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Best Brunch in Costa Mesa: 11 Top Restaurants to “Brunch So Hard” in the City of the Arts®

Posted on December 2, 2022 | 3:08pm

Yelp recently rated the top 100 brunch restaurants in California, and three Costa Mesa hotspots were on the list, with two in the top 6. Brunch is a sacred tradition in Southern California, particularly this time of year. We’ve included Yelp’s top picks for Costa Mesa brunches, and threw in a few more of our favorites (in no particular order). Why 11? Why Not, we say?

What is your favorite spot to “brunch so hard” in Costa Mesa? Let us know in the comments!

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6 Ways to Dine Around the Globe in Costa Mesa

Posted on November 23, 2022 | 9:28am

Wanderlust or the desire to travel is often on people’s minds around this time of the year. Whether it’s to visit distant relatives or take a much needed break, travel is how we grow as individuals– experiencing life through sights, sounds and tastes. And the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy and spend time with friends and family. What better way than around the dining table?

Costa Mesa is a great place for a holiday getaway, offering designer shopping, theaters and concerts, and eclectic dining featuring global cuisines. To top it off, Costa Mesa hotels are offering great specials like $100 gift cards to shop, or free meals for the kids. What if you could make stops “around the world” right in Costa Mesa?

While you’re at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus to see an iconic holiday performance like “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol”, you can find a great variety of cuisines to make your Costa Mesa vacation feel even more cosmopolitan.

Let us entertain you with the ability to travel the globe without looking for your passport. Take a look at these 6 fun spots right in Costa Mesa.

Costa Contemporary Kitchen – Peru

Peruvian cuisine is the specialty at this cozy, contemporary dinner locale off Anton. Latin for “coast”, Costa’s nod to the city it inhabits is reflected throughout the fusion selections. Rissotto de Camarones marries buttered shrimp into rice bathed in white wine and spicy aji amarillo chili peppers. Botija olives found along Peru’s coast are the star ingredient in a creamy sauce beneath sashimi-style octopus in Pulpo al Olivo. A popular red onion relish known as salsa criolla accompanies beef-based dishes, yet is versatile enough to plate with a mix of seafood including scallops and mussels in a cilantro beer-infused Arroz Con Mariscos.

Populaire – France

steak with brie on top

Populaire features classic French bistro staples with a modern California twist. Located inside South Coast Plaza, Populaire is receiving rave reviews for chef partners Ross Pangilinan and Nick Weber. Parisian bistro dishes are interpreted by Weber with California ingredients in a creative, quirky menu. Find classics like a Croque Madame or ribeye steak (with Saint Andre brie on top?!), plus unique takes like escargot ebelskivers or duck breast with pickled cherries. Populaire is a global experience you won’t soon forget.

Philz Coffee  – San Francisco

Coffee culture may be a thing in other areas, but Palestine-born Phil Jaber attached a level of service unmatched by competitors when he was done tinkering with the idea of crafting the ideal cup of coffee and began brewing for the masses from within his neighborhood convenience store at the center of S.F.’s lively Mission District. 

A patron’s custom cup of love begins with a discussion about coffee blends. Once the barista has a solid notion of what the guest is expecting, they go to work by freshly grinding the beans. Every request is brewed to order using a drip method– never with an espresso machine. This method is intentional and not meant for those in a rush. The fourth and final step is for the customer to sample the finished product. If for whatever reason the patron isn’t pleased, it’s made again until it is to his/her liking. Jaber’s sophisticated thought process towards satisfying people’s need for coffee is a revelation in the beverage industry and a beloved brand in the Bay Area.

Vaca – Spain

vaca paella

Chef Amar Santana’s rising star gained national attention in 2015, when he first appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” He launched Vaca while his season aired, showcasing his love of Spanish cooking through classic tapas and equally shareable paellas. Large format, beef-centric mains are wood-fired and a specialty of the house, with cuts of meat on full display as diners are escorted to their tables. More modest appetites will appreciate listings of cured meats and rich cheeses assembled from the charcuterie station.

