The Dose

Starbucks of Taiwan Arrives in OC

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By Greer Wylder
July 06, 2010

It’s one thing to be popular, it’s another to be downright cult-like. And that’s the way it is over at 85C, the bakery’s U.S flagship location in Irvine. In Taiwan, 85C is as ubiquitous as Starbucks (so we hear). It’s a coffee and bakery chain, named for the degree at which coffee is brewed. 85C is known for its black squid-ink bread, taro root bread, everyone’s favorite milk bread, blueberry cream cheese that fans swoon over, delicious blueberry brioche, brick toast, mini-cheesecakes and much more. And don’t forget to try its no-one-does-it-better (or maybe we don’t just know anyone who…

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Romancing the Stones

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By Greer Wylder
July 02, 2010

OK, so we were tipped off by the fabulous Leslie S. Christen Lifestyling that we should know about Nan Fusco, a Laguna Beach-based jewelry designer, and guess what? We agree. Nan Fusco’s collection of handmade fine jewelry and a new line of convertible sterling chains took our breath away, and that doesn’t happen all that often. One piece of Nan’s jewelry can satisfy your many stylish moods: cool, chic, summery, eclectic, you name it. And wow, she has access to delicate and unique stones that set her designs apart: lapis, blue chalcedony, oval cabochons, blue lace agate, iolite, pink, lavender…

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Our Next Major Crush

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By Greer Wylder
June 30, 2010

We have a major crush on The Winery’s “Crush Hour” happy hour. We just checked it out, and if you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or just need a relaxing and delicious break, you need to as well. Here’s the entire Crush Hour menu. And there’s a new addition: every Sunday is Crush Hour—an ideal way to wrap up a weekend, from 4:30 to 10 p.m. (with live jazz at 6:30 p.m.). Wine by the glass $6 to $6.50, beers $4 to $5, martinis $6.95 and appetizers for just $6.95. Monday to Friday 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday…

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ART AFFAIR

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By Greer Wylder
June 29, 2010

The summer’s premier arts festival, Art-A-Fair in Laguna Beach is now running through August 29. The show is featuring 125 international, national and local artists and master craft persons. And there’s even more: live entertainment artists’ demonstrations, and weekly art workshops taught by professional artists. At Art-A-Fair you can meet participating artists and experience their artistic talents as they work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, ceramics, glass and more. Adult art workshops are also offered, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday in watercolor, oil and palette knife, acrylic,…

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A flip-flop we like!

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By Greer Wylder
June 28, 2010

Havaianas, easily the most stylish and comfortable flip-flops in the world, can now call Huntington Beach home—the first Havaianas store in the U.S. opened on Main Street yesterday. At this exclusive shop you’ll be in Havaiana heaven—choose from more than 150 styles for men, women, and children. You can even make your own Havaianas at a custom station. And now you pick up a pair of World Cup 2010 Havaianas ($24). The limited edition collection features 17 soccer teams so you and your feet can show support for your favorite nation. Relax on flip-flop shaped furniture and check out a…

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