Cult Gaia Brings Its Bold Style to South Coast Plaza

Orange County just got a new place to shop for statement pieces. Los Angeles-based Cult Gaia has opened a boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, with ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and accessories all under one roof.

The brand started with accessories, and it still treats each design like a small work of art. Sculptural shapes and natural textures make these pieces the kind you notice twice, and the kind you’ll want to hold onto and hand down someday. That heirloom mindset runs through the whole collection, from the breezy dresses to the footwear.

If you know the brand, you know the bamboo Ark bag. It’s the piece that put Cult Gaia on the map, and it goes with just about everything.

You’ll find the boutique on the Upper Level, between Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. and near Din Tai Fung.

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. 
3333 Bristol Street. in Costa Mesa. 424-355-1270

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Bear Flag Fish Co. Opens Elevated Costa Mesa Location

Bear Flag Fish Co. is marking two decades in business in a big way, with its most elevated location yet now open in Costa Mesa. The restaurant and fish market has taken over the former Santa Monica Seafood space on East 17th Street. Each Bear Flag has its own character, but this one finally gives the team room to show everything they do.

The Costa Mesa location is the company’s fourth, joining two in Newport Beach, including one at Crystal Cove, and one in Huntington Beach. It is also the first stand-alone location. The company was founded by fisherman Thomas “Thos” Carson. Steve Jones, founder of the design firm bettershelter, has worked with the brand for years. He has designed the interior of each location with its own distinctive Bear Flag Fish Co. look: classic nautical details with a playful, retro twist. The new location has a full bar and offers indoor, counter and patio dining.

Sustainability is a priority for Bear Flag, which says protecting the fish supply is good for both the environment and the company’s future.

The menu is part fish market, part taco shop and part sushi bar. Fan favorites include the Bear Flag taco and burrito, made with panko-crusted white fish, plus poke bowls, ceviche and seafood salads sold by the pound. Diners can build their own seafood plate from the market case or choose a grilled seafood sandwich or a lobster roll. More exclusive menu items will be added to this location.

Starters include shrimp cocktail, calamari fries and sauteed clams and mussels. Chowder, cioppino and miso soup round out the menu.

The sushi bar offers nigiri, sashimi, signature rolls like the Bear Flag roll with Cajun seared tuna, and an omakase.

The seafood market carries more than 20 varieties, from halibut and swordfish to white sea bass and uni, along with premium picks like Chilean sea bass, black cod and toro.

Bear Flag Fish Co. is at 154 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 949-396-2800.