Restaurants continue to offer takeout and delivery options, as California begins moving into Stage 2 of reopening. It may be some time, though, before groups can gather for things like happy hour. Stay-at-home orders have caused people to get clever to stay connected. From birthdays to networking events, virtual gatherings are taking place all over the country. You may not be able to visit us just yet, but you can travel Costa Mesa with a virtual happy hour! Here’s how.
Make Cocktails at Home
Just because you can’t get out to your favorite restaurant or bar, doesn’t mean you can’t have your favorite cocktail. Restaurants are sharing their recipes online. Disney is even posting recipes, including their famous Dole Whip, for you to try at home.
For your virtual happy hour, follow along with Mitch Barela from Old Vine Kitchen & Bar. He’s shaking up some favorites, like the Aperol Spritz, on their Instagram. You can also try recipes like the Yu Rebel from The Hall: Global Eatery or The Girlfriend from The Guild Club.
Dine on Bar Bites
A proper happy hour, even a virtual one, needs some yummy food. Bring Costa Mesa into your kitchen with our Chef Spotlight playlist. Discover the secrets of popular dishes, like the ARC burger, from chef Noah von Blöm, or Top Chef winner Richard Blais’ fried chicken oysters. Vaca created a YouTube channel featuring chef Amar Santana teaching you how to make his popular dishes like Brussels sprouts from his Laguna Beach restaurant, Broadway.
Don’t Forget Our Zoom Backgrounds
If you’re hosting your virtual happy hour on Zoom, make it festive with one of our Costa Mesa-themed Zoom backgrounds. Choose from popular spots like Segerstrom Center for the Arts or the OC Fair & Event Center.
If you live near Costa Mesa, check our list of open restaurants for takeout and delivery options. Many are offering cocktails to go as well. Old Vine Kitchen & Bar even offers a virtual wine tasting with chef Mark McDonald and sommelier Kate Perry. Want a little more inspiration? Watch our recent Cinco de Mayo virtual happy hour with #MenWhoBlog.
