Greer's OC

When it comes to shopping for fashion accessories and jewelry, it doesn’t get much better than Alixandra Collections. The Illinois based store, just made its California debut in Newport Beach. Owner and founder. Alix Chesno, a former pro tennis player chose Westlciff Court to open her 8th boutique. She fell in love with the center’s vibe while competing in tennis tournaments in Orange County as a kid.

Alix has a great eye for choosing new and chic jewelry and accessories along with casual apparel and intimates. She’s offers women of all ages the best range of fashionable items at all price points for any occasion. Jewelry is priced from $20 to $2,000.

Collections come from local designers as well as NYC, LA, Chicago and more. A sampling of designers includes French Kande, French inspired jewelry made of reproduced medallions from Paris; Deepa Gurnani, handcrafted beading and embroidery pieces; Peter & Gabby sterling silver; celebrity favorite, Melinda Maria jewelry; as well as beautiful beaded jewelry by Nakamol. Other favorites designers include Linda Levinson, My Saint My Hero, Velvet, Chan Lu, and MZ Wallace. 

Whether you’re looking for a hostess gift, a holiday gift, or just a little pick me up, you’ll be thankful you discovered Alixandra Collections.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 1733 Westcliff Plaza in Newport Beach. 949.631.6816.

Ladera Ranch Opens New Burger Concept

Kobe beef burgers are the rage at the newest burger concept to arrive in Orange County, BLK Burgrz  (pronounced Black Burgers), will be celebrating its opening Friday in Ladera Ranch. Its contemporary American menu specializes in Kobe beef burgers served sizzling tableside, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list. There’s a humidor for cigars to be enjoyed on the patio, and a dozen TVs inside and out so you can’t miss a sporting event.

The menu features burgers and sliders made with Kobe beef, and Kobe beef blends with mild or spicy sausage, lamb, topped with a peppercorn crust, or deep-fried. Add your choice of blue cheese; cheddar; Swiss; bacon; jalapeno; smoked Gouda and other fillings. For those who prefer alternatives to beef, BLK Burgrz offers turkey, chicken, ahi, salmon, veggie and quinoa burgers as well.

There will also be small plates ranging from a choice of flat breads; BLK Spudz (hand-breaded potatoes with garlic, bacon and jalapeno); garlic and sea salt edamame; veggie lettuce wraps (a brown rice veggie blend with teriyaki); BLK Platter, with an assortment of gourmet cheeses and meats from Spain and France; and Gator Bites (grilled alligator); among other selections.

Also choose from a dozen salads, including rainbow kale with fresh mango, pumpkin seeds and a lemon honey dressing; tri-color quinoa with Romaine lettuce, diced green apples, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and ginger vinaigrette; and other entrées include blackened ahi served with pineapple and a brown rice veggie blend; Cadiz strips (Mary’s Free Range Chicken breast sautéed with garlic and served over a bed of hand-cut fries); scallop pesto risotto (fresh scallops sautéed in a white wine garlic reduction and served over pesto risotto); and Kabobs with a choice of chicken, tri-tip or vegetables. The sides include garlic mash potatoes, grilled asparagus, bacon green beans, quinoa, and a brown rice veggie blend.

BLK Burgrz proudly and exclusively serves freshly baked bread from Pandor Bakery.

Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in BLK Burgrz shakes, chocolate bread pudding, key lime pie, and the signature BLK Burgrz Donut Sundae, a confection of Pandor Bakery donuts, Ben & Jerry’s vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream and strawberries.

Open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily.

BLK Burgrz is in Mercantile East shopping center at 27742 Antonio Parkway, Suite 7 (off Windmill), in Ladera Ranch. 949.429.6666.