney memorabilia, and personal letters written during the creation of Snow White, Fantasia, Bambi and the True-Life Adventures nature series, among many others. Inducted into the Disney Legends plaza in 1998, James Algar worked closely with Walt Disney for 43 years. Ticketholders will receive a private link to view the online presentation at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the program. 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5 members, $10 non-members. bowers.org
A Weekend With Pablo Picasso
Through Nov. 29. Ever wondered what it would be like to live in the shoes of the world-renowned Spanish artist? Laguna Playhouse welcomes the curious to stream A Weekend With Pablo Picasso from home! In this San Diego Repertory Theatre production, the story finds the artist living in France in 1957 at the height of his celebrity and facing an unexpected high-profile commission to crank out six paintings and three vases over the course of a single weekend. This video on-demand performance is available. $35. Tickets
Photo credits: Descanso by Lily Fassnacht. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
