The Dose

The All New Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge in Newport Beach

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By Greer Wylder
July 02, 2014

The wait is over for the debut of Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge, the new contemporary California cuisine restaurant and lounge inside the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. It was a brilliant move to add a new easy access from Fashion Island. There’s a new pedestrian entrance along Newport Center Drive, near Santa Cruz, as well as complimentary valet available at the hotel entrance. The impressive Oak Grill boasts a an expansive heated patio—ideal for alfresco dining and live music entertainment—as well as more than 50 California wines by the glass. Directly across from the restaurant is Aqua Lounge, with…

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Artwalk & Entertainment at East End Downtown Santa Ana

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By Greer Wylder
July 01, 2014

Take in and exciting collection of pop-up art shows, new exhibits and entertainment at the the East End Artwalk in downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, July 5 for its first Saturday of the month event unfolding on 3rd and 5th streets and Bush and French streets. Marcas Contemporary Art also celebrates their grand opening, the East End Street Series returns, and a variety of vivid exhibits take over the Artist’s Village. Marcas Contemporary Art debuts to enliven creative minds with accessible, high quality art. During its grand opening from 7 - 10 p.m. on Saturday, the inaugural exhibit  “Corrective Course” feature the…

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The New Waterfront A&O Kitchen+Bar

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By Greer Wylder
June 30, 2014

Newport’s newest waterfront bar and restaurant, A&O Kitchen+Bar just opened at the Balboa Bay Resort. A&O, an abbreviation for Anchors & Oceans, specializes in gastropub fare such as shared plates, hearty dishes, and creative cocktails. A&O also features a centerpiece tap system with eight craft beers from renowned breweries and two wines on tap from ONEHOPE Wine. Proceeds from sales of the ONEHOPE’s sparkling wine are dedicated to ending childhood hunger; the Chardonnay and Cabernet wine kegs will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County. On the A&O menu, Executive Chef Vincent Lesage and chef de cuisine Rachel Haggstrom…

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We Love Poke Festival in OC

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By Greer Wylder
June 25, 2014

In celebration of all things poke, the I Love Poke Festival returns on Monday, June  30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at a new venue, the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. The foodie festival and chef competition will feature more than 20 well-known chefs and restaurants offering attendees unlimited tastings of Hawaiian and Asian-inspired dishes. Traditional Hawaiian plate lunches and offerings will be provided by Hula Girls Shave Ice, Dough Dough's Malasadas, L& L Hawaiian Barbecue Irvine, Snowflakes, Sambazon, King's Hawaiian, Adobo Loco and Manila Sky. Featured competitors in the culinary battle for the title of “Best Poke will also be available for attendees to sample.…

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It’s All Greek Fest To Me

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By Greer Wylder
June 25, 2014

Get ready for a fantastic family friendly experience of Greek foods, wines, music and dance as the 36th annual “A Taste of Greece” Festival returns to Irvine on Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29.  The grounds of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, the largest congregation in Orange County, will transform into a three-day festival featuring authentic recipes for traditional Greek dishes, delicious pastries, Greek and American coffees, as well as Greek wine and beer. Guests can feast on chicken, lamb chops, Greek French fries, gyros, pastichio (Greek lasagna), loucanico (Greek sausage), spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), dolmathes…

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