Greer's OC

Orange County just got a lot sweeter. Blackmarket Bakery, an Orange County institution since 2004, known for its homespun bakery items made from real ingredients, such as butter, flour, sugar and eggs (all blackmarket goods during WWII) just opened its second location at the Camp in Costa Mesa. Chef and Owner Rachel Klemek’s incredible cakes, rich pastries, fresh breads and more are baked daily at this retro/artisanal bakery with an exhibition kitchen for a peek at behind the scenes baking.

Now you can stop by as early as 6:30 a.m. (except Sunday at 8 a.m.) for irresistible breakfast pastries, like apricot ginger scones; cookies, like our favorite Blackstrap Betty molasses drop cookie; buttercream cakes, and delicious tarts, such as the Black Widow dark chocolate ganache tart. Chef Rachel is also baking retro breads and rolls, brioche buns, oatmeal stout rolls, shortbreads, her renowned Marche Noir Cabernet brownies, bars, cobblers, and serving hot-pressed sandwiches and open-faced ice cream sandwiches. The new bakery also serves Kéan Coffee and confections such as pomegranate marshmallows.

Blackmarket Bakery products are also at the Laguna Hills Farmers Market at the Laguna Hills Mall every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at the Irvine Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon; both Kéan Coffee locations; Nordstrom E-Bars; and at Blackmarket Retail Bakery at The CAMP is at 2937 Bristol St. Suite D-100A in Costa Mesa.  Open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 6:30 am. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Blackmarket Bakery’s headquarters is at 17941 Sky Park Circle, Suite E in Irvine. 949.852.4609.

Photo courtesy of Talia Samuels

Mountain Bike OC

Get in touch with nature by joining a recreational mountain bike ride on Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m., or Sunday, Jan. 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and mountain bike trail experts will take you on 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain with beautiful coastal canyon views.

Meet at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park at 28373 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Niguel. Reserve your space here.  Parking costs $3 per vehicle. Ages 15 and up.
949.497.8324