Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Where to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is a proudly diverse city that offers a unique experience for visitors. Within the city you can find a variety of small businesses, the largest shopping destination on the west coast, street art and a world-class performing arts center. The cultural influences throughout Costa Mesa can especially be seen through the dining and small businesses that make up the city. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’re highlighting some of the AAPI restaurants and businesses in Costa Mesa here and on social media. Follow us on throughout the month to see even more AAPI restaurants and businesses in Costa Mesa.
The LAB
Hana re
Every seat is at the chef’s table at this one-of-a-kind Michelin Star restaurant. With only 2 tables, and 10 seats, Hana re is more than a sushi bar. It’s a truly unique Costa Mesa experience.You’ll dine from one of the omakase menus and enjoy watching chef Atsushi Yokoyama prepare his exquisite dishes. If you’re planning to visit Hana re during your Costa Mesa getaway, check with the restaurant about reservations early.
Good Town Doughnuts
Try the handcrafted brioche donuts in flavors like raspberry pistachio, hibiscus or Nutella. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Good Town Doughnuts uses high quality ingredients such as organic sugar, pure maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Blends/Carve
Originally from Japan, owners Tak Kato and Mike Toe blend international taste with global products, including apparel and accessories. They’ll also be opening Kuro Pizza at The LAB soon.
Nook Coffee Bar
Nook Coffee Bar serves signature drinks such as the Spanish latte, honey lavender latte and honey oat latte. Grab a specialty coffee to enjoy while sitting at one of The LAB’s outdoor tables.
The CAMP
Folks
From partners Chloe Tran and chef Joey Baugh, Folks has already won accolades in its first two years. The naturally leavened pizza dough, along with the rest of the menu, makes Folks a must visit in Costa Mesa. The meatballs with pork cheek gravy are delicious, as are the chicken wings with Italian fish sauce, calabrian chilies, parsley and lemon.
East Borough
Enjoy Vietnamese street-cart style foods, such as bánh mi sandwiches, spring rolls or bo kho stew at East Borough. Everything is packaged for takeaway, so you can grab a spot at one of The CAMP’s many outdoor seating areas and take in the view.
South Coast Plaza
Terrace by Mix Mix
Chef Ross Pangilinan’s eclectic menu at TERRACE by Mix Mix is inspired by Italian, French and modern Filipino flavors. The pork cheek adobo and the bone marrow pizza are always popular. We recommend trying one of his pre-fixe menus.
Royal Khybar Fine Indian Cuisine
Located across Sunflower Ave., in South Coast Plaza Village, Royal Khybar Fine Indian Cuisine offers modern and classic dishes. The menu is prepared with locally grown produce, fresh spices, handcrafted cheese and yogurt.
AnQi Bistro
AnQi Bistro is the noodle bar and bistro concept by House of AN, of Crustacean fame. Popular dishes include filet mignon potstickers and pan-roasted lobster. There’s also a secret kitchen menu with some of House of AN’s famous dishes such roasted crab and famous garlic noodles.
Poke Bar at The Hall: Global Eatery
The popular Hawaiian dish gets the Top Chef treatment at The Hall: Global Eatery from chef Amar Santana. Build your bowl with choices of base, protein, toppings and sauce.
Learn more information about AAPI month at South Coast Plaza here.
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Food Pairings for Your Costa Mesa Beer Trail Adventure
National Beer Day may be April 7th but, with 5 breweries in Costa Mesa, we celebrate beer all year round. In fact, Costa Mesa breweries are close enough to one another that we call it the Costa Mesa Beer Trail! The breweries are located in the SoBeCa area, around The LAB and The CAMP. Thinking about hitting the beer trail on your next Eatcation®? We’ve got some great food pairings for you too. Want to walk the trail over a couple of days? Check out our Spring Break hotel deals, including rates as low as $89 a night.
Folks
A classic pairing – beer and pizza. The naturally leavened dough at Folks makes their crust light and airy. They offer a selection of white and red pizzas, appetizers and salads. Each pizza feeds about 2-3 people. The fennel sausage pizza is definitely one of our favorites. For vegetarians, the mushroom or margherita pizzas are also delicious. Another great beer pairing is the free range chicken wings with Italian fish sauce, Calabrian chilies, lemon and parsley. Folks is located within The CAMP and delivers to neighboring Salty Bear Beer.
East Borough
If you’re spending the afternoon on the trail, East Borough is a great spot to stop for food. East Borough serves Vietnamese sandwiches, bowls, soups and salads. Try the rice porridge (pictured) with jidori chicken, grilled bok choy, crispy shallots, scallions, soft boiled egg, pickled ginger and mint. Several dishes, including their banh mi, allow for choosing your protein – including beef, tofu, chicken and pork belly.
