TAKE NOTE
By Anissa Brown | Contributor
WINTER 2022 ISSUE
A NEW TWIST OF AFTERNOON TEA
Photo courtesy of Tableau Kitchen and Bar
Located in South Coast Plaza, Tableau Kitchen and Bar elevates New American cuisine showcasing the inventive global influences and unexpected twists on classic dishes for which he is known. Tableau’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer something for every palate and every meal makes a difference, with a percentage of proceeds donated to local charities. What makes this eatery even more interesting is its afternoon tea program from 3-5 p.m. daily which features delicious and unique teas and snacks created by Chef John. Chef John’s tea menu includes unique items like a kumquat marmalade financier, a chocolate chip scone with strawberry lavender jam, a blueberry rhubarb pie, a prosciutto provolone scone, and more!
PAINTING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
The new OC Museum of Art opened its doors in October and visitors are in store for an incredible experience that encompasses exhibits from the museum’s impressive collections, as well as exciting new exhibits to mark the total reimagining and rebuilding of this world-class museum. One of our favorite new exhibits is 13 Women, which is centered around powerful female artistry and marks the museum’s 60th anniversary while paying homage to the 13 women who founded the Balboa Pavilion Gallery, the earliest iteration of OCMA, which opened in 1962. The exhibition presents work from the 1960s to the present by artists central to the museum’s collection. Each rotation is centered on the work of 13 pioneering female artists, each of whom shares the visionary qualities of the museum’s founders. Works from the 13 female artists included in the first rotation are on view from October 8 through March 2023.
OCMA.ART | IG: @OCMAMUSEUM
ZERO WASTE, 100% AMAZING
Photo courtesy of For Your Imagination
Jessica Walden and her husband Chris McGuire are dedicated to bringing awareness to plastic pollution in the ocean and they do so with their new zero waste market, Amis De La Terre. It is the first zero-waste grocery in Orange County, located near Fermentation Farm in Costa Mesa. The name is inspired by the two years Jessica spent in France – it means “Friends of the Earth.”
This très chic shop is devoted to eliminating excess plastic packaging from entering the waste stream by tackling the packaged food problem. For those who may be a little unclear on their mission, co-founder Jessica explains, “We are a shop that has organic and natural food. You can bring your own container or use store-provided glass and paper containers to fill with their products.”
You don’t need to be a marine biologist to feel connected to science or the environment; the most important thing is being able to affect change and make a difference. We know we’ll be shopping Amis De La Terre to do our part!
A JOURNEY INTO THE MULTIVERSE
Photo courtesy of Low Tide Aliens
Low Tide Aliens (LTA) is your personal guide as you travel into new dimensions. They are the world's first member-only live experiential Sand Art where membership gives you access to sand art mandala, labyrinth classes, private groups, ads, high-frequency merch, and more.
Work alongside LTA instructors and learn how to create your own labyrinth. Raise your inner consciousness through this ancient meditative art and connect with your inner child by drawing powerful sacred geometry in the sand. They offer unique yoga classes inside a Mayan labyrinth design. See yourself, feet grounded in the sand, as you breathe in the crisp ocean air, connecting with Mother Gaia. Giving thanks while getting a great workout, in one of the most beautiful atmospheres. Namaste.
YOUR DREAMS ARE ONLY A MICROPHONE AWAY
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Photo courtesy of Sunset 17
Calling all aspiring TV show hosts and podcasters! There’s a new studio in Costa Mesa that makes it simple and easy to kick-start your dreams. Sunset 17 TV and podcast studio has everything you’ll need to launch your TV show or podcast, including state-of-the-art equipment and full recording, editing, hosting, and promotion services. Check out their complete podcast recording starter package that includes podcast coaching & consultation, a full podcast file with audio & video, and up to two cameras. So, what’s the hold-up? Stardom awaits!
WORTH THE DRIVE:
STEELCRAFT BELLFLOWER
Bellflower may not be on your radar, but it should be! It's charming, central to OC, Long Beach, and South L.A., and is starting to really bloom with cute shops and worth-the-drive restaurants. At the heart of the walkable downtown is SteelCraft Bellflower, the outdoor urban eatery that helped to kick off Bellflower's growing renaissance three years ago. Like SteelCraft's other two locations -- Long Beach and Garden Grove -- SteelCraft Bellflower is a delicious culinary curation of the hottest eateries and foodie favorites you can find under one (open-air) "roof."
