Greer's OC

Once again, Jeff and Christa Duggan, the husband and wife team behind Portola Coffee Lab at OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa, are bringing Orange County a new coffee experience unlike anything we’ve had before: a dedicated slow bar to explore the wonders of coffees. Today, their new Theorem, an intimate barista-driven 6-seat bar, next to Portola Coffee Lab opens from 1 to 7 p.m. through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Take a seat (after you’ve made a reservation) in the dimly lit Theorem bar and you’ll be treated to about 30 to 45 minutes of a private tastings of up to six traditional and innovative coffee creations such as a barrel-aged Kyoto old fashioned, a signature iced coffee with fermented coffee from Bali, that’s not only slow brewed, it’s barrel aged in oak for six months, then served with a Muscavado simple syrup, house-made coffee bitters, and an orange peel garnish; or peak your coffee interests by tasting coffee flights that vary in origin, body, acidity, roasts, processing and more.

Manager and barista extraordinaire Truman Severson will most likely be behind the bar brewing, steaming, pouring and even whipping up ice cream made to order with liquid nitrogen for a spin on a traditional Italian Affogato. Much like a wine bar, you’ll be able to explore the notes, nuances and flavor profiles of each coffee, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Portola’s mission to further introduce Orange County to its passion for artisanal hand-crafted coffees.

Reservations are available online at [url=http://www.portolacoffeelab.com/theorem]http://www.portolacoffeelab.com/theorem[/url].

Theorem by Portola Coffee Lab is in the OC Mart Mix at 3313 Hyland Ave. in Costa Mesa.

Tavern at Whole Foods

The highly anticipated Whole Foods Newport Beach will be opening at Fashion Island on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Natural and organic foods enthusiasts will appreciate the supermarket’s emphasis on sourcing local products, and its reflection of the community with a coastal themed Back Bay Tavern, with 24 craft beers on tap, wine and spirits and meals that include beef, seafood, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as debuting the first fusion café and tea bar called the Tea Hive.

Stop by and order an innovative green, black or oolong tea drink from the menu that comes frozen, sparkling, iced or steamed. Specialty drinks will include a Pomarita, a blend of pomegranate and tart lime with green tea, or a Chocolate Chai drink with black tea, spiced chai, chocolate and cinnamon. And try a fusion entrée with your tea including bowls and wraps. Feeling rushed for time? There will be an “Express” beer and wine bar with 12 beers on tap at the front of the store.

Aside from the delicious made from scratch items baked fresh daily at the bakery; the fresh juice and coffee bar; and the hot and cold prepared foods bar; other exceptional features at Whole Foods Newport Beach include a ‘Get Crocked’ area to purchase easy meals that can be made in a crockpot; more than 1300 gluten-free items to chose from; an extensive bulk and raw foods section, staple value items under the Whole Foods 365 label; and Whole Body items from skin care, to supplements and vitamins.

WholeFoodsMarketNewportBeach is at 415 Newport Center Drive in Fashion Island. 949.999.8572.