Any visit to Vaca really isn’t complete without a proper cocktail. The seasonal drink menu features sherry, gin and vermouth-based beverages. A creative spirits program and skilled bartenders complement every meal.

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar – New York City

Speaking of cocktails, the notion of pre-theater drinking is reminiscent of socializing in Midtown Manhattan before a Broadway show. Silver Trumpet’s Eclectic series expands on that thought, taking it a step further with a program of limited-time, theater-inspired sips coinciding with the current and past productions at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 

If Moulin Rouge tickets are in your future, partake in The Smoldering Temptress, which blends Lillet Rouge, cherry-infused vodka, Cointreau and citrus notes in a martini vessel. Missing Wicked? Ask about Elphie’s Rose, incorporating lemongrass syrup, ginger liqueur and Bombay Sapphire East gin for a memorable kick.

Outpost Kitchen – Australia

outpost kitchen brunch dishes

Biodynamic, locally-sourced plus organic produce and proteins are at the forefront of Outpost Kitchen’s dining philosophy. Relaxed beachside cafes down under inspire a vibrant dining environment alive with musical grooves, stunning interior design and upbeat clientele. Serving a comprehensive spread of breakfast, lunch, brunch and happy hour options, dinner has now been added to its rotation on select evenings.  

Outpost’s juices and smoothies are as in-demand as the rest of its menu, emphasizing whole, nourishing ingredients with all-natural flavors. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary needs are also accommodated for. Coming out of a meal here is indicative of clean living and worth a detour from the plaza across the way.

Though we only selected 6 spots to dine around the world in Costa Mesa, there are countless more options to whet your appetite. Check out the Eat section of our website and get more fun content and videos to start planning your Eatcation® any time of the year in Costa Mesa.

Costa Mesa has a great calendar of events for the holiday season, and don’t miss these special Costa Mesa holiday hotel deals for your visit before the end of the year. Happy Holidays!

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OCMA (Re)Opens in Costa Mesa – The Opening of the Decade for the City of the Arts®

Posted on October 6, 2022 | 3:06pm

October 8 is the debut of the new Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) across from Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Comprising over 4,500 works of art, OCMA’s permanent collection focuses on art produced during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries by artists with ties to California – and OCMA offers rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Designed by Morphosis Architects, under the direction of Pritzker Prize-winner Thom Mayne and Partner-in-Charge Brandon Welling, the state-of-the-art, 53,000-square-foot building will double the size of the museum’s previous location and provide an exciting indoor-outdoor experience for showcasing the collection and exhibitions.

Beginning at 5 p.m. on October 8, OCMA will celebrate by being open to the public for 24 straight hours and host programming throughout the evening all the way to Sunday afternoon. To plan your visit to OCMA, we’ve consolidated all the basic information to make the best use of your time.

If you’re driving, there are multiple parking garages to choose from. However the primary structure to OCMA is referred to as Plaza Tower Garage at 600 Anton Blvd. It is the same garage shared by Westin South Coast Plaza and also the busiest with foot traffic. Parking validation is not available for any of the structures. 

Diamonds are everybody’s best friend, at least for the next 10 years, thanks to a generous donation of 2.5 million dollars to OCMA by Newport Beach jeweler Lugano Diamonds. As a result of their kindness, visitors are not paying any admission fees. Those interested in applying for a membership or making a donation of their own can inquire via the OCMA website or in person. 

In dire need of some caffeine? Look no further than the coffee bar on level two. Verdant will oversee all food and beverage plus special event catering. Available for lunch plus cocktails, the team behind Verdant is a partnership between chefs Ross Pangilinan (Terrace by Mix Mix) and Nick Weber (Populaire) plus Alyssa McDiarmid (Cannery Seafood of the Pacific).

Verdant photo credit: Ron DeAngelis

Verdant will be a plant-forward menu with California fare and will include kid-friendly selections.

