Dining
Cakes, breads and coffee, oh my!
10.24.09
If you haven’t already joined the hordes of sweet-toothed fiends at 85C Bakery in Irvine, we can give you a few delicious reasons: The cakes at 85C (85 degrees - reportedly the ideal temperature at which coffee should be served) are a delightful alternative to the overly sweet ones found at regular supermarkets and bakeries. Our favorites so far are the Strawberry Cream and Strawberry Tiramisu—with light frosting whipped into airy perfection and studded with sweet berries. The pretty 8-inch cakes go for $28 a pop, but they’re worth it. Then there’s the scores of pastries, savory breads stuffed with hot dogs and cheese to sweet, fluffy buns filled with blueberry cream cheese or milk custard for under $2 each. Another out-of-the-ordinary pick? The sea salt coffee, one of 85C’s signature beverage offerings. Don’t be turned off by the lines snaking out of the bustling shop, especially on the weekends. Just grab a tray and wait to pile up the goods.
85C is located at 2700 Alton Pkwy, Ste 123 (Diamond Jamboree Center) in Irvine
949.553.8585
[url=http://www.85cafe.us]http://www.85cafe.us[/url]
Hot Pot Wonders
10.19.09
Now that the weather’s finally getting cooler, nothing’s more comforting than a hot pot of meat and noodles, and a fun, do-it-yourself-meal at that. California Shabu-Shabu was the first Japanese hot-pot style restaurant to open in Orange County in Fountain Valley in 1997. Since then, similar shabu-shabu houses have popped up all over Southern California. Now, there’s a second California Shabu-Shabu location in Costa Mesa.
The idea is simple: Sit at a slick U-shaped bar. A pot of water is brought out to you at your tabletop burner, along with plates of thinly sliced meat, seafood or tofu, noodles, vegetables and assorted dipping sauces. Dip your meats carefully into the boiling water to cook, usually two or three swishes is all it takes—and then dip into the citrusy Ponzu sauce or savory sesame sauce. For you spicy lovers, ask for the secret, potently hot chili oil to kick things up a notch. California Shabu-Shabu is at 801 Baker St., Costa Mesa. 714.540.1888.
More Daily Doses
- 04.30.24 – Peel Craftbar & Kitchen’s Cinco de Mayo Specials: Sophisticated Culinary Cocktails
- 04.17.24 – Earth Day Celebration: Vegan Sushi & Organic Cocktails at Ocean Prime Beverly Hills
- 05.24.23 – Rare Society Steakhouse Opens in San Clemente, Blending Vintage Charm with Modern Flair
- 05.22.23 – The Country Club Debuts Vibrant New Seasonal Menus
- 04.13.23 – Sustainable Beast Feast Dinner at CUCINA enoteca
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 05.02.25 – Hilton Anaheim Debuts Hansen’s Market
- 05.01.25 – Celebrate Mom at Casa Palmero, a Hidden Gem at Pebble Beach
- 04.30.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day with Brunch, Flamenco, and Champagne at Café Sevilla
- 04.28.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
- 04.25.25 – Play for Gray Charity Pickleball Tournament Returns May 17
- 04.25.25 – Trevor’s at the Tracks Launches Farm-to-Table Program with Two Local Farms
- 04.24.25 – Descanso Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Four Days of Food, Cocktails, and Festivities
- 04.23.25 – A Weekend Escape to Catalina Island Just Got Even Better
- 04.23.25 – 2025 Breeders’ Cup Returns to Del Mar: Tickets On Sale Now
- 04.23.25 – Up to 80% Off at the Beach Riot Warehouse Sale in Tustin
- 04.23.25 – Score Up to 70% Off at the Zumiez Warehouse Sale in Santa Ana
- 04.20.25 – Burger Boss Introduces Halal Poultry, Salmon and Meal Deals
- 04.18.25 – Floral Park’s 32nd Annual Home & Garden Tour Returns April 26–27
- 04.17.25 – Avila’s El Ranchito in Newport Beach Celebrates 50 Years
- 04.17.25 – Easter Fun at VEA Newport Beach
- 04.16.25 – VIP Garden at LAWineFest – A Premier Tasting Experience!
- 04.15.25 – Don’t Miss the First 3rd Thursday in CdM
- 04.13.25 – Bar Becky Hosts Bougie Easter Brunch in Long Beach
- 04.10.25 – Experience a Little Part of Cuba This Easter at Habana
- 04.09.25 – Easter Brunch, Egg Hunts and More at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
More Daily Doses
- 04.29.25 – Mother’s Day Dining and Experiences in Orange County
- 04.25.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 04.24.25 – Monaco Italian Kitchen Brings Neapolitan Pizzas and Housemade Pastas to Irvine
- 04.23.25 – South Coast Plaza Celebrates 35 Years of Southern California’s Premier Garden Show
- 04.20.25 – The District at Tustin Legacy Hosts Earth Day Celebration
- 04.17.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point
- 04.15.25 – Easter Hoppenings in Orange County
- 04.11.25 – Fashion Island Welcomes a New Season of Style
- 04.10.25 – Celebrate Easter Sunday with Brunch at Top Orange County Resorts
- 04.09.25 – Savor Easter Sunday at These South Coast Plaza Restaurants
- 04.07.25 – Now Open: Vox Kitchen & Bar at South Coast Plaza
- 04.06.25 – Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season
- 04.01.25 – Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner Returns to Tanaka Farms – May 3, 2025
- 03.31.25 – Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 03.30.25 – Pasta Sisters Expands to Costa Mesa Kitchens
- 03.28.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years in Corona del Mar with Spring Events
- 03.25.25 – Dr. Jennifer Armstrong: Subtle, Beautiful Results That Make All the Difference
- 03.21.25 – Legendary Ramen Nagi Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.20.25 – Escape to Relaxation: A Spa Day at Pacific Waters Spa
- 03.19.25 – Spring Dining Experiences at Patina Restaurant Group in Downtown Disney
