Earlybird Flies Into The LAB With One-Pound Burritos

Earlybird Breakfast Burritos is bringing its cult-favorite breakfast burritos to The LAB Anti-Mall, with a grand opening set for Friday, Jan. 17.

The San Diego-born breakfast concept is known for its one-pound burritos, bold flavors, and loyal following. The Costa Mesa outpost joins The LAB’s creative mix, taking over the former Barbonzai space following the owner’s retirement after several successful years.

Earlybird was founded by Scott Slater, the restaurateur behind Slater’s 50/50. Since opening its first location in Pacific Beach, the brand has built a reputation for hearty breakfast burritos made with fresh ingredients and a distinctly Southern California sensibility.

The Jan. 17 opening will include free breakfast burritos for the first 100 guests, with the full menu served until 2 p.m. Regular operating hours begin Sunday, Jan. 18, at 7 a.m. Additional giveaways will continue with free burritos for the first 25 guests on both Jan. 17 and Jan. 18. Live music, special guest appearances, and interactive surprises are planned throughout the morning.

Alongside its burritos, sandwiches, and bowls, the Costa Mesa location introduces Earlybird Bottled Buzz, a house-made, grab-and-go beverage lineup. Offerings include Dirty Boba, Thai iced tea, champurrado-inspired chocolate lattes, Golden Hour turmeric ginger lattes, matcha, and horchata.

Earlybird joins an already strong morning lineup at The LAB, including Nook Coffee Bar and Goodtown Doughnuts, adding new energy to the center’s breakfast scene.

Grand opening: Friday, Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; full menu until 2 p.m.
Regular hours begin: Sunday, Jan. 18, at 7 a.m.

For updates on events and giveaways, guests can sign up for Earlybird’s email list at earlybirdbreakfastburritos.com.

2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Strickland’s Ice Cream Celebrates 90 Years and Two Sweet Years in Costa Mesa

Strickland’s Ice Cream of Costa Mesa is celebrating a major milestone. The Ohio-born ice cream institution marks 90 years of business while also celebrating two successful years serving Orange County.

Founded in 1936 in Akron, Ohio, Strickland’s Ice Cream is one of the state’s longest-running and most beloved ice cream concepts. Known for its ultra-creamy, small-batch ice cream made fresh daily on site, the brand has remained a generational favorite for nearly a century and continues that tradition in Southern California.

To celebrate 90 years, Strickland’s of Costa Mesa will host a public celebration on January 13. Guests can enjoy 90-cent small cones, a $4.95 value, with any purchase, along with hourly prize drawings from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring a variety of giveaways. For the celebration week, two classic flavors, Banana and Pistachio, have been added to the menu.

The Costa Mesa location opened in early 2024 and is led by longtime Strickland’s fan and franchise owner Neil Liu. The shop has quickly become the West Coast home for the Ohio-based brand, offering the same nostalgic flavors and handcrafted quality that built Strickland’s reputation throughout the Midwest. Ice cream is made using vintage-inspired machines and premium ingredients, including real fruit and real nuts in every batch.

Fans also follow the rotating Flavor of the Day calendar, posted monthly on Instagram, which often draws lines for seasonal favorites and limited-time offerings that sell out. In addition to ice cream, Strickland’s is known for its award-winning milkshakes and Arctic Twisters.

As the brand approaches its 100th year, Strickland’s continues to honor its legacy while creating new traditions for families in both Ohio and Southern California.

Open 12:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

1835 Newport Blvd., Suite B-121, Costa Mesa. (714) 887-4218

Newport Beach Restaurant Week Returns Jan. 15–25

Newport Beach’s signature culinary celebration is back after a four-year hiatus. Produced by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Newport Beach Restaurant Week runs Jan. 15–25 and invites diners to enjoy preferred-pricing lunch and dinner menus at more than 50 restaurants across Newport Beach and nearby cities.

The 11-day, citywide event highlights the area’s diverse dining scene, from coastal classics to neighborhood favorites. Participating restaurants span a wide range of cuisines and experiences, offering locals and visitors a reason to plan multiple meals out throughout the week.

A full list of participating restaurants and menu offerings is available at RestaurantWeekNB.com.

Participating Restaurants Include:

21 Oceanfront; A Crystal Cove; Avila’s El Ranchito CDM; Avila’s El Ranchito Newport Beach Peninsula; Bayside Restaurant; Beachcomber Cafe; Bistango; Bluefin Restaurant; Cappy’s Cafe; CDM Restaurant; Champagne’s Kitchen; Cucina Enoteca; Dory Deli; El Cholo Corona del Mar; Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens; Five Crowns Restaurant; Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar Newport Beach; Gelatissimo; Harborside Restaurant; Helmsman Ale House; il Girasole; Lido Bottle Works; Lighthouse Cafe; Luke’s Lobster; Malarky’s Irish Pub; Malibu Farm Lido; Muldoon’s Irish Pub; Nick’s Newport Beach; Olea; P.F. Chang’s; Plums Cafe; Rockin’ Baja; Skal Pizza; SOL Mexican Cocina; Stag Bar + Kitchen; Super Good Bagel; Super Panga; The Bungalow CDM; The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific; The Crack Shack; The Mayor’s Table; The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar; Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille; Whaler Newport Beach; Woody’s Wharf; Zabb Thai Cuisine; Zay’z Artisanal Deli; ZENTRL Restaurant at The Lot Fashion Island.