Five opening exhibitions are featured throughout OCMA. “13 Women” is curated by the museum’s director and CEO Heidi Zuckerman and will be presented in two rotations in the next year showcasing female artists with shared visionary qualities to the 13 female museum founders. “California Biennial 2022: Pacific Gold” features over 20 artists from across the state, blending contemporary works with emerging voices. “Fred Eversley: Reflecting Back (the World)” moves through the logic of a black hole, covering the entire color spectrum along OCMA’s mezzanine gallery space. 

Outside, “Sanford Biggers: Of many waters” is a 24 x 16 foot tall hybrid sculpture that infuses multiple historical periods into one work. Lastly, “Peter Walker: Minimalist Landscape”  highlights the landscape architect’s earlier contributions to the performing arts plaza as well as his influences Sol LeWitt and Frank Stella. 

Strolling through OCMA is done best with walkable shoes. However its expansive elevators can accommodate large parties or comfortable distancing. We recommend taking one down to the pop-up gift shop displaying a range of conversational works both modern and vintage. 

Inside OCMA’s main door is the gift shop called /THE MIND/. Created by Emmanuel Renoird and Nicolas Libert, the owners of the famous PLEASE DO NOT ENTER of downtown LA and South Coast Plaza fame. A pair of Parisian art collectors who built one of the biggest private collections of contemporary art and design in France, /THE MIND/ is a progressive retail space with an ode to modern life. Make sure the take a walk through the space to find genuinely unique and artistic gifts.

Don’t miss all the other amazing offerings of this beautiful campus. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, formerly the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is Orange County’s performing arts and theater complex and home to the world’s leading dance companies, Broadway shows, award-winning classical, jazz and cabaret artists and year-round educational programs. Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) is celebrating its 35-year anniversary with a phenomenal lineup for this coming season, with top-tier performers including Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery, Bernadette Peters, Chita Rivera, and Patti Lupone, as well as hit Broadway shows including Hamilton, Chicago, The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, To Kill A Mockingbird, Disney’s Frozen, Hairspray, Six, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Segerstrom also offers a full calendar of holiday shows including the return of American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker. Visit the Travel Costa Mesa event calendar for things to do in the city.

The City of the Arts® also has its own public Art Walk with a free mobile audio tour by Travel Costa Mesa. The first stop is right outside the SP+ parking structure on Town Center Drive. You can find 20+ great pieces of free public art to view in various areas around our city. World-renowned international artists like Isamu Noguchi and Joan Miró have one-of-a-kind art pieces found only in Costa Mesa!

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Instagrammable Murals You Must See in Costa Mesa

Posted on August 29, 2022 | 10:54am

Did you know Costa Mesa is the City of the Arts®? Yes, the city trademarked the term because of the vibrant performing and visual arts at the spectacular Segerstrom Center for the Arts. But Costa Mesa’s eclectic arts scene extends far beyond its performances. The city is home to a collection of vibrant murals that inspire and excite. Found throughout neighborhoods adjacent to businesses, schools and even a church, murals are a great way to understand an artist’s perspective and intent and add beauty, whimsy and sometimes a memorial to a community. Here are a few great examples of murals in Costa Mesa that deserve your Instagram’s attention. 

“Welcome Home”

By Shepard Fairey

125 E. Baker St.

Measuring 136-feet long by 55-feet high, Shepard Fairey’s “Welcome Home” was the largest mural in OC when it was completed in 2017. Found on the back of Baker Block Apartments, it faces the 55 freeway. 

According to Fairey “This piece in sum is a message of peace, independence and the beauty and openness of humanity and nature.” Geometric shapes, mandalas, florals and nature elements surround a female figure with a lotus flower in her hair. 

Requiring over 460 cans of spray paint, “Welcome Home” also incorporates a bit of surf culture, a recurring theme in Fairey’s works. He hopes that people come to understand how positively art impacts the community. 

