Newport Beach, California Blog

What we have been waiting for - Nordstrom Fashion Island!

Kim — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:34:23 +0000

In exactly 1 week from today Nordstrom at Fashion Island will finally be open!! I have been counting down the days since they broke ground and started construction. Get ready to get gorgeous and pamper yourselves to a well deserved shopping day full of events.

If you stop by before the store’s opening at 10am, you will get the inside scoop on new products and trends from the top names in beauty, and learn the latest tips and tricks from the Nordstrom team of beauty experts. Then from 10 am- 4pm, Jerell Scott, one of the most likable designers on the show Project Runway- Season 3 will be there to answer questions about the inspiration behind his latest accessories line, True Birds.

Now if you are a self proclaimed “Nordie’s” shopper, like me, I suggest you wake up early and head down to Fashion Island to experience this amazing grand opening. And I have a gut feeling they are going to have a couple more surprises throughout the day! I am pretty sure you will not want to miss out on this fashion filled day!

Last Minute Easter Plans

Krystyl — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:47:03 +0000

Easter is only a few days away, what are your plans? Does endless champagne sound good, a full buffet with a variety of choices, or maybe even a cruise on the ocean? Check out the listings below to find out which restaurant or hotel accommodates your tastes to make your Easter memorable this year. Have a great Easter weekend with your family and friends!

Easter Champagne Brunch: Back Bay Bistro, Newport Dunes
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
(949) 729-1144
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
http://www.backbaybistronewportbeach.com/

Easter Brunch at the Five Crowns Restaurant
(949) 760-0331
3801 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar
http://www.lawrysonline.com/calendar.asp

Annual Easter Sunday Brunch with Fleming’s
11:30 am – 3 pm
(949) 720-9633
455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/enewsletter-March10/Easter/

Easter Brunch Buffet with 21Oceanfront
11 am-1 pm
(949) 673-2100
2100 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach
http://www.21oceanfront.com/easter-brunch

Easter Brunch on the Beach- Beachcomber Café at Crystal Cove
(949) 376-6900
15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast
http://www.thebeachcombercafe.com/_crystalcove/4-news_and_events/news_and_events_dynamic.aspx

Easter Sunday Buffet Brunch: Harborside Restaurant
(949) 673-4633
400 Main Street, Balboa Village
http://www.harborside-pavilion.com/default.aspx

Easter Sunday Brunch with Newport Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar
10 am- 2:00 pm
949-675-2373
503 E. Edgewater Ave. Balboa
http://www.newport-landing.com/calendar/calendar2.asp

Easter Sunday Brunch at El Torito Grill
9:00am-2:00pm
(949) 640-2875
951 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach
http://www.etgrill.com/

Easter Sunday Cruise & Brunch with the Hornblower
Boarding 11:30 am Cruising from 12:00 - 2:00 pm
1.888.Hornblower
Departing from 2431 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach
http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/overview/nb+Easter

Easter Champagne Brunch: Sol Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency
10 am to 2 pm
(949) 729-1234
1107 Jamboree Rd., Newport Beach,
http://www.newportbeach.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp#1880

Balboa Bay Club & Resort- two dining choices for brunch on Easter Sunday
The Grand Ballroom- Champagne Buffet Brunch- 10:00 am to 2:00pm
The First Cabin Restaurant- Serving “a la carte” Brunch- 10:30am to 2:00pm
(949) 645-5000
1221 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach 92663http://www.balboabayclub.com/?CFID=8010804&CFTOKEN=46868573

Story Book Easter Brunch with the Fairmont Hotel
10:30am-3:00pm
(949) 476-2001
4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach
http://www.fairmont.com/newportbeach/GuestServices/Restaurants

Easter Sunday Brunch at Palm Terrace Restaurant: Island Hotel
11 am- 2:30 pm
(949) 760-4920
690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
www.theislandhotel.com

Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch with Sam & Harry’s Restaurant: Newport Beach Marriot
9 am- 3pm
(949)729-6900
900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
http://www.samandharrys.com/newportbeach/index.html

“Pasqua con Noi” Easter Tasting with Andrea Restaurant: Resort at Pelican Hill
10:30a to 3:00pm
(949) 467-6800
22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast
http://www.pelicanhill.com/pdf/menus/AndreaEaster_3-17-10.pdf

Kim — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:32:29 +0000

I just came back from a wonderful window shopping tour of Fashion Island. I was both delighted and excited when I heard the news about the new Fluxus boutique opening at Fashion Island this Spring! If you’re as big of a Project Runway fan as I am you will be happy to know that the head designer is LA native and Project Runway Season 3 winner Jeffrey Sebelia. Fluxus is a casual brand known for its high quality t-shirts and soft knit pieces, as well as avant-garde pieces for men, women and kids. My favorite part is their unique use combinations of fabrics and washes that make their clothes comfortable to wear every occasion all season long.

