Sweet Arrival: Levain Bakery Opens First Orange County Location at Fashion Island

Orange County is about to get a little sweeter. Levain Bakery, the legendary New York City bakery famous for its six-ounce cookies, is opening its first Orange County location in early September at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The new shop will bring the brand's signature cookies, breads, pastries and coffee to the community, marking Levain's fourth Southern California location and the next step in its steady retail expansion.

Levain celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, and this opening introduces its handcrafted cookies, breads, pastries and neighborhood bakery feel to a new group of fans. The bakery will sit inside Fashion Island, joining the center's lineup of well-known retailers and restaurants.

Co-founders and best friends Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald say Levain has always brought people together, and their Los Angeles bakeries have shown them Southern California agrees. Newport Beach, they say, feels like the natural next step, and they're eager to open the doors at Fashion Island.

Weekes and McDonald founded Levain in New York City in 1995. Their breads and baked goods won over the neighborhood almost immediately, and locals started lining up for the daily offerings. When the pair quietly began selling cookies on the side, those cookies took off, and an icon was born.

Today, Levain's cookies, crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle, have become a cultural phenomenon with devoted fans around the world. Even with that kind of following, the bakery has stayed close to its roots, still hand-crafting its signature breads, pastries and six-ounce cookies every day with the same high-quality ingredients that built its reputation.

At the Newport Beach location, guests can expect the full lineup of Levain favorites: signature cookies, artisan breads, savory sandwiches, muffins and pastries. The bakery will also offer full barista service, including cappuccinos, cold-foam drinks, matcha, lattes and its viral Cookie Milk Latte. This opening brings Levain to 20 locations nationwide, joining bakeries in New York, Washington, D.C., Bethesda, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Longtime fans and newcomers alike will get their first taste of Levain's cookies, breads, pastries and coffee when the Newport Beach bakery opens in early September. 

Levain also offers catering and event services for corporate meetings, weddings and private celebrations, with table-ready packages featuring its cookies, breads, pastries and sandwiches.

The new location will be at 315 Newport Center Drive in Fashion Island, near Macy's and Sushi Roku.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Disney Theatrical Group, led by Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, are teaming up to bring Disney's Beauty and the Beast to Costa Mesa, marking the first North American tour of the musical presented by Disney in more than 25 years.

The beloved Broadway musical opens Sept. 22 for a three-week run through Oct. 11, 2026.

A quick reminder for ticket buyers: Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the only official retail outlet for tickets to its performances. If you buy from a broker or third party, the center cannot reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets, and it won't be able to reach you with updates like time changes.

Beauty and the Beast is based on the 1991 Academy Award winning animated film and first hit Broadway in 1994, where it became one of the longest-running shows in theater history. It earned nine Tony nominations and won for best costume design, and it remains one of the highest-grossing Broadway productions ever. The story's reach has only grown since, thanks to stage productions around the world and the 2017 live-action film, which was nominated for an Oscar and grossed more than $1 billion globally.

Tickets start at $44 and can be purchased online at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by phone at 714-556-2787. Groups of 10 or more can call 714-755-0236 for discount pricing.

Photo by Matthew Murphy. (c) Disney.jpg

Mercado González Brings Mexican Marketplace Experience to La Habra

Northgate González Market is bringing its acclaimed Mercado González experience to La Habra, transforming one of the company's longest-standing neighborhood stores into a culinary and cultural destination inspired by the mercados found throughout Mexico.

Building on the success of the flagship Mercado González in Costa Mesa, the reimagined La Habra location will blend the everyday convenience of grocery shopping with authentic Mexican food, artisan goods, live entertainment and gathering spaces that celebrate the richness of Mexican culture.

"For decades, our La Habra store has proudly served generations of families while supporting community partners like Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, The Gary Center, La Habra and Sonora high schools, and the Boys & Girls Club of La Habra," said Oscar González, co-president of Northgate González Market. "Now we're creating something even more special, a place where people can gather, discover regional flavors, celebrate our traditions, and experience the warmth and hospitality that define Mexico. Mercado González is more than a grocery store; it's where the table comes to life."

The transformation will introduce a new guest experience while continuing to offer the fresh groceries, quality meats, produce and authentic ingredients customers have come to expect from Northgate Market.

Guests will find a lively marketplace filled with handcrafted details, colorful murals, authentic Mexican architecture and culinary destinations designed to transport visitors to the heart of Mexico.

Highlights of the new Mercado González in La Habra include:

Authentic puestos (food stalls): Regional Mexican specialties throughout the market, including Taquería Los Mesquites, Carnitas Don Miguel, Guisados Las Cazuelas, Rosticería Los 13 Pollos, Cevichería El Pariente, Tamalería, Aguas Frescas, Paletería La Nena, Pastelería La González, Tortillería La González and Carnicería La Preferida.

El Moro Churrería: The iconic Mexico City churrería returns to Mercado González, serving its world-famous churros and signature hot chocolate.

Entre Nos Bar: An indoor gathering space where guests can enjoy Mexican beers, craft cocktails, mezcal and tequila, along with live entertainment with friends and family.

Entertainment stage and outdoor patio: A new stage and expanded patio will host live music and community programming, creating a festive atmosphere that brings people together beyond the shopping experience.

Artesanías and dulcería: Authentic Mexican artisan crafts, gifts and traditional sweets that celebrate Mexico's rich artistic heritage.

Additional details, including the grand opening celebration and opening date, will be announced in the coming months.