Merrilee herself was an OG hippie in Huntington's more free-flowing days. Of course! She made bikinis for all her fellow hippie chicks. Of course! Now it's a quite successful business. That worked ... read more
Designer with a pedigree (rare in Laguna, perhaps) has gone appointment-only. Buy her stuff (animal prints, lots of color and clashy-matchy textures and patterns, chunky accessories) or the Italian... read more
At the bar, in the lounge, or amongst the flora, service is great and the drinks are quick. Hotel location means ordering a Blue Daiquiri or a Zombie is just going with the flow. Check out the "tap... read more
So, you've heard of photobooths. But these here are a whole different animal. A plethora of machines from which to choose, some that have monkey bar sets, some that are relatively simple and just h... read more
In Orange County, there's no shame in a mall location. Especially if it's as girly as can be. As in, they offer cupcakes when they're hosting events. And a sale counts as an event. Good prices (if ... read more
Yeah, it's right on campus. Care for some eye candy with your beer? UCI's best and brightest unwind where the beer flows. Good on its own right, not just a cheap stop for students. Rare beer select... read more
Opened to much fanfare not too, too long ago, but with a wicked mean door policy there's not much hope for continued popularity. (There's exclusivity, and then there's just being snotty.) Some seem... read more
Part of a small chain whose aim appears to be taking over the suburbs, and incorporating some flair into the staid activity that is bowling. All manner of food, but not necessarily memorable. All m... read more
Even a vegetarian could be happy with a kebab plate: the sides are just enormous. Skewers of beef, chicken and lamb or chunks of meat in lime, pomegranate or walnut sauce. Broiled tomatoes, salads,... read more
Korean barbecue is carnivore heaven, bar none. Sure, the sides are good, but the main attraction is where it's at. Cuts of cow sliced thin for your grilling pleasure: throw in on the table top gril... read more
Another one of Orange County's expensive clothing boutiques opened by a woman working on second or third career. This one's next to a grocery store. Maybe they're just saving money on rent. It mean... read more
A fairly standard neighborhood joint with friendly service, pool, and plenty of sports. A number of screens and, of all things, projectors, means everybody gets to watch their game. No need to leav... read more
Some people think it's funky, but the riders can't get enough: fill up with coffee, buy more gear. The huge bike store (and rental joint) has a cafe with all kinds of beans and drinks, some with su... read more
It's Southern California. Ladies be showin' some skin. But it's somewhat classy: nothing's X-rated. It's in a mall, after all. Most goods are in-house brand, but a few other labels show up as well.... read more
Enjoy that pad thai with stemware and white tablecloths. The menu is fairly basic but extensive: find something for everyone, but try the Crying Tiger. It's steak. Sit down to wonton strips and pea... read more
Food is of the noncommital "pan-Asian" variety, which means elaborate sushi rolls and various fried dishes and heavily sauced items. It's fine, whatever, but here a little pricey for what comes on ... read more
As much as the O.C. kids like to make the trip up to L.A., sometimes that just isn't possible. Proof is a pretty good stand-in. Of course, it'll never be as organically hip as L.A., but it's got al... read more
A tiny cute little place that serves rather more manly portions. The proprietors seem especially proud of the ribs, but it's the sides that get most people talking. Pretzel bread, baked beans and s... read more
Not just any one thing. A whole lot happening here, but they try to keep it chill and they kind of have to. The spa-goers in the back probably wouldn't like it otherwise. The shop includes every ma... read more
A go-to special occasion restaurant in town. Not too expensive, but just elegant enough to make it work. And memorable, too. The exuberant older gentleman playing the synthesizer is a joy, even if ... read more
Merrilee herself was an OG hippie in Huntington's more free-flowing...
Designer with a pedigree (rare in Laguna, perhaps) has gone appoint...
At the bar, in the lounge, or amongst the flora, service is great a...
So, you've heard of photobooths. But these here are a whole differe...
In Orange County, there's no shame in a mall location. Especially i...