Umami Burger
Craving a burger with your beer tasting? Umami Burger has a location inside The CAMP. Their classic Umami burger with a side of truffle fries is always a great option. They also have a Texas BBQ bacon burger with a bacon wrapped onion ring, lettuce, tomato, pickle, American cheese, classic sauce and BBQ sauce.
Baba’s Hot Chicken
Baba’s Hot Chicken recently opened its first Orange County location at The LAB where they serve classic Nashville hot chicken. Don’t worry if you prefer things on the milder side, they also offer a mild option on their chicken dishes.
Habana
Located near Bootlegger’s Brewery at The LAB Anti-Mall, Habana serves delicious Cuban food. They have a selection of entrees to choose from, including salmon and steak, if you’re in the mood for dinner. We think the Cuban sandwich (medianoche) pairs wonderfully with the beer trail. Looking to share appetizers instead? The empanadas come by the dozen, including a combo of chicken and veggie. Don’t miss out on the roasted corn on the cob.
Memphis Cafe
A Costa Mesa staple, Memphis Cafe has been open since 1995. Their Southern inspired menu includes fried chicken and waffles, gumbo, and crab cakes. We recommend trying the cobra chicken sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, pickles, cheddar cheese and ranch on a brioche bun. In the mood for dessert? Their peach-blackberry cobbler comes with an oatmeal pecan crumb.
Looking for more options for your stay? Visit our Costa Mesa restaurants page for current dining information.
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Posted in Misc
7 Things to Do in Orange County for Seniors
Record numbers of seniors have received their COVID-19 vaccines and Orange County is in the less restrictive Red Tier, which makes this spring the perfect time for road trip. An easy drive between Los Angeles or San Diego, Orange County has plenty to offer seniors traveling with or without grandkids.
Costa Mesa Art Walk Audio Tour
Get outdoors while learning about some of the sculptures in the City of the Arts®. Walk around the beautiful South Coast Metro area on the Costa Mesa Art Walk Audio Tour. Start at California Scenario, also known as Noguchi Garden, by famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi. After walking around the serene sculpture garden, you’ll be guided by South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and The Westin South Coast Plaza. The tour ends across the street at world-renowned South Coast Plaza, the largest shopping center on the West Coast. With 30 restaurants, it’s also a great place to dine after the tour.
Eatcation® in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is home to 2 Michelin star restaurants, as well as chefs featured on Top Chef and Chopped. The dining experience in Costa Mesa is unlike any other in Orange County. You can visit award-winning restaurants for any meal. Read about our food accolades to decide which are your must-try spots. Many of the city’s top restaurants are within walking distance of our hotels and all of them are within a short drive. During your stay, be sure to refer to our restaurants page for updated information.
Newport Beach Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
Go on a two hour Newport Beach Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise for an exciting adventure. Whale sightings may include giant blue whales, gray whales and more, in addition to a number of dolphin species. Choose from different ticket options, including a VIP experience. There are also discounts for seniors and children, making this an excellent choice if you’re visiting Orange County with your grandchildren.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Visit one of California’s historic missions at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The mission has a chapel, museum and gardens to explore. The art collection ranges from the 18th to 20th centuries, as well as historic and religious artifacts. Be sure to check out the historic downtown area while you’re there.
Old Towne Orange
Feel like you’ve stepped back in time with an afternoon in Old Towne Orange. The nationally recognized historic district is the largest in California. It’s been featured in a number of films and television shows including That Thing You Do and Parks and Recreation. The streets are lined with antique shops, restaurants, specialty stores and more.
Disneyland Resort
Amusement parks can open as early as April 1. Though Disneyland hasn’t announced an official opening date yet, it’s definitely a place to put on your list if you’re traveling with your grandkids. Currently, the Downtown Disney District is open, including the new Star Wars Trading Post, and A Touch of Disney, a new experience in Disney’s California Adventure. You can find the latest information on the Disneyland Resort here.
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Posted in Misc
Get Outside with the Best Spots for Patio Dining in Costa Mesa
With beautiful weather and restaurants open for patio dining again, now is the time to get outside. There are lots of great patio dining options in Costa Mesa. We’ve put together a few options, along with our menu suggestions. For a complete list of patio dining, visit our restaurants page.
The CAMP
The CAMP has always been environmentally conscious and the abundance of outdoor seating is particularly helpful these days. Pick up food from any on site restaurant and enjoy beautiful Southern California weather while you eat. Chopped champion Rachel Klemek Blackmarket Bakery cakes, pastries and sandwiches are worth a trip to The CAMP alone. Some of the other choices include the naturally leavened pizza at Folks, the bánh mì at East Borough or the traditional Italian fare at Vitaly. Looking for an upscale dining experience? Old Vine Kitchen & Bar has 3 exclusive patios, including OVKB Roof.
