Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’

Alabaster International is making its Orange County debut with a community event on Thursday, May 15, 2026, at Deli Nerds in Costa Mesa. The nonprofit supports the health, nutrition and empowerment of indigenous women and families in East Africa and Sri Lanka, and this gathering offers a meaningful way for the local community to connect with its mission.

Titled Her Light & Legacy | An Evening with Alabaster International, the event introduces the organization to Orange County while building momentum for a larger fundraising gala planned for September 12, 2026.

The day begins with an all-day dine-out fundraiser, with 10 percent of all food purchases at Deli Nerds benefiting Alabaster International’s programs. The evening program runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and includes light bites and champagne, remarks from founder and CEO Shannon Fernando-Rubera, and interactive experiences such as the “Wall of Women” storytelling display and “I Believe in Her” card activity. Guests can also take part in raffle drawings, browse select silent auction items and find opportunities to give.

Admission is complimentary, with suggested donations welcomed. Space is limited, and advance RSVP through Eventbrite is encouraged.

Founded in 2012, Alabaster International partners with local communities and NGOs to deliver sustainable, community-driven solutions across healthcare, nutrition, food security, female entrepreneurship and education. Its work spans Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sri Lanka, with a focus on equipping women with the tools and resources needed to strengthen their communities for generations.

“This event is about connection, bringing the stories and the work we do globally right here to Orange County,” said Fernando-Rubera. “We’re excited to meet our local community, share how women-led initiatives create lasting change, and build support for even greater impact through our September gala.”

The May 15 event offers an approachable way to learn more, meet the founder and connect with others supporting women around the world.

Mother’s Day Dining Across Orange County

Whether it is an elegant afternoon tea, a relaxed coastal brunch, or a comforting Southern meal, Orange County restaurants are planning thoughtful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10.

In Anaheim and Irvine, Puesto is offering a complimentary Pistachio Tres Leches Cake for moms dining in. The dessert highlights pistachio in multiple forms, finished with passionfruit whipped cream. Pair it with a Puesto Perfect Margarita made with tequila reposado, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Menus, locations, and reservations are available at eatpuesto.com.

In Costa Mesa, Knife Pleat at South Coast Plaza is hosting a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Michelin-starred Chef Tony Esnault’s service includes premium LaMill tea, tea sandwiches, and a selection of pastries, with optional caviar and champagne upgrades. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Book at exploretock.com/knifepleat or call 714-266-3388.

Also in Costa Mesa, Naisho Omakase offers an intimate 14-seat experience with 12- or 16-course tastings curated by Chef Shimpei Shinohara. The restaurant will be open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with the last seating at 9:30 p.m. Reservations can be made at naishoomakase.com.

In Huntington Beach, The Waterfront Beach Resort is hosting an oceanfront brunch buffet in the Breakwater Ballroom and Vista Lawns. The menu includes seafood, carving, omelet, and dessert stations. Seating runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details and reservations are available at waterfrontresort.com.

In Irvine, Georgia’s Restaurant is serving a Soulful Sunday Brunch with favorites such as fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and cinnamon-apple waffles. Each mom receives a complimentary mimosa. More information is available at georgias-restaurant.com.

In Laguna Beach, Driftwood Kitchen is offering a waterfront brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with carving stations, seafood, made-to-order omelets, and desserts. Reservations can be made at opentable.com/driftwood-kitchen or by calling 949-715-7700.

In Newport Beach, Sushi Roku at Fashion Island is featuring special dishes including Chilean seabass, tiramisu, and a Sakura Pear Martini. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended at sushiroku.com/menus/newport-beach or by calling 949-706-3622.

In Orange, Bruxie will open its Old Towne location early at 7 a.m., serving its signature waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders, and custard shakes. Details are available at bruxie.com. Haven Craft Kitchen+Bar will offer brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by dinner service, with seasonal additions and classic favorites. Reservations can be made at havencraftkitchen.com or by calling 714-221-0680.

In San Clemente, ILYA is hosting a Coastal Mediterranean brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a menu that ranges from mezze and seafood to dry-aged ribeye and classic desserts. Reservations are available at ILYArestaurant.com. Zov’s, recently opened in San Clemente, will also be serving its signature California Mediterranean cuisine. More information can be found at ZOVS.com.

In Tustin and Newport Beach, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar will offer brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to close, featuring Chef Yvon Goetz’s Wine Country-inspired dishes. Reservations and menus are available at thewineryrestaurants.com or by calling 714-258-7600 for Tustin and 949-999-6622 for Newport Beach.

ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente

ILYA has introduced Sunday brunch, now served weekly from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in San Clemente. The new offering brings Chef Charbel Hayek’s Mediterranean perspective to a relaxed coastal setting, pairing classic brunch dishes with flavors rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Set inside a light-filled dining room with an open-air patio, brunch begins with shareable starters. A bread basket arrives with house-baked pita, focaccia, and sourdough served with za’atar butter. The ILYA mezze features hummus, muhammara, baba ghanouj, marinated olives, crudités, and warm pita. Additional starters include West Coast oysters with pear mignonette, barramundi carpaccio with lemon thyme vinaigrette, beef tartare, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and avocado toast on sourdough.

Salads range from an endive salad with Humboldt Fog goat cheese and candied walnuts to a classic Greek salad and a truffle market salad with seasonal greens and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Egg dishes include shakshuka with tomato and eggplant, çılbır eggs with yogurt and spiced butter, and a French omelette with Emmental cheese. For something sweet, the menu offers pain perdu with salted caramel and berries and pancakes with whipped butter, maple syrup, and fresh berries.

Heartier options include steak and eggs with prime bavette and potatoes, steak frites with sauce au poivre, whole branzino with beurre blanc, and a 35-day dry-aged ribeye designed for sharing. Sides such as seasonal fruit, applewood bacon, chicken apple sausage, French fries, and patatas bravas round out the menu.

Brunch finishes with desserts including tiramisu, a lemon tart with basil cream and hazelnut praline, and baba au rhum with crème Chantilly and cherry.

Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
1502 S El Camino Real in San Clemente.
Reservations: Available at https://ILYArestaurant.com