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Travel Costa Mesa Blog

Archives for Food

Costa Mesa Culinary Destinations: The OC Mix & SoCo Collection

Posted on January 21, 2013 | 1:12pm

The OC Mix is unlike any other shopping center in Orange County. Located just a few miles from South Coast Plaza, at the SoCo Collection in Costa Mesa, lies a gathering of over 25 vibrant retail stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and bars, all with an emphasis on local products and services.

The OC Mix has grown to become one of the leading shopping destinations in Orange County.  With an eclectic gathering of shops and eateries, the MIX draws crowds from all over Southern California.  The OC Mix also hosts several events throughout the year and hosts Orange County’s best farmers’ market each Saturday.  The OC MIX may still be the best kept secret in Orange County, but with its growing popularity, it is quickly turning the OC Mix into a cultural hub. Read More

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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Misc, Play

Top 10 Places for a Hot Beverage in Costa Mesa

Posted on January 15, 2013 | 12:34pm

The recent weather has had us bundled up a little more than usual because it’s not too often that the thermometer dips below 40 in Orange County.  Because of the chill in the air, we’ve been drinking more coffee, tea and hot chocolate.  Our hunt for hot beverages was the inspiration for our list of the best places in Costa Mesa to help you combat the cold with a steaming cup or warmth.

1.  Portola Coffee Lab is a playground for the most skilled baristas in Orange County.  To try an espresso, coffee or any creative offering available is to try the best handcrafted beverage available.   The Lab is the dream, or rather, the physical manifestation of owner Jeff Duggan’s passion/obsession with coffee.  Each staff member is an expert on everything coffee.  From the type of bean, roasting process, brewing process or presentation, they will have an answer for any question you may have.  The décor is not sleepy like most coffee houses, but a vibrant green.  Everything is upbeat and friendly.  And, being that it is a lab, baristas creating drinks wear lab coats.

Portola Coffee Lab by Anne Watson

Courtesy of Anne Watson

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Posted in Food, Locals, Misc, Play

Costa Mesa Culinary Destinations: the LAB Anti-Mall

Posted on January 11, 2013 | 11:23am

The LAB anti-mall in Costa Mesa is a local favorite for many reasons.  You can buy and trade contemporary and vintage clothes, thumb through vinyl records, peruse fashion forward boutiques specializing in hats, glasses and accessories or just browse local art.  In addition to the cool stores are some great places to eat and drink.  With an abundance of innovative and unique restaurants, it’s easy to see why the LAB is such a popular hangout spot. Read More

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Posted in Food, Locals, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping

Costa Mesa Culinary Destinations: The CAMP

Posted on January 9, 2013 | 12:55pm

The CAMP in Costa Mesa is unlike any other shopping center in Orange County.  Along with the cool shops and unique boutiques, the CAMP is full of great restaurants.  From coffee, bakery items and small bites to breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night cocktails, the CAMP is a must-go culinary destination for any food lover. Read More

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Posted in Food, Locals, Misc, Play

Health and Wellness Event at the OC Mix in Costa Mesa

Posted on January 7, 2013 | 12:13pm

The OC Mix, SoCo Collection and Living Fit OC collaborated to bring awareness to living a healthy lifestyle.  With vendors, free demos and giveaways the OC Mix was transformed into a destination for a guide to health-related products, activities and resources.

Food Trucks at the OC Mix

Jason Quinn of the Playground in Downtown Santa Ana, and winner of season two of the Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race, provided a free cooking demonstration at Surfas Culinary District from 11 am – 1 pm.  Quinn focused on healthy recipes that utilized fresh, local ingredients. Read More

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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Misc, Play