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Alisal Ranch Marks 80 Years with a Summer of Celebration

By Greer Wylder

July 16, 2026

Alisal Ranch, the 10,500-acre working ranch and resort in the Santa Ynez Valley, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this summer. The property first welcomed guests on July 16, 1946, and has spent eight decades building a reputation for Western hospitality and family tradition. I've never stayed there myself, but I have friends who have, and they can't stop raving about it. It's firmly on my bucket list.To mark the milestone, the ranch is rolling out a summer's worth of experiences and keepsakes. The centerpiece is the 1946 Legacy Package, a two-night stay for six adults priced at a symbolic $19,460.…

VIII by Selanne Unveils Summer Tasting Menu

By Greer Wylder

July 14, 2026

VIII by Selanne, the intimate tasting-menu restaurant next to Selanne Steak Tavern, has introduced a new summer menu celebrating California's seasonal harvest through a multi-course dining experience.Available for a limited time, the menu highlights premium seafood, locally sourced produce and expertly prepared meats, with each course designed to capture the freshness of summer and reflect VIII's contemporary approach to fine dining.Executive Chef Vince Terusa and his team open the experience with an assortment of canapés, including king crab tartelette, beef tartare and pomme dauphine, before moving into California Coastline, a seafood trio of bay scallop, bluefin tuna toro and Misty…

VEA Newport Beach Debuts Chef Angelo Sosa Summer Menu

By Greer Wylder

July 14, 2026

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, has partnered with chef, restaurateur and "Top Chef" alum Angelo Sosa for a limited-time summer collaboration running July 14 through Sept. 30.The partnership brings two concepts, Beso Burger and Taqueria Amada, to dining venues across VEA Newport Beach, the coastal resort known for its sweeping Pacific Ocean views.Beso BurgerAvailable at Edge Bar (Monday through Thursday, noon to sunset; Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to sunset):Beso Burger, $28: a single smashed prime beef patty with Beso sauce, American cheese, pickles and crinkle-cut fries on a toasted brioche bunBeso Shake, $12: a signature French…

One Night, Five Courses, and a Top Chef Canada Champion at Balboa Bay Resort

By Greer Wylder

July 13, 2026

Balboa Bay Resort is bringing something special to Newport Beach this summer. On Thursday, Aug. 6, the resort will host an intimate chef's dinner with Coulson Armstrong, winner of Top Chef Canada and Culinary Director of Toronto's Our House Hospitality. Tickets are $415.90 per person and available on Eventbrite and at balboabayresort.com.Armstrong is one of Canada's most compelling culinary voices. He serves as Executive Chef of the celebrated Prime Seafood Palace, where he works alongside restaurateur Matty Matheson, and his Season 12 win on Top Chef Canada earned him fans well beyond the industry. But what shaped his cooking most…

Amorelia Cocina Artesanal Brings the Flavors of Michoacán to Laguna Beach

By Greer Wylder

July 13, 2026

Amorelia Cocina Artesanal has opened in Laguna Beach, bringing the flavors of Michoacán, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant gathering place to South Coast Highway.The new restaurant features Mexican-inspired cuisine influenced by generations of family recipes from Morelia, Michoacán, paired with fresh coastal ingredients and thoughtful presentations. The dining experience is designed around great food, warm hospitality, and creating opportunities for people to connect.Amorelia also plans to serve as a hub for culture and community, with live music on Thursday evenings, jazz nights, Latin dance events, DJ-hosted gatherings, live art activations, culinary experiences, and other community celebrations throughout the year.For co-owner…