New year. New deals. New openings. Get out there and experience something! Or, you know, read a book.
And the Current Specials from Oliboli Are . . . . – Tustin
Since we are fans of the family-owned, Old Town Tustin storefront, we can’t help but go gaga over Oliboli’s newest featured flavors. First up, Pear Pine Jam Fry Bread is lovingly crafted with citrus, pine bud syrup and Bartlett pears. This will perk up your taste buds like no other. On the flip side, their 40-hour, yeast raised Butterscotch Pudding donut is quite the indulgence. Maldon salt, molasses cookie crumble, caramel sauce, créme fraîche and that puddin’ should be your reward for sitting in traffic without honking. Or just because. Pop on over early for the best selection. 135 W. 1st St., (714) 760-4876; www.oliboli.com.
Adya Chef Teaching at Macy’s This Saturday! – Costa Mesa
For a twist on afternoon tea, check out Chef Shachi Mehra’s class at the new Stonewall Kitchen classroom, inside Macy’s Home Store on the 12th. This 90-minute course will demonstrate all the details to make your next get-together memorable. Bonus: enough samples for everybody to enjoy. Please save us a few curried cauliflower sandwiches! Better yet, save us a seat– it’s first come first serve. More information and registration can be found here. 3333 Bear St., www.macysrestaurants.com/stonewall-kitchen-cooking-school.
Congrats to Moulin #3! – San Clemente
Word got out over the holidays that the local brand is expanding yet again. Already found in Newport and Laguna, Moulin’s French offerings are continuing the drive south, opening in Casino San Clemente. Expect the same authentic menu owner Laurent Vrignaud and his team are known for, including some of the best croissants in OC. Opening news is scheduled for sometime in March. Bonus: A retail store of Vrignaud’s Paris finds is about to launch adjacent to his Newport spot any time now. www.moulin.com.
Make It a Monday at K’ya Bar Bistro – Laguna Beach
Found at La Casa del Camino Hotel off PCH: Mondays are for everyone, as locals receive 25% off their bill at K’ya. And not just any locals, but all Orange County residents with proof of residency. That’s 25% off Banana Pecan Bread Pudding, 25% off Indian Butter Chicken, and 25% off Roasted Sea Bass (you get the idea). When the entire menu is discounted, you go. 1287 S. Coast Hwy., (949) 376-9718; www.kyabistro.com.
Celebrate Valentine’s with Dylan’s Candy Bar – Everywhere!
It’s never too early to think about dessert. A decade ago, having Dylan’s usually meant a trip to NYC. Nowadays, it means heading down to visit the bullseye. The sweets dealer has a sugary line of adorable, love-themed treats that can be found at your local Target. We are digging the jumbo strawberry lollipop. Other worthy nibbles include a diamond-shaped cookie pop, a V-Day paint can filled with pink/red/white candy corn, and not-so-traditional boxes of chocolate. www.target.com.
R.I.P. Vie de France. Hello, Yellow Vase! – Costa Mesa
Walking through South Coast Plaza the other day, we were saddened to see our favorite grab-and-go spot covered up. We found out their last day was December 31, but noticed a sign promoting its replacement. Yellow Vase is based out of South Bay, with five existing locations. Specializing in cakes and desserts, a full cafe and bakery offerings will also be on site. However, the biggest difference in what was Vie de France is their floral offerings; sounds like a quick solution when you need a last minute present. Look out for their opening in February. www.yellowvase.com.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.