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
A Coastal Take on Christmas at Huntington Holiday House
12.10.25
The Huntington Beach House has transformed its oceanfront venue into The Huntington Holiday House, bringing a coastal spin to Christmas cheer in Southern California. Now through January 4, the seasonal pop-up blends holiday magic with Surf City culture. Guests can enjoy themed food and drinks, photo moments, and festive fun for families and friends right on the sand at Huntington State Beach.
Santa Claus will appear throughout the month for beachside photos leading up to Christmas. Select evenings will feature live music to create a cozy and festive atmosphere by the ocean.
The menu is designed for chilly beach nights with dishes like birria ramen, French onion soup pot roast, chicken piccata, and a hearty Soup SZN lineup. Brunch favorites return with a holiday twist, including Christmas cereal French toast, cinnamon rolls, and eggnog pancakes. Guests 21 and over can sip holiday beverages such as mulled wine, buttered rum, Dirty Dr Pepper, and housemade Baileys served over a coffee ice block.
The Huntington Holiday House is open now through January 4, 2026. Families, friends, and pets are welcome to experience a cozy coastal Christmas with themed food, activities, and beachfront holiday magic. For hours, event details, and updates, visit thehbhouse.com.
21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach.
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from the blog
- 12.12.25 – il Girasole Turns Thanksgiving Into a Day of Giving Back
- 12.10.25 – A Coastal Take on Christmas at Huntington Holiday House
- 12.09.25 – Holiday Lights Boat Cruise Aboard Pendry Newport Beach’s Private Yacht
- 12.09.25 – Celebrate the Holidays at CasaDami on the Waterfront
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