Best Of OC - Week Of February 8
On the calendar this week, there's plenty to do for those in the mood for love!. But in Orange County, it is a week for everyone, too. If you are looking for a fun date night, there is plenty to entice your love interest, from the stunning pageantry of "Odysseo" to an old-fashioned nightclub and dancing to a live Jazz band, to fine-dining restaurant openings, and more. The whole family will love a visit to the ScotsFestival at the Queen Mary, and the kids won't want to miss the Harlem Globetrotters as they come through Anaheim this weekend.
Surf's Beat Generation
Cal State Fullerton Begovich Gallery
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
VA Building, 183
www.theatricum.com
The new "Surf's Beat Generation" exhibit at the Begovich Gallery in Cal State Fullerton's Visual Art's Department features an inside look into the influence of Beatnik poetry, jazz and art interpretation as it connected with the surf culture of Southern California. The show recreates the feel of early surf culture cafes that dominated the OC coast, with their art, music, and poetry highlighted from 1953-1964. Primary works include local artists like Rex Brandt, Wayne La Com, Andy Wing, and more, as well as other famous surf artists, such as the iconic John Severson.
Valentine's Day Cooking Class
SOCIAL Costa Mesa
512 W 19th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 642-2425
www.socialcostamesa.com
Everyone knows that the way to one's heart is through their stomach! The talented team at SOCIAL Costa Mesa is hosting a Valentine's Day-themed class this Tuesday, February 9 at 6pm. Students will learn to make three cocktails from SOCIAL's Head Bartender David Valiante, as well as the "Second Base" dessert from Pastry Chef Ashley Guzman, which is dark chocolate mousse, boozy cherries, and meringue. Space is limited to 25 guests, and reservations are required.
Restaurant Opening: Gratitude
1617 Westcliff Dr.
Newport Beach, CA, 92660
(949) 386-8103
The first upscale rendition of the 100% organic, plant-based Café Gratitude opens today in Newport Beach's newly opened Castaway Commons. The dining experience will vary significantly from the cafe's more casual locations in San Diego and Los Angeles, boasting white-washed brick walls, exposed oak beams and pillars, and lush plants, create a spa-like environment that is juxtaposed against the dramatic landscape of the central bar, ensconced in geometric grey and white tiles and lined with custom barstools that are reminiscent of vintage French design. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Café Gratitude will feature a full craft bar, with beverage director Jason Eisner at the heart as beverage director. Looking for a quick bite? "Gratitude To-Go" will boast retail products and fresh-pressed juices for those looking for a healthy grab-and-go option.
"Odysseo"
The White Big Top
16576 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Irvine, CA 92603
www.cavalia.net
The beauty and harmony of the relationship between man and horse unfold onstage at "Odysseo" by Cavalia, the remarkable production under "The White Big Top" in Irvine that combines 65 horses and 48 artists into a world of undiscovered dreams. "Odysseo" marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before seen levels. Boasting numerous records as the world's largest touring production, world's largest traveling big top, the biggest stage, the largest number of horses, etc…, the spectacular artistic event is a must-see theatrical production for the senses.
The Hot Sardines
Samueli Theater
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
The fiery and glamorous 8-piece jazz ensemble, The Hot Sardines, makes its Segerstrom Center for the Arts debut with four concerts this weekend, running through Valentine's Day on Sunday. The Samueli Theater will transform into a lively club where guests can dance the night away while enjoying jazz classics as well as original compositions from a group that The Times (London) calls, "Simply phenomenal, crisp musicianship going hand in hand with immaculate and witty showmanship." Tickets to The Hot Sardines start at $79.
See The Harlem Globetrotters
Honda Center
2695 E Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(800) 745-3000
www.harlemglobetrotters.com
Celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship, and service to millions of people worldwide, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to the Orange County this weekend, with two days' worth of skills and basketball thrills. The star-studded roster includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Bull Bullard, TNT Maddox, Sweet J Ekworomadu, and Cheese Chisholm. Autograph sessions take place after each game of ball-handling wizardry, extraordinary dunks, trick shots, comedy, and more. Tickets start at $17.
ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXIII
1126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
www.queenmary.com
This Valentine's Day, try something new while you experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment and cuisine in ode to the Queen Mary's Scottish legacy (the Queen Mary was constructed in Scotland). The two day festival (Saturday and Sunday) features stunning highland athletics and dancing, whiskey and beer tastings, authentic Scottish music, and plenty of delicious food. Daily festivities include Border Collie sheep-herding, firing demonstrations, performances by the Scots Greys Calvary, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Celtic Harp & Wren Iniquity Ensemble and historic re-enactments.
Celebrate Valentine's Day!
There's plenty to do and eat this Valentine's Day in Orange County! Make sure to visit our list of ideas for great Activities for Valentine's Day, and then follow it up with a romantic dinner with your loved one at our selections for the Best Places in Orange County for Valentine's Day Dinner. And, don't forget, there's also many Unique Shows and Plays To See On Valentine's Day In OC.