A HOT TAKE ON CHICKEN
Photo courtesy of Pinky's Hot Box
Wildly popular at its first location in Torrance, Pinky’s Hot Box now is bringing the heat to Bellflower with its Nashville-inspired hot chicken. This minority woman-owned eatery offers a variety of inventive chicken sandwiches capturing a world of flavors with their special takes on hot chicken ranging from Nashville to Korean, Alabama to Sichuan and Hawaiian available in chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings and more! For more sensitive palates, they offer no spice, mild, and medium, For thrill-seekers, dare to try HOT or BLAZING which is rated 10/10 on the heat scale. WARNING! Pinky’s Hot Box uses two of the hottest chilis in the world. Enjoy at your own risk — and pleasure!
A SWEET DELIGHT
Need a new place to quench your boba addiction? With innovative recipes originating from traditional and modern boba cultures around the world, you’ll be coming back for more. The owners of Brown Cup Boba are heavily influenced by the best dessert cafes and tea shops from China, Hong Kong, and Korea. Flavors span from Thai Tea, and fruity Lychee tea to creamy Hokkaido Milk Tea and Mango Smoothies! Feeling hungry? Stop by for a tasty French macaron.
BROWN CUP BOBA | IG: @BROWNCUPBOBA
Photo courtesy of Brown Cup Boba
SCARY GOOD BURGERS AND FRIES
Don’t let the name fool you. Gourmet burgers and food trucks may seem like contradictory terms, but one time at Burger Monster will make a believer out of you. The concept began as a food truck fearlessly focused on serving handmade menu items. Now, this foodie favorite has a new, brick-and-mortar home at SteelCraft Bellflower. The owners behind the brand honor their commitment to quality food with freshly baked buns and scratch-made sauces. Burger Monster’s array of classic horror film-themed burgers such as The Dracula and The American Werewolf perfectly complement the scary good Monster Fries.
Photo courtesy of Burger Monster
IT'S WINE O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE
Off Duty Wine Bar is your local good-time wine getaway. With their rotating selection of red, white, and specialty wines, they have something for everyone. Although wine is their focus, they pour so much more, including margaritas, bellinis, and sangria. They also host “Paint & Sip” classes and offer a variety of tasting menus and fun activities every week. It’s the perfect spot for an after-work reset, or a date night dining al fresco. Come in for a tasty time accompanied but live music and entertainment on weekends.
Photo courtesy of Off Duty Wine Bar
NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE
Solid Coffee Roasters is making a name for itself with brews crafted from in-house roasted beans, including pour-overs and Nitro Cold Brews that will have you energized just in time for that 9 a.m. meeting — or for that afternoon pick-me-up. Their menu also includes specialty teas, cappuccinos, lattes and more.
Photo courtesy of Solid Coffee Roasters
NOT-JUST-FOR-TUESDAY TACOS
If you’re looking for a meal with flavor and spice, Tacos Arandas will become your new favorite Mexican food addiction. Just take a look at their Instagram feed and you’ll see why Tacos Arandas’ delicious dishes are a massive hit at SteelCraft Bellflower. Since 1996, Tacos Arandas has built its reputation by serving up authentic tacos, burritos, mulitas, dobladitas quesadillas, agua frescas, desserts and more. But don’t take our word for it, come sample for yourself!
Photo courtesy of Tacos Aranadas
AWARD-WINNING BREWS
In 2010, father and son duo Dan and Jesse began home-brewing out of their garage in Southern California. Two years later, they decided they wanted to share their passion with a larger audience and thus, Ten Mile Brewing was born. Now, the multi-award-winning Ten Mile Brewing at SteelCraft Bellflower uses only the finest and freshest ingredients in its brewing process. They also offer a unique hand-crafted beer that is truly an experience, with seasonal and other special offerings you won’t want to miss.
Photo courtesy of Ten Mile Brewing