Café Sevilla
With live music five nights a week and a beautiful patio, dinner at Café Sevilla is a mini Spanish getaway. The dinner menu has a variety of tapas options, paella and other entrees. We recommend trying a selection of tapas and splitting a paella with their signature sangria. Don’t forget to try the churros con chocolate for a delightful dessert. Cafe Sevilla is also open for brunch and happy hour.
SOCIAL
The new pet-friendly patio at Social is a great place to grab dinner and drinks. The menu offers a variety of choices, from fish and chips to a 40oz prime tomahawk. Their drive-thru burger made with wagyu beef and bacon jam is one of our favorite burgers. Social also serves Impossible meatballs, if there are any vegetarians dining with you. We’d also suggest splitting an order of Brussels sprouts or the blistered Shinto peppers. Try one of their craft cocktails or get one of their at-home cocktail kits to go.
Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar
Dine al fresco at Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar. Located in Avenue of the Arts, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Silver Trumpet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a beautiful patio right in the heart of the performing arts district. Going for dinner? Entree options include parchment baked salmon with potatoes, asparagus and dill sauce and a prime flat iron steak with shoestring fries and a garlic truffle aioli. Be sure to order their bacon wrapped dates and one of their craft cocktails.
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Posted in Misc
5 Reasons We Love Costa Mesa –– and You Will Too
Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we decided to share 5 reasons we love Costa Mesa – and you will too. From celebrity chefs to world-class shopping and entertainment, Costa Mesa has everything you love for your next getaway.
1. Food
Costa Mesa has an exciting mix of award-winning food and undiscovered gems. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a quick bite, Costa Mesa has a restaurant for you. We love that Costa Mesa is home to a Chopped champion, two Top Chef contestants and the only Michelin star restaurants in Orange County.
2. Arts
As the City of the Arts®, you’ll find an eclectic variety of the arts to experience in Costa Mesa. You can see incredible performances by acclaimed musicians, dancers and more at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Broadway returns when it reopens this fall, but there are regular outdoor activities going on now. Nearby Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory produces exciting plays, including their children’s theatre and annual production of A Christmas Carol.
There’s plenty of visual art in Costa Mesa as well. Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) moves to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in 2022, but its current home across from South Coast Plaza makes it an easy stop. There are Instagram-worthy murals and street art throughout the city. We love our new Costa Mesa Art Walk Audio Tour that showcases the amazing sculptures in the South Coast Metro area.
3. Shopping
The West Coast’s largest shopping destination, South Coast Plaza, is home to 250 boutiques and 30 restaurants. You can visit designers like Dior and Gucci, have breakfast at Tiffany’s and get the latest Apple gadget.
If you prefer to shop small, then The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP are just the places for you. The LAB celebrates the “little American business” with its unique assortment of small shops, restaurants––including Michelin star Hana re––a bar and a brewery. There’s even an art gallery. Just across the street, The CAMP honors the environment with its eco-friendly campus, shops, restaurants and breweries.
Another must-visit spot for shopping (and dining) small is SOCO & The OC Mix. Foodies will particularly enjoy food-centered shops for spices, cheese, olive oil and cocktails. The OC Mix has clothing, accessories and home goods stores too. Coffee aficionados can grab an award-winning brew from Portola Coffee Roasters. We love that SOCO & The OC Mix also has several delicious restaurants, like Michelin star Taco María.
4. Fun
OC Fair & Event Center isn’t just home to the annual OC Fair, though that is worth a visit alone. It also features year round events, including Jurassic Quest, concerts and more. This year, OC Fair & Event Center continues to host drive-thru experiences and drive-in concerts. Check out our calendar for the latest events.
Get in some outdoor activity at Costa Mesa parks and nearby beaches. Fairview Park is the largest park in the city, with 210 acres for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Talbert Regional Park has a BMX area as well. We love that TeWinkle Park has both a skate park and a dog park on site.
5. Location
Costa Mesa is nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, in the heart of Orange County. We love that you can stay in Costa Mesa while visiting all of Southern California. The beach is close, too, which makes it perfect in the warmer months. Our Costa Mesa hotels are a great place to unwind after a busy day, and their safety standards are unbeatable.
There are plenty of reasons we love Costa Mesa. If you’d like to learn more, request our digital Visitor Guide. Have you already visited Costa Mesa? Share your favorite things about the city on social. Be sure to tag us @travelcostamesa.com.
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Posted in Misc