Fluxus is worn by all the Hollywood trend setters including: Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson and Eva Longoria. It is chic, easy, daring, and affordable. And these days isn’t that one of the most crucial aspects when were out shopping for closet essentials or the perfect outfit to make a statement on our night out on the town?

Fluxus is causing a positive uproar in the fashion world with their down to earth philosophy and their super comfy, yet very stylish clothing. It is not just another brand, but a unique extension of the individual- blending and connecting all aspects of art and life. It is no wonder they have such a loyal celebrity following! But doesn’t this sound too good to be true, being able to afford to wear the same brand as celebrities? I promise it is, check it out for yourself if you don’t believe me! It will be located in a 1,329-square-foot space next to Nordstrom. Look for more details regarding the opening at Fashion Island this Spring.

Coming Soon to Newport; Famous Pizza & Green Luxury Cars

Daniel — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:59:55 +0000

Proving that Newport provides the best in “location, location, location” – two heavyweights in their own respect have been rumored to be settling into Newport Beach in the coming weeks. According to LA Weekly, the LA powerhouse pizzeria, ‘Pizzeria Mozza,’ the brainchild of popular Food Network and New York-based Chef Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton is coming to Newport. Having opened their LA location a couple of years ago, Newport’s version of Pizzeria Mozza will take over the former Dolce Ristorante space at 800 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. To that we say, salute!

Also on the Mariner’s Mile section of Newport Beach, luxury electric car maker Tesla Motors is set to make its Orange County debut, says OC Metro. Tesla already maintains locations in Los Angeles and San Diego, and would join Irvine-based Fiskler Automotive of Irvine, California as a local, green luxury car option.

Photos Courtesy of Pizzeria Mozza

Newport Beach Ranks #1 as “Top Wealth Center” According to Portfolio.com

Daniel — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:27:59 +0000

In a recent wealth study, Newport Beach, California edged out Newton, Massachusetts (near Boston) and over 400 major U.S. cities to claim its position as a ‘top wealth center.’ Survey considerations included households with incomes over $200,000 and home worth of over $1 million. This newest accolade for Newport Beach brings to light the enormous pride of ownership and community that extends to the visitor and tourist experience, ensuring that a safe, clean and pleasant stay is enjoyed by all.

More on the accolade here: http://www.portfolio.com/business-news/us-uncovered/2010/02/22/top-american-wealth-centers-clustered-in-california/

Newport’s Newest Addition to a Neighborhood Favorite - Five Crowns’ SideDoor

Katie — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:50:58 +0000

Five Crown’s in Corona del Mar has added another spot for friends to gather and enjoy quality bites. SideDoor, an authentic English gastropub, was a must visit for my co-workers and I as we already had fallen in love with it’s landmark counterpart. Opening M-Sat at 4:30pm and Sun at 10am, we couldn’t have rushed over soon enough. The menu items were great for sharing with a focus on artisan cheeses, roast beef sliders, and toasted pressed sandwiches. Staying true to its gastropub name, we sipped on craft beers and a variety of wines - although they also had a pretty tempting signature cocktail menu as well. Enjoy the comfort and warmth of this new neighborhood pub - I know we did!

3801 E Coast Highway, Corona del Mar (Enter on Poppy)

(949) 717-4322; www.sidedoorcdm.com

Spend your Valentine’s Day in Newport Beach!

Krystyl — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:26:35 +0000

Valentine’s Day is almost here, do you have plans? Whether you are celebrating this holiday with your significant other or your friends, Newport Beach has something for everyone. Below is a list of things to do, places to eat, and most importantly where to stay on this romantic night. Happy Valentines Day!

