California Cool Art Auction Returns to Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Museum will welcome back its signature California Cool Art Auction this spring, marking the event’s 44th year of celebrating California artists while supporting the museum’s exhibitions, education programs and community initiatives.

The auction takes place March 7, 2026, with both online and in-person opportunities for collectors and art lovers to take part. Online bidding is open through Bidsquare and features a curated selection of works by leading and emerging California artists. All artworks will also be available for in-person viewing at Laguna Art Museum with paid admission.

The evening culminates with the in-person auction and fundraiser on March 7 at 6 p.m. at Laguna Art Museum. Guests can expect a live auction, paddle raise, specialty cocktails, elevated light bites, live music and opportunities to meet participating artists.

Tickets for the 44th Annual California Cool Art Auction are available at lagunaartmuseum.org/art-auction. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and include benefits such as early art previews, VIP event access and invitations to private gatherings, while supporting the museum’s ongoing mission.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach, at the corner of Coast Highway and Cliff Drive.

Tickets for the 44th Annual California Cool Art Auction are available at lagunaartmuseum.org/art-auction. 

For more information about the 44th Annual California Cool Art Auction and Laguna Art Museum, visit lagunaartmuseum.org. 

Top of the V Unveils a Spanish-Inspired Steakhouse Experience

Top of the V, the rooftop restaurant at The Viv Hotel, Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has debuted a refreshed identity as a Spanish-inspired steakhouse. The reimagined concept brings a new culinary direction to Anaheim’s highest rooftop dining destination, pairing premium steaks with Spanish coastal influences, tableside presentations and sweeping views of the resort corridor.

Led by Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, the menu blends refined technique with approachable, shareable dishes. Guests can expect a modern take on the Spanish steakhouse, where premium cuts meet seafood-forward plates and seasonal ingredients. Highlights include picanha steak, a 21-day dry-aged ribeye, arroz negra paella with octopus, Basque-style cod with yuzu emulsion and beet salad with whipped goat cheese.

Cocktails and desserts carry the sense of occasion, from the Top of the V Old Fashioned, available with optional tableside smoke, to an espresso flan for a polished finish. The experience is designed to feel celebratory yet relaxed, with interactive service touches, shareable plates and wine service presented in mini carafes.

The redesigned space features floor-to-ceiling windows, layered lighting and a warmer, more vibrant look that transitions easily from sunset drinks to late-evening dining. On clear nights, guests can catch views of Disneyland Resort fireworks from the rooftop. A private dining room offers a more intimate setting for small groups, while the bar anchors the social energy of the room. With nearly 5,000 square feet of flexible indoor-outdoor space for up to 150 guests, Top of the V is also available for group events and buyouts.

The hotel has also introduced a “Dine Above It All” package, which pairs an overnight stay at The Viv Hotel with a rooftop dining experience at Top of the V, creating an easy way to turn dinner into a destination-worthy stay.

The Dine Above it All package can be booked here.

Top of the V is now open for dinner service. Reservations are encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.com.

1601 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim.

An Elevated Pastry Experience Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach

A sophisticated new destination for pastries and coffee debuts March 2 at Montage Laguna Beach. Bouchée Patisserie brings classic French patisserie to the coastline in an elegant, thoughtfully designed setting, welcoming both Laguna locals and resort guests for beautifully crafted confections and expertly prepared coffee.

The name comes from the French word for “mouthful,” which feels fitting once you see the pastry case. Expect beautifully made croissants, fruit tarts, macarons, eclairs, gelato, and other classic French treats, along with coffee and a handful of savory options for breakfast or lunch. It is the kind of place you can pop into for something sweet, linger with a latte, or grab something to go.

The pastry program is led by Executive Pastry Chef Lee Smith, who brings years of experience from top hotels and Michelin starred kitchens around the world. His desserts have already been a favorite at the resort, and now there is a dedicated spot where they can really shine.

Menu highlights include:

• Almond Croissant, Morning Bun, Kouign Amman, and Bacon Tomato Danish
• Egg & Cheese Croissant with scrambled egg white and avocado
• Grain Bowl with quinoa, brown rice, roasted vegetables, cucumber, avocado, edamame, tomato, and white balsamic vinaigrette
• French Baked Ham Baguette with salted butter, Comté cheese, and cornichon
• Coffee Eclair, Peanut Butter Chocolate Torte, Pistachio Choux Bun, and Strawberry Almond Petite Gateau

Bouchée sits near the entrance of the resort, making it an easy in and out for a quick treat or casual bite. The space is bright and relaxed, with indoor and outdoor seating and a pastry counter that is hard to walk past without stopping. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., which makes it just as tempting for a morning croissant as it is for an afternoon pick me up.

Montage Laguna Beach is at 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. (866) 271-6953