Events
Star Wars Pop-Up Drive-In
Sept. 18, 20. Experience the epic space-opera saga like never before during the Frida Cinema’s pop-up drive-in. This weekend, grab your tickets to the pop-up at Zion Lutheran Church and School where the featured Star Wars films are Episode IV – A New Hope on Friday and Episode VI – Return of the Jedi on Sunday; the Saturday screening of Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is sold out. 8 p.m. $30 per car. 222 N. East St., Anaheim, 714.285.9422. thefridacinema.org
Sawdust Outdoor Marketplace
Opens Sept. 19. The annual crowd-favorite art and crafts festival in Laguna Beach welcomes fans to its new Outdoor Marketplace—open every weekend. Look forward to nearly 100 participating artists and makers rotating around 48 available booths each weekend. While classes or ceramics won’t be offered like previous years, there will be two stages of entertainment featuring trio and solo acts, and four concession stands offering food and beverage options. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 adults, free for children 12 and under. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030. sawdustartfestival.org
Toast to the Casa
Sept. 19. For the first time in the history of Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens’ annual fundraising gala, everyone can join in the excitement from the comfort of their home! Look forward to an engaging program of special performances, encounters with Casa leaders, program highlights, an exclusive livestream concert with Lizzie and the Triggermen (pictured) and a cocktail toast. Register for free livestream tickets. 6 p.m. Free, registration required. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Food + Drink
National Cheeseburger Day
Sept. 18. The Laguna Beach local favorite atop the historic La Casa del Camino hotel is serving up burgers with a view this National Cheeseburger Day! The Rooftop’s signature burger comes topped with roasted tomato, lettuce, bacon, avocado, white Pepper Jack cheese and house “Del Camino Sauce”—all on a brioche bun—served with a side of sweet potato fries and spicy maple syrup. Wash it all down with a handcrafted cocktail or glass of house-made sangria! 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.2446. rooftoplagunabeach.com
Habana’s 25th Anniversary
Through Sept. 20. Celebrate Habana’s quarter-century birthday all week long at its Irvine and Costa Mesa locations! Founded at the Costa Mesa location 25 years ago, Habana salutes to both its history and customers with a throwback to 1995 pricing for its selected lunch menu and $5 sangrias and mojitos all day long—for dine-in only. Menu items include vegetable and chicken empanadas; the shredded beef dish Ropa Vieja; and the jamón “Cuban sandwich” Medianoche. Available daily 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.556.0176; Irvine Spectrum Center, 708 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.419.0100. restauranthabana.com
Late-Summer Menu at Five Crowns and SideDoor
Now Available. Indoor dining service is back at Five Crowns and SideDoor, along with new seasonal dishes to reflect Southern California’s late-summer bounty. Executive chef Alejandra Padilla presents indulgent starters including steak tartar with watercress, grilled ciabatta and egg yolk; and entrées such as the Colorado lamb chops with black garlic glaze, sautéed spinach and jalapeño mint. Reservations required. Tu-Su 4:30-9:30 p.m. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331. thefivecrowns.com | sidedoorcdm.com
Tavo’s Cocina at Trade Food Hall
Upcoming | Sept. 21. Kick start the new week with Mexicana cuisine from Trade Food Hall’s newest concept, Tavo’s Cocina. Get a taste of Mexico’s rich history through vibrant fare—straight from chef Gustavo’s cocina to your table—with dishes such as the La Govenador tacos (pictured) created with shrimp, pico and cheese in a handmade tortilla, topped off with Chipotle sauce. For this first week of its soft opening, get a 25% discount through September 26. Opens at 11 a.m. 2222 Michelson Drive, Irvine. tradefoodhall.com | Instagram
Weekend Brunch at Noble Bird Rotisserie
Now Available. Calling all brunch fans! The family-owned eatery welcomes hungry patrons to taste its all-new brunch menu. Enjoy dishes such as a breakfast bowl, avocado toast (with shishito peppers, yuzu and something chef is excited about called buzz bud), plus a take on a michelada—but with Korean chili G-sauce. Don’t miss out on the mimosas and the Bromosa, which is a combo of beer and orange juice! For those with a sweet tooth, there’s blueberry french toast and olive oil cake with fresh berry compote. See website for hours. 2nd and PCH, 6460 E. Coast Hwy., Suite 125, Long Beach, 562.431.0445. noblebirdrotisserie.com
Arts + Culture
Tres Souls: A Living Room Concert
Sept. 17. Sit back, relax and enjoy Musco Center for the Arts’s virtual concert featuring the popular Bolero group Tres Souls from your home! This special concert highlights band members Roberto Carlos, Jesús Martínez and Rocio Mendoza as they relive the vintage sounds of 1940s-60s Bolero-style music. 7 p.m. Free. muscocenter.org
Bowers Museum’s Disney Exhibit Extension
Reopened. With restrictions lifted for indoor operations, Bowers Museum invites locals and Disney fans back to its space—with enhanced health and safety precautions—to explore the current exhibition Inside the Walt Disney Archives. View more than 400 objects, including original artwork, costumes and props that tell the story of the archives, the company and Walt Disney himself. This exhibit is on view through February 28, 2021. Tu-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See website for tickets. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
Photo credits: The Rooftop Lounge and Tavo’s Cocina courtesy Ajenda PR. Noble Bird Rotisserie by Mora Film Co. Tres Souls courtesy Tres Souls. Replica of Walt Disney’s Office, Saving Mr. Banks (2013) (Walt Disney Productions),Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney. All other images are courtesy of the venues.
