Greer's OC

It seems like it is the culinary award season in Orange County. From the Golden Foodies to OC Weekly's 100 Favorite Dishes of 2013, the who's who of restaurants in OC are getting their golden statues. It's no surprise to us that two of the top restaurants in Orange County - Taco Maria and ARC - are located at the progressive culinary capital - SOCO in Costa Mesa.

Orange County is quickly becoming the go-to city for innovative and exciting restaurant concepts, and Taco Maria and ARC Restaurant at SOCO are leading the charge. OC Weekly recently named "everything at Taco Maria" as the number-one dish of 2013.

Taco Maria's Michelin-starred chef, Carlos Salgado, was raised here in Orange County - and is changing the way locals experience Mexican cuisine. Brad Johnson, food critic at the OC Register recently reviewed Taco Maria and said it " is actually one of the most sophisticated restaurants to open in Orange County in years." Now open for lunch and dinner, you're invited to come enjoy Chef Carlos Salgado's delectable papalo, guacamole, arrachera, and wine pairings. Taco Maria's "Chicano Cuisine" - a mix of Mexican and American cultures is not to be missed.

ARC, the American eatery where everything is made in-house or sourced from local artisan producers, has created a cult following and has taken over Instagram with its wood-fire-cooked $20 burger that has secured awards from OC Weekly as 2013 Best Burger. In addition, ARC was recently the recipient of the Golden Foodie for "Best New Restaurant of 2013." And, it doesn't stop there - ARC was featured as one of KTLA's Chris Burrous' Top 5 "Burrous' Bites." Executive Chef Noah Blom is constantly creating new items and off-menu meals for his patrons, and the cocktails are just as innovative as the food. This is one restaurant you will be talking about long after your meal!

Want to know what all the buzz is about? Come to SOCO to experience these award-winning, acclaimed restaurants this weekend!

SOCO (South Coast Collection) is Southern California’s destination for inspiration, and a premier interior design, culinary, event and boutique shopping destination. SOCO also offers an award-winning weekly Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a robust schedule of monthly events to appeal to a variety of interests. To learn more about SOCO, southcoastcollection.com and shoptheocmix.com

SOCO is at 3313 Hyland Ave. in Costa Mesa.

Our Favorite Deals of the Week

Four Seasons Spa Day at Westlake Village with massage and facial for $199.

Ends 10/20
• For $199, pamper yourself with the following services:
• A 50-minute Tranquility massage, which uses light-to-moderate pressure to reduce stress, and improve circulation (can be substituted for a 50-minute Maternity massage)
• A 50-minute custom organic facial, which starts with a skin analysis and includes the application of organic products customized to match your skincare needs.
• Access to the resort's indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, steam room, sauna, fitness center and exercise classes on the day of treatment
• A Spa Passport with three passes to the resort pool and spa amenities

 The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is at 2 Dole Drive in Westlake Village.

Dinner for two at The Federal Bar in Long Beach for $39. It’s a four time OpenTable winner.
Ends 10/20
• $39 for a dinner for two people from the full menu (reg. $77)
• Any shared pass-around, such as fried pork-belly skewers, michelada mussels or short-rib poutine
• Any two entrees, such as the Federal rib-eye steak with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted salmon with wild arugula potato salad, or the smokehouse burger with smoked turkey, pepper bacon and BBQ pulled pork on a pretzel bun
• Any shared dessert, including warm apple pie, red velvet cake and s'mores bread pudding
• $75 for a dinner for four (reg. $154)
• $25 for lunch for two including any two soups or salads, any two entrees, a shared dessert and any two coffees, sodas or teas (reg. $64 total)

The Federal Bar is at 102 Pine Ave. in Long Beach. 562.435.2000

At the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, enjoy a 5-Course Dinner for two with Champagne for $89.
Ends 10/20
• For $89 (reg. $220), two can sit down to a five-course dinner from a Travelzoo-exclusive tasting menu at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons
• Comes with a glass of prosecco per person
• View tasting menu

Culina, Modern Italian at Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles is at 300 S. Doheny Drive in Los Angeles.

At the Riviera Palm Springs getaway for a night in a suite for $199, (Reg. $338)
Ends 10/21
• Oct. 7, 2013 - Jan. 30, 2014
• A Mediterranean Jr. Suite for $109 per night Sundays-Fridays or $199 per night Saturdays
• A 568-square-foot Palm Studio Suite for $124 nightly Sundays-Fridays or $214 per night Saturdays
• Indulge in a 760-square-foot, one-bedroom Pool View Club Suite with views of the pool, a soaking tub with jets, wet bar and private balcony for $234 nightly Sundays-Fridays or $324 per night Saturdays
• 2 drinks at Sidebar (reg. $26)
• Reduced $15 resort fee (reg. $28)
• 25% off spa services

Riviera Palm Springs is at 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.