Events & Dining

Pacific Symphony presents Valentine’s Day with Chris Botti
Dates: Feb. 11, 2010 - Feb. 13, 2010
Times: Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m.
Category: Arts & Culture
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
Phone: (714) 556-2787 , www.OCPAC.org

Five Crowns Offers Four Day Valentine’s Celebration
Dates: Feb. 11, 2010 - Feb. 14, 2010
Category: Holiday
Location: Five Crowns Restaurant, 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, Ca
Phone: (949) 760-0331 , www.lawrysonline.com

Pacific Chorale presents a Romantic Affair
Dates: Feb. 12, 2010 - Feb. 12, 2010
Times: Friday at 8 p.m.
Category: Arts & Culture
Location: Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
Phone: (714) 556-2787 , www.OCPAC.org

Valentine’s Day Cruises with Hornblower
Dates: Feb. 12, 2010 - Feb. 14, 2010
Category: Holiday
Location: Hornblower Cruises & Events, 2431 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, Ca 92663
Phone: (949) 646-0155 , www.hornblower.com

SOL Cocina’s Valentine’s Menus
Dates: Feb. 12, 2010 - Feb. 14, 2010
Times: Dinner
Category: Holiday
Location: SOL Cocina, 251 Pacific Coast Highway , Newport Beach, Ca 92660
Phone: (949) 675-9800, www.solcocina.com

Valentine’s Menu at Yardhouse
Dates: Feb. 12, 2010 - Feb. 14, 2010
Times: Dinner
Category: Holiday
Location: Yard House, 849 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, Ca 92660
Phone: (949) 640-9273 , www.yardhouse.com

Pre-Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise
Dates: Feb. 13, 2010 - Feb. 13, 2010
Times: Boarding at 6:30 p.m., Cruising 7:00 - 10 p.m.
Category: Holiday
Location: American Yacht Charters, 2901 W. Coast Hwy., #190, Newport Beach, Ca 92663
Phone: (949) 673-4453 , www.aycharters.com

Spend Valentine’s Day with 21 Oceanfront
Dates: Feb. 14, 2010 - Feb. 14, 2010
Times: Sunday, 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Category: Holiday
Location: 21 Oceanfront Restaurant, 2100 W. Oceanfront , Newport Beach, Ca 92663
Phone: (949) 673-2100 , www.21oceanfront.com

Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise
Dates: Feb. 14, 2010 - Feb. 14, 2010
Times: Boarding at 5:00 pm, Cruising 5:30-8:30 pm
Category: Holiday
Location: American Yacht Charters, 2901 W. Coast Hwy., #190, Newport Beach, Ca 92663
Phone: (949) 673-4453 , www.aycharters.com
Valentine’s Day Lunch Cruise
Dates: Feb. 14, 2010 - Feb. 14, 2010
Times: Boarding 1:00 p.m., Cruise 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Category: Holiday
Location: American Yacht Charters, 2901 W. Coast Hwy., #190, Newport Beach, Ca 92663
Phone: (949) 673-4453 , www.aycharters.com

Packages

Amour Package at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Rate: Package rates starting at $164 per night
http://www.newportbeach.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/offers/index.jsp
1107 Jamboree Rd., (949) 729-1234

Valentine’s Day Package with Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Expiration Date: 02/14/2010
Rate: $299 plus applicable taxes & fees
(800) 233-1234 or www.newportbeach.hyatt.com
1107 Jamboree Rd., (949) 729-1234

Escape Romance Package in California (Bayview)
Rate: Rates from $139-$159
PROMOTIONAL CODE: ROM
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/npbst-newport-beach-marriott-bayview/?offerInfo=458635
500 Bayview Cr., (949) 854-4500

Make You Heart Go “Twitter-patter” Valentine’s Day Package (Fairmont)
Rate: Rates staring at $199 per night
For more information www.fairmont.com/newportbeach
4500 MacArthur Blvd., (949) 476-2001

Romantic Escapes at Island Hotel
Rate: Starting at $399
Romantic Escape Package is available February 12, 13 and 14, 2010, starting at $399 (tax and gratuities not included and package based on availability). Please call for reservations.
690 Newport Center Dr., (949) 759-0808

Romance Special - 15% OFF Gondola Adventures
Rate: 15% Off
Certificates are not valid on holidays or from February 12-15, but can be used any other time of the year. Mention promo code VGC10 when you purchase your certificate.
www.gondola.com
3101 W. Coast Hwy., (949) 646-2067

Romantic Getaway in Newport Beach (Radisson)
Rate: $159 per night
4545 MacArthur Blvd., (949) 833-0570
http://www.radisson.com/offers/2620325/rad

Romantic Valentine’s Day Cruises (Hornblower)
Rate: $35-99 per person plus tax
www.hornblower.com
2431 W. Coast Hwy., (949) 646-0155

Valentine’s Day Package with Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Rate: $299 plus applicable taxes & fees
www.newportbeach.hyatt.com
1107 Jamboree Rd., (949) 729-1234

