Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County

Better Buzz Coffee Roasters keeps the momentum going in Orange County with three cafés opening this fall. The San Diego favorite is known for its fun, creative drinks, freshly roasted coffee and bright neighborhood atmosphere. Each new spot will offer an exclusive drink for its first month, plus early-morning celebrations at 5 a.m. on opening day with giveaways while supplies last.

In Orange, the café on East Chapman Avenue just opened and is pouring a special Chocolate Cream Cold Brew topped with chocolate vanilla cold cream and cocoa. Placentia is next, opening Nov. 21, and will introduce a Gingerbread Best Drink Ever with gingerbread chai cold cream, a gingerbread cookie and chai spices. 

Anaheim joins the lineup on Dec. 18 with a Churro Best Drink Ever, finished with horchata cold cream, cinnamon sugar and a mini churro.

Better Buzz first started as a college coffee cart in 2002 and has grown into a go-to stop for everything from the Best Drink Ever to organic coffees roasted weekly. LIFE’S BETTER BUZZED® is the motto, and now more OC communities get to experience it.

Locations:
Orange | 4420 E. Chapman Ave. | Now open
Placentia | 1285 E. Imperial Hwy. | Opening Nov. 21
Anaheim | 2026 E. Lincoln Ave. | Opening Dec. 18

A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort

Celebrate the season of gratitude with warm hospitality and an unforgettable feast at Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles. On Thursday, Nov. 27, from 2 to 6 p.m., the resort will host a special Thanksgiving buffet in the Veneto Ballroom featuring elevated holiday classics and chef-inspired seasonal dishes.

The buffet includes artisan salads and seasonal starters, followed by hot entrées such as citrus-braised salmon, roasted cauliflower, garlic mashed potatoes, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Guests can enjoy turkey with sage gravy, prime rib au jus, and risotto prepared in a Parmesan wheel at the carving station.

House-made desserts include mini cheesecakes, tarts, and an assortment of pies. A Kids’ Corner with mac and cheese and crispy chicken tenders will cater to younger guests.

House-select wines will be poured tableside, and Allegretto Spiced Wine will be available to complement the holiday menu.

Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Pricing is $85 per adult, $45 for ages 12 to 20, $20 for ages 6 to 12, and complimentary for children 5 and under.

Take the stress out of Thanksgiving this year and enjoy Allegretto’s spirit of joy and hospitality. To reserve a table, call 805-369-2503 or visit AllegrettoResort.com.

Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles
2700 Buena Vista Drive • Paso Robles. 805-369-2500

The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre

Festival Ballet Theatre presents its beloved holiday production of The Nutcracker at the Irvine Barclay Theatre from December 6 through 24, 2025. This family favorite enchants audiences of all ages with breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, bringing the magic of the season to life.

Under the direction and choreography of Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, this full-length traditional production features Festival Ballet Theatre’s professional dancers, exceptional young performers from across Southern California, and world-renowned guest artists.

Guest Artists

• Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
  Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, New York City Ballet
• Dec. 13 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 1 and 6 p.m.
  Tyler Donatelli and Angelo Greco, Houston Ballet
• Dec. 20 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m.
  Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, Joffrey Ballet

A Special Holiday Tea Party Experience
Before select performances, guests can enjoy a festive Tea Party in the Barclay’s Jade Room. The elegant event begins one hour prior to showtime and includes gourmet finger sandwiches, petit fours, and scones with tea and lemonade. Adults may enjoy a glass of champagne, and children will delight in meeting characters from The Nutcracker, including Clara, as they share the story behind the ballet. Each guest will receive a party favor and photo opportunities will be available.

Tickets for the Tea Party are limited and must be purchased in conjunction with a Nutcracker performance. The option to add the Tea Party appears after selecting performance seats while tickets remain. 

Tickets and more information can be found here. 

Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
Ticket Office: (949) 854-4646
Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat–Sun, Noon–4 p.m.

Photo Credit Skye Schmidt Varga