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Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’

05.05.26

Alabaster International is making its Orange County debut with a community event on Thursday, May 15, 2026, at Deli Nerds in Costa Mesa. The nonprofit supports the health, nutrition and empowerment of indigenous women and families in East Africa and Sri Lanka, and this gathering offers a meaningful way for the local community to connect with its mission.

Titled Her Light & Legacy | An Evening with Alabaster International, the event introduces the organization to Orange County while building momentum for a larger fundraising gala planned for September 12, 2026.

The day begins with an all-day dine-out fundraiser, with 10 percent of all food purchases at Deli Nerds benefiting Alabaster International’s programs. The evening program runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and includes light bites and champagne, remarks from founder and CEO Shannon Fernando-Rubera, and interactive experiences such as the “Wall of Women” storytelling display and “I Believe in Her” card activity. Guests can also take part in raffle drawings, browse select silent auction items and find opportunities to give.

Admission is complimentary, with suggested donations welcomed. Space is limited, and advance RSVP through Eventbrite is encouraged.

Founded in 2012, Alabaster International partners with local communities and NGOs to deliver sustainable, community-driven solutions across healthcare, nutrition, food security, female entrepreneurship and education. Its work spans Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sri Lanka, with a focus on equipping women with the tools and resources needed to strengthen their communities for generations.

“This event is about connection, bringing the stories and the work we do globally right here to Orange County,” said Fernando-Rubera. “We’re excited to meet our local community, share how women-led initiatives create lasting change, and build support for even greater impact through our September gala.”

The May 15 event offers an approachable way to learn more, meet the founder and connect with others supporting women around the world.

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ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente

04.29.26

ILYA has introduced Sunday brunch, now served weekly from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in San Clemente. The new offering brings Chef Charbel Hayek’s Mediterranean perspective to a relaxed coastal setting, pairing classic brunch dishes with flavors rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Set inside a light-filled dining room with an open-air patio, brunch begins with shareable starters. A bread basket arrives with house-baked pita, focaccia, and sourdough served with za’atar butter. The ILYA mezze features hummus, muhammara, baba ghanouj, marinated olives, crudités, and warm pita. Additional starters include West Coast oysters with pear mignonette, barramundi carpaccio with lemon thyme vinaigrette, beef tartare, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and avocado toast on sourdough.

Salads range from an endive salad with Humboldt Fog goat cheese and candied walnuts to a classic Greek salad and a truffle market salad with seasonal greens and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Egg dishes include shakshuka with tomato and eggplant, çılbır eggs with yogurt and spiced butter, and a French omelette with Emmental cheese. For something sweet, the menu offers pain perdu with salted caramel and berries and pancakes with whipped butter, maple syrup, and fresh berries.

Heartier options include steak and eggs with prime bavette and potatoes, steak frites with sauce au poivre, whole branzino with beurre blanc, and a 35-day dry-aged ribeye designed for sharing. Sides such as seasonal fruit, applewood bacon, chicken apple sausage, French fries, and patatas bravas round out the menu.

Brunch finishes with desserts including tiramisu, a lemon tart with basil cream and hazelnut praline, and baba au rhum with crème Chantilly and cherry.

Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
1502 S El Camino Real in San Clemente.
Reservations: Available at https://ILYArestaurant.com

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