“Kobe and Gianna Bryant”

By Tyke Witnes

745 W. 19th St., Ste. H

When Tyke Witnes learned about the helicopter crash that took the lives of nine locals that included Gianna and Kobe Bryant, he knew the Lakers mural that he’d been contemplating would instead be dedicated to them. He spent approximately 12 hours total on the tribute, only pausing after seven to make sure his daughters were ready for school on time.

According to Witnes “The mural is first and foremost for the family, Kobe’s wife and his three children.” Then it’s for the family of all the victims, locals and their friends. Finally, it’s for the fans like Witnes who feel like they’re part of Kobe or he’s a part of one’s family. It incorporates the names of all the individuals on the plane, as well as a nod to Kobe and Gigi’s father-daughter relationship with halos and an infinity symbol.

Located across from El Toro Bravo on 19th Street, Witnes is married to Paloma, who operates the shop on behalf of her mom, Cora Bonilla. 

“Dolly Parton”

By David Gilmore

719 W. 19th St.

After learning the singer funded research for a COVID-19 vaccine, STRUT Bar & Club founder Luke Nero hired artist David Gilmore to design a mural dedicated to Dolly Parton on the exterior of his nightclub.

The finished project comes in at 50 feet by 20 feet and it took Gilmore a month to complete the glamorous portrait, as he referenced a compilation of images as inspiration for his work. 

Per Nero: “Not only is she an icon in the queer community and beyond, but she is truly a model of inclusivity.”

“Untitled”

By Mac + Retna

960 W. 16th St.

A portrait of a woman on one exterior wall of RVCA headquarters was completed by the team Mac + Retna in 2009.

At least one additional mural (not by the artists) can be found along 16th Street as visitors approach the driveway.

“City of the Arts”

By Joshua Madrid

900 Arlington Drive

Adjacent to both Costa Mesa Skate Park and Bark Park, the “City of the Arts” mural can be found on a storage building at TeWinkle Park. 

Completed in 2017 by local muralist Joshua Madrid, the design was created in a Mandala style, as shapes emanate from a colorful, central point. Its interpretation varies based on the viewer.

“Home Sweet Home”

420 W. 19th St.

On the property of First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa, “Home Sweet Home” was created by artist Brian Peterson. 

Designed to inspire and engage, one side of the mural asks the question, “What solves homelessness?” A painting of Robert Morse, a former homeless man, is featured along the adjacent wall. Morse currently spends his time assisting homeless families. 

An interactive artwork, the depiction of a furnished family room with couch invites visitors to ponder the question while staging themselves within the mural. The answer, according to non-profit Faces of Santa Ana (which Peterson is the founder of) is found hanging above the couch: Home Sweet Home.

“Costa Mesa Bloom”

By Aaron Glasson

1870 Harbor Blvd.

Artist Aaron Glasson incorporated three major elements into his mural that adorns a bench at Triangle Square: flowers, abstract shapes and color. “Costa Mesa Bloom” was commissioned by Travel Costa Mesa in 2018 and with the partnership of Triangle Square, was dedicated to the city.

“A healthy garden has a lot of diversity. The same is true of communities. It’s a metaphorical representation of Costa Mesa being a blend of locals, visitors and people who have moved here from other parts of the world,” Glasson explains.

The abstracts in his artwork are inspired by the cityscapes of Triangle Square and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Finally, the bold hues featured brings the otherwise white space to life. By weaving the trio of elements, Glasson reflects the city’s eclectic environment. 

Per Glasson, “I deeply believe in the power of public art to invigorate our urban landscapes, and the lives of those who inhabit them.” 

“You Are Loved”

By Alex Cook

2380 Notre Dame Rd.

College Park Elementary School’s PTA worked with artist Alex Cook in 2020 to come up with a new mural after the school received a paint refresh, covering older artwork. What they came up with was a literal positive message.

Representing not only the district’s Mandarin immersion program housed at College Park, but the two primary languages spoken at the school, the phrase “You are loved” is written against a colorful backdrop in Spanish, English and Mandarin. It’s a comforting reminder for students as they go about their day. 

