Two Upcoming Workshops at the Environmental Nature Center

The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is offering two engaging workshops this month designed to connect the community with food, nature and the local landscape.

Outdoor Cooking with Chef Corso

March 24 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Chef Corso, a classically trained chef and host of the Outdoor Eats TV series, will lead a lively cooking workshop focused on preparing great meals outdoors using simple gear and fresh ingredients.

During the demonstration, Corso will cover camp stove basics, smart meal planning and grocery strategies that make outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable. Guests will watch several trail-tested recipes come together and enjoy tastings along the way.

The workshop is ideal for day hikers, backpackers, RV travelers and car campers looking to improve their outdoor cooking skills.

Corso is the creator of Outdoor Eats, where he teaches people how to prepare memorable meals outside using straightforward techniques and fresh ingredients. Through his television series, cookbooks and workshops across the country, he has helped thousands of outdoor enthusiasts upgrade their trail meals.

Cost is $22.50 for ENC members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations and more information, here.

Belonging to Place: Why Native Plants Matter with Mike Evans

March 29 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Renowned California native plant horticulturist Mike Evans will open the Environmental Nature Center’s 2026 Native Plant Workshop Series with a thoughtful look at the role native plants play in Southern California landscapes.

Evans, founder of Tree of Life Nursery, will explore how gardening with native plants connects people more deeply to the places where they live. Drawing on more than four decades of horticultural experience, he will discuss how local landscapes function and why working with nature rather than against it leads to healthier and more resilient gardens.

The class also looks at the broader idea of belonging, asking what it means for both plants and people to be rooted in a place shaped by climate, soil and time.

The workshop is presented in partnership with the California Native Horticulture Foundation and reflects a shared commitment to expanding place based ecological education in Orange County.

Reservations and more information, here. 

Environmental Nature Center is at 1601 E. 16th Street, Newport Beach. 949.645.8489 

Highball and Naisho Omakase Debut in Costa Mesa With a First-of-Its-Kind Dual Concept

A new hospitality concept is set to debut in Costa Mesa on March 23, 2026, bringing a distinctly different experience to Orange County’s dining landscape. Highball, a Japanese-style cocktail bar rooted in precision and ritual, will open alongside Naisho Omakase, a hidden 14-seat sushi counter located just beyond a velvet curtain within the space.

Together, the two concepts introduce a layered approach to dining, where the evening is designed to unfold from cocktails to omakase. While Orange County is home to notable sushi counters and craft cocktail bars, this is the first concept locally to present both experiences in tandem with this level of intention, creating a more immersive and sequential night out.

Highball draws inspiration from Japan’s “Authentic Bar” tradition, where classic techniques are preserved and elevated through discipline and detail. The bar’s namesake drink, a highball of whisky and soda, reflects that philosophy. Though simple in composition, it requires precise balance, controlled dilution and exacting preparation. The opening menu reflects a Japanese-American perspective, offering refined classics alongside original cocktails that emphasize clarity, texture and restraint.

Behind the curtain, Naisho Omakase offers a more intimate experience, with just 14 seats and a chef-driven tasting format. Guests may choose between a 12- or 16-course omakase, with a progression that moves beyond traditional sequencing to highlight contrast in temperature, texture and flavor. Each course is designed to feel considered and unexpected, encouraging a more engaged and present dining experience.

The team behind Highball and Naisho Omakase brings together years of experience across hospitality, with a shared philosophy centered on thoughtful execution and guest-focused service. In a market often defined by scale and visibility, the concept takes a more restrained approach, prioritizing craftsmanship, atmosphere and discovery.

Highball and Naisho Omakase are set to open on March 23, 2026 at 3033 Bristol St #117 in Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Highball welcomes guests from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Naisho Omakase offers dinner service from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (subject to change). 

For more information, call 949-390-8377 or visit naishoomakase.com.

Floral Park Home & Garden Tour Returns April 25–26

On Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Historic Floral Park Neighborhood Association presents the 33rd Annual Floral Park Home & Garden Tour, a beloved spring tradition that celebrates the charm and character of one of Orange County’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

Tucked inside Floral Park, often described as Orange County’s “best kept secret,” gracious homes from the 1920s through the 1950s will once again open their doors to visitors. Sunlit porches, gleaming wood floors, and beautifully tended gardens set the scene for a stroll through decades of classic Southern California architecture and design.

Beyond the homes, the weekend includes plenty to explore throughout the neighborhood. Visitors can wander through blooming gardens, admire beautifully restored classic cars, enjoy food from local restaurants and food trucks, and spend time in the lively wine and beer garden. The crowd favorite Street of Treasures market also returns, offering vintage finds, nostalgic keepsakes, and unique items from local vendors.

This year’s featured homes and gardens are located north of Santa Clara Avenue. The Street of Treasures market, food vendors, community tables, and the car show will be located along Victoria Drive.

The Home & Garden Tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The Street of Treasures market is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The wine and beer garden will be open Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Advance tickets are $45 and are available online through April 20. Tickets will be $50 on the day of the event and may be purchased at the ticket booth, where both cash and credit cards are accepted. Tickets may be limited. The event takes place rain or shine and tickets are nonrefundable.