Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is now home to a celebrated Italian brand, Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies established in Florence, Italy in 1221 by Dominican monks. Known for its historic perfumes, skincare products, and herbal remedies that have been sought out for generations. 

When you shop at Santa Maria Novella, you can find enchanting scents and gift items that any recipient is sure to treasure. Must have essentials include Acqua Della Regina – Eau de Cologne that’s renowned for being Santa Maria Novella’s oldest fragrance. Born of love, it was created in 1533 as a royal wedding gift from Caterina de' Medici to her future husband, Henry II of Valois. You can also find this regal fragrance in a room fragrance diffuser, scented candle, liquid soap, body cream and scented wax, for drawers and closets.

Another iconic product is Santa Maria Novella’s Acqua di Rose (rose water). It’s a refreshing facial toner and mist, first formulated in the 14th century by Dominican friars in Florence to soothe, tone, and refresh the skin. The Acqua di Rose line is a complete range of products for cleansing and nourishing all skin types, even the most sensitive. The collection includes Acqua di Rose, Acqua di Rose Cleansing Gel, Acqua di Rose Cream, and Acqua di Rose Micellar Water. Also available are The Acqua di Rose Essentials set, Acqua di Rose Serum, and Acqua di Rose Gel Cream.

And, a wonderful gift for yourself or loved one is the Melograno in Scented Terracotta, a symbol of Santa Maria Novella. Handcrafted to resemble the fruit, it emits the unique Melograno Eau de Cologne scent one of the symbols of Santa Maria Novella. You simply place the pomegranate on the terra cotta plate in a bathroom or any space to add aroma to an area. The fragrance is released slowly in the air.

The entire store is organized by scents and categories that include fragrances,  skincare, body & hair, home essentials, and gifts such as pot pourri, glass candles, a kids line and even pets collection. 

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. 

Santa Maria Novella, is at Level 1, Carousel Court, in South Coast Plaza. 949.621.234

California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18

Sip, savor, and take in the ocean views as California Wine Festival comes to Huntington Beach on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, at Paséa Hotel & Spa. The two-day celebration blends exceptional wine, fresh coastal cuisine, and live music at one of Orange County’s most scenic destinations.

Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, California Wine Festival has become one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state. The nationally recognized series highlights the wines, foods, and landscapes of California while giving back to local charities, including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara and Surfrider Foundation. In 2023, the event diverted 90 percent of its waste from landfills, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

This year’s festival offers two distinct experiences:

Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, October 17 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Paséa Hotel & Spa – Sapphire Ballroom & Ocean Lawn
An intimate evening of rare and reserve-level wines from top California regions. Guests will enjoy a sparkling wine reception, gourmet pairings from Shorebird, Cucina Alessa, Duke’s Huntington Beach, Heirloom a Modern Farmhouse, Aquamar, and Paséa Hotel & Spa, plus live music and sweeping Pacific views. A silent auction featuring rare wines, tasting tours, and dining experiences will benefit Sandy Feet Initiative, a nonprofit supporting siblings of children with special needs, disabilities, and chronic illness.

Beachside Wine Festival
Saturday, October 18 | 1–4 p.m. (VIP Entry at 12 p.m.)
Paséa Hotel & Spa – Oceanfront Lawn & Terrace
A lively afternoon of tasting premium California wines, regional craft brews, and gourmet bites ranging from artisan cheeses and chocolates to fresh seafood and olive oils. The event also includes live music and lifestyle exhibitors.

Official After-Party
Saturday, October 18 | 4–7 p.m.
Old Crow Smokehouse – Pacific City
Steps from Paséa, guests can enjoy live music and drink specials overlooking the ocean.

California Wine Festival is a 21-and-over event. Tickets include all wine and food samples, plus an 18-ounce keepsake wine glass.

For tickets and details, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com

Paséa Hotel & Spa is at 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill Reopens Reimagined Anaheim Hills Flagship

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill, one of Southern California’s most beloved family-owned restaurants, has reopened its Anaheim Hills location after an extensive renovation. The flagship restaurant now showcases a completely reimagined look and design, setting the standard for Rodrigo’s nine other locations.

Following months of renovation work through spring and summer, Rodrigo’s welcomes guests back to a refreshed atmosphere that celebrates its legacy as a local favorite since 1977.

The redesigned Anaheim Hills restaurant features a modern, open layout with expanded windows, upgraded flooring, new booths, and carefully crafted design details. Rodrigo’s once again collaborated with local artist Ross Boss, who created several new murals throughout the interior. The updated space enhances the dining experience for both loyal guests and first-time visitors while serving as a model for future renovations across the brand’s other locations.

During the temporary closure that began in April 2025, Rodrigo’s fans continued to enjoy their favorite dishes and hospitality at nearby locations in Orange, Anaheim, Tustin, and Corona. Many members of the Anaheim Hills team temporarily joined those restaurants and are now returning home to welcome guests back this October.

The refreshed Anaheim Hills restaurant will celebrate with a soft reopening throughout the month, inviting the community to experience the new space and enjoy Rodrigo’s authentic Mexican cuisine once again.

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill
5665 E Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim. (714) 974-2291

Image Courtesy of Emily Davis