Blog
Global Gelato Brand Expands to Orange County
10.24.24
Global gelato brand Gelatissimo is opening two new stores in Orange County as part of its U.S. expansion, adding to existing locations in Houston and Hawaii.
Known for its artisanal flavors, wholesome ingredients, and made-fresh-in-store ethos, Gelatissimo operates more than 65 stores worldwide, generating millions in revenue. The company just opened a flagship store on Balboa Island, followed by a second location at Irvine’s University Center in November.
CEO Braeden Lord sees Orange County as a key market in their global strategy. Local franchisees Rey and Sarah Maninang were drawn to the brand’s proven success and superior product. “We were blown away by the flavor and creaminess; the mango tastes like biting into a real mango,” said Maninang.
Gelatissimo is famous for its collaborations with brands like Hershey’s and Lindt and will celebrate the Balboa Island opening with a locally-inspired choc-banana flavor. Popular offerings include Mango Sorbet, Chunky New York Cheesecake, and Wicked Double Choc Brownie.
The brand’s dedication to quality has earned it top awards, including sweeping the 2024 World Dairy Championship for its Chocolate, Boysenberry Swirl, and Hazelnut flavors. With lower-fat options, vegan, and allergy-friendly choices, Gelatissimo is set to become a go-to destination for Orange County locals.
Blog
Weekend Brunch at Benny and Mary’s in Irvine: Elevated Classics and Bold Flavors
10.23.24
Benny and Mary’s, located in Irvine, brings its bold style and incredible energy to Weekend Brunch, offering a menu of elevated classics with a unique twist on the familiar. Available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the brunch menu complements their lunch and dinner options by showcasing the remarkable flavors of locally sourced ingredients and sustainable cooking practices that highlight their exceptional quality and freshness.
The brunch menu features flavorful dishes like Avocado Towers Toast with sliced avocado, garden pickled radishes, grapefruit segments, radish sprouts, everything bagel seasoning, and eggs your way on country sourdough, and Huevos Rancheros with two eggs, roasted tomatillo salsa, black bean purée, avocado crema, lime pickled radish salad, and fried jalapeño.
Traditional brunch classics are elevated in offerings such as Mary's Frenchie Feast, featuring brown butter-fried French toast with mango lassi, fresh sliced stone fruit, and toasted coconut, and Lobster Benedict with split lobster tail, lemon-chive aioli, arugula, poached eggs, and Benny's hollandaise. Plant-based selections include favorites like the California Burrito filled with Just Egg, potatoes, avocado, pico de gallo, vegan chipotle aioli, and vegan cheddar.
No brunch is complete without a signature cocktail – the perfect Mary to your Benny. In addition to the classic Bloody Mary, guests can enjoy a Milk Punch made with Argonaut Saloon Straight brandy, Coruba dark rum, orgeat, cinnamon, heavy cream, and allspice, or an Old Cuban with Royal Standard white rum, Prosecco, mint, lime, and simple syrup.
Benny and Mary’s is open daily at Irvine Towers (18420 Von Karman Avenue). Weekend Brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Current hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information and reservations, please visit bennyandmarys.com.
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