Lots of eye candy this week. Beautiful dining rooms, gorgeous cuisine and pretty beverages are where it’s at. Go ahead, take that photo. Remember, we eat with our eyes first.
Milk Box and Honey & Butter Collaboration – Irvine Spectrum
Teaming up for a ultra sweet weekend, the macaron specialists are pairing themselves with our favorite milk tea experts this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is going down between the hours of noon and 9 p.m. (or until sold out). Beverage flavors will be your choice of Earl Grey Lavender, Black Milk Tea and Matcha Oat Milk, with optional boba. Expect super kawaii treats and flavors to match your cool drink. See you in line! 633 Spectrum Center Dr., (949) 536-5556; www.honeynbutter.com.
Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival Is All About the Pre-sale
Leave it to NBWF to already start running out of tickets, despite the event being over a month away. While daytime festivities at the Newport Beach Civic Center are still available, many of the off-site special tastings are no longer available. So this is your public service announcement to check out what’s still available and scoop up those tickets before those are gone as well. The most celebrity faces will still be found on-site, but don’t get all FOMO on us. 100 Civic Center Dr.; www.newportwineandfood.com.
We See You: Nova Kitchen + Bar – Garden Grove
Open less than a month, this former nightclub space is supremely adorned to the nth degree. Perfect for group reservations (yet not a banquet facility), you’ll encounter a themed menu that corresponds to the elements. Seating for dinner nightly, pull up a chair at their spacious bar or outdoor patio for a change of pace. Nova’s Modern Asian cuisine is best enjoyed family-style, so you can explore as many tastes as possible. Ladies: Be sure to locate the Tiffany Room. 12361 Chapman Ave., (714) 696-0888; www.novaoc.com.
Pacific Views with Your Prosecco Pairing at AVEO – Dana Point
Italian wine country is the theme of next week’s dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jason Adams and Chef de Cuisine Donald Lockhart. Think saba glazed Colorado lamb t-bone steaks and seafood antipasti to whet your appetite. Who said resort dining is dull? Reservations are required for this August 28 event, so find a plus one to wine and dine with and give them a call at the number provided. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, (949) 234-3900; www.monarchbeachresort.com.
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar Goes to Italy – Orange
Chef Craig Brady showcases his culinary experience with a five-course, Italian-themed meal this Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.. Explore the country’s Southern specialties without booking a flight. This is the first of their Haven Dinner Series, and they’re making it extra special. We won’t spoil menu details, but will be happy to share that dinner includes wine pairings for every course. For additional details and to purchase tickets, head over to this link. 190 S. Glassell St., (714) 221-0680; www.havencraftkitchen.com.
Deep Eddy Ruby Red Isn’t Easy to Say Five Times Fast
Coming home from a recent trip to the Bay Area, we used our Southwest drink ticket to indulge in some Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka. Add a squeeze of lime and have it over ice to take the edge off when that kid a few rows ahead is wailing for half the flight. Trust us, the summery sip will help pass the time. Check them out at www.deepeddyvodka.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.