Holiday! Celebrate! C’mon people. Enjoy these last few days of summer, despite the weather showing no signs of letting up. There’s a lot of partying to cram into one long weekend, and we’ve given you the keys to the kingdom. Knowledge is power, baby!
There She Blows: Gunwhale Ales Launches Second Spot This Weekend – Orange
Our excellent friends at Gunwhale are ready to set sail with a sophomore location just down the street from Angels Stadium. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Beer Savage will be ready with some cool merch. And perfect food pairing Sgt. Pepperoni’s is ready to feed your appetite with their sweet truck. Entry is free, so snag a spot and see you there. 1501 W. Orangewood Ave.; www.gunwhaleales.com.
GRITS Pop-up This Weekend at Meat Up – Placentia
Did someone say pancake balls?? Those that know Cody Storts recall his brunchy stint in Fullerton. For one day only, folks can partake in the awesomeness that is GRITS. We’re talking Dr. Pepper braised portk shank! It will be first come, first served seating starting at 10 a.m. this Sunday at Meat Up BBQ for this epic event. Be there, or get the hell out of our way. 1450 N. Kramer Blvd., (714) 983-7558; www.meatupbbq.com.
SusieCakes Is Pup-tastic! – Costa Mesa, Newport, Laguna Niguel & Long Beach
Through the end of August, all SusieCakes locations are donating a buck for every sugar cookie purchased to Best Friends Animal Society. If you’d rather donate, drop off your gently used towels and blankets instead and receive Buy One, Get One free cupcakes (12 free cupcakes limit). Your contribution will supply local animal shelters. Now go do some good. www.susiecakes.com.
Puesto Has Your Sweet Tooth Covered – Irvine (both locations)
The term oatmilk horchata doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. However, when you have a partnership with Califia Farms, you realize the same horchata tastes better when it’s frozen (and perhaps served with a shot of booze). This is what we realized on our most recent visit. Don’t dismiss it ’til you try it yourself, knowing a buck from every order of this gluten-free, whole grain drink goes to charity. This month, Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry will benefit. www.eatpuesto.com.
Kudos to Valenza’s Award-Generating Ability – Costa Mesa
A special congrats to the hard-working crew at Valenza Chocolatier. They recently won an International Rising Star Award from the Academy of Chocolate. Valenza also won five other awards, but they’re not one to boast, so we’ll keep the well-deserved cheering to a minimum. www.valenzachocolatier.com.
Five Buck Marg Mondays At Slater’s 50/50 All September – Anaheim Hills and Huntington Beach
It’s a bit self-explanatory, but we’ll say it anyway: Head to your nearest Slater’s for the best Monday drink deal. $5 margaritas are good all day, every Monday. Pair it with your bacon-laden burger, and call it a day. We are somewhat partial to some P.B. and Jellousy, minus any ice cream. www.slaters5050.com.
Little Saigon Night Market Ends This Weekend – Westminster
The OG summertime gathering says farewell after Sunday night over at Asian Garden Mall. With free entry and free parking, it’s hard to beat. Check out the food stalls and listen to live entertainment between bites. Meet up with friends or family for a weekend outing, and prepare for some legit home cooking. 9200 Bolsa Ave., (714) 842-8018; www.asiangardenmall.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.