“Thalo Sun”

By Gabriella Kohr

2930 Bristol St.

Park at the LAB/Anti-Mall and head towards Seabirds Kitchen for the next installation. Painted in 2021 “Thalo Sun” has a sense of movement, thanks to its hills and waves. Muralist Gabriella Kohr’s inspiration for this piece was surfing.

Multiple Pieces

3070-3150 Bristol St.

Canvas, a modern office complex covering over 300,000 square feet of work space, is home to over 17 custom pieces by local artists. Some of the outdoor murals include:

“Freely Give” and “Freely Love” by Zao One

Colorful cubes found outside of the north and south parking structures, respectively.

“Butter” by Ali Sabet

A face composed of many layers of faces outside the south parking structure.

“Calypso” by Charmaine Olivia

Mural depicting the goddess who detained Greek king Odysseus on the island of Ogygia for seven years. It can be found next to the yoga garden.

Teddy Kelly’s mural welcomes all guests as they step onto the Canvas campus! Originally from Mexico and making his home in Orange County, Teddy Kelly’s graphic murals evoke the spirit of surf, skate and street culture ingrained in Costa Mesa.

“Kobe, Gianna and Friends”

By Andaluz (@andaluztheartist)

512 W. 19th St.

Restaurant Social Costa Mesa was already the home of the “Have A Nice Day” mural.

Efren Andaluz III worked with Social co-owner Andrew Dorsey to add to the wall after the January 26, 2020 helicopter accident.

Wanting to honor all the victims, he researched muralists on social media until he found Andaluz. The New York-based artist was flown out to fulfill the request. A fan of Bryant, he lives by the athlete’s Mamba Mentality “in order to always be the best version of himself.”

“Have a Nice Day”

512 W. 19th St.

Directly next to the Kobe and Gianna mural mentioned above, and perhaps one of the city’s most photographed murals, it’s a great spot to take your selfie and to add a smile to your day.

Find a mural on this list and tag @travelcostamesa and #cityofthearts on Instagram for a chance to be featured! See more Costa Mesa murals and street art here.

Note: please be mindful of the setting in which the mural is located. Park in designated areas and do not trespass if an area is locked.

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Take Advantage of Great Summertime Dining in Costa Mesa

Posted on August 3, 2022 | 10:07am

As families get ready for back to school and the end of summer, it’s a great time to take a road trip to explore Costa Mesa’s local dining scene for Labor Day Weekend. Squeeze out every last bit of the summer weather and outdoor experiences in Southern California. We’ve got a bite for every time of day and covering a breadth of cuisines that Costa Mesa has to offer to create your next Eatcation®. Are you hungry yet? We are!

Breakfast: Boil & Bake

Many consider the morning meal the most important of the day. We’re not inclined to argue with that, especially if it means bagels. At the brand new Boil & Bake these doughy rounds are naturally leavened, becoming a canvas for seasonal flavors. Owner Carlos Perez and chef Luke Bramm combine their restaurant acumen to convey an East coast concept with a West coast state of mind. 

For a sweet treat, check out the Cheesecake for Breakfast, featuring blackberry compote and a graham cracker crumble. The Heirloom is adorned with flavorful tomatoes, capers, dill and extra virgin olive oil. Salmon lovers must request a Fully Loaded Lox for the sprouts, red onion and house-cured seafood. And the best non-food item: a thoughtfully cozy patio, complete with shade covering and surrounded by plants. 270 Bristol St., Ste. 114; www.boilbake.com.

Brunch: Paragon Cafe

Formerly a pop-up within Shuck Oyster Bar, Paragon just moved into more permanent digs within SoCo Collection across from ARC. Cooking up brunch on the daily, the time you’ll want to go is Saturday late morning when it offers live jazz in addition to chef Dean Isom’s decadent menu and cocktails. Its menu blends traditional alongside modern indulgences to satisfy a range of paletes. 

