Blog

Summer at Chefschool
07.01.16
Young chefs looking for a fun, hands-on culinary experience can join the new chefschool summer cooking camps for kids and teens at the Hood Kitchen in Costa Mesa. It’s ideal for kids in elementary, junior high and high school. From basics to international and even baking classes, kids participate in week-long, half day camps with a unique 4:1 student to teacher ratio.
In the basics class, kids will learn real cooking skills (knife skills, recipes, chemistry of cooking, chef-approved techniques) and real recipes - no "kiddie" recipes. All with healthy, wholesome ingredients and no packaged foods. The international cooking class will explore classic cooking from a different county, while learning basic cooking skills. The classes will focus on the foods of France, Italy, Greece, Thailand and Mexico. The baking classes will include classic baking techniques and an understanding of the chemistry behind baking.
Camp is $325 per week with a 5% discount ($309/week) when registering siblings or additional weeks of camp. Space is limited.
For more information and how to register for classes, call Chef Heidi Ristau at 714.474.6147 or email at info@chefschooloc.com or heidi@chefschooloc.com
The Hood Kitchen is at 350 Clinton Suite A in Costa Mesa.
Blog

Fourth of July Fireworks in OC
06.30.16
Looking for some great places to view fireworks on the Fourth of July? Here are some of our top picks.
Disneyland Park
After spending the day with Mickey and friends, enjoy one of the most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks displays Orange County has to offer. A Fourth of July ‘Concert in the Sky’ combines patriotic music with bursts of red, white and blue to celebrate the land of the free and home of the brave, starting at 9:30 p.m.
1313 Disneyland Drive in Anaheim. 714.781.7277.
Anaheim Hills 4th of July Celebration
Be a part of the full day festivities on Monday, July 4th at the Anaheim Hills Celebration. The Anaheim Hills Celebration will host a variety of events for the whole family including: a 5K/10K run at 7 a.m. at Canyon High School, a pancake breakfast, a holiday parade at Peralta Park, and much more. You will also have the chance to catch some live music from 5 p.m. until the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
220 S. Imperial Hwy in Anaheim. 714.765.5233.
Knott’s Berry Farm 4th of July Fireworks
Spend the day with Snoopy and friends as you enjoy live entertainment during the day and top it off with a fireworks spectacular at night. Leading up to the firework finale, the Mountain Fife and Drum Corps will be marching through select areas of the Park at 2:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. with their patriotic music taking you all the way back to 1776. The Salute to America Fireworks Show will light up the night sky at 10 p.m.
8039 Beach Blvd. in Buena Park. 714.220.5200.
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks
Voted by readers of the OC Register as one of the best places to celebrate the 4th of July, Huntington Beach offers more than just a spectacular firework show. Each year Huntington Beach puts together the longest parade west of the Mississippi River, a multi-day festival, and a firework show off of the pier with a view that’s near impossible to beat. The celebration also includes a 5K run/walk and a pancake breakfast on the morning of July 4th.
103 Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. 714.536.5431.
Star-Spangled Groovy Fest
Newport Beach offers a range of entertaining activities and events to celebrate the Fourth of July including: an incredible fireworks display at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina – a two-day festival with live music featuring Tom Solis Band, Mirage (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band), local artisans, merchants and a family fun zone. Those in attendance will find plenty of great food options from local food trucks scattered throughout the event.
1131 Back Bay Drive in Newport Beach. 949.729.3863.
Independence Day Celebration
Santa Ana will once again host their 4th of July celebration beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Centennial Park. This event will not only have plenty of family-friendly fun like face painting and a “Kid Zone Play Area,” but will also pay tribute to our Armed Forces to recognize the true importance of Independence Day. The firework show will begin at 9 p.m. sharp but make sure to arrive early to stake out your spot. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to be as comfortable as possible during the show.
Centennial Park is at 3000 W. Edinger Ave. in Santa Ana. 714.571.4254.
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from the blog
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- 07.13.26 – Amorelia Cocina Artesanal Brings the Flavors of Michoacán to Laguna Beach
- 07.13.26 – Via Lido Plaza Hosts Stars, Stripes & Summer Celebration July 17-18
- 07.12.26 – Casa Romantica’s Summer Lineup Features Concerts, Movies and Family Fun
- 07.08.26 – A True Full-Circle Moment: Artist Brothers Use ChatGPT to Help Create Bonita Canyon’s 50th Anniversary Mural
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- 07.08.26 – Noble Ace Debuts in Laguna Beach’s Historic Heisler Building
- 07.05.26 – Pageant of the Masters Returns to Laguna Beach With ‘The Greatest of All Time’
- 07.05.26 – Earl of Sandwich Opens New Flagship at Downtown Disney
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- 06.28.26 – Fourth of July in Orange County: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
- 06.26.26 – ‘Gala of the Stars’ Returns to Segerstrom for 17th Year
- 06.23.26 – Del Mar’s 2026 Summer Racing Season Opens July 17
- 06.19.26 – Sherman Library & Gardens Introduces Hazeltine’s and New Afternoon Tea Experience
- 06.17.26 – BURN Opens First OC Location in Newport Beach
- 06.14.26 – The Curated Life Brings French Charm to Laguna Beach
- 06.12.26 – Father’s Office Chef Sang Yoon Debuts Tiny’s Burger at South Coast Plaza
- 06.10.26 – Live on the Lawn Returns to Fashion Island This Summer
- 06.08.26 – SEASON Makes Dinner Planning Easy
- 06.07.26 – Wild Fork Hosts World Cuts Sampling Events in OC
