The Dose

THE LAB Celebrates 25 Years of Anti-Mallism

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By Greer Wylder
July 20, 2018

The shopping mecca that changed it all in OC for anyone looking for some character and a non-commercial vibe is The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. And now, it's celebrating 25 years of “anti-mallism” including special celebratory music performances, communal dining experiences and rotating art installations in abundance starting this summer through year-end. In 1993, Shaheen and Linda Sadeghi created The LAB retail experiment as a bohemian, “hang out” shopping experience anchored by youthful, like-minded, complimentary and curated entrepreneurs – in protest to the homogenized retailing of the time. Although breaking away from careers in the apparel industry into a…

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Former Taco Maria Sous Chef at Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen

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By Greer Wylder
July 19, 2018

The hot new Playa Mesa in Costa Mesa just celebrated its grand opening last week with executive chef Roland Rubalcava overseeing the kitchen. Rubalcava graduated from the Art Institute of Orange County Culinary program in 2005 after spending many years at his family’s taquerias and Mexican markets. Following his culinary training at the Art Institute, Rubalcava worked his way up the ranks at various leading restaurants throughout the county and most recently as sous chef at the highly acclaimed and Best Mexican Restaurant recipient, Taco Maria. Rubalcava’s acknowledgments include making OC Weekly’s Top 100 Dishes with his “Sonoran Dog” which…

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Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate at Festival of Arts

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By Greer Wylder
July 18, 2018

Chocolate, wine, and all that jazz sweetens up the Festival of Arts this summer! On Thursday nights, indulge your senses at the Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate series, sponsored by Charles Schwab. Sample a wide variety of wines from Cambria Wines expertly selected to complement and enhance the nuanced flavor of Xan Confections chocolates. July 19: Chris Standring July 26: Spencer Day Aug 02: Gregg Karukas and Michael Paulo Aug 09: Pretzel Logic Aug 16: Bill Cantos and Mari Falcone Aug 23: LA Collective Aug 30: Scott Wilkie Concerts are free with Festival of Arts admission; wine and chocolate pairings…

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Images Salon 17th Annual Cut-A-Thon for Childhelp

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By Greer Wylder
July 17, 2018

Orange County's top hair salon, Images Salon in Corona del Mar is hosting their 17th Annual Childhelp Fundraiser.  Each participating stylist offers a number of donated haircuts beginning now through the end of September. When calling, please mention Childhelp and request a haircut (or just get a blowout) and you will be offered the $45 rate. The monies will go directly to summer outings, classes and for Christmas presents for the children in OC Group Homes. Images will also hold their annual raffle drawing with some fabulous prizes. Your generous donations to the raffle can be dropped off or mailed…

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BLKdot Coffee Brings Its Signature VTM to Irvine Market Place

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By Greer Wylder
July 16, 2018

BLKdot Coffee’s 3rd Orange County location opens at 11 a.m. today at Irvine Market Place (near Edwards Cinema). Join them today for their Opening Day — the first 50 guests will receive a BLKdot Coffee Tumbler* with any purchase! This is not your average coffee shop — BLKdot Coffee is a neighborhood coffee shop that delivers a unique experience and is best known for its signature caffeine-boosted, slow-dripped Vietnamese craft coffee. You may have heard it referred to as VTM Coffee, or “crack in a cup.” Of course, BLKdot Coffee has more on its beverage menu than its VTM – the neighborhood coffee shop…

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