Chef Zach Ficke, executive chef and owner of Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria in Costa Mesa, is one of Orange County’s most talented and ambitious young chefs. Born and raised in Aliso Viejo, Ficke’s passion for cooking started early. While studying business economics at UC Irvine, he ran an underground dining club in his dorm, selling tickets to multi-course dinners he created himself. Realizing business school wasn’t his path, he transferred to a culinary school in Chicago and later earned a bachelor’s degree in food service management in Providence, Rhode Island.

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Music has the power to transport listeners to another world, and that is exactly the vision Alexander Shelley brings to his first concerts as artistic and music director designate of Pacific Symphony. Taking place October 16–19 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the program celebrates evocative storytelling and orchestral mastery from both classic and contemporary composers.

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Coastal Wellness MD, a luxury wellness clinic in Corona del Mar founded by Dr. Shery Mokhtare, is redefining modern health through a physician-led approach that blends science, beauty, and personalized care. Dr. Mokhtare recognized a need for a forward-thinking, whole-body wellness experience that goes beyond the surface. Her vision led to the creation of a mobile concierge medical practice that combines the sophistication of a luxury clinic with the accessibility of personalized, on-the-go care.

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South Coast Plaza is now home to a celebrated Italian brand, Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies established in Florence, Italy in 1221 by Dominican monks. Known for its historic perfumes, skincare products, and herbal remedies that have been sought out for generations. When you shop at Santa Maria Novella, you can find enchanting scents and gift items that any recipient is sure to treasure. Must have essentials include Acqua Della Regina – Eau de Cologne that’s renowned for being Santa Maria Novella’s oldest fragrance. Born of love, it was created in 1533 as a royal wedding gift from Caterina de' Medici to her future husband, Henry II of Valois. You can also find this regal fragrance in a room fragrance diffuser, scented candle, liquid soap, body cream and scented wax, for drawers and closets.

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