Events
California Wine Festival
Nov. 5-6. Sip sip, hooray! Grab your tickets to this two-day wine tasting festival at Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach. On Friday, wine lovers looking for a more VIP experience can attend the Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting where you can dress in your finest casual or elegant resort wear. On Saturday, the laid-back, sun-loving wine lovers can hang out at the Beachside Wine Festival and take in views of the beach. F 6:30-9 p.m., Sa 1-4 p.m. with VIP entrance at noon. See website for ticket prices. 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. californiawinefestival.com
Skating Under the Stars
Nov. 5-Jan. 2. With the holiday season in full swing, Irvine Spectrum Center is bringing back its ever-popular ice rink for skaters to enjoy all season long. Like every year, the ice rink will be located in the Giant Wheel and also offers helmets, socks, and lockers for rent or purchase. Open daily in sessions: 3-4:30 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m., 7-8:30 p.m., 9-10:30 p.m. (See website for holiday schedule and prices). 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.748.8280. irvinespectrumcenter.com
Patchwork Show: Modern Makers Festival
Nov. 6-7. Shop small and local at Dear Handmade Life’s Patchwork Show: Modern Makers Festival in the Farmer’s Market Lot at Old Town Tustin. This outdoor community event features more than 100 artisans that offer a variety of handmade goods, including clothing, jewelry, art, ceramics, home goods, and more. Note: Note: Plan to visit on both days as the selection of vendors will vary. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Old Town Tustin, 245 El Camino Real, Tustin. dearhandmadelife.com
Food + Drink
Morton’s The Steakhouse x Jackson Family Wines
Nov. 6. Elevate your Saturday evening at Morton’s “A Taste of Two Legends” five-course dinner experience featuring wine pairings from Jackson Family Wines’ esteemed Willamette Valley wineries. Delectable menu highlights include jumbo lump crab with hearts of Palm puree and caviar; herb-crusted lamb loin with wild mushrooms and black-cherry compote; and beef short rib “bourguignon” with pearl onions and potato puree. 6:30 p.m. $169. 1895 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.621.0101. mortons.com
Casa del Sol Cocina Mexicana
Now Open. The District at Tustin Legacy welcomes locals to get a taste of O.C.’s newest Mexican restaurant, Casa del Sol Cocina Mexicana. Residing in in the former Auld Dubliner space, the 5,000-square-foot restaurant features an outdoor patio with a private dining room, and offers live performances from the internationally-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico, led by Latin Grammy-nominated conductor Jose Hernandez. Tu-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m., F 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Su 2497 Park Ave., Tustin, 949.418.7088. casadelsoloc.com
OlyvOyl at Trade Marketplace
Now Open. Craving Mediterranean cuisine? Check out Trade Marketplace’s newest tenant, OlyvOyl Bread & Grill, to experience flavors of the Middle East. Handed down by their ancestors, this family-owned restaurant boasts cooking techniques and recipes using key ingredients such as za’atar and olive oil—imported directly from the Middle East. Start off with the oven-baked cheese boat flatbread. Other standout dishes include the slow-roasted chicken, lamb, and beef shawarma; and Kabob Plates. M-Th 10 a.m.-8 p.m., F 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 2222 Michelson Drive, Unit 218, Irvine, 949.752.4976. olyvoyl.com
New Fall/Winter Menu at Las Brisas
Now Available. Come hungry to enjoy the new fall/winter menu of Mexican-inspired, sea-to-table cuisine at Las Brisas in Laguna Beach. Over the last four decades, this oceanfront landmark has maintained its popularity by creating seasonal menus constantly evolving to delight guests. This year, there is the addition of butternut-squash tamales, black bean and mango tostadas, Mediterranean branzino (pictured), a delectable eggs Benedict section, and a dessert platter to satisfy every sweet tooth. Su-Th 8 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sa 8 a.m.-11 p.m. 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
Arts + Culture
David Foster at Segerstrom Center
Nov. 5-6. Back by popular demand, 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts to perform songs from his unparalleled catalog with the Pacific Symphony. Audience members will recognize popular hits—written for artists including Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Olivia Newton-John, Barbra Streisand and many others—such as “You’re the Inspiration,” “The Prayer,” “The Glory of Love” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.” 8 p.m. $35+. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Photography Class at Sherman Library & Gardens
Nov. 7. Learn how to take Instagram-worthy photos of flowers during Sherman Library & Gardens’ class hosted by local photographer Jeanine Hill. Participants will go pick their favorite bloom in the garden with Jeanine and learn to photograph it in a variety of different ways. During the class, Jeanine will work with you in the garden to develop your skills, share some of her own techniques and pass on some of her editing tricks. Bring your own camera, which can include your phone. 3:30-5:30 p.m. $65 non-members, $55 members. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. thesherman.org
Veterans Month Concert Series: Ron Kobayashi Quartet
Nov. 7. Segerstrom Center for the Arts celebrates National Veterans and Military Families Month by launching this series of free outdoor concerts on Argyros Plaza designed with service members in mind. Each Sunday, head to the plaza for an afternoon of live music curated and emceed by Air Force veteran and radio personality Bubba Jackson. Kicking off the series is pianist and composer Ron Kobayashi with his award-winning quartet. 1 p.m. Free with RSVP required. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Photo credits: Casa Del Sol Cocina Mexicana courtesy FWD PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
