Descanso Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Four Days of Food, Cocktails, and Festivities

Descanso Restaurant, the modern taqueria known for its lively Plancha-style cooking and bold Central West Mexican flavors, is kicking off an extended Cinco de Mayo celebration at both its Costa Mesa and Los Angeles locations.

From Friday, May 2, through Monday, May 5, guests can enjoy festive specials including signature margarita pitchers, appetizer platters, takeout cocktails, and all-day happy hour on Cinco de Mayo.

Perfect for sharing, Descanso’s margarita pitchers ($48–$62) come in flavors like El Descanso, Cucumber + Sal, and Bad Hombre. Pair a pitcher with a street food-inspired appetizer platter—Costa Mesa’s version ($35) includes Chips, Salsa Frita, Clásico Guacamole, Elote Asado, Chicken Taquitos, and Ceviche Campechano, while the Los Angeles platter ($40) features Birria Empanadas in place of the taquitos.

For those celebrating at home, takeout margaritas and cocktails ($25) serve four to six and are available in flavors like Hibiscus Smash and Cucumber + Sal.

The party wraps with an all-day happy hour on Monday, May 5, featuring drink and appetizer specials for lunch, dinner, and everything in between.

Descanso Restaurant Locations
Costa Mesa: 1555 Adams Ave., Suite 103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Los Angeles: 5773 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

For more information, visit descansorestaurant.com.

Monaco Italian Kitchen Brings Neapolitan Pizzas and Housemade Pastas to Irvine

Monaco Italian Kitchen, the fourth concept from local restaurateur Tony Monaco, is officially opening Friday, April 25, at Eighteen Main in Irvine. Located at 2000 Main St., Suite 300, Monaco’s newest spot blends his Italian heritage with a modern approach to Italian cooking—serving lunch and dinner daily in a beautifully designed indoor-outdoor space.

The menu focuses on traditional Italian flavors with a fresh twist, including housemade doughs, specialty pastas, and sauces from scratch. Expect Neapolitan-style pizzas like the Bianca, Margherita and Diavola, all crafted after the team completed intensive training in Naples, Italy. They’re also serving Panuozzo Napoletano—pizza dough sandwiches filled with premium ingredients like pistachio pesto, bufala mozzarella, and ’nduja.

Pasta fans will love the selection of dishes like housemade Cappelletti en Brodo, Saffron Risotto, Cacio e Pepe, and Lamb Bolognese. The menu also features standout entrées like filet mignon, branzino, and braised lamb shank, along with fresh starters including arancini, beef tartare, grilled prawns, and a classic Caesar.

Drinks are just as thoughtful, with a cocktail list curated by Jason Friedman. Highlights include a fresh-pulled Espresso Martini, a bold Blue Cheese Martini with housemade olives and brine, and the Il Decision—a pear lemon drop. A full lineup of martinis, spritzes, aperitifs, and zero-proof options round out the bar program.

Monaco Italian Kitchen’s 4,500-square-foot space draws inspiration from Italian trattorias and Milan cafés—with warm wood details, a wraparound bar, and a stylish black-and-white tile floor that nods to classic Italian design.

Open daily for lunch and dinner: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour is launching soon.

Located at 2000 Main St., Suite 300, in Irvine.

A Weekend Escape to Catalina Island Just Got Even Better

Just a short ferry ride from Orange County, Catalina Island makes the perfect weekend escape—with scenic views, laid-back charm, and now, even more to experience. Whether you're craving ocean breezes, outdoor adventures, or great food and drink, Catalina has something new (and nostalgic) in store.

Catalina Horseback Adventures Are Back

After a 17-year hiatus, horseback riding has returned to Catalina Island. Catalina Horseback Adventures now offers scenic rides for visitors and locals alike, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. Riders can expect panoramic ocean views from clifftops, tranquil valleys, hillsides, and even the occasional sighting of deer or island foxes.

The revival of horseback riding on the island draws on a longstanding tradition dating back to the 1930s, when the Wrigley family—then-owners of Catalina—established El Rancho Escondido. Located 12 miles outside Avalon, the Arabian horse-breeding ranch still operates today and is often open for Saturday tours.

Sip Island-Made Brews at Catalina Brewhouse

Catalina Brewhouse is the island’s only craft brewery, serving six small-batch beers created by brewmaster Danny Gutierrez. Popular picks include the Gariblonariblondie Blond, Rabid Fox Amber, Island Hop IPA, Lovers Cove Wheat, Dancing Goat Harbor Porter, and Buffalo Milk Stout. Each brew features a distinct flavor profile and malt aroma—click here to learn more.

Waterfront Dining at Pier 24

Pier 24 is Avalon’s newest waterfront dining spot, located where Antonio’s Pizza once stood. The modern restaurant pays tribute to the original Steamer Pier—where passengers aboard William Wrigley’s iconic vessels, the S.S. Avalon and S.S. Catalina, once disembarked. Vintage photographs, playful nods to island history, and large harbor-facing windows set the scene, while two patios invite guests to enjoy open-air dining with postcard-worthy views of the Catalina Casino and Avalon Bay.

Casual Fare at Sunset Bar & Grill

Sunset Bar & Grill at the Catalina Canyon Inn is now open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The casual eatery offers a mix of American and Mexican favorites, plus a full bar. Don’t miss the house specialty michelada. The restaurant is operated by Catalina hospitality veterans Francisco and Veronica Bravo and Miguel Chavolla.

Explore Avalon by Golf Cart

Get a local’s perspective on Avalon with custom guided golf cart tours. These 2-hour (or longer) experiences combine history, sightseeing, and local insights. Space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.