Refreshing and sweet, you’ll be craving all that summertime coverage has to offer. Our comprehensive research unearthed many, many details for this week’s edition of Grub Guide. If you can’t take the heat, keep reading for other ways to be cool.
Celebrate Paella & Sangria Wednesdays at AVEO – Dana Point
Live entertainment one floor above and chill patio dining are a couple of the extras they don’t mention to you at this new hump day tradition while visiting AVEO Table + Bar for their dinner-and-a-drink special. If you break down the $99 promotion for two, it includes chopped salad in a red wine vinaigrette, a duo of hummus and salsa verde dips with savory breads, your choice of a red or white beverage and one very generous pan of seafood and sausage paella. If you’re looking to break the weekend date monotony, or wanting to impress some out-of-towners, set Waze to Monarch Beach Resort between the hours of 5-9 p.m. One Monarch Beach Resort, (949) 234-3900; www.monarchbeachresort.com.
Rice & Shine Kickstarter Campaign Has Begun – Long Beach
After attending one of Chef A.C. Boral’s brunch pop-ups in Long Beach, we have much respect for someone who appreciates breakfast/brunch as much as we do. So it really makes sense that we help spread the word about Rice & Shine’s Can I Kick It? Kickstarter campaign to open a brick-and-mortar in Long Beach. They found a restaurant pad at Fourth Street and Temple, which will not only be the official home of Rice & Shine, but the base for all the other pop-ups he’s associated with. While there are other ways to show support, start up costs such as permits, equipment and insurance are the foundations of any new place. Without those covered, it’s tough to really get off the ground. Learn more and consider donating by heading to his Kickstarter page. And to end with a tweet from Boral last month,
i’m not trying to elevate shit. to “elevate” filipino food implies that it’s better than what it was, that the world somehow deserves more than what it is. but that’s bull shit. it’s great the way it is already. my food is just a spin-off to keep the franchise going.
A Taste of Greece Returns – Irvine
Cooking demos, folk dancing, a play zone for kids and glorious Greek eats await at the 41st annual Greek Festival this 28th, 29th and 30th at St. Paul’s. Experience another country without ever leaving the county. Try authentic gyro and spanakopita while belting out, “Opa!” Free parking and cheap admission prices mean everybody can have a good time. Go early for lighter crowds, or arrive later to avoid the heat. 4949 Alton Pkwy., (949) 733-2366; www.irvinegreekfest.com.
Nekter Cools Down Vegans This Summer – All locations
From June 27 to September 3, Nekter Juice Bar will be offering their summer flavors of Skoop ice cream. Think Peanut Butter Swirl with vegan chocolate and agave nectar, or Monster Cookie Dough’s blue spirulina, coconut milk and vegan cookie dough. Of course, if you would rather sip than spoon, they’ve also got a Watermelon Berry Smoothie (since they’re in season for the time being) in 16 to 32-ounce servings for something super refreshing. Try one or all, you’ll find the one you’re looking for. www.nekterjuicebar.com.
We Visit Flower Child – Newport Beach
The corner of MacArthur and Bison bloomed over the weekend, as Flower Child entered OC territory. Founder Sam Fox knows his markets (North Italia in Irvine has yet to slow down) and has infused farm-fresh casual eats to a spot that needed a reboot. Formerly Pei Wei, the corner pad now includes a patio, yoga mat “parking”, mobile order pick-up and a communal hand-washing station. We practiced some gut health with a zippy kombucha on tap, and marveled at the creamy avocado hummus. An easy handheld meal would be the Rebel, with properly cooked grass-fed steak, mild Port Salut cheese, horseradish yogurt, arugula and charred onion. It’s all bundled up in a whole wheat, flax and chia seed wrap. How groovy. They officially opened on Tuesday. 1302 Bison Ave., (949) 200-8141; www.iamaflowerchild.com.
Tap-Tap-Taps Fish House Is So Extra – Irvine
If we hadn’t sat down for dinner at TAPS last week, there wouldn’t be so much to dish about. For starters, you’ve still got two more Fridays to celebrate the 4th anniversary of their Irvine locale. If you might recall, they party hard with $2.15 TAPS burgers at lunchtime with the purchase of any drink, until 300 are sold. And remember, dine in only, and don’t be cheap and try to split one– these babies retail for over $10. Secondly, they’ve got a Whiskey, Bourbon & Beer Cigar Dinner coming on Saturday the 29th. For $65 per person (pre-tax and tip), you’ll be served pork three ways, two cigars from Maxamar Ultimate Cigar Shop, one smoked beef tenderloin, and drinks to the tune of Laphroaig, Legent, and TAPS barrel aged stout! Be sure to book that resy by calling direct. Finally, new menu items are in effect to coincide with their 20th anniversary in business, factoring in even more seafood options such as grilled Spanish octopus and Maine lobster roll. 13390 Jamboree Rd., (714) 619-0404; www.tapsfishhouse.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.
Since when Paella us from Greece?
I’m in love with the cbd products and https://organicbodyessentials.com/products/cbd-honey-sticks ! The serum gave my epidermis a youthful boost, and the lip balm kept my lips hydrated all day. Knowing I’m using clean, natural products makes me desire great. These are in the present climate my must-haves on a renewed and nourished look!