Valentine’s Day Packages at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort
Rate: See below
Valentine’s Weekend Package
Luxurious Guest Room, Champagne and 6 chocolate covered strawberries for two, breakfast for two, and valet parking at the resort.
Rates per night
Standard $299
Courtyard $349
Bay View $399
Special Valentine’s Day Rate (Room only)
Standard $199
Courtyard $249
Bay View $299
Spa Indulgence Package
Two-night minimum & includes luxurious guest room, $200 spa credit, breakfast for two, valet parking. The Spa credit can be applied to any treatment including our deep tissue or gentle massages, body scrubs, facials, and we will be featuring a Rose Petal massage for the romantics in all of us. Rates per night as follows:
Standard $339
Courtyard $389
Bay View $439
For more information www.balboabayclub.com
1221 W. Coast Hwy., (949) 645-5000

Valentine’s Day Packages at The Resort at Pelican Hill

The Bubbly Bublé
Starting at $595 for a garden view bungalow guest room with early check in and late check out.
Lady in Red
Starting at $795 for a garden view bungalow guestroom with early check in and late check out.
“Some Enchanted Evening” -
Starting at $1,100 for a spacious two-bedroom Villa with early check in and late check out.
“A Dreamy Proposal”-
Available February 12th & 13th, this package for two is $10,000 for a spacious three-bedroom Villa with early check in and late check out, and including all taxes and gratuities.
Lover’s Golf Day Package:
Starting at $550 per couple.
For more information www.pelicanhill.com
22701 Pelican Hill Road South, (949) 467-6800

Valentine’s Shop and Spa in Newport Beach Package (Marriott)
Rate: Package rates per night from $284
Be sure that the promotional code SPA appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 1-800-228-9290 in the US and ask for promotional code SPA.
For more information www.newportstay.com
900 Newport Center Dr., (949) 640-4000

Valentine’s Special with Best Western Newport Beach
Rate: $179 per night
www.bwnewportbeachinn.com
6208 W. Coast Hwy., (949) 642-8252

Fly Me Away…The Good Ole’ Canadian Way

Daniel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:32 +0000

Newport Beach is getting ready to welcome our neighbors to the north with open arms as Air Canada begins direct, non-stop service from Toronto beginning April 6, 2010. The flight is set to be the only international flight to and from Orange County and is surely to benefit our local Newport Beach tourism industry. The year-round service will operate on an Airbus A319. The daily flight will leave John Wayne at 8AM and arrive at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport at 3:41PM local time and the Toronto to Orange County segment will depart from Pearson International at 5:50PM, arriving at John Wayne at 8:01.

We can’t wait to welcome our Canadian neighbors to sunny Newport!

*Photo Credit to John Wayne Airport

Get On Que for the Academy Awards

Kim — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:50:14 +0000

If you are one of the fortunate souls invited to attend the Academy Awards this year or perhaps attending an Academy Awards Party, but think you can’t afford to look like you are about to walk down the red carpet…think again! On Que in Newport Beach can style you in all the latest designer brands at a fraction of the cost. How you ask…..the clothes, bags, jewelry and shoes are either slightly worn or samples. The fashionistas have been keeping these kinds of shops a big secret for a long time and recession has made them more popular than ever. I stroll in from time to time and find the shop absolutely amazing. The Merchandise ranges from Robert Cavalli, Manolos, Chanel, YSL, to Tiffany & Co. jewelry…it is all there. I am told that even OC Housewife Alexis Bellino shops there! There you have it. On Que Style is located at 2900 E. Coast Hwy. in Corona del Mar. Their website is www.onquestyle.com. Check it out!

A Restaurant in Newport Beach Deserves an A+ for Nightlife

Krystyl — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:30:11 +0000

A group of 10 of my closest friends were trying to determine a fun nightlife/restaurant off the peninsula (trying to change it up a little since we seem to be regulars at most of these hotspots) for a birthday celebration dinner. After much debate - between the firepit at Javier’s and the vibe at A Restaurant - we decided that the revamped Arches historical building was the perfect place for our intimate group dinner. We were even more pleasantly surprised when it was brought to our attention that they were a Newport Beach Restaurant Week participant which allowed us to select from a variety of entree options on their pre-fixe menu. I was impressed by the attentive service and the privacy of the table which was tucked away in the back corner - but still strategically located right next to the bar! The night was a perfect balance of a fine dining experience mixed with old Hollywood charm that makes you want to grab a dirty martini.

A Restaurant & A Market

3334 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach

(949) 650-6505