Puesto Goes Seed-Oil Free and Launches New Winter Menu

Puesto, the family-owned Mexican-American restaurant group known for its award-winning tacos and modern take on Mexico City cuisine, is celebrating a major milestone this winter.  The restaurant has introduced new seasonal dishes and has officially transitioned to a fully seed-oil-free operation at every location.

Puesto is the first Mexican restaurant group to eliminate all industrial seed oils from its kitchens. Every dish, from tacos and salsas to chips and fried favorites, is now crafted without seed oils. Since its debut in Southern California in 2012, Puesto has been committed to ingredient integrity, including hand-pressed organic non-GMO blue corn tortillas and wild-caught seafood. Its additive-free tequila program set a new standard in 2022, and this next step continues that ongoing mission.

The transformation was completed in partnership with Seed Oil Scout, who helped review every recipe. Fried items now use RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil, while non-fried dishes are made with extra virgin olive oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. Puesto’s move reinforces its dedication to bold flavors and thoughtful sourcing.

New Winter Menu

Creative Chef Raul Casillas brings fresh seasonal flavors to the table with new dishes available at all Puesto locations, including:

• Crab and Shrimp Crispy Tacos with potato, salsa roja, crema, queso fresco, lettuce
• Huitlacoche Mushroom Taco with oyster mushrooms, fresh huitlacoche, mole, pickled mushrooms, maitake chips
• Grilled Shrimp Taco with guajillo and pasilla chiles, green tomatoes, salsa verde cruda, habanero yuzu mayo, cabbage
• Calabacitas Taco with squash, zucchini, salsa verde, salsa cruda, cilantro aioli, zucchini chips
• Calabacitas Bowl with squash, zucchini, salsa verde, salsa cruda, cilantro aioli, zucchini chips
• Mango Enchilado with tajin, passionfruit, chamoy, and finger limes

Vice President of Bar and Spirits Beau du Bois expands Puesto’s bar program with new margaritas and a non-alcoholic option that uses the same premium ingredients. New beverages include:

• Dirty Soda with Mexican Coca-Cola and house-made horchata cold cream
• Spiced Pear Margarita with Levantó blanco tequila, spiced pear, organic agave nectar, fresh lime, and elderflower foam
• Fruit Cart Margarita with Pueblo Viejo blanco tequila, chamoy, fresh lime, watermelon, cucumber, mango, pineapple, and habanero
• N/A Passionfruit Margarita with a custom non-alcoholic tequila alternative, passionfruit, fresh lime, and organic agave nectar

The new menu and winter cocktails are available daily beginning November 19, 2025. For menus, locations, and hours, visit eatpuesto.com.

Coastal Holiday Magic at Paséa

The holidays are just around the corner and Paséa Hotel & Spa is filled with festive experiences and local flavor. Conveniently located in the heart of Huntington Beach, Paséa becomes a holiday hub for locals each winter, bringing seasonal energy and coastal charm to Southern California.

From family traditions to festive nights out, it is where the community comes together to celebrate the season.

Experience holiday magic with events including:

Holiday Igloos (Now through Jan. 11)
Cozy up in a private igloo overlooking the Pacific and sip seasonal cocktails under the stars. These limited-time, poolside domes offer a fireside escape perfect for date nights, gatherings with friends, or a chic coastal celebration.

Drift & Coast Holiday Speakeasy (Now through Jan. 15)
Step inside this new speakeasy pop-up for a nostalgic twist on craft cocktails. Tucked near the rooftop bar, it features Prohibition-era style, a warm ambiance, and a menu of festive drinks and small bites that make it one of the season’s most exciting debuts.

Treehouse Home for the Holidays (Nov. 23 through Dec. 31)
The popular rooftop bar transforms into a festive wonderland with themed décor, cozy winter touches, and creative holiday cocktails. It is the perfect stop for ocean views, seasonal cheer, and Huntington Beach spirit.

Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec. 3)
Gather for a magical evening as Paséa lights up its holiday tree at a new location. Enjoy live entertainment, festive treats, and a joyful kickoff to the season for guests and the community.

Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 7, 14, 20 and 21)
Families can join Santa for a festive breakfast with holiday treats, photo opportunities, and plenty of cheer. It is an unforgettable way for little ones to enjoy the magic of the season by the beach.

Denim & Diamonds New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31)
Set on Paséa’s oceanfront lawn and indoor ballroom, guests will ring in the new year with live performances from Chanel West Coast, Redneck Rodeo, and the YeeDM Country Night lineup featuring JT Harker and $ami G. VIP experiences, specialty cocktails, and photo-worthy moments make this the ultimate New Year’s Eve for travelers who want star-studded entertainment with a luxurious coastal backdrop.

Holiday Décor (Now through Jan. 2)
Step into Paséa’s seaside winter wonderland filled with glamorous décor, twinkling lights, and seasonal charm. The centerpiece is the iconic life-sized Gingerbread Hotel, crafted from Paséa’s original blueprints and made with more than 170 pounds of dough, 100 pounds of flour, and 50 pounds of icing. It is up to 80 percent edible and a must-see tradition each year.

Guests can also enjoy locally sourced cuisine for the holidays at Lōrea, led by Chef Dan Perry. 

Festive dining experiences include:
• Christmas Dining (Dec. 24 and 25)
• New Year’s Eve Dining (Dec. 31)

21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach

American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall

American Ballet Theatre’s beloved production of The Nutcracker returns to Segerstrom Hall December 11–21, 2025, accompanied by Pacific Symphony, for its 10th season at the Center.

Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “ravishing and clever enough to inspire multiple viewings” and called “jaw-droppingly beautiful” by the Orange County Register, this holiday favorite features choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, one of today’s most celebrated choreographers. The production dazzles with stunning sets and costumes by Tony Award winner Richard Hudson and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by Pacific Symphony.

The story follows young Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas party. That night, in her dreams, the doll transforms into a handsome prince and whisks her away on a magical adventure through a world of dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and a battle between toy soldiers and a mischievous mouse army. More than 100 performers bring this enchanting tale to life on stage.

A treasured holiday tradition for Southern California audiences, The Nutcracker is a joyful celebration for the whole family.

VIP Sweet Seats
A limited number of Sweet Seats are available for all performances. Each ticket includes prime orchestra seating, a Segerstrom Center keepsake ornament, a Nutcracker collectible poster, Läderach chocolates, a holiday cookie, and a commemorative 10th anniversary tote bag, creating an elevated holiday experience.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
scfta.org | Box Office: 714.556.2787 | Group Sales: 714.755.0236