Greer's OC

Summer is in full swing and so is the heat! Temperatures are going to reach the 80s this week, and the last thing you want to do is cook over a hot stove or oven. So, we consulted the experts at SOCO and The OC Mix, and got all the "insider secrets" on the best take-out options to make your lunches and dinners as cook-free as possible! Read on to see how you can even create a picnic - basket and all - at SOCO and The OC Mix. Nothing says summer like dining at the beach!

Did you know that you can do a oyster pick-up with all the fixings at Shuck Oyster Bar at SOCO if you call two days in advance? What about ordering ahead at ARC and picking up one of their delicious salads topped with the protein of your choice - salmon, chicken or duck? Neither did we! SOCO and The OC Mix are Orange County's best kept secrets for all things culinary! Here are our top picks for beating this heat this week - and getting delicious take-out at SOCO and The OC Mix instead!

Stop by Seventh Tea Bar for a half-dozen iced teas on tap! It's a healthy and refreshing way to beat the heat. Did you know their iced tea is available by the jug, too? Great to have in the fridge all week long!

If you are looking for a stronger beverage of choice - caffeine that is - Portola Coffee Lab has all of your favorite coffee drinks - on ice! We recommend the Iced Kyoto coffee - it will for sure wake you up and keep you cool. More cold beverage options are available at Birdie Bowl and Juicery - try the classic acai bowl next time you are at The OC Mix. The refreshing acai topped with berries and banana is the perfect light meal or snack on a summer day. Cool, fresh and delicious sushi is available to-go at Waiiha Sushi. Pick up a lunch box from Waiiha - select two items (California roll, ahi sashimi, etc) served with rice, miso soup and green salad all for under $15!

Christopher Garrens might be known for their over-the-top, award-winning cakes, but did you know they serve breakfast and lunch daily? Call ahead and pick up a Roasted Chicken Salad made with Moroccan curry, apple, and cranberries or a Chicken Panini with tomato, basil, and provolone.
The ultimate cool down treat is a scoop of gelato from N'ice Cream at The OC Mix. Made fresh every morning, using organic milk and real fruit - it's a treat you can feel good about!

Local Fare at The OC Mix at SOCO will soon have picnic baskets for purchase. Fill your basket with OC Baking Company bread, one-of-a-kind cheeses and charcuterie from The Cheese Shop at The OC Mix, wine from We Olive Wine Bar, and then head over to Cafe Surfas at Surfas Culinary District for sandwiches, salads, and more - all available to-go. Perfect picnic offerings all found at The OC Mix and SOCO!

3313 Hyland Ave. in Costa Mesa.

Ritz-Carlton's Dog Friendly Happy Hour

If you’re nuts about your dog, you’re going to want to get in on Yappy Hour, a monthly cocktail party for you and your dog at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and continuing Aug. 8, and Sept 12. 

The dog party is out on the Dana Lawn where house-made dog biscuits and flavored water – bacon, chicken, beef and liver – are free. You can purchase cocktails and appetizers, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets (FOCHP). For dog-centered holiday parties such as October’s Yappy Howl-O-Ween and December’s Yappy Howl-iday Celebration, visit ritzcarlton.com/LagunaYappyHour.

Since the first Yappy Hour season, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has donated nearly $20,000 to local animal rescue organizations including the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and Canine Companions for Independence.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is at One Ritz-Carlton Drive in Dana Point. 949.240.2000.