Blog
il Girasole Turns Thanksgiving Into a Day of Giving Back
12.12.25
As Orange County’s modern Italian favorite il Girasole approached its one year anniversary, owner and visionary Antonio Bevacqua set out to make Thanksgiving Day about more than a meal. His goal was to create an experience rooted in heart, purpose, and community impact. In searching for a local organization that could help connect with those in need, il Girasole found an ideal partner in The Hub OC.
A nonprofit organization, The Hub OC provides resources and programming designed to meet the physical, relational, and emotional needs of individuals and families throughout Orange County and beyond. Through a strategic partnership with Holiday Zimmerman, CEO of The Hub OC, il Girasole opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day to welcome guests of all ages for a traditional holiday meal served in the warmth and dignity of a private restaurant setting.
Thanks to generous contributions from several of the restaurant’s vendors and the il Girasole team members who volunteered their time, the day came together as a meaningful celebration of nourishment and connection. While closing the restaurant on a major holiday meant sacrificing important revenue for a young business, the team embraced the decision fully and plans to make the Thanksgiving meal an annual tradition.
“It has been a dream of mine to bring this experience to life, and it proved to be profoundly rewarding,” Bevacqua said. “I speak for our entire team when I say we are grateful to have made a meaningful difference in our community. Our day of giving back and giving thanks was soul food for us.”
Located at SOCO and The OC Mix, il Girasole has quickly become a destination for modern Italian cuisine in Orange County. The seasonal menu highlights California’s bounty, featuring vegetables sourced from local farmers markets, wild caught sustainable seafood, and meats selected from small, ethically responsible farms. Each dish reflects a thoughtful balance of Italian tradition and Southern California sensibility, complemented by a carefully curated selection of wines and cocktails that complete the refined dining experience.
Follow on Instagram at @ilgirasole_oc.
iL Girasole is located at 3321 Hyland Ave, Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Blog
Holiday Lights Boat Cruise Aboard Pendry Newport Beach’s Private Yacht
12.09.25
Pendry Newport Beach has introduced a new holiday experience aboard its private yacht, Aperitivo. The Holiday Lights Boat Cruise is now available for locals and hotel guests to book, offering an intimate tour of Newport Harbor’s charming holiday light displays and coastal décor. Your private boat charter will begin on the front drive of Pendry Newport Beach. Roundtrip transportation from the resort to the boat located at the Balboa Bay Club is included.
The evening begins at Pendry Newport Beach with complimentary valet parking. Guests will be transferred to Balboa Bay Club in Cadillac hotel vehicles before boarding the 34 foot yacht. The cruise includes a champagne toast, hot cocoa, apple cider, sweet treats, savory bites, blankets, holiday music and scenic views of the harbor. The entire experience may be booked for up to four hours and accommodates up to ten guests.
Newport Harbor is known for its festive spirit. The cruise provides an up close look at the waterfront homes, yachts and displays that define a Southern California holiday. A curated holiday playlist and seasonal treats set a celebratory tone throughout the evening.
Guests are asked to meet at the hotel front desk 30 minutes prior to the scheduled charter time for transportation. Food and beverage services may be added for an additional charge. The earlier departure time includes sunset views.
For more information visit, pendry.com.
690 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach.
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