Tacos and Tequila to Die For

December 22, 2009

It didn’t take long for Cha Cha’s Tacos & Tequila to garner rave reviews from the OC food critic crowd—since it’s August opening, even trés vocal Yelpers are making comments like “tacos were great, would almost get them for the tortillas alone.” Gayot says it’s one of their top ten Orange County new notables restaurants. Cha Cha’s traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine relies heavily on locally grown produce, slow-cooked rotisserie meats and a variety of hardwood-fired dishes. Specialties such as spit-roasted chicken, a jidori chicken marinated in Yucatan spices hot off the rotisserie, chorizo scramble soufflé, wood-fired baked eggs with fresh chorizo…

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Store With a Good Sole

December 21, 2009

At this point, saving 30% sounds mighty nice. So we’re checking out Sole Comfort in Corona del Mar Plaza through Christmas Eve to save on great gifts such as shoes, slippers, jewelry, travel accessories and more. And in the true spirit of the season, Sole Comfort is also currently collecting gently worn shoes for Soles 4 Souls. When a customer donates a pair of shoes, they will receive $20 off a new pair of shoes at Sole Comfort. Soles 4 Souls is an international organization that collects the shoes and distributes them to people in need around the world, from…

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This Time, It’s Personal

December 18, 2009

One of our favorite local jewelry artists, SUZAN, recently added handmade and hand-engraved ornaments that are, in our humble opinion, perfect for holiday gifts. They can be purchased online, or Suzan is inviting children (with their parents) to her studio Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to personalize ornaments by hammering in sentiments, names, etc. (first come, first serve). Choose from hearts, stars, baby’s first Christmas, peace sign, blessings and more. SUZAN’s gold and silver jewelry is exquisitely hand crafted, incorporating Tahitian pearls, antique and handmade chains, and ancient beads and coins. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday…

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A’Maree’s Trunk Show and Sale!

December 17, 2009

A’maree’s, one of our favorite boutiques, is gearing up for the holidays with a Deanna Hamro Jewelry Trunk Show Friday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) (Deanna Hamro’s stackable rings are pictured above) at its Westcliff Court location. A’Maree’s is also having a sweater and jeans sale at its Balboa Island store with 50-70% off. Also open Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Or call for an appointment. 1649 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.642.4423 and 332 Marine Ave., Balboa Island, 949.723.0051.

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Mmmm, Bacon Chocolate Bar

December 16, 2009

In just a few short years, Christopher Michael Chocolatier has easily become one of the most famous OC based chocolatiers. As seen on “The Today Show,” and as the chocolatier to the Grammys and the Academy Awards, his creations are sought throughout the country. Michael searches high and low for premium ingredients, favors fair trade Venezuelan chocolate, organic and fresh dairy products, homegrown herbs, and fruits picked from his family orchard. He also combines spices and savory flavors to make unique creations like the popular Sizzling Bacon Bar, with crispy, blended into creamy milk chocolate, and get this, pop rocks…

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