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Travel Costa Mesa Blog

Posts Tagged ‘the LAB’

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

Free Holiday Events in Costa Mesa

Posted on December 7, 2012 | 11:38am

The holiday season has a tendency to quickly lighten your wallet.  Between gift shopping and traveling to see friends and family, holidays can be expensive.  Fortunately, there are some free winter events in the City of the Arts. Read More

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Posted in Events, Locals, Misc, Play

SOBECA District Art Walk in Costa Mesa

Posted on November 28, 2012 | 11:13am

The SOBECA District Art Walk kicked off last night with entertainment, art, food and more at the CAMP, the LAB, Artkiteks Hair Studio and the SOLO building.  SOBECA, an acronym meaning South On Bristol, Entertainment, Culture, Arts, is a pedestrian friendly area located around Bristol Street, south of Baker consisting of trend-setting, eco-friendly shops, restaurants, services and galleries.  Anchoring the SOBECA district are the LAB and the CAMP shopping centers. Read More

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

Orange County’s Best Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Shopping in Costa Mesa

Posted on November 21, 2012 | 10:51am

There is no rest for the weary during the holidays.  Between family gatherings, home-cooked meals and holiday parties, there isn’t much free time for shopping.  Holiday decor hangs in stores earlier each year.  While the scent of your Thanksgiving meal still lingers in the kitchen, it’s already time to focus on holiday shopping.  Whether your list is for one or one-hundred, there is a good chance shopping is on the agenda for the long Thanksgiving weekend.  With many big-brands offering large discounts on Black Friday, fighting through the crowds may be worth the savings.  If leaving the house seems like too much to ask, there is Cyber Monday, where online retailers and e-commerce sites offer savings on products and shipping with one-day-only deals.  In between the Black Friday swarm and the Cyber Monday searches is Shop Small Saturday, a national movement that promotes shopping at locally owned businesses. Read More

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Posted in Events, Locals, Misc, Play, Shopping