Category Archives: Orange County

Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival

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Sometimes I feel like Orange County gets a bad rap for not having the hot new restaurants like LA, or the abundance of wine-related events like Napa. But the truth is, Orange County is home to some pretty amazing chefs and restaurants, which is why I’m super excited for the Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival next week.

Newport Beach Wine and Food FestivalThe Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival is a 3 day event taking place on October 2-4 at the Newport Beach Civic Center. Expect celebrity chef cooking demos, a cooking competition, and endless food and wine tasting from some of OC’s hottest restaurants.

Newport Beach Wine and Food FestivalIf you’re a fan of Top Chef and Top Chef Masters like me, then you’ll definitely want to check out the cooking demonstrations from Rick Bayless and Hubert Keller Saturday afternoon and then be sure to check out the first ever at-home cooking challenge with Chef Shirley Chung!

Chef Shirley ChungAnd if that isn’t enough to get you excited, check out some of the awesome restaurants participating on Saturday and Sunday:

    • Red O
    • Twenty Eight
    • The Winery
    • Oak Grill
    • Mastro’s Steakhouse
    • Canaletto
    • True Food Kitchen

Tommy Bahama Island GrilleB.CandySleanne Steak TavernFig & OliveBoathouse CollectiveSlapfishStonehill Tavern

There will also be wine tasting, beer, specialty cocktails and live music. Basically a food lover’s dream.

Newport Beach Wine and Food FestivalInterested in joining me in all the fun next weekend? The Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival is offering $25 off general admission with code NBWFF25.

Come spend a day tasting great food, drinking great wine, and seeing all the best that OC has to offer.

Outpost Kitchen

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I’m lucky enough to live in an area where new healthy places are always popping up.  In my previous post, I mentioned how great the coffee at Outpost Kitchen is, but what I didn’t mention is their fantastic food as well.

outpost kitchenOutpost Kitchen is the newest restaurant from Australian chef Andre Sickinger, who classifies himself as a “Surfers Chef.”  His food is locally sourced whenever possible, and he offers a variety of clean paleo, gluten-free and vegan eats on his menu.  Basically, a health foodie’s paradise.

The Englishman and I recently had brunch there with some friends and were quite impressed with the offerings.  He went with the chef’s special, which ended up being a chorizo omelette and I went with the eggs over easy with avocado and smashed potatoes.  Both did not disappoint.

outpost kitchen breakfastIn addition to stellar egg dishes, Outpost Kitchen also offers a variety of Australian classics including Vegemite on toast and an Australian Flat White coffee.  The restaurant also has smoothies, paleo bars, and other gluten-free goodies.

outpost kitchen baked treatsWhile I’ve only had a couple of items on the menu, Outpost Kitchen has now become a regular stop in my Costa Mesa rotation.  OC locals, you definitely want to check this place out!

Meet the WafflePop

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B.Candy is one of those stores that sweet dreams are made of.  The shop is loaded with delightful confections, cupcakes and ice cream in a variety of flavors and colors and bulk candy as far as the eye can see.  B.Candy recently held a blogger event where we were invited to come in and meet the WafflePop, the shop’s latest sweet treat.

meet the wafflepopThe WafflePop is exactly what you think.  A waffle on a stick.  B.Candy’s version is a Liege waffle with sugar pearls and in the shape of the store’s signature name.  What sets the WafflePop apart however, is the toppings.

meet the wafflepopTo get the WafflePop “works,” B.Candy places 3 small scoops of an ice cream flavor of your choice on the waffle and then tops it with whipped cream, sprinkles and a caramel drizzle.  It’s definitely one of the more decadent desserts in town.

meet the wafflepopIf you are a fan of waffles, you can just get the WafflePop plain, or even with a few sprinkles for a fun touch.  The waffle itself is so good that it shines on its own without all of the toppings.

meet the wafflepopB.Candy is planning on rolling out the WafflePop this summer as the newest edition to their dessert line.  Be sure to check out their website for all of the different cupcakes, cakes and cookies the shop has to offer.

Thanks to B.Candy for hosting such a wonderful event and for the delicious blogger treats. OC locals, you’ll definitely want to come and meet the WafflePop for yourself!

We’ve seen cake pops and we’ve seen wafflepops.  What do you think will be the next dessert on a stick?

Costa Mesa Favorites

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I have lived in Costa Mesa for nearly three years now, and I’ll be the first to say that I just adore my little neighborhood.  From the back bay trails to the coffee shops and restaurants, Costa Mesa is pretty much the best.  So here are a few of my personal Costa Mesa Favorites.

Best Coffee: Sidecar Doughnuts

costa mesa favoritesI’ve written about Sidecar Doughnuts a few times now, but I most recently discovered their delicious coffee.  I’m not really a coffee drinker at all, but there’s something special about their iced coffee, especially after a sweaty spin class at Grit Cycle (another Costa Mesa fave!).

Best Brunch: SOCIAL

socialcostamesaCosta Mesa is home to a lot of fabulous brunch spots, but SOCIAL is my current fave.  The brunch prices are decent, the menu is seasonal, and they have live music at brunch as well.  Plus, champagne with guava juice? What’s not to love?

Best Crossfit: Crossfit Vibe

crossfitvibegroupIt’s no surprise that Crossfit Vibe made the list.  I’ve been going to this box for nearly two years and I love it to pieces.  If you are local and want to try crossfit, I highly recommend them.

Best Salad: Mendocino Farms

MendocinoFarmsThe Sophisticated Chicken and Prosciutto Salad gets me every time. Mendocino Farms also has a seasonal menu and offers a wide variety of salads and sandwiches, but my heart belongs to the Sophisticated salad.

Best Drinks: Boathouse Collective

boathousecollectiveI’ve only been to Boathouse Collective once and didn’t try the food, but I LOVED the large outdoor space and garden.  Boathouse may have a small menu, but what they have is delicious.

Best Running Path: Back Bay Loop

backbayloopThis may be considered partially Newport Beach, but I love running the back bay loop.  I trained for both of my half marathons on this loop and it offers the right amount of rolling hills and lovely scenery.