French toast or French toast bites? Filet mignon or ribeye a la carte? If these are the toughest decisions to make at Paragon, count us in. Royal blue hues welcome you whether in the dining room or along its lengthy bar counter. Speaking of the bar, you’ll find a few riffs on classic beverages. Bourbon fans may want to sip on a Hang ‘Em High or perhaps splurge on a photo-friendly mimosa flight. Either way you’ll have a lovely time. 3321 Hyland Ave. Ste. E, (657) 247-0101; www.paragonrestaurants.com

Lunch: Nourish Organic

If a morning meal is something you normally skip, then make the midday one count at Nourish. Specializing in organic, vegan and ayurvedic dining, a duo of featured proteins are rotated daily allowing for both variety and balanced flavors to satisfy those open to trying this healing Indian cuisine.  

A truly customizable dining experience includes vegetables, soup and ancient-grain flat bread. For digestive issues, try a cup of kitchari rich with moong lentils and basmati rice. Attention to every aspect of cooking is considered, down to the purified water used to cook and wash all ingredients (none of which are purchased frozen or pre-packaged.) You’ll leave feeling good inside and out. 1170 Baker St., Ste. G2, (714) 617-4001; www.nourishayurveda.org.

Afternoon Tea: Tableau Kitchen and Bar

Normally found in resort properties or stand-alone teahouses, afternoon tea is the time of day that simultaneously relaxes and energizes participants. To our delight, Tableau at South Coast Plaza recently began offering tea service from 3-5 p.m. daily. The best part of this particular experience happens to be the variety of tastes included; it’s the perfect size to share with another. Check out our Instagram reel at Tableau to see more!

Begin with selecting a pair of teas (Spring Jasmine and African Nectar Rooibos were our faves). Each tea tower is adorned with a series of delights both sweet and savory. Hazelnut mousse with caramel, mocha ganache and linzer sable is decadent, while blueberry rhubarb pie is subtly tart. Call “dibs” on a prosciutto and provolone scone while reaching for a spoonful of horchata panna cotta with candied chestnut and pear sorbet. Supplement your meal with one of the new cocktail listings, because why not? You deserve it. 3333 Bear St., Suite 119, (714) 872-8054; www.tableaukitchenandbar.com.

Dinner: Bred Hot Chicken

It’s okay to admit that you miss the OC Fair and all of its deep fried goodness. That’s why we sought out this food truck by Bred Scott that recently expanded operations into a non-roaming location at The LAB “Anti-Mall.” Found along the perimeter of this bustling plaza, we almost missed it. Bred’s self-serve touch pad system makes ordering a breeze if you haven’t already paid by phone.  

Serving up tenders three ways, simply choose your own hot chicken adventure. Sandos can be plated on buttery brioche, toasted white or on slider-sized buns. For a bread-free meal, definitely dive into some loaded crinkle cut fries on a bed of vinaigrette slaw. We prefer our Nashville hots au naturel with a blend of comeback sauce and dilly ranch. Feeding a crew? There’s even a 10-pack of tenders available. 2930 Bristol St., Ste. A104, (714) 696-9468; www.bredhotchicken.com.

Fine Dining/Dessert: Collage Culinary Experience

Avocado is extra, and so are you. When it comes to that extra meal, whether it be dessert or a classy dinner out, leave it to this food hall within Bloomingdale’s to satiate your hunger. Mah Jong’s by Chef Mike serves a succinct menu covering meatless options, comforting soups and timeless entrees. Its eye-catching decor and cocktail bar mean one can linger for a while. 3333 S. Bristol St., (949) 295-3841; www.mahjongsbychefmike.com.

Churrino next door will craft a Brazilian dessert masterpiece to order, meaning hot, fresh chewiness at your fingertips. Fillings, drizzles and toppings mean countless combinations. Then cool off with one of Churrino’s chilled drinks (which are often a treat on its own)– the Biscoff latte is a sweet option if you aren’t familiar with the flavor. Vegan suggestions and an order ahead feature mean less waiting, more eating. (714) 884-4775.

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